On Wednesday I passed my qualifying exams! It was a pretty intense experience, and I'm not sure how to describe it yet. I need more time to ruminate. But. It's done and it was helpful.
In the PhD process, I see four major hurdles: admission, qualifying exams, dissertation proposal defense, and the dissertation defense. I'm through two of them, but I don't think that I'm really "half-way" yet. I haven't started doing my dissertation work and writing yet!
For some of my classmates, the qualifying exam felt more like a hoop, and they weren't particularly nervous. For me, it really felt like a hurdle, and I am so glad to have it behind me.
I had planned to almost immediately start working on another grant application, but after talking with a close friend of mine and fellow-PhD student, I've decided to take a break until the New Year. I'm going to work on getting through the *giant* stack of books next to my bed and organizing my cabinets.
I hope everyone has a lovely holiday break, and I'm going to leave you with a bit of humor from another blogger:
http://karenzgoda.org/2012/06/03/graduate-student-barbie/
See you in the New Year!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I think I can, I think I can
Each quarter seems to follow a similar cycle. At the start of the quarter I have clear goals, and while I know that they will be hard to accomplish, I am confident that *anything* is possible. A few weeks into the quarter, I am absolutely convinced that there is no way that this will all get done. I can't believe that I committed myself to this madness, and I know that this is all going to end in tears. Towards the end of the quarter (where I am today), I am shocked at how much I've gotten done. And I have no idea how I've done it.
As I write this today, I'm not actually through the quarter. My grant is due on Monday. My qualifying exam is next Wednesday. In a worst case scenario, I could fail my qualifying exam and have to do it again. I still have lots of preparation for the exam and while the grant is completely drafted, there are a few sections that aren't finalized. But, even with those terrible realities, I am (at least today) kind of amazed at what I have gotten done in the last ten weeks.
Over the last ten weeks, I draft, edited, and finalized three qualifying papers. In total they are over 140 pages of thought. Are these the papers that I started out planning to write? No. But, they taught me a lot and helped me organize my thinking about my topic. I think that they form a foundation for my continued thinking and research on my topic. These papers, in this form, will not likely actually appear in my dissertation. However, I think that these papers will form the skeleton of a chapter or two.
I have also edited and re-written my NIH grant for resubmission. This grant is a bit of a beast, and I basically started from scratch with it. Who knows if I'll even get scored? I'm hopeful, and I think that it is a better grant than the one I submitted previously, but this process is a bit like trying to hit a target that is placed after you shoot and is moving the whole time. Whether I'm funded or not, I think the process of writing this grant will help me write my proposal next quarter.
In addition to those larger accomplishments, I found a new advisor and started building a relationship with that person, ran a marathon, edited and submitted a paper for publication, co-authored another data-based publication with my research residency team, subbed in a class for my current advisor, presented at a national conference, and kept both of my jobs. I am proud of how much I've gotten done this quarter, but I don't want another quarter like this again for a while!
To keep myself going for the next eight days, I've been keeping a list in my head of the things that I want to do starting next Thursday. As this last week feels like a final push (and I am a bit tired), I thought that I would put this list on the blog!
As I write this today, I'm not actually through the quarter. My grant is due on Monday. My qualifying exam is next Wednesday. In a worst case scenario, I could fail my qualifying exam and have to do it again. I still have lots of preparation for the exam and while the grant is completely drafted, there are a few sections that aren't finalized. But, even with those terrible realities, I am (at least today) kind of amazed at what I have gotten done in the last ten weeks.
Over the last ten weeks, I draft, edited, and finalized three qualifying papers. In total they are over 140 pages of thought. Are these the papers that I started out planning to write? No. But, they taught me a lot and helped me organize my thinking about my topic. I think that they form a foundation for my continued thinking and research on my topic. These papers, in this form, will not likely actually appear in my dissertation. However, I think that these papers will form the skeleton of a chapter or two.
