Q&A: My journey towards achieving my Doctor of Nursing Practice
What prompted you to go back to school for your Doctor of Nursing Practice?
While I knew I wanted to pursue an advanced degree at some point, timing was truly influenced by this group of ladies. Deciding to embark on this journey together was all the motivation I needed to register.
How will this degree benefit you in your current role at Texas Children’s?
Currently, I am the Director of Nursing for the Emergency Center at Texas Children’s Hospital. This degree has certainly enhanced my knowledge and analytical thought process which will impact work and decisions moving forward. We are the best at getting better and this degree will enable us to continue to improve our health care system, patient outcomes and the health of our community – local and abroad.
How would you describe your DNP journey?
Intense at times but completely doable. We work in such a supportive environment and are surrounded by colleagues who constantly cheer you on. I learned early on that our schedules were all very different because it had to be what worked for me personally. For me, I worked on school work early in the mornings. On weekends I would get up very early, make coffee, and begin my studies – whether it be reading or writing papers. I was most creative and thoughtful at this time of the day and could be my best self. This is different for everyone.
How challenging has it been juggling work, family and school? How do you make it work?
I identified dedicated times for myself, work, school work and also family or friend engagements that were important so no matter what I committed to those. The key here is committing to yourself and having an accountability partner. Don’t stress the small things and make time for the things that matter. This was a three-year journey.
Describe what it was like embarking on this journey with your Texas Children’s colleagues.
This has been the most meaningful part of this journey and achievement. Partnering together and enduring the challenges, assignments, navigating life changing milestones, balancing work, school, and home- has created a bond with our group that is incredibly special. We are family more than ever before. I couldn’t be more proud of each of these women or more humbled and honored to stand beside them.
Describe the emotions on graduation day when you officially received your DNP.
Surreal. After three years of hard work it was hard to believe we were done. Many of us were still checking our school site he day before to “make sure” there was nothing else due.
Texas Children’s offers many educational and professional development opportunities for nurses. How did Texas Children’s support you?
It is a privilege to work in an organization that values people. The support and encouragement to pursue education and growth opportunities is incredible. I could never mention every person who contributed to my success along the way – from the PCA (now nurse) who oriented me as a graduate nurse on day one of my career at Texas Children’s, the many departments and colleagues I have been blessed to work beside or lead over the last 15 years, and to my leader who has believed in me all along the way and on days where I needed it most – I am the person, nurse, and leader I am because of each of them.