The Velluvial Matrix
Posted by Atul Gawande
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/06/gawande-stanford-speech.html#commentAnchor_newyorker_2000000000211131
It's worth the read.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Velluvial Matrix
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/06/gawande-stanford-speech.html#commentAnchor_newyorker_2000000000211131
Interesting
Below is a post to the forum from one of my colleagues. This was very interesting to me in regards to this concept of being "data rich and information poor."
"Kathleen McCormick in her 4th edition 2006 Essentials of Nursing Informatics by Saba and McCormick identifies that the average nurse on an NIH service area assigned to eight patients in 1994 collected over 50,000 data points per patient. She predicts that is much higher today. We collect enormous amounts of data with little to no meaning. We do not establish the relationship of that data to the variables associated with the patient. We do not critically think about the use of this data to move the patient along the healthcare continuum to a state of achieved health for that patient. We collect unnecessary data and we do not act on the data we collect many times." (attributed to RS -- classmate)
"Kathleen McCormick in her 4th edition 2006 Essentials of Nursing Informatics by Saba and McCormick identifies that the average nurse on an NIH service area assigned to eight patients in 1994 collected over 50,000 data points per patient. She predicts that is much higher today. We collect enormous amounts of data with little to no meaning. We do not establish the relationship of that data to the variables associated with the patient. We do not critically think about the use of this data to move the patient along the healthcare continuum to a state of achieved health for that patient. We collect unnecessary data and we do not act on the data we collect many times." (attributed to RS -- classmate)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Business Intelligence Forum
Tonight I got the first posting to the Forum done for the course. It was good to begin to think about the topic of the "pyramid of abstraction" whereby today's organizations translate data into information...then use the information to improve their knowledge...and ultimately as "intelligence" to help improve the business.
A quote from the text that stood out to me was "In the last few years, the ability to create, collect, and store information has widely outpaced our ability to make significant use of that information." (Loshin, 2003) -- I feel compelled to reference this or risk having 5 points taken off. Oh wait..this isn't for class. Never mind.
At any rate....is this the modern day way of saying "you're trying to get above your raising (except I think my dad always said "rais-in")?" Think about it. Are we? We have data, data, data....more than we can choke on actually.....and we're in a learning curve on how to translate it into "information" and ultimately "intelligence."
(927 hits as of today....yet more "data" to figure out how to translate into "information"...and use as "knowledge"...and make an "intelligent" decision as to whether it's worth my time to continue writing this blog for the next 2 years).
A quote from the text that stood out to me was "In the last few years, the ability to create, collect, and store information has widely outpaced our ability to make significant use of that information." (Loshin, 2003) -- I feel compelled to reference this or risk having 5 points taken off. Oh wait..this isn't for class. Never mind.
At any rate....is this the modern day way of saying "you're trying to get above your raising (except I think my dad always said "rais-in")?" Think about it. Are we? We have data, data, data....more than we can choke on actually.....and we're in a learning curve on how to translate it into "information" and ultimately "intelligence."
(927 hits as of today....yet more "data" to figure out how to translate into "information"...and use as "knowledge"...and make an "intelligent" decision as to whether it's worth my time to continue writing this blog for the next 2 years).
A perspective on "TIME"
Watch it...it won't take much time.....a little over 6 minutes
http://www.ted.com/talks/philip_zimbardo_prescribes_a_healthy_take_on_time.html
http://www.ted.com/talks/philip_zimbardo_prescribes_a_healthy_take_on_time.html
Monday, June 28, 2010
New Course
The new course started today....Business Intelligence. I wonder if that's an oxymoron? The topics that each student is expected to decipher and discuss (online with the class and the professors) are:
1. Using the pyramid of abstraction (Fig 1.1, pg 4) how does your organization effectively exploit its data?
2. How do you make the business case that BI requires not only the right data and processes but the right people?
3. You have often heard, ‘the healthcare industry is data rich and knowledge poor’. Relate a single contemporary issue related to this statement using BI concepts and language.
4. What are the 3 top KPIs that drive your work each day?
I suppose I need to get the reading done so I can discuss these questions intelligently.
1. Using the pyramid of abstraction (Fig 1.1, pg 4) how does your organization effectively exploit its data?
2. How do you make the business case that BI requires not only the right data and processes but the right people?
3. You have often heard, ‘the healthcare industry is data rich and knowledge poor’. Relate a single contemporary issue related to this statement using BI concepts and language.
4. What are the 3 top KPIs that drive your work each day?
I suppose I need to get the reading done so I can discuss these questions intelligently.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday
This week I've been working on completing the school's online orientation module. It was WAAAYYYY more involved than I anticipated. It involved posting to discussion boards, writing several short papers, and working through several "technical" problem solving processes.
My bottom line conclusion is that online education requires a fairly high level of experience with navigating the internet. I don't think anyone brand new to using electronic media could deal with the hassle of become competent in the use of the media as well as master the content being taught.
I have also devoted about 45 minutes per day to the "policy" paper for the Health Policy class. Still not done with it though. Unlike LJ, I tend to write in layers, improving the overall quality with each revision of the prior draft.
Not a lot of exciting stuff to share right now until I get through these two things. The next course -- Business Intelligence -- begins June 28.
My bottom line conclusion is that online education requires a fairly high level of experience with navigating the internet. I don't think anyone brand new to using electronic media could deal with the hassle of become competent in the use of the media as well as master the content being taught.
I have also devoted about 45 minutes per day to the "policy" paper for the Health Policy class. Still not done with it though. Unlike LJ, I tend to write in layers, improving the overall quality with each revision of the prior draft.
Not a lot of exciting stuff to share right now until I get through these two things. The next course -- Business Intelligence -- begins June 28.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday -- Father's Day
Spent Friday evening and Saturday morning doing the online orientation modules. What struck me is that many of the questions on the quizzes at the end of each module asked lots of questions about "computereze" things.....
a. zipping files when there are multiple file types to submit for an assignment
b. clicking on the "Home" icon takes you to....