I have also edited and re-written my NIH grant for resubmission. This grant is a bit of a beast, and I basically started from scratch with it. Who knows if I'll even get scored? I'm hopeful, and I think that it is a better grant than the one I submitted previously, but this process is a bit like trying to hit a target that is placed after you shoot and is moving the whole time. Whether I'm funded or not, I think the process of writing this grant will help me write my proposal next quarter.
In addition to those larger accomplishments, I found a new advisor and started building a relationship with that person, ran a marathon, edited and submitted a paper for publication, co-authored another data-based publication with my research residency team, subbed in a class for my current advisor, presented at a national conference, and kept both of my jobs. I am proud of how much I've gotten done this quarter, but I don't want another quarter like this again for a while!
To keep myself going for the next eight days, I've been keeping a list in my head of the things that I want to do starting next Thursday. As this last week feels like a final push (and I am a bit tired), I thought that I would put this list on the blog!
- Read some of the (non-school related) books stacked up next to my bed! (I swear there are thirty books there...)
- Holiday shop
- Watch holiday movies
- Bake cookies!
- Clean my cabinets - seriously, things just fall out when I open them right now
- Practice my guitar a lot
- Skype with my sister
- Jog every day
- Take a rowing class
- Go to the city museums
- Spend at least two days wandering around my adopted city like a tourist
I am so looking forward to doing these things, I just have to push through next Wednesday! Wish me luck!!!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Edits....
I submitted the draft for my third qualifying exam paper last night! I feel a little less stressed because I'm still making my deadlines. But, this quarter is full of work and none of it is unimportant. Plus, this is a quarter full of changes. So, this post is going to be about qualifying exams and changes that can, and often do occur, in the middle of PhD programs. I've talked about qualifying exams before, but I'll focus on them again as they are *very* much on my mind!
I expect that most people have heard of the term "PhD candidate." And one might expect that anyone accepted and enrolled in a PhD program is a PhD candidate. However, that isn't correct. Before a student has taken and passed her (or his) qualifying exams, they are actually called a predoctoral student or just a doctoral student. After the qualifying exam, if a student passes, they are considered to have "advanced to candidacy."
Every scientific discipline has a different format for their exams. Some disciplines test their examinees with multiple choice and essay tests, some require papers, some have an oral defense, and some require a combination of all of these. In my school, for a nursing PhD qualifying exam, we submit three papers and have a two to three hour in-person oral defense (that the professors like to call a "chat.") The papers usually end up being early forms of a student's dissertation. At my school, a student has two attempts to pass their qualifying exams.
The people who sit with the student and "chat" with them about their papers are the student's qualifying exam committee. In my program, a student needs four or five professors on their committee. These professors should be experts either in the student's field or on an aspect of student's paper topics. Generally, we talk about "content experts," or people who know a lot about your research interest and "theory experts," people who know a lot about your theoretical perspective. Often people who are experts in one small aspect of your research topic, your analysis technique or measurement instruments are included on your committee.
Some students present their dissertation proposal at their qualifying exam as well. This speeds things up because that proposal also has to be approved and discussed. It has to be reviewed after a student has passed their qualifying exam and before they start working on their dissertation. Turning it into another, separate step means that the student has to coordinate five professors' schedules again for a meeting - no small feat! However, the proposal has to be approved by a student's dissertation committee who might be the same group as a student's qualifying exam.
The last few months, I've been writing my three qualifying exam papers, which I've discussed in previous posts. They've all been drafted now (yay!), but I'm not ready for my exam yet. The papers need edits and I need to prepare for the exam itself - reviewing relevant article and theoretical concepts. Some committee members will give you ideas about what they might ask about, some let the direction of the conversation guide their questions, some treat it more like a discussion. I don't really know what to expect...
The second major change is that my advisor is moving on to another university to pursue other opportunities. Which is wonderful for her, but means that I have to begin a new relationship with a new advisor. I've talked about the advisor relationship in the past, and I think that I've mentioned that it can be a bit tricky. I have a new advisor, but it is difficult to be in the "getting to know you phase" this late in the process - we're trying to get comfortable with each other quickly! Interestingly, my new advisor isn't a specialist in my area, instead we have more general interests in social determinants of health and we're both interested in quantitative research. I'll keep you guys updated.
