I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2017 and it wasn’t long before I started thinking about advancing my education with an MSN. I have a passion for teaching and I wanted to do more for my patients and help them learn how to lead healthier lives.

Deciding to go back to school wasn’t an easy decision. I was somewhat nervous about enrolling in an online MMSN program, especially because I was going to be working full-time while in school. My friends all said that earning their MSN was the best thing they ever did, but I wasn’t sure if I could make it work. Was I smart enough? Would I have the time? What if I failed?

I put those doubts aside and I’m glad I did. In nine short months, I will graduate with my Master of Science in Nursing from Herzing University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program. It has been challenging at times, but I have no doubt that it will be worth the time and the effort.

As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to be more involved in providing excellent care for my patients and I will owe it all to taking that first step to continue my education.

Here’s why you should consider earning your MSN:

1. Increasing demand for experienced, specialized nurses

As healthcare organizations deal with a growing patient population and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, nurses with advanced knowledge and skills are in high demand. With an MSN, you can expand your scope of practice, help train new nurses and play an increasingly central role in ensuring quality patient care.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for nurse practitioners will increase by 36 percent from 2016-2026, due in part to a shortage of primary care physicians and ever-growing demand for healthcare services. FNPs can make a very good salary; learn more about how much a family nurse practitioner can make in your state.

I wanted to be more involved in patient care, so becoming a nurse practitioner seemed like the perfect next step for me. Nurse practitioners are certified to provide many of the same services as a general physician and can help increase access to health care in underserved areas.

2. Advancement opportunities

I also knew that I would soon be left behind if I didn’t continue my education. New nurses are joining the workforce at a rapid rate, creating opportunities for experienced nurses to move into specialized roles and leadership positions. With an MSN, you can pursue specialties in a variety of different areas, including nurse education and nurse leadership. Advancing your education not only makes you more marketable for leadership roles, but it also increases your value to an organization and makes you an indispensable part of the nursing team.

3. More responsibility

As you advance to these leadership roles, you also gain more responsibility and have more opportunities to make a difference in patient outcomes. I knew that pursuing my MSN would allow me to be involved in the nursing process at a higher level, prescribing medications and working alongside physicians.

Today, I’m looking forward to graduation and I’m proud of the success I’ve had thus far. The support and resources provided by the faculty and staff at Herzing University have helped make this process possible. I have not felt alone once, which is especially important to me as an online student.

No matter what your inspiration is, earning your master’s degree in nursing is worthwhile. It will help you grow exponentially, not only in your career but in your relationships with others, as you will become their inspiration for continuing their education.

When I look in my nine-year-old daughter’s eyes, I know that she deserves this. I want to show her how hard work pays off, and that if you set a goal, it is attainable. I can only hope that this will inspire her someday, not to follow in my footsteps (although that would be lovely), but to set her own goals and see that they are within arm’s reach.

You owe it to yourself to dust off the books and advance your nursing degree. Your community will thank you and your future self will thank you. There is no better time than now to pursue the next step in your nursing career.

Military veterans have a lot of relevant experience to share after their service to the country is over, and many of them are choosing a career in nursing to help meet growing demand.

Shaeye Frierson, a nursing instructor at Herzing University, joined the military at age 22, in hopes of building a better life for her 2-year-old son. During her 11 years as a hospital corpsman in the Navy, and through several deployments, she realized she had a true passion for helping others.

In 2010, Shaeye applied her Post-9/11 GI Bill funds toward nursing school at Herzing, while her mother helped her raise her two young children. She’s now working on her master’s degree while teaching nursing classes at Herzing, and serving as an unofficial mentor for military vets on campus.

We sat down with Shaeye to learn more about her experience in the nursing program, as well as her transition to a career as a nurse educator.

What inspired you to become a nurse?

I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. When I joined the military, I was offered a medic position and I really enjoyed it. I moved up in rank, and became even more passionate about my work. Our fellow soldiers depended on us for their lives. I thought there could be no more rewarding career than that. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing.