This was the first time I've realized how difficult it must be to create an online education program with the varying degrees of competence of the users. I can't imagine the volume of calls the HELP desk receives.
a. zipping files when there are multiple file types to submit for an assignment
b. clicking on the "Home" icon takes you to....
This was the first time I've realized how difficult it must be to create an online education program with the varying degrees of competence of the users. I can't imagine the volume of calls the HELP desk receives.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
APA Style
Spent the evening trying to figure out APA formatting style for papers. APA stands for American Psychological Association. That's the required style for all papers for this university. I understand the need for some uniformity but this is ridiculous. My perception is that the "paper graders" are highly stringent about following the prescribed format to the letter. Seems like a lot of wasted energy if you ask me. I've had a number of things published in professional journals. I'd say I've gotten the format reasonably close to the publishers requirements and the journal publisher does the rest. Who knows?
Jessica's Affirmations
I think I'll use Jessica (in the you tube video below) as my reminder of the power of positive affirmations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg
Awake
at 2:00 am EST....that's midnight in Denver. Woke up worrying about getting it "all" done. Work today and Friday....hosting an event to benefit ALFA Saturday.....Father's day on Sunday......a paper to write....an online module to complete......away again next weekend. Next class starts on the 28th (online). Reality hits.
Coping strategy.....put it all in the "box" (metaphorically speaking)....and deal with it as it comes my way...one thing at a time.
Coping strategy.....put it all in the "box" (metaphorically speaking)....and deal with it as it comes my way...one thing at a time.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Home again, Home again
Arrived home safe and sound by about 6:30. Already unpacked and laid out ready to watch a little tv. Content to be home.
From 35,000 ft in the air
Usairways now has Internet access in the air. So I'm writing this entry somewhere over the middle of the country. Course 2 is now complete except for the paper. 2 down 12 courses to go. Feeling a bit of a let down to have to leave my new found friends. However looking forward to home.
More later as I begin the next step on this journey.
More later as I begin the next step on this journey.
Thought for the day
On my last day here in Denver, I start the day by sharing the following "thought" from "TUT.com".
"Throughout the hallowed ages, those in the unseen have always marveled at the accomplishments and creations of humankind. Whether a sandcastle or a skyscraper; a painting or a poem; they're humbled by your ability to reflect, to engineer, to craft, and to create something that has never before existed within time and space.
But it's not the creation that impresses; these all exist here to the nth degree. It's the persistence and determination of the seemingly mortal dreamer who steadfastly holds a new thought in mind, either of the creation or of its inevitable success, and moves with it, even while the rest of the world is content dreaming their father's dreams.
This is what is admired; not just because it's so rare, but because it is so, even when such innovative potential lies within all.
Cool, huh?
The Universe"
"Throughout the hallowed ages, those in the unseen have always marveled at the accomplishments and creations of humankind. Whether a sandcastle or a skyscraper; a painting or a poem; they're humbled by your ability to reflect, to engineer, to craft, and to create something that has never before existed within time and space.
But it's not the creation that impresses; these all exist here to the nth degree. It's the persistence and determination of the seemingly mortal dreamer who steadfastly holds a new thought in mind, either of the creation or of its inevitable success, and moves with it, even while the rest of the world is content dreaming their father's dreams.
This is what is admired; not just because it's so rare, but because it is so, even when such innovative potential lies within all.
Cool, huh?
The Universe"
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
My final evening in Denver
Well I have almost made it through two full courses. We'll finish up tomorrow mid-day and I'll be on my way back to North Carolina. It's 8:25 pm now here in Denver. The daily learning schedule has tended to spill over into dinner many evenings.
Am I glad I did this? Absolutely. No doubt in my mind that it is the right time in my life for me to do this. It is intellectually stimulating. I'll be able to immediately incorporate the knowledge I have gained into my work and be a better leader.
In this last course, I have gained a ton of knowledge about "policy and politics."
Below is a list of websites and journals that are recommended by the professor to help keep up with policy/politics:
healthaffairs.com
fedstats.gov
hschange.com
nashp.org
ncpa.org
stateline.org
TED.com
healthaffairs.org
economist.com
modernhealthcare.com
rwjf.org
kff.org
cmwf.org
Time to pack now. Looking forward to being home tomorrow night.
Am I glad I did this? Absolutely. No doubt in my mind that it is the right time in my life for me to do this. It is intellectually stimulating. I'll be able to immediately incorporate the knowledge I have gained into my work and be a better leader.
In this last course, I have gained a ton of knowledge about "policy and politics."
Below is a list of websites and journals that are recommended by the professor to help keep up with policy/politics:
healthaffairs.com
fedstats.gov
hschange.com
nashp.org
ncpa.org
stateline.org
TED.com
healthaffairs.org
economist.com
modernhealthcare.com
rwjf.org
kff.org
cmwf.org
Time to pack now. Looking forward to being home tomorrow night.
Last FULL Day of Class
This morning will be "Women's Health" and "Aging" policy. This afternoon will be more individual student presentations taking a position on a policy issue related to health care reform.
An interesting statistic I learned yesterday -- last year 25% of the master's degree's in nursing were completed via online programs.
An interesting statistic I learned yesterday -- last year 25% of the master's degree's in nursing were completed via online programs.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Grateful
I am grateful that I have a wonderful home and family in North Carolina.
I am grateful that I have a fantastic career, surrounded by unsurpassed professional colleagues.
I am grateful for the deep and abiding friendships in my life.
I am grateful to have good food to eat....cause lord knows I love to eat.
I am immensely grateful that I am continuing to learn new things.
And finally, I am immensely grateful to have completed day 8 of this 10 day "intensive" doctoral marathon. That brings up a thought.......this gives all new meaning to the term "intensive care" for me.
I am grateful that I have a fantastic career, surrounded by unsurpassed professional colleagues.
I am grateful for the deep and abiding friendships in my life.