I'm presenting at a conference tomorrow, so I'm off to bed.
For my friends on the east coast: Stay Safe! I hope that it isn't as bad as predicted!
I expect that most people have heard of the term "PhD candidate." And one might expect that anyone accepted and enrolled in a PhD program is a PhD candidate. However, that isn't correct. Before a student has taken and passed her (or his) qualifying exams, they are actually called a predoctoral student or just a doctoral student. After the qualifying exam, if a student passes, they are considered to have "advanced to candidacy."
Every scientific discipline has a different format for their exams. Some disciplines test their examinees with multiple choice and essay tests, some require papers, some have an oral defense, and some require a combination of all of these. In my school, for a nursing PhD qualifying exam, we submit three papers and have a two to three hour in-person oral defense (that the professors like to call a "chat.") The papers usually end up being early forms of a student's dissertation. At my school, a student has two attempts to pass their qualifying exams.
The people who sit with the student and "chat" with them about their papers are the student's qualifying exam committee. In my program, a student needs four or five professors on their committee. These professors should be experts either in the student's field or on an aspect of student's paper topics. Generally, we talk about "content experts," or people who know a lot about your research interest and "theory experts," people who know a lot about your theoretical perspective. Often people who are experts in one small aspect of your research topic, your analysis technique or measurement instruments are included on your committee.
Some students present their dissertation proposal at their qualifying exam as well. This speeds things up because that proposal also has to be approved and discussed. It has to be reviewed after a student has passed their qualifying exam and before they start working on their dissertation. Turning it into another, separate step means that the student has to coordinate five professors' schedules again for a meeting - no small feat! However, the proposal has to be approved by a student's dissertation committee who might be the same group as a student's qualifying exam.
The last few months, I've been writing my three qualifying exam papers, which I've discussed in previous posts. They've all been drafted now (yay!), but I'm not ready for my exam yet. The papers need edits and I need to prepare for the exam itself - reviewing relevant article and theoretical concepts. Some committee members will give you ideas about what they might ask about, some let the direction of the conversation guide their questions, some treat it more like a discussion. I don't really know what to expect...
The second major change is that my advisor is moving on to another university to pursue other opportunities. Which is wonderful for her, but means that I have to begin a new relationship with a new advisor. I've talked about the advisor relationship in the past, and I think that I've mentioned that it can be a bit tricky. I have a new advisor, but it is difficult to be in the "getting to know you phase" this late in the process - we're trying to get comfortable with each other quickly! Interestingly, my new advisor isn't a specialist in my area, instead we have more general interests in social determinants of health and we're both interested in quantitative research. I'll keep you guys updated.
I'm presenting at a conference tomorrow, so I'm off to bed.
For my friends on the east coast: Stay Safe! I hope that it isn't as bad as predicted!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Autumn is my favorite season
The first quarter of my third year has already started! I can't believe that I have been doing this for two full years and am voluntarily going on to a third (...mostly kidding...mostly...)!
The first thing that I want to say is that I hope that everyone who has read this blog and is starting their program this quarter or semester is excited and ready to have an amazing experience! It will be an amazing experience - I promise. Good luck!!
When I last left off, I was starting the summer off with an attempt to get my qualifying exams written. I wanted to let you guys know that I have completed one. And yes, one is two short of what my goal was, but I am still pretty excited to have done that one! I've started my second paper and I am diligently working on it now. In addition to writing the exams this quarter (and hopefully passing the oral exams), I'm also attempting to revise and re-submit for a training grant. And, now that my funding has decreased (I managed to secure fees coverage), I am also working half-time between two jobs - one is a research position and one is a clinical position. I feel *busy!*
I've always argued that working during this program is difficult, and now I am certain of it. But, working does give some structure to my days, and it helps me feel a little more rounded as a person (and a nurse!), so I'm glad to be working at both jobs.