What did you enjoy about the accelerated nursing program?

What was challenging? In the military, your education is so fast, and you get used to learning that way. The accelerated program was perfect for me, and I excelled because of my medical training and my experience with learning at that pace.

Balancing the demands of work and school can be challenging at times, and a lot of students struggle with that at first, especially in an accelerated program. I created a schedule for myself, setting aside time for homework, work, sleep, etc., because that’s how you’re programmed to do things in the military. It worked for me, and I share that tip with a lot of my students. It seems to work for them as well.

What are some of the differences between civilian healthcare and military healthcare?

A hospital corpsmen in the Navy can do pretty much everything a civilian nurse can do, and more. Our medical training in the military is often more advanced and accelerated than a traditional nursing program because we have to know how to handle a lot of different situations.

For example, in 2004, I was deployed on a ship for eight months. We only had one doctor on the ship. If a person was sick, they would come to us – the corpsmen—and we would treat them or provide recommendations for the doctor to sign off on. We had more autonomy than a civilian nurse because that’s the only way you can ensure everyone receives the care they need.

Why did you choose to become a nurse educator?

I graduated from Herzing with my BSN in 2013. I had become a mentor and resource for other military veterans on campus, and when the dean asked me if I wanted to be an instructor I accepted. Students with a military background need someone to help them navigate the transition to an accelerated nursing program, and I can be that person because I’ve done it myself. I’m currently enrolled in the MSN Nurse Educator program and expecting to graduate in January 2020.

What is most rewarding about being an educator?

The most rewarding part about my job is giving back to the university that helped me become the nurse I am today. I love helping out the military veteran students – even those that aren’t in the nursing program. I usually find out who they are during orientation, and make an effort to meet with them and ask about their concerns, if they need help with their benefits, etc. I want to help them be successful.

What advice would you offer to other veterans who want to pursue a healthcare career?

I would say Herzing is the perfect school for a military veteran, especially if you want to become a nurse. The accelerated BSN program is a smooth transition because the pace of learning is similar to what you’re used to. We also have incredibly supportive instructors to help you every step of the way.

Achieving straight A’s can be difficult, especially if you are just beginning your college journey. It takes time and practice to develop effective study habits, but once you master them, you will be well on your way to achieving the grades you want.

Developing good study habits has other benefits as well. If you suffer from test anxiety, better study habits can help boost your confidence and your comprehension of course material, which will make timed quizzes or final exams less stressful.

Establishing a study plan that works for you is most important, as everyone finds success in different ways. Once you find what works, it can truly be a game-changer.

Here are some tips for studying like a straight-A student:

1) Don’t procrastinate

Starting your assignments in a timely fashion is a simple and effective way to achieve higher grades. Procrastination is a bad habit that will make it difficult for you to do your best work. Once you are assigned something, try getting a start on it in the first few days, even if the due date is not for a few weeks. Working on assignments little by little can help break up a major task into more manageable pieces.

2) Ask for feedback whenever possible

Professors won’t know you need help unless you tell them. If you feel stuck on an assignment and need guidance, be proactive and approach the professor right away. The feedback they provide can help you determine whether you are on the right track or if you could use some re-direction. If you receive a poor grade on a paper, you can also talk to your professor after the fact to learn what you could have done differently. You can take this feedback to a tutor, or make a note of the things you want to correct the next time you have to complete a similar assignment.

3) Eliminate all possible distractions while studying

In order to be productive in your studies and achieve the best possible grade, you truly need to be 100% focused on the task at hand. Students that want to achieve high grades remove all distractions so that they are completely focused on their work. Leaving your phone or the TV remote in another room until you finish your schoolwork can make a world of difference in your productivity. That funny cat video will still be there when you are finished!

