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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Organizing Masters in Nursing Degree Online Course Work


Keeping track of all the material from online course work can feel like “hoarding”! If you use an electronic file system, no one will ever know –smile-.  Start with an electronic file for each course you take.  Name the file with  the course number, underscore, and an abbreviation of the course name (Eg. 504_Theory).  Inside that course “file folder”, create files for each week’s lesson and associated topic, for example Week1_QualitativeResch  (note:  if you just name the file folders by week 1, 2, 3 etc., it is more difficult to retrieve the information for future use-like finding information to study for an exam or to apply when writing a paper).  

The next thing to do is organize all reference material using software such as EBSCO (library databases). There is also a program called “End Note” which costs money, but can also help ensure you have referenced every citation in a longer paper.   Use the free reference management system, EBSCO via the library access, that is the best bet.


EBSCO host reference services
You access your university’s electronic library and select a data base such as “Academic Search Premier” or CINAHL.  Once you query an article, you will be in EBSCO host.  This system allows you to set up an account.  Every time you “log in” to the EBSCO host database (with the account you set up) you will have the ability to create a “Folder”.  As you do your  literature searches, add key articles to your “Folder”.  You can then export the articles selecting APA formatting to MS Word, for your own automatic reference list.  You can continue to add articles through-out your MSN online program by simply updating your MS Word file with the most recent articles you have found, which have been placed in your EBSCO account folder.

The greatest advantage of electronic files is that there is no file cabinet or “desk mess” to see how much information and material you are keeping…….”just in case”.
Dr. Maggie

Friday, May 9, 2014

Blog Directory

Well it has been a year since the inception of the online MSN student survival blog.  To date the site has had nearly 5000 visits, with the most popular blog posts being practicum project ideas and admission essays.   A directory of all blog posts is below for those who have recently found this site.
Dr. Maggie

Monday, April 28, 2014

Maintaining Academic Integrity in Online Masters of Science in Nursing Degree Programs

Academic Integrity is a large concern of online Masters of Science in Nursing degree programs.  There are several ways to determine a breach of that integrity.  One way is to compare the writing in online discussions with the writing of submitted papers.  Another method is to use “originality” software such as Turn It InÒ or Safe AssignÒ for submitted papers.  Most online MSN degree programs use such software.
Keeping your work original is best done by doing the work yourself!  This means allow enough time in your crazy, busy schedule to do the paper assigned.  A good rule to follow is that for however many pages are required, allow one hour per page.  For example if you have to write a 15 page paper, budget 15 hours to do that work.  This time budget includes not only writing the paper, but researching the topic, outlining your thoughts, writing a draft, then editing the paper for final submission. Obviously, the time frame previously mentioned means you cannot do a paper in one night!  Work ahead in other areas of your life so that you can take a couple of days to go through the researching and writing processes.  One last piece of advice is AVOID quotes.  Write the information as if you were telling a non-nurse friend or family member about that topic.  By writing in your own words what you have researched and read, you can maintain academic integrity ~smile.
Dr. Maggie

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Admission Essays for Online MSN Degree Programs


The written essay is a common requirement for application to an online Masters of Science in Nursing degree program. A well written essay is not so common.  Most programs want to know why you wish to pursue an online MSN degree, and what you plan to do in your career with your MSN degree.  Is it teach, become a clinical nurse leader, or an executive nurse leader/nursing administrator, etc.?  The admission essay also reflects writing skills to determine, in part, the success with online MSN degree course work, which will require much writing. Be sure to include what support systems you have to succeed in the program, especially whether your employer and supervisor support your MSN degree work. Describe how many hours per week you have to devote to your studies. Close the essay by describing what type of student you are and why as a graduate of that program, you would help to make the program’s reputation stronger in the nursing profession.  Happy essay writing!


Dr. Maggie

Monday, April 7, 2014

Online MSN Student Survival Guide Blog Directory

In case you have recently joined the blog, or recently been thinking about an MSN online degree, the entire blog directory is included here.  You can hold the control key down and click on the link to the blog topic  OR  click on the blog topic and a URL appears, click again directly on the URL to link to the blog topic.

o  
February
 (4)
o   ▼  January (3)
o   ▼  December (4)
o   ▼  November (4)
o   ▼  October (5)
o   ▼  September (4)
o   ▼  August (4)
o   ▼  July (3)
o   ▼  June (7)
o   ▼  May (3)
Happy Reading,

Dr. Maggie

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

April Fool’s Humor

1) Sign of nursing burnout: 

Every time you make a patient’s bed, 

you have an overwhelming desire to lie down in it!



2)


Happy April Fool's Day!
Dr. Maggie