I also want to put in my usual plug in for taking vacations during the PhD program. I was pretty burned out by the start of this summer and I tried to work straight through it. I was not particularly successful. Mental exhaustion is as stymieing as physical exhaustion and I was pretty stuck this summer. And then we took a long vacation (more than two weeks) in Canada. It was wonderful and when I came back I felt so much better! More importantly, I felt much more able to work. Rest, both mental and physical, is important. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint!
I'll leave you guys with a picture from Canada:
I hope to be posting more frequently on the blog this quarter, but I know I've written that before. Please feel free to post questions/comments, they motivate me to post!
The first thing that I want to say is that I hope that everyone who has read this blog and is starting their program this quarter or semester is excited and ready to have an amazing experience! It will be an amazing experience - I promise. Good luck!!
When I last left off, I was starting the summer off with an attempt to get my qualifying exams written. I wanted to let you guys know that I have completed one. And yes, one is two short of what my goal was, but I am still pretty excited to have done that one! I've started my second paper and I am diligently working on it now. In addition to writing the exams this quarter (and hopefully passing the oral exams), I'm also attempting to revise and re-submit for a training grant. And, now that my funding has decreased (I managed to secure fees coverage), I am also working half-time between two jobs - one is a research position and one is a clinical position. I feel *busy!*
I've always argued that working during this program is difficult, and now I am certain of it. But, working does give some structure to my days, and it helps me feel a little more rounded as a person (and a nurse!), so I'm glad to be working at both jobs.
I also want to put in my usual plug in for taking vacations during the PhD program. I was pretty burned out by the start of this summer and I tried to work straight through it. I was not particularly successful. Mental exhaustion is as stymieing as physical exhaustion and I was pretty stuck this summer. And then we took a long vacation (more than two weeks) in Canada. It was wonderful and when I came back I felt so much better! More importantly, I felt much more able to work. Rest, both mental and physical, is important. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint!
I'll leave you guys with a picture from Canada:
I hope to be posting more frequently on the blog this quarter, but I know I've written that before. Please feel free to post questions/comments, they motivate me to post!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Isn't the end always a beginning?
Hello Readers!
I am back. I think that I needed a little break for the last quarter or so. I was feeling a bit over-burdened with everything. But, as this quarter winds down I've been feeling a need to update you all and spend some time writing about where I am in the process.
I'm completing my second year of the PhD program at the end of this quarter. The American PhD system is (at least at my school) structured differently than it is in other countries. At my university, we spend the first two years taking courses (from what I understand, and please correct me if I'm wrong, most schools overseas don't have as much, if any, structured coursework). While none of the course are required, the majority of them are recommended. Upon completion of these courses, the student starts to write their qualifying exam papers. Once these are complete and have been reviewed by the student's qualifying exam committee, the student takes the exam (which is an oral exam administered by the committee). A student is allowed two attempts to pass the exam, and if she passes, she is now a PhD candidate. This is called "advancing to candidacy."
The qualifying exam papers are on three topics: a literature review, theory, and measurement (at least for quantitative researchers). The theory and measurement papers should (but, they don't have to!) establish the theoretical grounding and means of measurement for one's dissertation research. They are also the first chapters of one's dissertation.
The committee (once again, this might be university specific) is made up of four (or more) experts in various topics, aspects, statistical methods, etc., that relate to one's dissertation research. I am very happy to say that I have chosen my committee members and they have all agreed to be on my committee! Now, there is a bunch of paperwork to start on to get that all formalized and then I start writing. This summer will be dedicated to writing my papers. I hope to defend (take the exam) in mid-fall. I'm both VERY excited and VERY nervous. I am also very lucky as two of my classmates are on the same timeline as I am, so we can support each other.