4) Study for understanding rather than memorization

It can be tempting to breeze through your study materials quickly, but this is not an effective study technique. Memorization may work well for a pop quiz, but it won’t do you much good on a final exam. Most professors care less about the specifics you’ve memorized and more about how you can apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Studying for understanding is a much better method to use because it will help you be better prepared for those more detailed assessments. Creating a study guide is one of the best ways to prepare for an exam and achieve a deeper understanding of the material.

5) Avoid cramming

Cramming the night before an exam is about as effective as not studying at all. If you try and cram a month’s worth of material into your brain in just one night, chances are you will only retain a small part of it. Spacing out your studying is much more effective and will help you to understand the concepts more thoroughly. In a study conducted at the University of California, spacing out your learning was proved to be more effective than cramming for 90% of participants. Studying in advance will also help you feel more prepared for an exam, which will help dull any last-minute exam stress.

6) Ask questions to test your understanding

Participating in class is another great way to test your comprehension of material and make sure that you are well-prepared for an upcoming assessment. Professors are always willing to answer questions and you can learn a lot from the answers they give you. This is also why it is important to attend every class session. There might be important topics discussed during class that are not in the textbook, and you never know when they might show up on an exam.

7) Work with other motivated students

Studying with other students who are as driven as you are can be quite a helpful resource. If others around you are engaging in productive activities, it is more likely that you will feel motivated to do the same. Study groups are also a great place to share ideas with your fellow classmates, learn new study techniques, and get help preparing for major tests or projects, especially if you are all taking similar courses.

Not only will these tips help you boost your grades, they can also help you develop other skills that will be important for your future, such as time management and communication. Even though grades won’t necessarily be a concern post-college, the need for a strong work ethic won’t disappear. By developing effective study habits now, you can position yourself for success both in and out of the classroom.

Being healthy is about more than just eating right and exercising. Your mental health also has an effect on your overall well-being, productivity and your motivation. Taking the time to nourish your mind and soul can help you put your best self forward at work, school and in your interactions with others.

College can be a stressful period for many students, especially for those of us who are balancing work, family and other demands on our time. Recently, researchers at Harvard Medical School surveyed college students across from more than 100 schools across the country. They found that college students today experience higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression, sometimes to the detriment of their mental and physical health.

I recently graduated from Herzing University’s online medical billing and coding program. As a mother of two, I know how difficult it is to find time for school along with everything else. I learned that if you want to strike a healthy balance, you need to know your limits and make time for yourself.

Here are my tips for improving your mental health and overall wellness in the new year:

1. Make time for the things that bring you joy

There’s lots of advice out there on how to achieve happiness, but there’s no one answer for everyone. I’m happiest when I am doing something I love with the people I love. It can be something as simple as spending time with my kids or reading a book. Think about the things in your life that make you feel good, and make those things a priority!

2. Disconnect

In the age of social media, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others and their accomplishments. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been scrolling through Facebook and suddenly I realize that I no longer feel good about myself. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and everybody achieves their goals at their own pace. Focus on yourself and your journey, and periodically take a social media break if you need to.

3. Establish healthy coping mechanisms for stress

While stress is an inevitable part of life, there are ways that you can manage it so that it doesn’t negatively affect your health. Practicing good time management is one way that you can minimize stress and stay on top of all of your to-dos. Some days are going to be crazy, and that’s okay. Just don’t make a habit of letting stress derail your routine. Make sure you are taking care of yourself by eating right and getting plenty of sleep.

4. Schedule a “me” day

Finding a moment to yourself might seem impossible, but taking time to de-stress is essential if you want to avoid burnout and feel your best.

I’ve found that spending time alone helps me process my thoughts and clear my head. I recommend setting aside some time for yourself every week and doing something that helps you reset, whether that’s hanging out with your pets, a walk or even a drive out of town. Learn to enjoy the peace and use the time to get to know yourself and your thoughts. I cannot express how much spending time alone has helped me feel more centered and focused.

5. Lean on your support system

We all have days when we feel stressed out and overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you don’t have a support system at home, remember that your professors and advisors are there for you and can help you navigate whatever you’re going through, whether that means scaling back your course load for one semester, or just getting some extra help on an assignment.

