Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies

Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Success The objective of this work is to describe at least three challenges faced while completing graduate study and describe at least three strategies in addressing these challenges. The challenges faced while completing graduate study are of a various and diverse nature. It is optimal that the graduate student focus on strategies for addressing these challenges. Literature is stated to show a need for studies that are focused on the student's successful completion of the graduate program in the nursing discipline.

Collaboration with instructors in the nursing program appears to be vital in preparing the graduate student for the associated challenges and arming them with the proper strategies in meeting those challenges. Collaboration and Ten Lessons Stated in the work of Deborah B.

Gardner, Ph.D., RN, CS entitled: "Ten Lessons in Collaboration" is: "In my hindsight, my initial experience with successful collaboration occurred as an undergraduate nursing student working with a favored nursing instructor whose willingness to partner created a culture of empowerment and challenge." Gardner (2005) lists as the ten keys for collaboration, important in preparing graduate students for the associated challenges as being (1) Know thyself; (2) Learn to value and manage diversity; (3) Develop constructive conflict resolution skills; (4) Use your power to create win-win situations; (5) Master interpersonal and process skills; (6) Recognize that all collaboration is a journey; (7)j Leverage all multidisciplinary forums; (8) Appreciate that collaboration can occur spontaneously; (9) Balance autonomy and unity in collaborative relationships; and (10) Remember that collaboration is not required for all decisions.

II. Master Thesis Writing Assistance is Key In the work of Kaminski (2002-2003) entitled: " Mental Health Aspects of the Thesis Writing Experience in Nursing" is stated: The literature shows a need for more studies focused on the experience of successful completion of Master's theses in nursing and in other disciplines. The Master's thesis is designed to serve as a "practice exercise" for a doctoral dissertation. The essential requirement of a Master's thesis is that it literally demonstrate mastery in the student's sub-field.

James (1998) explained that the most common terms used to evaluate a thesis or dissertation were "originality, logical coherence, critical evaluation, awareness of alternatives, breadth of perspective and balanced synthesis" (p. 95). When students work on a thesis with undeveloped "basic" skills they are likely to encounter one problem after another. Eventually, an alarming number of students erroneously conclude they are not capable of completing a thesis and drop out.

The demands of thesis writing seem to introduce a significant amount of pressure, stress, and impacts on Master's students' self-image, motivation, and ability to persevere. Mental health stability is jeopardized unless supportive and self-initiated coping behaviors are strong." (Kaminski, 2002-2003) Quite clearly this aspect of graduate study is one that may cause many students to give up and drop out of the study program. Pointed out in this work is the statement of Lazarus (1966, 1977) that the individual's "perceptions play a substantial role in what some may call objectively stressful events.

This perspective assumes that stress occurs when both (a) the situation is appraised as challenging or demanding and (b) insufficient resources are available to cope with the situation." Further cited as challenges facing graduate students in the work of Kaminski (2002-2003) are (1) Financial Factors; (2) Multiple Roles; (3) Isolation Factors; and (4) Personality Characteristics. In the work of Goran (2001) entitled "Mentorship as a Teaching Strategy" stated is: "Nursing is facing challenges unparalleled in its history.

As we face the opportunities of the future, mentors play a more important role than ever." The works cites that mentors serve to make provisions of "inspiration, support, and encouragement" have forever changed the.