So, now that I've outlined what's coming in the program, let me rewind and talk a bit about the focus of my last two quarters: funding. I applied for seven different funding opportunities over the last two quarters. My current funding ends at the end of this quarter, and I haven't had a job (a restriction of my current fellowship) in almost two years. The seven funding opportunities included fellowships, federal research grants, and university scholarships. I have heard back from two: one I have been awarded (it will specifically help with tuition, which takes a huge weight off my shoulders) and one I was denied (it's okay - I'll apply again next year). I'm still waiting to hear the results for the other five.
I've also started looking for work. The next few years of the process will be less structured by classes, which will leave more time for work. BUT! People get this far in a PhD and then stop, or get distracted, and never go back. There is actually a well-known term for it, "ABD" or " all but the dissertation." This is probably partly related to the sudden loss of structure. So, my goal is to not be working full-time, but only enough to stay afloat. I will need lots of time to continue to make progress on my own work.
That's where I am now. I'm going to try to update a bit more frequently, especially as I make progress in the qualifying process.
Have a great day!
I am back. I think that I needed a little break for the last quarter or so. I was feeling a bit over-burdened with everything. But, as this quarter winds down I've been feeling a need to update you all and spend some time writing about where I am in the process.
I'm completing my second year of the PhD program at the end of this quarter. The American PhD system is (at least at my school) structured differently than it is in other countries. At my university, we spend the first two years taking courses (from what I understand, and please correct me if I'm wrong, most schools overseas don't have as much, if any, structured coursework). While none of the course are required, the majority of them are recommended. Upon completion of these courses, the student starts to write their qualifying exam papers. Once these are complete and have been reviewed by the student's qualifying exam committee, the student takes the exam (which is an oral exam administered by the committee). A student is allowed two attempts to pass the exam, and if she passes, she is now a PhD candidate. This is called "advancing to candidacy."
The qualifying exam papers are on three topics: a literature review, theory, and measurement (at least for quantitative researchers). The theory and measurement papers should (but, they don't have to!) establish the theoretical grounding and means of measurement for one's dissertation research. They are also the first chapters of one's dissertation.
The committee (once again, this might be university specific) is made up of four (or more) experts in various topics, aspects, statistical methods, etc., that relate to one's dissertation research. I am very happy to say that I have chosen my committee members and they have all agreed to be on my committee! Now, there is a bunch of paperwork to start on to get that all formalized and then I start writing. This summer will be dedicated to writing my papers. I hope to defend (take the exam) in mid-fall. I'm both VERY excited and VERY nervous. I am also very lucky as two of my classmates are on the same timeline as I am, so we can support each other.
So, now that I've outlined what's coming in the program, let me rewind and talk a bit about the focus of my last two quarters: funding. I applied for seven different funding opportunities over the last two quarters. My current funding ends at the end of this quarter, and I haven't had a job (a restriction of my current fellowship) in almost two years. The seven funding opportunities included fellowships, federal research grants, and university scholarships. I have heard back from two: one I have been awarded (it will specifically help with tuition, which takes a huge weight off my shoulders) and one I was denied (it's okay - I'll apply again next year). I'm still waiting to hear the results for the other five.
I've also started looking for work. The next few years of the process will be less structured by classes, which will leave more time for work. BUT! People get this far in a PhD and then stop, or get distracted, and never go back. There is actually a well-known term for it, "ABD" or " all but the dissertation." This is probably partly related to the sudden loss of structure. So, my goal is to not be working full-time, but only enough to stay afloat. I will need lots of time to continue to make progress on my own work.
That's where I am now. I'm going to try to update a bit more frequently, especially as I make progress in the qualifying process.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Happy National Nurses Week!!
I have avoided posting a new entry to this blog because I have not been in a very happy PhD student place. But, first, let me back up a bit so that this makes sense.
About a year ago, a professor I respect deeply asked me if I was feeling like I'd made the worst mistake of my life in pursuing a PhD. I was surprised. A year ago, I was feeling pretty good. I couldn't understand why she would ask such a question. And then the winter quarter of second year started and it became painfully clear that the only problem with her question had been that she was asking it a year too early.
