Prior to completing the baccalaureate program, I can confidently say that I am not the same person who I once was. The program has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I have gained much knowledge that will stick with me throughout my nursing journey.
For example, while taking the course Leadership, I learned the necessary principles it takes to be a strong leader. I had an amazing opportunity to work with very strong women in my leadership clinical who inspired me to make strides in the nursing world, as they do. The courses in the baccalaureate program also gave me a new outlook how to care for patients and the best ways to promote quality patient outcomes. For instance, a big part of the baccalaureate program is viewing the patient as an individual, and incorporating their culture and individual needs into the plan of care.
The baccalaureate program has also inspired me to continue my education even further. I learned firsthand that knowledge is power. The knowledge I’ve gained from the program, I have been able to incorporate into my nursing practice. For example, while taking the physical assessment course, I learned the principles of properly assessing a patient when they are experiencing symptoms like headaches or stomach pain. Furthermore, the physical assessment course taught me the type of assessment questions that hone in on the causative factor. In addition to this knowledge, the baccalaureate program has helped me feel more competent as a new graduate nurse. I have learned over the course of the program how to properly communicate with physicians and peers. In contrast, when I first began practicing as a registered nurse, I faced numerous trails that I would have not been able to overcome had I not continued my education. Ultimately, the choice to continue my education is one that I will surely never regret.
