[Niclayson]

Because you have all had to listen to me whine about school...I just wanted to share my own personal milestone.

Tomorrow morning I will attend my final summer class and defend my "pretend" proposal for a quantitative study about IA parents, stress, and the healthcare system. (It may just end up being what I actually pursue for my dissertation but still mulling that over.)

Anyhow...tomorrow I have OFFICIALLY completed year #1 of my crazy, insane plan to complete my FNP and PhD in nursing at the same time!!!! WOO HOOO!!!!!

Only 2 more years to go on coursework!!!! (Ugh, that sound horrible doesn't it?? What was I thinking when I signed up for this???)

[Scarletann]

What an accomplishment .... just keep at it and before you know it you will be finished!!!!

[doctormom]

Pick your topic NOW and stick to it. Believe me! People said that when I was searching for a topic, and I SOOOOO wish I heeded that advice rather than switching to two other topics before settling on my original idea.

Good luck on your "pretend" defense. Remember that in a "real" proposal defense, they want to be sure that (1) you understand everything about your process, (2) you are familiar with all of the components of your study, (3) your study CAN be done by YOU and it SHOULD be done in the first place. My proposal was SO much easier than the adoption.
(Then again, I'm still not finished with either the dissertation OR the adoption...)

[Niclayson]

I'm drinking champagne!!! WOO HOOO!!!!!!

Yes, I have chosen my area of interest which is healthcare and IA families but I have not chosen THE question. I am still on the fence. Since I'm combining degrees I have a little more time than usual to "play" with my ideas. I like both qual and quant...and have not been drawn to one over the other yet.

I am going to spend some time in an IA clinic in New England this fall. I want to see if it is a viable place to do research and if I work well with the physician who runs it. I was lucky enough to be invited by this well known doc to come hang out and learn. I'm soo excited about this! (I also get to get out of Florida and enjoy Fall...I miss the changing of leaves...I can't wait!)

School is hard but I really am learning more than I ever imagined.

[DPline]

I admire you so much for what you are doing. Two advanced degrees while raising a family! I break into a cold sweat even thinking about going back for my master's degree.

And I love your idea for your dissertation. I hope you will share it with us when you are done.

Congratulations! And may the next two years speed by. (At least the coursework part!)

[Quesita]

Congratulations on the end of year 1!!! Please keep us updated as your studies progress. We are a captive audience here!!!!

[jules17]

I send you a HUGE congratulations!!

Just remember what my mom told me as she began her doctoral program - "The years are going to pass regardless of how I spend them...I choose to spend them doing something worthwhile."

So you have achieved an incredible milestone!!

Best of luck with your proposal!

[drjeanne]

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Very proud of you Natalie! It's quite a thing you're doing! I know you'll finish with flying colors!

Jeanne

[LadyTink]

Congratulations!!

[jenniem]

Natalie,

That's amazing- finishing your 1st year with your adoption and parenting all 3. You should have a glass of bubbly! congrats. I hope your proposal goes well.