Student Profile: Taron
El Paso, Texas
RN to BSN, UT El Paso
Expected Completion: May 2009
UTTC: You live in the same city as the home campus for your online program. Why did you choose to pursue your degree online?
Taron: I live on the other side of the city compared to where the university is. I drive a big black dually truck and parking is scarce, worse yet is the price of fuel. I was going broke traveling to and from campus. In addition to saving on the expense of commuting to campus, online education gave me an opportunity to further my education while continuing my professional growth.
Why did you choose this online RN to BSN?
I liked the partnership and cooperation UT TeleCampus has with UT El Paso. Their relationship became mine. It’s been satisfying.
Tell us about your current role in the nursing profession how you plan to enhance or increase your professional opportunities once you complete this degree.
I am currently employed with the EL Paso Fire Department as a RN/Paramedic. I work on the rescue units (Mobile Intensive Care Units), and on the paramedic rescue engine companies. I work PRN in the ED at a private hospital in the area. My goal is to apply to a graduate nursing program after completing the bachelor’s so I can be a family nurse practitioner. I see this RN to BSN program as a catalyst and bridge toward that.
I really enjoyed the clinical rotation. Having to select a facility in the area and meet the appropriate personnel really involves the student in their educational and clinical experience. You develop skills and maturity because you are the one who must organize, schedule, collaborate and fulfill all aspects of the course and its criteria – you really make it what it is. That experience has truly broadened my knowledge, skills and expertise.
These days, people usually come into online education pretty well informed as far as expectations, but sometimes there’s a facet of this they didn’t fully anticipate or expect. Did you have any experiences like that?
It’s important to really prepare yourself for the amount of time and discipline it takes to be successful. You have to be self-motivated. And, you have to be organized, which is not my strong suit. The structure of the online courses helped me with organization in my work and study habits.
How about the interaction with your classmates…was that what you expected?
I’ve acquired friends all along the way – both locally and abroad. I do feel as if I know them after all the posts, discussions online, and debates in various classrooms. I sometimes wish I could see them face-to-face after all of this getting to know each other. The interaction is really beneficial. The exchange of ideas is priceless – I think the information and knowledge exchanged from various minds and perspectives is a resource of great magnitude.
What’s your favorite take away from online learning?
I love the flexibility and the fact I don’t have to go to campus, fight for parking and I can save gas money!
What’s been the greatest challenge about this for you?
Time management and becoming more computer savvy, both of those were challenges I had to address with this.
When you’re not studying or working what do you like to do?
I live on the outskirts of town in a rural setting. I like working in my yard where I’m planting trees and flowers. I enjoy spending time at home with my kids – I have two girls and one boy. My family knows I’m a workaholic and I love school. But I owe them, they’ve given me so much support, from encouragement to nagging! When this is over I plan to take my kids and their mom on a vacation!
Sounds like a great idea. Do you have any parting thoughts or advice for students thinking about starting this program?
Yes. Take the courses. Sign up as soon as possible but be sure first you are serious about your education and you have clear goals and expectations. You’ll need that and the time to commit to your studies and for flexibility when things change at home, or work or school.
Any advice for faculty or staff?
The technical side of this was a challenge for me on start up. Knowing someone on campus I could go see who could show me the Blackboard navigation would be helpful, something visual beyond tech support phone calls.
We’ve heard that learning the discussion boards was a challenge for some students who wanted to ‘see’ how it works, so we built a movie you can watch now. It’s on our site under the UTTC Course Sampler and anyone can login in and use it.
Thanks Taron, good luck with your studies and your path toward your new career as a family nurse practioner. Send us a postcard from your family vacation.