[Christina]

Hi Jennifer,
I, too, have never considered going into academia after graduating with this DNP degree. As a hobby or something on the side, I wanted to spearhead mission trips to different third-world countries. Bring students and mentor them within the hospitals and clinics in these third-world countries. I have a love for traveling and have decided to do something more with it and make a difference in these countries that need our help. I’m still not a hundred percent sure of everything I would have to accomplish to get to this goal besides my degree, but thankfully, one of the professors at my school is doing the same thing, so I do have someone guiding me. I am also considering returning to the East Coast (New Jersey) to open my private practice since APRNs can practice independently in New Jersey versus California. It is one solution to the nursing faculty shortage; however, I would lose my clinical skills. I want to feel like I am physically and emotionally making a difference with my patients. I enjoy being hands-on at work and want to continue doing so. There will be times when we, as DNP graduates, will teach, mentor, or lead others, but I don’t believe solely focusing on academia is in my interest.

[Christina]

This question is excellent because some students struggle to balance school, work, and social life. I moved to California for my DNP program without any friends or family. I started my program part-time to help me acclimate to the new area, work, and school. Initially, it was a lonely journey, but I am still adjusting to living in California and juggling school, work, and my social life. Being part-time for the first two years has been a big help with time management. I still travel the country between semester breaks and work full-time. This DNP program is always online, which helps because I can do a little homework every day or finish everything I have for the week on my days off. It allows you to go at your own pace. I know things will be harder once I am a full-time student, but there will have to be sacrifices you have to make and learning to prioritize school work. Friends and family will always have an understanding because this program is something significant to accomplish and something to be proud of, so there should be unconditional support from both. But one thing I will always recommend is to make time for yourself and your mental health and put yourself first.

[Author]

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