Graduate study challenges and strategies for success
Neil Y. Cunanan
University of Phoenix
Introduction to graduate study in health sciences/nursing
HCS 504
Harold D. Van Alstyne, Ph.D.
June 3, 2009
Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Success
Going back to school after 14 years was a tough decision to make. As if 19 years of formal schooling wasn't enough, here I am enrolled in graduate studies for MSN. Being a student entails varying degrees of obstacles that must be hurdled to pursue a certain goal. The goal of this paper is to cite 3 personal challenges along with their corresponding strategies in order to achieve success, while pursuing graduate studies.
My first challenge would be financial. Being in school, not to mention, graduate school is very expensive. The higher the level of education, the more expensive it gets, but certainly worth achieving. To overcome this, I have applied for a federally funded student loan. According to Clark (2009), "Health agencies from the military, state and federal government are expected to continue offering assistance to those willing to serve a few years in jobs that need filling." With the current nursing shortage, I also might consider applying with these agencies since they can assume responsibility for repayment of my loan while serving under them for a certain time. This is reciprocity at its best. Having a stable job also benefits me as a student. While being able to take care of personal and day to day expenses, I'm also able to finance the miscellaneous dues associated with studying. I'm also going to take advantage of my employer's tuition reimbursement program. It may not be the whole amount, but it would surely help cover for necessary expenses while in school. "Getting employers to contribute to an employee's education is a good option and at least half of all workers receive education benefits" (Clark, 2008). Another option is to make full use of my tax benefits. According to Pascual...