No matter what you hope to accomplish in the year ahead, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and well-being. These tips will help you stay healthy, focused and energized so you can feel your best.

Assisted living is one of the long-term care options for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. For many seniors, assisted living communities can help with the transition to a new phase of life, one in which they need more assistance with daily activities and management of their personal health.

In an assisted living community, nurses and other healthcare professionals provide 24-hour supervision and a variety of personal care and health services for residents. As demand for long-term healthcare services increases, many assisting living providers are dealing with workforce shortages, particularly for registered nursing roles.

If you’re interested in working in a long-term care environment, you might be considering a career in assisted living. Here’s what you need to know about this growing nursing specialty:

Who can work in assisted living?

There are many types of nurses who can work in an assisted living setting, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and even nurse practitioners (NPs).

Some assisted living communities might serve residents with specific medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. As a result, nurses who work in a long-term care setting might choose to specialize in a particular area of care, such as geriatric nursing or pain management.

What are the responsibilities of an assisted living nurse?

Assisted living communities do not provide the same level of skilled nursing care as a nursing home or hospital. In an assisted living setting, nurses typically help residents with daily activities, such as:

• Personal care. A nurse or CNA can help disabled or physically impaired residents with daily needs such as bathing or dressing.
• Medication management. Nurses can help residents monitor and manage their pain levels. They may also assist with the administration of medicine, or supervise residents to ensure they take their medications as prescribed.
• Memory care. Nurses may provide individualized care for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or related illnesses. This could include pain management and psychiatric care, as well as general assistance during meals and social activities.
• Exercise and general wellness. A nurse might help residents create a wellness program to maintain or improve their health or mobility. They may also assist residents with physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises, as prescribed by a physical therapist.
• Corresponding with family members. Nurses may also regularly correspond with a resident’s family members. They help the family understand their loved one’s evolving needs and level of care and keep them informed in the event of any emergencies.

What skills are required to work in assisted living?

Soft skills, such as critical thinking and communication, are essential to your success in a long-term care environment.

“Our nurses need to be exceptional communicators and emotionally intelligent, as they often have to have difficult conversations with residents and their families,” says Pam Klein, co-founder of Fresh Coast Partners, an assisted living provider with communities in Kenosha, Wisconsin. “We also look for problem-solvers. We have to be able to pivot to a new approach when current strategies are not working.”

Patience and compassion are also important. Some patients could be dealing with chronic pain or conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, and may be prone to irritability, anxiety and depression as a result. Nurses can help minimize these negative experiences for their patients by remaining calm in difficult situations and understanding the daily challenges their patients are facing.

Are there advancement opportunities in assisted living?

Yes. As more new nurses join the workforce, experienced nurses will have the opportunity to move into specialized roles and leadership positions.

“There will certainly be a growing need for leaders in the healthcare industry, especially within the assisted living field,” Klein said. “Nurses can play important roles as leaders and can benefit from further education to help them hone those skills.”

Graduate degree programs can help nurses expand their careers into advanced practice nursing, nurse education and nurse management. Herzing University offers three MSN degree pathways, as well as two post-master’s certificate options for nurses looking to take their careers to the next level.

How can I prepare for a career in assisted living?

Generally, registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A hands-on BSN program that exposes you to a range of clinical settings can help you determine if assisted living is the right nursing environment for you.

Herzing University alum Kim Bonn honed her clinical skills in geriatric and community health nursing through clinical rotations at the Milwaukee VA Center and Horizon Hospice in Menominee Falls, Wisconsin. Through these experiences, she developed a passion for working with seniors and learned valuable skills that would prepare her for a career in long-term care.

“My courses and clinical experience helped me develop the critical thinking skills that allowed me to be successful,” Bonn said. “I’ve been able to take on new responsibilities and become more autonomous in my current role, and that’s because I am trusted by our residents.”