Progress Report: Online Master's Degree

**zakity** · 08-14-2011, 11:42 PM

Congrats!!!

**MaryCarney** · 08-31-2011, 11:55 AM

Woo-hoo!
Passed the FOundations of Research exam. What a horrible, confusing, boring subject.
WGU supplies you with a webcam, and you take your exams at home with a proctor watching you online. And yes, they do watch you - I stretched my arm and mouse out of camera range to get a little circulation back, and my test was immediately stopped and I had to log in again and set everything back up.
Anyhow, since September 1, I have completed 42 of the 54 required credits. I am finishing up my literature review now, and plan to take the month of October off between terms - gotta make some $$ to pay my final semester's tuition.
If I can complete everything I have planned - I will have that MSN degree by April 30, 2012

**zakity** · 09-01-2011, 03:57 PM

That is so great that you are doing this all without student loans!

**MaryCarney** · 09-20-2011, 05:09 PM

Wow! Today I completed the Literature Review for Educational Research course, and I am now officially taking a two month break while I work OT to fund my final term.

I attended my hospital's Nursing Research Council metting this afternoon for the first time. I was a little concerned because ALL of the research projects they discussed were clinical in nature - and mine is educational research.

At the end of the meeting, I was aasked to introduce myself and give a short overview of my planned research. My project will be examining ways to bring continuing education to nurses working the night shift.

I got an avalanche of questions, comments and offers of support and assistance from this group of people I have never met before. The MD in charge of overall institutional research told me that I have a 'career-making' project planned, and was extremely interested in assisting me.

Pinch me somebody..........

**zakity** · 09-21-2011, 02:04 AM

Wow! That was an impressive response! I can't wait to hear how it all comes out.

**sinopa27** · 09-22-2011, 02:25 AM

I read this entire thread. Bravo!! Bravo!! Now, I will see about getting my MSN as well. I need to make a plan like you did and save and work so that I can pay without adding any debt. I need to make a 2 year goal so that I can start.
Sometimes, I talk myself out of going for my MSN because I feel as though I am not smart enough.
Thanks for this thread!

**sinopa27** · 09-22-2011, 03:13 AM

are you in the MSN education specialty or leadership/management program? Why did you chose one of the other?

**mommynurse** · 09-22-2011, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

Wow! Today I completed the Literature Review for Educational Research course, and I am now officially taking a two month break while I work OT to fund my final term.

I attended my hospital's Nursing Research Council metting this afternoon for the first time. I was a little concerned because ALL of the research projects they discussed were clinical in nature - and mine is educational research.

At the end of the meeting, I was aasked to introduce myself and give a short overview of my planned research. My project will be examining ways to bring continuing education to nurses working the night shift.

I got an avalanche of questions, comments and offers of support and assistance from this group of people I have never met before. The MD in charge of overall institutional research told me that I have a 'career-making' project planned, and was extremely interested in assisting me.

Pinch me somebody..........

What a wonderful idea for a project!

**MaryCarney** · 09-23-2011, 02:39 AM

I'm in the Education program - I love teaching and always have (hence, the 23 years of homeschooling). I was an assistant manager once, and HATED every minute of it.

If any of you are thinking about WGU - hit me up. I can get the $65 application fee waived for you.

**MaryCarney** · 11-30-2011, 08:35 PM

Well, after a two month break , I am back at it starting tomorrow. I have two research courses to complete and then complete my research project, write my thesis and do an oral defense. Scary? You bet it is!

**zakity** · 11-30-2011, 09:50 PM

Good luck!

**MaryCarney** · 12-20-2011, 08:59 PM

Interesting week. This morning I was interviewed by the education correspondent for NPR regarding my experience with WGU. He came to my workplace after a 12 hour overnight shift and we actually did the interview in the cafeteria - he liked the 'ambient sound'.
I've completed two of the eight projects I must finish BEFORE working on my thesis/ capstone. I plan to get one more completed before Christmas.......we'll see.

**MaryCarney** · 01-22-2012, 08:26 PM

Well, I just finished submitting that eighth paper I needed before starting my thesis / research project. I've also completed all the required paperwork to submit to the hospital's Institutional Review Board for final research approval.

That board does not meet until February 1st - so I actually have no schoolwork to do until then. Which is good 'cause I REALLY need to grocery shop, do some laundry and - oh yeah - work a bunch of hours getting ready for the big computer software roll out at work.

One thing I never am is bored.........

**MaryCarney** · 02-27-2012, 09:21 PM

Quick update:

I am SLOWLY working my way through the thesis process. Delayed by endless rounds of paperwork. I am in the middle of nine days off (which was sorely needed) and had planned to have already done my data collection by now and to spend this time off doing the statistical analysis. But it looks like I won't be able to START data collection for another week. Sheesh.

Fortunately, my data collection should only take a week at most. So I will then have a month or so to do the analysis, write it all up and develop a powerpoint presentation for my oral defense.

My term ends May 15th -

I WILL be done with my MSN by that date. Surreal.

**Sumacaroni** · 02-28-2012, 07:07 AM

Your master's work sounds fabulous, MC! Keep chugging along, it sounds like you're getting a well deserved break when you reach the finish line in May

Keep your eyes on the prize....