Career Roadmap
Sara's work combines: Education, Medicine, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Nursing Science
University of Arizona
Graduate Degree
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Doctorate
Nursing Practice
University of Iowa
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Nurse Practitioners:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Nursing Science
Graduate Degree: Geriatric Nurse/Nursing
Doctorate: Nursing Practice
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I worked in a hospital for about 5 years which was a great experience for a new nursing grad.
2.
I went back to work after my kids were born and that was as a staff nurse in a nursing home.
3.
My kids developed serious chronic illnesses. I learned how to juggle many different things at once.
4.
I wanted more responsibility in managing patients' chronic conditions. I had to learn more.
5.
I was an older student. I was a calmer student. I loved learning! The GNP program was the right fit.
6.
I wanted just a bit more knowledge so I went for the doctorate.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
The noise came from me. I wasn't sure I could do it. I doubted myself as an older student. I was working, my kids were chronically ill, and the class work and papers took a huge amount of time. I thought about dropping out. I cried a lot too.
How I responded:
I learned to tune out the noise. My family was very supportive and I hung out only with positive supportive people. That's what you do, stay away from negative people. You also keep sight of your goal. I reminded myself of how comfortably the classes and education fit me, that the payoff would be huge, that down deep I always wanted to go back to school and was realizing a dream. That felt good.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
It took me 6 years to get through school. I juggled many things in my life constantly. There was precious little leisure time. But I believed in what I was doing. I knew it was right for me and that eventually my goal would be realized. And it has.