I am grateful to have good food to eat....cause lord knows I love to eat.
I am immensely grateful that I am continuing to learn new things.
And finally, I am immensely grateful to have completed day 8 of this 10 day "intensive" doctoral marathon. That brings up a thought.......this gives all new meaning to the term "intensive care" for me.
Monday AM
I hear it is oppressively hot in North Carolina. Here is Denver it is 48 degrees this morning. It's been cold and rainy all weekend. The rain is anticipated through Tuesday or Wednesday. Hasn't really mattered to me all that much since I'm in class all the time anyway.
No time to write much this morning. The lecture topic I'm assigned for the morning is "What is essential healthcare." I have 45 minutes to facilitate class dialogue on this particular subject.
And finally, a "lesson learned" that I'd like to share. One of my classmates birthday is today -- Roy turns 60 years old today. The lesson....we're never too old to learn.
No time to write much this morning. The lecture topic I'm assigned for the morning is "What is essential healthcare." I have 45 minutes to facilitate class dialogue on this particular subject.
And finally, a "lesson learned" that I'd like to share. One of my classmates birthday is today -- Roy turns 60 years old today. The lesson....we're never too old to learn.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday PM
Wow. It's been a really long and intense day. I'm just back to my room a little after 9pm. We started at 8 am today. We had a little later start yesterday so we had some "time" to make up.
Today's topics were very stimulating. This is a "Health Policy" course. It's all about policy and politics. On the surface it sounds boring but each seminar (in 4 hour blocks) has been fascinating to participate in.
The first seminar of the day was titled Health Policy and Politics of Health. We delved into two different organizations and their positions about health care reform. The organizations were AARP (supportive of health care reform) and US Chamber of Commerce (opposed healthcare reform). My bottom line take away is that policy and politics are about money and relationships....and sometimes the greater good is served. But usually the greater good is an after-thought.
The second seminar (4 hours) was titled "Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing Population Health Problems." We dug into the history of the Public Health System and where it has evolved to today. My take away from this session was...health care reform is going to pay for "sick care;" meanwhile well care and prevention programs will continue to suffer.
The evening seminar was titled "Preparing for Terrorism." We picked apart the oil spill in the gulf. Dr. Garner (the Dean) facilitated this session. Even though this event was an industrial accident, it could just as easily been the result of a terrorist attack. We had a deep and stimulating discussion about the how the policy and politics of this is playing out.
I'm enjoying this. Am ready to finish up though and return home. I get to go home Wednesday evening. By then, I'll have 2 courses behind me (except for the big paper that I have to write for the policy class).
I can't remember if I wrote about the dissertation yesterday or not. Bottom line, I have a pretty good idea of what I'll do my dissertation on -- effective models or traits for leadership transitions within an organization. This is going to be a huge issue as the baby boomer workforce retires over the next 15 years. Much of America's intellectual and practical experience and wisdom will be moving out of the workforce. What can we learn from prior experiences with effective leadership handoffs -- that'll most likely be my research topic.
It's time for some sleep now. Another long day tomorrow.
(counter at 427 hits as of this writing)
Today's topics were very stimulating. This is a "Health Policy" course. It's all about policy and politics. On the surface it sounds boring but each seminar (in 4 hour blocks) has been fascinating to participate in.
The first seminar of the day was titled Health Policy and Politics of Health. We delved into two different organizations and their positions about health care reform. The organizations were AARP (supportive of health care reform) and US Chamber of Commerce (opposed healthcare reform). My bottom line take away is that policy and politics are about money and relationships....and sometimes the greater good is served. But usually the greater good is an after-thought.
The second seminar (4 hours) was titled "Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing Population Health Problems." We dug into the history of the Public Health System and where it has evolved to today. My take away from this session was...health care reform is going to pay for "sick care;" meanwhile well care and prevention programs will continue to suffer.
The evening seminar was titled "Preparing for Terrorism." We picked apart the oil spill in the gulf. Dr. Garner (the Dean) facilitated this session. Even though this event was an industrial accident, it could just as easily been the result of a terrorist attack. We had a deep and stimulating discussion about the how the policy and politics of this is playing out.
I'm enjoying this. Am ready to finish up though and return home. I get to go home Wednesday evening. By then, I'll have 2 courses behind me (except for the big paper that I have to write for the policy class).
I can't remember if I wrote about the dissertation yesterday or not. Bottom line, I have a pretty good idea of what I'll do my dissertation on -- effective models or traits for leadership transitions within an organization. This is going to be a huge issue as the baby boomer workforce retires over the next 15 years. Much of America's intellectual and practical experience and wisdom will be moving out of the workforce. What can we learn from prior experiences with effective leadership handoffs -- that'll most likely be my research topic.
It's time for some sleep now. Another long day tomorrow.
(counter at 427 hits as of this writing)
Sunday
Hmmm...what to say when I have a lot on my mind....and not much of it's good?
Decision...keep it upbeat.
1. This is a marathon not a sprint.
2. Last week's leadership theme was a lot about effective leaders being able to control their ego. Let's just say I'm now getting to apply that knowledge.
The course I am in now is "Health Policy." Yesterday's seminar question was about whether health coverage for all will improve the overall health of the country. After much debate, the concensus was "no." Most of the funding for insurance coverage will go to "sick care" which will likely further rob any wellness programs that exist.
One point that I found fascinating was "within 5 years, 60% of each states budget will be going to healthcare. Where will the money come from? Most likely education." Does this translate to a future for us where we will spend our money on addressing the results of our bad health habits all the while getting dumber and dumber as a nation.
Decision...keep it upbeat.
1. This is a marathon not a sprint.
2. Last week's leadership theme was a lot about effective leaders being able to control their ego. Let's just say I'm now getting to apply that knowledge.
The course I am in now is "Health Policy." Yesterday's seminar question was about whether health coverage for all will improve the overall health of the country. After much debate, the concensus was "no." Most of the funding for insurance coverage will go to "sick care" which will likely further rob any wellness programs that exist.