Perhaps it was the sociology theory course. Or maybe it is the very idea of qualifying exams. Or maybe it was the realization that I had not worked for pay as a nurse in 18 months, and that my new actual title ( in my thirties!!!) was "student." I was supposed to be an "expert" (Who me? Why are you looking at me?!), and I hadn't had a full patient load in a year and a half.
It could have been any one of those things, but whatever it was, it resulted in an existential crisis that can only be described using a recent, pop-culture word: EPIC.
The PhD program is one that forces this painful reflective process, which I am defining as a crisis. First, the PhD program take away belief, (which I was okay with, not having "believed" anything in years). Then it takes away "truth," (which I was maybe a little less than thrilled to let go of, but, hey, I'm the flexible sort). Then it takes away "science," (which FREAKED ME OUT) and what they give you in return is postmodernism or post-structuralism, if you prefer, and if you're really feeling progressive, a little post-post-modernism on the side. Finally, they tell you to make a unique contribution to nursing science (whatever that means!) without belief, truth, or the belief in science as truth.
It's a bit of a shock, really.
And, to add insult to injury, splash the wound with lemon, salt the land that has already been burned (I'm running out of metaphors...), they also ask you to find your own funding. Welcome to academia! Or, if you prefer: this is a game of probability (not chance, there are far too many identified independent variables for that!) and you're betting on yourself. I think that what I didn't realize is that this is a bet that requires you go "all in."
So. How're ya' feeling'? Umm...yeah.
Here I am. The second year is almost done and I'm ready to start writing my qualifying exams. If I can just convince four experts that I know what I'm talking about.... The strange thing is that on the other side of this brief but devastating period of time, I feel ready to write about my phenomenon of interest. I feel ready... I'm just not quite sure *how* I'm supposed to do any of this.
Florence Nightingale once said, "I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results."
It's time to distill my feelings into actions and it is time to bring some results. It's time to write qualifying exams.
Wish me luck.
About a year ago, a professor I respect deeply asked me if I was feeling like I'd made the worst mistake of my life in pursuing a PhD. I was surprised. A year ago, I was feeling pretty good. I couldn't understand why she would ask such a question. And then the winter quarter of second year started and it became painfully clear that the only problem with her question had been that she was asking it a year too early.
Perhaps it was the sociology theory course. Or maybe it is the very idea of qualifying exams. Or maybe it was the realization that I had not worked for pay as a nurse in 18 months, and that my new actual title ( in my thirties!!!) was "student." I was supposed to be an "expert" (Who me? Why are you looking at me?!), and I hadn't had a full patient load in a year and a half.
It could have been any one of those things, but whatever it was, it resulted in an existential crisis that can only be described using a recent, pop-culture word: EPIC.
The PhD program is one that forces this painful reflective process, which I am defining as a crisis. First, the PhD program take away belief, (which I was okay with, not having "believed" anything in years). Then it takes away "truth," (which I was maybe a little less than thrilled to let go of, but, hey, I'm the flexible sort). Then it takes away "science," (which FREAKED ME OUT) and what they give you in return is postmodernism or post-structuralism, if you prefer, and if you're really feeling progressive, a little post-post-modernism on the side. Finally, they tell you to make a unique contribution to nursing science (whatever that means!) without belief, truth, or the belief in science as truth.
It's a bit of a shock, really.
And, to add insult to injury, splash the wound with lemon, salt the land that has already been burned (I'm running out of metaphors...), they also ask you to find your own funding. Welcome to academia! Or, if you prefer: this is a game of probability (not chance, there are far too many identified independent variables for that!) and you're betting on yourself. I think that what I didn't realize is that this is a bet that requires you go "all in."
So. How're ya' feeling'? Umm...yeah.
Here I am. The second year is almost done and I'm ready to start writing my qualifying exams. If I can just convince four experts that I know what I'm talking about.... The strange thing is that on the other side of this brief but devastating period of time, I feel ready to write about my phenomenon of interest. I feel ready... I'm just not quite sure *how* I'm supposed to do any of this.
Florence Nightingale once said, "I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results."
