The Roaming Minds

DNP Textbooks, Fall 2016 In one of my blogs , my wife gave a glimpse of the work of a primary care nurse practitioner (NP). The degree requirement to become one is either a master's or doctorate in nurse practitioner. However, an increasing number of universities in the U.S. have been phasing out their master's program and transitioning to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).   My wife decided to get her doctorate, but our one million questions was, where would we get the money to finance her education? Of course, borrowing through financial aid was the quickest solution. However, I've discovered through online research that a competitive scholarship program is available to pay all educational expenses and give a monthly stipend throughout the grant. However, there is a caveat. Find out the benefits, requirements, application process, and commitment of this wonderful opportunity.   The Award The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC-SP) is provided by the...

          In January 2018, two days before my wife turned 44, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our world went upside down. She was halfway done with her doctorate in nursing, and I had just completed my first semester of doctoral studies in educational leadership. It was the most devastating news and the most challenging reality that confronted us. However, through God's grace, we gained wisdom, peace, and courage to deal with the affliction brought by cancer. We decided to seek treatment (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy), continued pursuing our dreams, and learned to commit everything to Him. In May of 2020, she graduated with the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice. She is now a  nurse practitione r  providing primary care to vulnerable populations in an underserved community in  New York City . I call her the wounded healer based on Henri Nouwen's description of a servant in his book of the same title. The day after surgery to remove h...

          I am frequently asked by friends, "So, what does your wife do?" after sharing with them that she works in New York City . First of all, I tell them that she is a nurse, but this time an advanced practice nurse who is more empowered and independent than those with an associate or bachelor's degree. Next, I inform them that she is a family nurse practitioner, which often times I receive the follow-up question, "What is that?"           The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected nurse practitioners (NP) as the fourth leading percentage change of employment between 2020-2030. Their job has become a crucial  solution  to addressing the primary care crisis in the U.S. What does a primary care NP do? My wife is a private-type person, but I was able to convince her to share her experiences. Update:  In January 2022, the U.S. News and World Report listed NP as the 2nd best job for 2022.     ...