One point that I found fascinating was "within 5 years, 60% of each states budget will be going to healthcare. Where will the money come from? Most likely education." Does this translate to a future for us where we will spend our money on addressing the results of our bad health habits all the while getting dumber and dumber as a nation.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Yesterday we finished class at noon. We had the afternoon off for rest and respite. Getting a nap in was nice. My brain needed it.
Most of our group met in the lobby to go to dinner at 6:00 pm. The school has a mini-van rental available for our use so we took it. The directions we had sucked -- it literally took us over an hour to find the place. Turns out there are two "Hampden" roads...and guess what....we had the wrong one mapquested. Joy, our faculty mentor, went with us. Joy phoned the restaurant and after about 30 minutes of navigation help we finally arrived.
Today we will meet at 10:00 am to learn more about the dissertation/project requirements. Then at noon we begin the new course -- Health Policy.
No great words of wisdom today other than.....when one's brain needs rest....rest it.
(Note to self: 360 hits as of this posting).
Most of our group met in the lobby to go to dinner at 6:00 pm. The school has a mini-van rental available for our use so we took it. The directions we had sucked -- it literally took us over an hour to find the place. Turns out there are two "Hampden" roads...and guess what....we had the wrong one mapquested. Joy, our faculty mentor, went with us. Joy phoned the restaurant and after about 30 minutes of navigation help we finally arrived.
Today we will meet at 10:00 am to learn more about the dissertation/project requirements. Then at noon we begin the new course -- Health Policy.
No great words of wisdom today other than.....when one's brain needs rest....rest it.
(Note to self: 360 hits as of this posting).
The Course Title from the "Executive Leadership" DNP Program
1. Leadership (June 2010)
2. Health Policy (June 2010)
3. Business Intelligence4. Quality Management
5. Health Services Research
6. Technology
7. Finance
8. Statistics (June 2011)
9. Research Project 1 (June 2011)
10. Advanced Statistics or Qualitative Research11. Strategic Leadership
12. Strategic Planning
13. Research Project 2
14. Research Project 3
14 courses; 42 semester hours.
The "maroon" shaded courses are the "residency" courses -- meaning they are taught "in person" in Colorado over a 10 day period.
Anticipated completion of the program is May, 2012.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Our Leaders This Week
Dr. Val Gokenback (Leadership Professor)
Dr. Catherine Garner (Provost and Dean, Health Professions; American Sentinel University)
Dr. Joy Green-Hadden (DNP Cohort Mentor)
1 COURSE DOWN, 13 TO GO
Val (our Leadership Professor), Chris, Carol, Eddie, Ellen, Roy, Kim, Deb, Dr. Joy (our program mentor)
I'm curious about who's reading this?
I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a "comment" with your name if you're reading this. Just curious.
Friday, June 11, 2010
By noon today, the first course will be complete....One down, thirteen to go. The morning will be spent with each student presenting their "synthesis" of the content presented from the week.
Below is a photo that I took from my hotel room last night as the sun was setting behind the Colorado Rockies.
Below is a photo that I took from my hotel room last night as the sun was setting behind the Colorado Rockies.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010 (End of the Day)
Another fantastic (and grueling) day. The content presented today was just fantastic. Dr. G (Val) brings the theory to life with her real life examples. What a fantastic teacher she is.
I'll be brief tonight since I've spent the evening working on the powerpoint presentation I have to do tomorrow. It is a synthesis of the entire week's content. The topic is "My Signature Leadership Style." Each person in the class will be presenting on the same topic.
A few of the LESSONS LEARNED from my notes today are:
For profits comprise 40% of the hospitals in the nation today. Their staffing ratios (hours of nursing care) are so low that the only saving grace for care is the mandated ratios.
Advice a mentor gave to one of my classmates:
When one thinks they are such a "big and important person" it's like presenting themselves as if they are speeding down the street in a shiny, red convertible, slam into the driveway, and blow the horn...saying...look at me....I'm so great. The real leaders come down the street on a bike, wander in the back door and sit at the kitchen table.
Effective leaders take DATA and translate it to INFORMATION. When information is used effectively it translates into KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge then translates into WISDOM.
Don’t read/study more than 20 minutes at a time. You won’t retain much.
The most important educational goal is learning to learn.
In a dry climate and a dry air hotel room, wet a towel and lay it over the a/c vent in the room….voila…instant humidifier.
More tomorrow. We are supposed to finish at noon....then have the afternoon free before we begin the next course on Saturday at 10:00 am
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Class with Today's Lecturer (Dr. Rich Schuttler)
Chris (from Syracuse NY)
Carol (from Ohio)
Roy (from Atlanta)
Ellen (from Kansas City
Kim (from Atlanta)
Me
Deb (from Colorado)
Dr. Rich Schuttler
Wednesday's End Thoughts
Some of today's wisdom (in no particular order) that struck a cord in me:
Communication is the responsibility of the sender (not the receiver).
Research shows that one’s average income equates to the average salaries of the 5 people you hang out with all the time.
Common sense is not so common.
A clever way to curtail cell phone interruptions in a meeting is to agree up front that anyone who lets their cell phone ring during the meeting agrees to write a $25 check to their favorite charity.
McDonald’s turnover is 300% each year.
What got you here, won’t get you there.
Can take a 250 watt bulb and put it in a lamp and light a room. If you put it in a laser you can cut steel. Focus, focus, focus.
When you’re in a crisis and have to resort to paying staff “double time” – it’s like giving them a drug.
Leaders shouldn’t be looking for perfection; but, rather for synthesis.
The attention span of the human being is 20 seconds; every 20 seconds your mind wanders to something else
There is no such thing as “best practice”..there’s only “better practice.”
Communication is the responsibility of the sender (not the receiver).
Research shows that one’s average income equates to the average salaries of the 5 people you hang out with all the time.
Common sense is not so common.
