Master of Nursing learner receives 2020-2021 AU Graduate Student Scholarship

I am honoured and beyond grateful to be the recipient of the 2020-2021 AU Graduate Student Scholarship. It is rewarding to be recognized for the sacrifices I have made to concentrate on my graduate studies while balancing so many competing priorities. I recognize that most, if not all, AU graduate learners are managing multiple responsibilities while completing their studies, so receiving this scholarship and the recognition that comes with it is especially humbling. Additionally, having taken an extended unpaid leave from my full-time work to focus on my graduate studies, the monetary gift associated with this scholarship is especially meaningful in lightening my financial burdens.

I don’t believe there is necessarily a “right” time to begin pursuing higher education, as adult learners like myself will almost inevitably be forced to balance multiple responsibilities. I decided to begin my Master of Nursing degree in January 2020 while on maternity leave when my daughter was 5-months-old. I fiercely protected my precious time with my infant daughter and family by scheduling in dedicated study time when she was asleep, either napping or for the night. As a new mother, I noted the importance of connecting with other new moms. At around the same time I began my degree, I also began facilitating a new mom’s support group that met once a week at the pool to provide a space for community, connection, and support which also served as a much-needed break from my studies and routine.

As I approached the end of my twelve-month maternity leave, I re-entered the work force in August 2020 by working part time as a critical care nurse while continuing to focus on my studies. In November, I was called back to my full-time work as a critical care nursing instructor which has shifted my study schedule significantly. At this time, I am working full time and am enrolled in one course alongside my ongoing thesis work. Despite these changes, I continue to use the strategies that helped me to be successful in the past by dedicating time for studying. With continued dedication and intentionality, I am on track to complete my Master of Nursing degree in August 2021.

My advice to anyone balancing multiple priorities alongside graduate studies is to first reflect on your goals to assess which aspects of your life can be sacrificed to make time for your studies and which need to be fiercely protected. Additionally, take time at the beginning of each semester to sit down with your syllabus and calendar to schedule in dedicated blocks of study time each week. In this way, study time is purposeful and meaningful while time away from your studies can be guilt free, knowing you’ve already dedicated the time needed to complete your class work. I also found it was important to intentionally schedule in times for family, exercise, relaxing, and socializing as these are important stress relievers for me; in this way, I was able to prioritize my mental and physical health as well. Completing a heavy course load, maintaining a solid record of achievement, and balancing many priorities is a difficult task especially over a long period of time. Scheduling time for all your priorities ensures none are neglected and can make this challenging journey sustainable and even enjoyable.

Having a support network has been absolutely essential to my success so far. My husband, who is also working full time while taking night classes, has really stepped up and supported me throughout this journey. My family has also been a source of encouragement and support as I have worked through the highs, lows, and busy times over the last year. Finally, all my instructors at AU and especially my thesis supervisors, Dr. Jennifer Stephens and Dr. Kathleen Leslie have continued to inspire, encourage, and challenge me to aspire to new heights as a student and a professional nurse.

I chose AU’s MN program primarily because of its flexibility as it allowed me to start with little notice as a non-program student in January whereas most universities only offer a fall start. Additionally, AU’s MN courses are offered online and in an asynchronous format which allowed me to complete my studies from my home in Saskatchewan without having to login at specific times to attend lectures. Now that I have experienced AU’s MN program, I have been very impressed with the level of instructor professionalism and engagement in the online courses. I also appreciate learning alongside nurses and instructors from across the country as it has broadened my perspective and connection to nursing in Canada. I have had a wonderful experience as an MN student at AU and highly recommend this program!

As I reflect on my journey through graduate studies, I am sure that it marks a significant shift in the trajectory of my future nursing career. I was prompted to begin my studies to strengthen my engagement in nursing education, however, in an unexpected turn, I began thesis work pertaining to nursing-regulatory practices. I have an intense passion for nursing and through my time at AU, I have begun to realize that my journey may be taking my nursing career into nursing research and politics to enable me to better advocate for the profession, and our place in Canadian healthcare. I may even be convinced to pursue a doctorate at some point in the future to further my contribution to the advancement of the nursing profession in Canada.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my experience with you, and I hope it encourages other graduate students to be successful in managing their many responsibilities!