From GED to Masters Degree

Featuring Terri Evans MSN-NE, RN, BSN

FROM GED TO MASTERS DEGREE

The story told by Terri Evans, Owner & Editor

What are you doing?” asked my 11th-grade History teacher. To which I applied, “I’m leaving!” “Where are you going?” He asked. I responded with all my might, “I quit. School is not for me!”

I immediately left the classroom and departed Little Rock Central High as if I accomplished something wonderful that day.

I was seventeen and pregnant for the second time. I was already a mother to a 3- year-old and on my way to what I thought was my best life ever! A few days after hiding from my mom, I confessed to my mom that I was pregnant again, dropped out of school and needed permission to marry.

I can literally write a book about what happened next, but I digress. It only took me about 30 days to be filled with the regret of dropping out. As soon as I recognized that this was a big mistake, I immediately found out how to sign up to take the GED test to complete my high school equivalent in 1989.

Now I will give you a brief overview of what happened the next 15 years after I received my GED and how you may be able to receive your degree in a shorter time.

First, a GED is considered the equivalent of a High School Diploma as far as colleges are concerned. Depending on the college, the student may have to take more general courses than a student with an actual High School GPA. I am not attempting to get anyone’s child to drop out of school and take the GED. I am trying to tell you that if someone does, it’s NOT the end of the world. The GED is still as effective as a High School Diploma. There is nothing to be ashamed of. I personally know doctors and advanced practitioners who are GED recipients and continued their education goals as planned.

By the time I received my GED, I was the mother of 2 and married at 18 years old. I immediately begin to research my next move. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. It was never about the money for me since I had no clue what nurses made or could make in salary. I applied for and was accepted into a local LPN program to which I decline because of fear. (Advice: Fear is good. Big moves always come with a little bit of fear. Recognize it as a “good feeling” instead of a bad one. Keep moving to complete your goal.)

Apparently, the feelings of fear to return to school lasted nine long years and it was paralyzing, to say the least. (Advice: Reach out to someone who has “been there and done that”. Most likely they can ease your fears and walk you through the process.)

In 1998, I decided that I was going to complete my goal with or without fear. I was divorced by now with 2 children with an urgency to become a nurse so that I could take care of us. I applied again to the Baptist Health School of Nursing LPN program as well as Henderson State University and received admission into both.

I spent one-semester taking courses at both colleges while working and taking care of my children. Unfortunately, my GPA didn’t make it and the heartbreak and disappointment set in. (Advice: It will take you longer if you try to rush the process. Concentrate on one step and one school at a time. Especially if you lack support. It’s ok to take 2 classes instead of 4 classes.)

In 2000, I regained my strength and remembered my goal. I applied and was admitted to the Pulaski Technical LPN program. I enjoyed the courses and was excited to finally learn to nurse. I graduated in 2001 with a Practical Nursing Certification. I passed the board of Nursing NCLEX-LPN and received the first job offer as a nurse at Baptist Health. (Advice: Delayed does not mean denied. Keep your goal in front of you so you don’t forget to make it happen. Keep trying. Keep going.)

After the completion of my LPN license, I tasted the success of education and wanted as much of it as I could stand. I began working on my pre-courses for the Associate's degree RN program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. These pre-courses for the RN program took about 4 years to complete. (Advice: Please make a list, check it twice and figure out the best route for you and your situation. The pre-courses should have taken me a few semesters at the least or 2 years at the most.)

In 2005, I applied and was admitted into the RN program at UALR. My LPN to RN transition went as smooth as to be expected for any nursing program. Graduating in 2006, I accepted my first RN position at CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock. (Advice: It is important to work in a facility that cultivates continued learning for the employees)

F R O M G E D T O M A S T E R S D E G R E E C O N T I N U E D . . .

I enjoyed working as clinical staff nurse. I felt like I made a difference in the lives of my patients. I also gain a sense of accomplishment and a small degree of pride. I quickly learned that the rumor of having more education would make me more valuable as a nurse. There were emails, and notices posted that CHI was a huge supporter of anyone who returned for a higher degree. They offered scholarships and encouraged managers to work with the nurses’ schedule. (Advice: Watch your company announcements. They may be your biggest supporters in continued education. Ask for the human resources department and seek information regarding reimbursements, scholarships and partnered schools)

I gathered information and started taking pre-courses for my BSN. This took me about 4 years. I applied and was admitted to UALR BSN program in 2010. I graduated in 2012 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I couldn’t have been happier. This story is probably boring you right now. Its boring me to write it. But the point is to show you my journey by which my GED was never a factor. (Advice: Try to gather information regarding your education faster than 4 whole years. Its not hard to find)

One year after receiving my BSN, I heard about the BSN_ DNP program at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. I applied and was admitted into the BSN-DNP program for Spring 2014. If someone is wondering what DNP means, it is a terminal degree in nursing and is a Doctoral degree in Nursing with a specialty and my specialty was Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. (Advice: Pick a school whose primary focus is your primary focus. Please do not go to a college simply because it’s the largest college in your state. Stand up to your friends and family regarding your right to choose your own education goals)

I transferred to the University of Arkansas in 2016 and was accepted into Adult- Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. After completing one semester, I realized that I was attempting to complete the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track because others were doing it. My co-working was doing it. Almost every nurse I knew was going to NP school. I felt like I “had to”. After many nights of stressing, I decided to do what made me happy. (Advice: Write YOUR goals down and follow YOUR dreams. Its YOUR life. Its YOUR student loans too)

In January 2017, I filled out an online inquiry at Western Governors University. I quickly received a call form Zak. Zak was the enrollment counselor assigned to me. Zak and I discussed my goals and I decided to apply for admission to WGU. I applied and was admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing for the Nurse Education track. In December 2017, I finished my degree and I finished with my college education. (Advice: Talk to individuals about options regarding your degree. There is always someone willing to help you get to your next level)

Wrapping up. Every now and then success takes time. Becoming laser focused on your own personal future and financial goals is imperative. Everyone’s journey is different. It is up to you to control your success and your journey. I am grateful that I had the courage to keep going until the fear left. The whole point of this feature story is to show anyone who is interested in college after a GED, that it is possible.

Copyright 2018 All Rights reserved Position CPR LLC & PC Health Education Plus LLC