A clever way to curtail cell phone interruptions in a meeting is to agree up front that anyone who lets their cell phone ring during the meeting agrees to write a $25 check to their favorite charity.
McDonald’s turnover is 300% each year.
What got you here, won’t get you there.
Can take a 250 watt bulb and put it in a lamp and light a room. If you put it in a laser you can cut steel. Focus, focus, focus.
When you’re in a crisis and have to resort to paying staff “double time” – it’s like giving them a drug.
Leaders shouldn’t be looking for perfection; but, rather for synthesis.
The attention span of the human being is 20 seconds; every 20 seconds your mind wanders to something else
There is no such thing as “best practice”..there’s only “better practice.”
Day 3 AM -- Wednesday June 9, 2010
This morning I woke at 4:45 am, which is 15 more minutes of sleep than yesterday. I'll take every extra minute afforded me, especially since my sleep is still on a North Carolina schedule.
One thing that is slowly sinking into my brain is that the earlier I know what type of "final" project I want to do, the better off I will be. I'm meeting with Dr. G (the dean) later this week to bat around some of my ideas.
During the professor's lectures this week, she has given us tips and ideas about the final project/dissertation. She suggested a process called story boarding, where you post a roll of white butcher paper on the wall and divide it into categories. Then as you come up with ideas, things that need follow through, etc., you write those on sticky notes (which you know I'll color code) and post them in the different categories. If it turns out something needs to change position, you just move the sticky and your thoughts stay organized. She also recommends a book called "Writing Your Dissertation in 15 minutes per day."
Somehow, I suspect it will take a lot of 15 minutes to finish that, though.
Another pearl I've picked up.....the aim is to get the project done. The project is not one's life work. That may be a later choice. The goal is to finish the project, get the grade and degree and get out. If it needs to be transformed into some grandiose study or book or series of articles later, that's possible. In the meantime the lesson is: "Getterdone."
Something I forgot to mention yesterday. Dr. G handed out the Health Policy course schedule. She's worked in a Saturday morning "off." We don't actually start till class till noon on Saturday. The trade-off is that the schedule on Sunday is: 8 am to Noon, 1pm -5pm, and 7-9pm.
The good news is that the we will have 4 weeks after this session to do the paper for this class rather than the 2 weeks I had anticipated.
One thing that is slowly sinking into my brain is that the earlier I know what type of "final" project I want to do, the better off I will be. I'm meeting with Dr. G (the dean) later this week to bat around some of my ideas.
During the professor's lectures this week, she has given us tips and ideas about the final project/dissertation. She suggested a process called story boarding, where you post a roll of white butcher paper on the wall and divide it into categories. Then as you come up with ideas, things that need follow through, etc., you write those on sticky notes (which you know I'll color code) and post them in the different categories. If it turns out something needs to change position, you just move the sticky and your thoughts stay organized. She also recommends a book called "Writing Your Dissertation in 15 minutes per day."
Somehow, I suspect it will take a lot of 15 minutes to finish that, though.
Another pearl I've picked up.....the aim is to get the project done. The project is not one's life work. That may be a later choice. The goal is to finish the project, get the grade and degree and get out. If it needs to be transformed into some grandiose study or book or series of articles later, that's possible. In the meantime the lesson is: "Getterdone."
Something I forgot to mention yesterday. Dr. G handed out the Health Policy course schedule. She's worked in a Saturday morning "off." We don't actually start till class till noon on Saturday. The trade-off is that the schedule on Sunday is: 8 am to Noon, 1pm -5pm, and 7-9pm.
The good news is that the we will have 4 weeks after this session to do the paper for this class rather than the 2 weeks I had anticipated.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 2 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)
This is Day 2 of the "immersion" launch into the program.
Several noteworthy things occurred today.
First, I was able to sleep until 4:30 am this morning. That's an improvement over yesterday's 2:30 am, but it's still early. I read till around 5:30 then got up and dressed to go down to the gym and exercise. The gym was small and packed with no cardio equipment available so I decided to go outside and follow the trek that I followed yesterday.
I was clipping along at a pretty good pace when I noticed a bunch of receipts strewn across the sidewalk and pavement. I looked at it thinking it was just trash on the sidewalk and it really didn't sink in. As I was returning via the same route, though, curiousity got the better of me and I stopped and looked more closely at the papers strewn across the sidewalk.
Then I caught a glimpse of a ladies wallet in the grass. It hit me....this wasn't just random litter, but someone's purse had been stolen and the contents that weren't wanted tossed. As I looked closer at the papers sure enough there were receipts, a social security card, children's photos, etc. I gathered everything up....feeling kinda odd that this was the scene of a crime...but I gathered it all up as well as the wallet and carted it back to the hotel with me. I informed the desk and asked for a large envelope. They produced one and I wrote a note about where I found the stuff and my contact info. I asked them to notify the police. They agreed.
I checked back in before class started to make sure they had followed through with reporting this. The staff stated they were waiting on the manager to arrive before calling the police. That felt a bit odd since I figured the sooner this could be communicated to the police, the sooner the rightful owner could be communicated with and maybe reduce their anxiety. If I were doing it again, I'd probably copy down the ID information and try to call her myself.
Now on to class info today. Whereas yesterday was all kinds of exercises designed to get us to look inward, today's content was 100% theory.
I loved it. I chewed on every word spoken by the lecturer and already feel like I've learned a great deal to work into my practice.
One thing I've noticed is that the gap in my current knowledge and the content being presented is much narrower than when I was in a master's or bachelor's degree programs. I think that makes this so much more interesting when I'm able to connect closely with the content. I can actually think of different applications for the theory that we're discussing, and how they can be worked into our facility. I suspect that the lens of experience makes it easier to focus on those details and the application than it was earlier in my career, when so much of what I learned was just abstract theory.
Several other things that stuck in my mind from today's dialogue are:
a. less than 1% of the nurses in this country have earned a Doctoral Degree.
b. it feels odd to be referred to as a "Doctoral Student."
c. the closer you get to the top, the closer you are to the curb.