It's time to distill my feelings into actions and it is time to bring some results. It's time to write qualifying exams.
Wish me luck.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Doldrums
I love the term "the Doldrums." It is the name ancient mariners used to describe an area of the ocean where the wind disappears and you just loll around going nowhere and getting seasick. It is so descriptive of where I am in this program!
I am still taking classes, but the feel of the program is subtly shifting. Our focus is being directed by our mentors towards less guided endeavors. Even the classes are less guided. The assignments are much less directed and there are fewer of them. We're expected to be writing for publication and looking for funding.
The perpetual pursuit of funding has started for me. From what I can tell, this is the start of the rest of my life. Obtaining funding is an essential part of the academic role. As I write a large grant and apply for scholarships from EVERYWHERE, I am solidifying my personal statement, career goals and learning how to describe the importance of my work in 250 words or less. It's harder than it sounds!
Because I've spent a lot of time this quarter working on funding applications, I'd like to write a bit about a very important question for nurses considering going back to school: "How will I pay for it?"
It's a good question.
First, you will learn to live on less. Even the few people in my cohort who have kept working have had to or wished that they could cut back on work, which means cutting back on their money. There may be people who work full-time through their PhD program, but I would argue that they do not have the experience that I'm having - their ability to publish, attend and present at important conferences, or participate in their mentor's research may be reduced. That's a problem because those are things that build your credibility as a nurse researcher.
Next, I'd like to reassure everyone that there is funding out there. The NIH has predoctoral grants, most programs have funding, there are private funding options, and of course loans. Ask your school to help guide you. They should have resources. If not, get on online and apply for the funding that is available to you. Look for loans, I'm not sure any of us will get out of this program without taking at least one or two loans. And finally, spend less. I immediately put my loans from my master's degree on deferment. I don't have a car, we live in a rental with a whole bedroom less than before, and I don't but things that aren't essential. Instead, I have Pinterest boards where I keep all the things that I want in sight, so someday, later, if I still want them, I can find them. It isn't easy, but we're doing okay. If there are people in PhD programs who read this blog and have other suggestions on how to find money and survive financially during the doctorate, I would love to hear them - they might help me too!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
I am still taking classes, but the feel of the program is subtly shifting. Our focus is being directed by our mentors towards less guided endeavors. Even the classes are less guided. The assignments are much less directed and there are fewer of them. We're expected to be writing for publication and looking for funding.
The perpetual pursuit of funding has started for me. From what I can tell, this is the start of the rest of my life. Obtaining funding is an essential part of the academic role. As I write a large grant and apply for scholarships from EVERYWHERE, I am solidifying my personal statement, career goals and learning how to describe the importance of my work in 250 words or less. It's harder than it sounds!
Because I've spent a lot of time this quarter working on funding applications, I'd like to write a bit about a very important question for nurses considering going back to school: "How will I pay for it?"
It's a good question.
First, you will learn to live on less. Even the few people in my cohort who have kept working have had to or wished that they could cut back on work, which means cutting back on their money. There may be people who work full-time through their PhD program, but I would argue that they do not have the experience that I'm having - their ability to publish, attend and present at important conferences, or participate in their mentor's research may be reduced. That's a problem because those are things that build your credibility as a nurse researcher.
Next, I'd like to reassure everyone that there is funding out there. The NIH has predoctoral grants, most programs have funding, there are private funding options, and of course loans. Ask your school to help guide you. They should have resources. If not, get on online and apply for the funding that is available to you. Look for loans, I'm not sure any of us will get out of this program without taking at least one or two loans. And finally, spend less. I immediately put my loans from my master's degree on deferment. I don't have a car, we live in a rental with a whole bedroom less than before, and I don't but things that aren't essential. Instead, I have Pinterest boards where I keep all the things that I want in sight, so someday, later, if I still want them, I can find them. It isn't easy, but we're doing okay. If there are people in PhD programs who read this blog and have other suggestions on how to find money and survive financially during the doctorate, I would love to hear them - they might help me too!
Have a great Thursday everyone!
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