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Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Success Twenty one years ago I started my nursing profession, which I do not regret any minute of it. Today I found myself back to college embarking a new journey pursuing MSN degree with much excitement and many challenges. In order to be successful in graduate study, I have to come up with strategies to overcome the anticipated challenges. The three main obstacles I face that would affect my study are writing, time management, and stress.
Reason
Health care industry has been evolved immensely over the past 10 to 15 years. When I graduated as a nurse 18 years ago, regular diploma or bachelor’s degree was what required. Health care professionals could advance career with clinical experiences. It is so different in our field now. The minimal requirement for higher managerial position is master’s degree. It requires not only the clinical skill and experience but also the management knowledge. I have great passion in my profession. I want to enrich my skill sets and qualification so that I can better prepare myself to serve the public and to move upward in my career ladder.
Short-term Goal Within the first month I will familiarize myself with available resources in OLS and maximally use what the university can provide me to flourish my learning experience.
Milestone. By the end of February, I will complete two writing workshops. I will follow each course syllabus closely to stay on top of weekly reading and assignment.
Long-term Goal My long-term goal is to finish the MSN degree with satisfactory academic score. I plan to graduate in two years. I cannot wait to go back to my field and serve the public with my new skill sets.
Milestone. By the end of June this year, I will finish all three required MSN bridge courses with satisfactory grade. The status bar indicating program progressing will show a steady

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