The down side is that class went too long today. We didn't finish until 5:30 and it was painful to sit from 8am on with only a 10 minute break in the morning and afternoon and 30 minutes at lunch. I'm whooped.
Tonights work was to organize the presentation I have to do on Friday. Each student has to do a "synthesis" powerpoint presentation from the week's content.
Tomorrow's content is on "communication." The school is flying in the author of the textbook we read on communication. I'm excited about getting to meet him.
Several noteworthy things occurred today.
First, I was able to sleep until 4:30 am this morning. That's an improvement over yesterday's 2:30 am, but it's still early. I read till around 5:30 then got up and dressed to go down to the gym and exercise. The gym was small and packed with no cardio equipment available so I decided to go outside and follow the trek that I followed yesterday.
I was clipping along at a pretty good pace when I noticed a bunch of receipts strewn across the sidewalk and pavement. I looked at it thinking it was just trash on the sidewalk and it really didn't sink in. As I was returning via the same route, though, curiousity got the better of me and I stopped and looked more closely at the papers strewn across the sidewalk.
Then I caught a glimpse of a ladies wallet in the grass. It hit me....this wasn't just random litter, but someone's purse had been stolen and the contents that weren't wanted tossed. As I looked closer at the papers sure enough there were receipts, a social security card, children's photos, etc. I gathered everything up....feeling kinda odd that this was the scene of a crime...but I gathered it all up as well as the wallet and carted it back to the hotel with me. I informed the desk and asked for a large envelope. They produced one and I wrote a note about where I found the stuff and my contact info. I asked them to notify the police. They agreed.
I checked back in before class started to make sure they had followed through with reporting this. The staff stated they were waiting on the manager to arrive before calling the police. That felt a bit odd since I figured the sooner this could be communicated to the police, the sooner the rightful owner could be communicated with and maybe reduce their anxiety. If I were doing it again, I'd probably copy down the ID information and try to call her myself.
Now on to class info today. Whereas yesterday was all kinds of exercises designed to get us to look inward, today's content was 100% theory.
I loved it. I chewed on every word spoken by the lecturer and already feel like I've learned a great deal to work into my practice.
One thing I've noticed is that the gap in my current knowledge and the content being presented is much narrower than when I was in a master's or bachelor's degree programs. I think that makes this so much more interesting when I'm able to connect closely with the content. I can actually think of different applications for the theory that we're discussing, and how they can be worked into our facility. I suspect that the lens of experience makes it easier to focus on those details and the application than it was earlier in my career, when so much of what I learned was just abstract theory.
Several other things that stuck in my mind from today's dialogue are:
a. less than 1% of the nurses in this country have earned a Doctoral Degree.
b. it feels odd to be referred to as a "Doctoral Student."
c. the closer you get to the top, the closer you are to the curb.
The down side is that class went too long today. We didn't finish until 5:30 and it was painful to sit from 8am on with only a 10 minute break in the morning and afternoon and 30 minutes at lunch. I'm whooped.
Tonights work was to organize the presentation I have to do on Friday. Each student has to do a "synthesis" powerpoint presentation from the week's content.
Tomorrow's content is on "communication." The school is flying in the author of the textbook we read on communication. I'm excited about getting to meet him.
Monday, June 7, 2010
End of Day 1 (Monday, June 7, 2010)
The first course is about immersing oneself in "Who Am I As A Leader -- and Who Do I Want To Be As A Leader?" aka Leadership.
Val Gokenbach is the professor for this first course. Today's content was all about us as individuals -- our rhythms, values, stressors, response to stressors. We also explored ourselves through a number of exercises that caused us to examine our personal patterns of nutrition, rest, and exercise -- the Trifecta of Health. The overall theory is that excellent leaders are in tune with the above and are able to self-correct when something is off course.
A couple of things that stuck with me today were:
a. Excellent leaders hire for competency not for comfort, i.e., we need to hire people who are competent in the things we are less competent in.
b. Our thoughts dictate success -- training ones self to be positive separates the most effective leaders from less effective leaders. We each individually own our thought patterns.
c. Several acronyms as ways to ask people to remind you when you're getting off course, i.e., "BOB" = "Back off bitch" or "SOM" = "Scarlett Ohara Moment."
d. Ask yourself..."What would you do today if you knew you could not fail?"
e. "Going through life is just a bunch of moments....don't miss out on any of them...and wait around and the moments will soon change."
f. Leaders won't be able to say "thank you" if they are not grateful.
In summary...today was all about understanding that "ego" makes or breaks a leader. Those who are able to tame their ego and connect with others are the most effective leaders.
Overall it was a great first day.
We had homework to attend afterwards, plus most of us in the class have committed to walk for half an hour before dinner each evening.
Val Gokenbach is the professor for this first course. Today's content was all about us as individuals -- our rhythms, values, stressors, response to stressors. We also explored ourselves through a number of exercises that caused us to examine our personal patterns of nutrition, rest, and exercise -- the Trifecta of Health. The overall theory is that excellent leaders are in tune with the above and are able to self-correct when something is off course.
A couple of things that stuck with me today were:
a. Excellent leaders hire for competency not for comfort, i.e., we need to hire people who are competent in the things we are less competent in.
b. Our thoughts dictate success -- training ones self to be positive separates the most effective leaders from less effective leaders. We each individually own our thought patterns.
c. Several acronyms as ways to ask people to remind you when you're getting off course, i.e., "BOB" = "Back off bitch" or "SOM" = "Scarlett Ohara Moment."
d. Ask yourself..."What would you do today if you knew you could not fail?"
e. "Going through life is just a bunch of moments....don't miss out on any of them...and wait around and the moments will soon change."
f. Leaders won't be able to say "thank you" if they are not grateful.
In summary...today was all about understanding that "ego" makes or breaks a leader. Those who are able to tame their ego and connect with others are the most effective leaders.
Overall it was a great first day.
