HIGHWAY TO HAPPINESS

KATRINA PAVLOV
HCS/301 Undergraduate Nursing Studies
December 9, 2013
Dr. R. Haggins

HIGHWAY TO HAPPINESS Up until just a few months ago, I was a mother, a daughter, a wife, a girl with a goal to some day go back to school. I graduated from Los Angeles Valley College in 2007 and always hoped to continue my education. I have looked into it numerous times but to be honest I would get discouraged. I was missing three classes, which were a mandatory requirement and must be completed before the entrance to the BSN program. Every school that I researched had the same criteria, classes must be completed upon submission of application and that wasn’t compatible with my schedule, therefore I kept putting it off for what started to feel like forever! I swear I was beginning to lose my motivation and the whole idea of returning to school was sadly fading. Until one day, it dawned on me, I used to have a neighbor who graduated from University of Phoenix with her BSN. I remember how highly she spoke of the university, so I decided to look into it.
So Here I am! Although I changed my start date twice, I am proud to say, the ball is finally rolling. The University of Phoenix has provided me with excellent resources, a flexible schedule and a supportive staff. I still need the three classes required for the BSN program, however it is made possible to take a weekend course for each class followed by an exam. Passing the exam will complete the requirements. The organization that the university referred me to is Dantes Test Preparation, and it is my short-term professional goal to complete the three classes between February 24, 2014 and March 23, 2014. I have no UOPX classes scheduled between those days, so I can fully dedicate myself to accomplishing my goal. I already called and set the date for the first class, which is College Algebra. Math has been my weakness, and I want to get it out of the way first. I am waiting and anticipating for the time to come, once I have passed the three tests, I will feel at ease. It is exciting to be back in school, I love to learn, and I love the field that I am in.
Ultimately my goal is not to stop when I graduate with the BSN in June 2015, I want to transition into the master’s program here at Phoenix the following September. I have my mind firmly set on doing this and the bachelor’s degree is my milestone in achieving my long-term goal of MSN. Because this is my personal choice, I thought that it was preference for others as well to continue their education, but to my surprise, the upcoming changes in the next year is mandating the ADN nurses to get a higher degree. “Although there are many technically skilled ADN nurses, they lack a well-rounded education in the areas of leadership, decision making, and community health nursing,” she also writes, “ by the year 2015, the doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) will be mandatory for advanced practice nurses” (Gondeck, 2011).
I remember when I started school years ago, I set personal and educational goals, nothing out of the ordinary, just things like self improvement, and stress management, unfortunately I encountered obstacles in my life during that time that prevented me from accomplishing anything other than my studies. When I did graduate with my associate’s degree I had two small children and a full-time job, I had no time to myself. Therefore, this time around, because I am in a much more stable place in my life, having the luxury of not working and dedicating myself fully to my family and school I have the liberty to once again attempt these short-term goals. The main one is exercising, and doing it regularly! “Keeping physically fit is one of the best things you can do for your health. Regular exercise improves sleep and concentration” (Anonymous, 2012 p. 2). I am determined to