We had homework to attend afterwards, plus most of us in the class have committed to walk for half an hour before dinner each evening.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The first day of class was much like it was when I started First grade.
I woke up way too early. In this case, it was at 2:30 in the morning, which translates from Colorado to North Carolina as my normal wake-up time.
It's tough to wake that early knowing you have to be attentive all day.
This was the first time in about 21 years since I've been a student in school It's a little different than when I was getting my Masters Degree.
Specifically, things I noticed about my classmates that was different than the last time I was in school:
a. We all pulled out our reading glasses
b. We all used laptops and blackberries
The day started with the Dean of the Program's welcome. She explained to us that doctoral education is a collaborative practice between/amongst students and faculty, as opposed to a Master's program which is much more independent. She described the program as "a way to widen your lens in how you view things." The mission of the program is to develop graduates to create strategic change in healthcare.
The core courses of the program are:
Leadership -- who are you as a leader?
Health Policy
Informatics -- Business Intelligence -- How to use the data that comes from informatics
Research and Evidence Based Practice
She also explained that our final "project" at the end of the two years is open to all kinds of options -- a traditional dissertation, a book, a series of articles, etc.
It was nice that the Dean, while not teaching any of the classes until the end of the week, was on site much of the time and was very involved in the discussions and activities.
I woke up way too early. In this case, it was at 2:30 in the morning, which translates from Colorado to North Carolina as my normal wake-up time.
It's tough to wake that early knowing you have to be attentive all day.
This was the first time in about 21 years since I've been a student in school It's a little different than when I was getting my Masters Degree.
Specifically, things I noticed about my classmates that was different than the last time I was in school:
a. We all pulled out our reading glasses
b. We all used laptops and blackberries
The day started with the Dean of the Program's welcome. She explained to us that doctoral education is a collaborative practice between/amongst students and faculty, as opposed to a Master's program which is much more independent. She described the program as "a way to widen your lens in how you view things." The mission of the program is to develop graduates to create strategic change in healthcare.
The core courses of the program are:
Leadership -- who are you as a leader?
Health Policy
Informatics -- Business Intelligence -- How to use the data that comes from informatics
Research and Evidence Based Practice
She also explained that our final "project" at the end of the two years is open to all kinds of options -- a traditional dissertation, a book, a series of articles, etc.
It was nice that the Dean, while not teaching any of the classes until the end of the week, was on site much of the time and was very involved in the discussions and activities.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Arrived In Aurora, Colordo
It's Sunday, June 6 - the anniversary of D-Day, which is somehow appropriate. I feel like an invader.
The day began very early, hauling a 48 pound suitcase with all of my clothes and a carry on with at least 25 pounds of books down to go to the airport.
The program I'm in is through American Sentinel University, and our initial session is in Aurora, Colorado, just out of Denver. The first thing I noticed is that it's very hot and very dry here. I had lots of time to notice this, during the 30 minute ride from the airport to the hotel.
Someone recently reminded me that undertaking this degree is a marathon not a sprint. When I break into a sprint would someone please remind me about the marathon?
Once I got unpacked and organized, I took a short snooze. That wake up call, along with all the energy that went into getting ready for this, had worn me out.
I wanted to make sure my brain was well rested for tomorrow's leg of the marathon.
The day began very early, hauling a 48 pound suitcase with all of my clothes and a carry on with at least 25 pounds of books down to go to the airport.
The program I'm in is through American Sentinel University, and our initial session is in Aurora, Colorado, just out of Denver. The first thing I noticed is that it's very hot and very dry here. I had lots of time to notice this, during the 30 minute ride from the airport to the hotel.
Someone recently reminded me that undertaking this degree is a marathon not a sprint. When I break into a sprint would someone please remind me about the marathon?
Once I got unpacked and organized, I took a short snooze. That wake up call, along with all the energy that went into getting ready for this, had worn me out.
I wanted to make sure my brain was well rested for tomorrow's leg of the marathon.
What is the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree?
The genesis of this degree originated in 2004 when the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) approved a position statement on the DNP. In 2007, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) published their support of the DNP role as a terminal degree option for practice-focused nursing.
The major difference between the DNP and the PhD is that the DNP is practice focused and the PhD is research focused.
The DNP is said to build on advanced practice specialization and provide additional preparation in the formulation, interpretation, and utilization of
a. evidence-based practices,
b. health policy,
c. information technology, and
d. leadership.
Over the past several years, I've observed the dissent within the profession about adding yet another educational degree in nursing to further confuse those not in the nursing world.
What does all that mean? It boils down to this -- a DNP will hopefully help me be better at the things that I already do -- help create and guide new programs within the healthcare system, breath new life into systems that we have, and work with the people who implement those programs to make things better for our facility and our patients.
I'm proud to be a nurse, and of the years that I spent as a front-line caregiver for hundreds of patients. I recognized several years ago, though, that my contribution was more in leadership than continuing to be a direct caregiver.
I think this program offers a very worthwhile credential to those who focus on administrative practice in nursing rather than on research. It will help me continue to improve my contribution to health care by learning new ways to do things.
The major difference between the DNP and the PhD is that the DNP is practice focused and the PhD is research focused.
The DNP is said to build on advanced practice specialization and provide additional preparation in the formulation, interpretation, and utilization of
a. evidence-based practices,
b. health policy,
c. information technology, and
d. leadership.
Over the past several years, I've observed the dissent within the profession about adding yet another educational degree in nursing to further confuse those not in the nursing world.
What does all that mean? It boils down to this -- a DNP will hopefully help me be better at the things that I already do -- help create and guide new programs within the healthcare system, breath new life into systems that we have, and work with the people who implement those programs to make things better for our facility and our patients.
I'm proud to be a nurse, and of the years that I spent as a front-line caregiver for hundreds of patients. I recognized several years ago, though, that my contribution was more in leadership than continuing to be a direct caregiver.
I think this program offers a very worthwhile credential to those who focus on administrative practice in nursing rather than on research. It will help me continue to improve my contribution to health care by learning new ways to do things.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Today proved that despite whatever aspirations I may have, the rest of the world continues to go on despite the extra things I have to do.
The dishwasher went on the fritz, followed by the ice maker in the fridge. Thus, while I'm hoping to pack there's a repairman with the kitchen in complete chaos.
Along with this, we've decided that we don't need a dining room but we do need another home office. We've shared a home office in the past, but really need more space, especially a table so that I can spread out projects undisturbed if I need to. This means computer cabling, electricity (since the wiring won't handle another electrical appliance without more circuits). As a result, we've had contractors in, all the dining room furniture is stacked into the living room and hallway and the dust from holes being cut in the walls is wafting up to settle on most everything.
This is while clothes are spread all over the beds in two rooms so that I can figure out what constitutes the "bare essentials" to exist in a hotel for ten days and have some vision of maybe taking a nap this afternoon, since I've been up since before 5:00 a.m.
At 9:00 this morning some of my classmates and I had a conference call to talk about what's happening. Overall, there's a lot of excitement and some anxiousness on the part of everyone.
The program starts with 10 days in Denver (Aurora), Colorado, where we will finish two classes (6 credit hours). No breaks, we go straight through. After that, most of the work is done online with only a couple of weeks breaks between classes.
This is the schedule for the next two and a half years or so.
Most of us started the reading last month. I've discovered one of the books available in audio format, so have been listening to it as well as reading it.
I'm surprised at how excited I am to start school again. Although I'm a bit apprehensive, I'm looking forward to it.
The dishwasher went on the fritz, followed by the ice maker in the fridge. Thus, while I'm hoping to pack there's a repairman with the kitchen in complete chaos.
Along with this, we've decided that we don't need a dining room but we do need another home office. We've shared a home office in the past, but really need more space, especially a table so that I can spread out projects undisturbed if I need to. This means computer cabling, electricity (since the wiring won't handle another electrical appliance without more circuits). As a result, we've had contractors in, all the dining room furniture is stacked into the living room and hallway and the dust from holes being cut in the walls is wafting up to settle on most everything.
This is while clothes are spread all over the beds in two rooms so that I can figure out what constitutes the "bare essentials" to exist in a hotel for ten days and have some vision of maybe taking a nap this afternoon, since I've been up since before 5:00 a.m.
At 9:00 this morning some of my classmates and I had a conference call to talk about what's happening. Overall, there's a lot of excitement and some anxiousness on the part of everyone.
The program starts with 10 days in Denver (Aurora), Colorado, where we will finish two classes (6 credit hours). No breaks, we go straight through. After that, most of the work is done online with only a couple of weeks breaks between classes.
This is the schedule for the next two and a half years or so.
Most of us started the reading last month. I've discovered one of the books available in audio format, so have been listening to it as well as reading it.
I'm surprised at how excited I am to start school again. Although I'm a bit apprehensive, I'm looking forward to it.
The decision to return to school
A decision has been made. I've pondered it for years, but previously didn't commit to act on my thoughts.
So why, as I approach my 5th decade of life, have I decided to return to school to get another degree?
Maybe it's the fact that I'm reflecting on what I want to accomplish with the last 1/3rd of my life, and it's time to act so that I don't waste any more time.
Maybe it's that the programs have changed, and there are now options available for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) that focuses on my goals and career rather than trying to move everyone into a research-type program.
Life is good now. I've been professionally successful, have accomplished many new and innovative things, enjoy my job and like the people I work with. This isn't a degree being sought in anticipation of changing to another organization. This degree, while it will impact my professional credentials, is the first that is as much for my psyche as well as my career.
I have espoused the value of life-long learning my entire career....returning to school is a good reminder to demonstrate that I am willing to live up to what I advocate to others as a "good thing."
I also think that I'm ready to learn more. A career that doesn't require life-long learning can become boring eventually. I'm not bored. I still get up and like going to work. I just know in my gut, though, that the time is right for me to go back to school.
The final thing that plays into this is the ability it provides me to role-model for my children. The twins start their senior year of High School next fall; my youngest son will begin his freshman year in High School. They've seen me go to conferences and seminars in the past, but those tend to be in "fun" places. Other than the fact that Dad goes off for a few hours while they're at the beach, they've not seen the reading or papers or real work that goes into staying current in a career. Most learning doesn't happen at the beach. I expect them to buckle down and study next year, and in exchange for that I'll be writing those tuition checks. I want them to see that I can put in that work, too.
So why, as I approach my 5th decade of life, have I decided to return to school to get another degree?
Maybe it's the fact that I'm reflecting on what I want to accomplish with the last 1/3rd of my life, and it's time to act so that I don't waste any more time.
Maybe it's that the programs have changed, and there are now options available for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) that focuses on my goals and career rather than trying to move everyone into a research-type program.
Life is good now. I've been professionally successful, have accomplished many new and innovative things, enjoy my job and like the people I work with. This isn't a degree being sought in anticipation of changing to another organization. This degree, while it will impact my professional credentials, is the first that is as much for my psyche as well as my career.
I have espoused the value of life-long learning my entire career....returning to school is a good reminder to demonstrate that I am willing to live up to what I advocate to others as a "good thing."
I also think that I'm ready to learn more. A career that doesn't require life-long learning can become boring eventually. I'm not bored. I still get up and like going to work. I just know in my gut, though, that the time is right for me to go back to school.
The final thing that plays into this is the ability it provides me to role-model for my children. The twins start their senior year of High School next fall; my youngest son will begin his freshman year in High School. They've seen me go to conferences and seminars in the past, but those tend to be in "fun" places. Other than the fact that Dad goes off for a few hours while they're at the beach, they've not seen the reading or papers or real work that goes into staying current in a career. Most learning doesn't happen at the beach. I expect them to buckle down and study next year, and in exchange for that I'll be writing those tuition checks. I want them to see that I can put in that work, too.
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