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Choosing a Doctoral Nursing Program: Considerations for an Online Program

Nicolette Estrada, Doctoral Student
College of Nursing
University of Arizona

Technological innovations have provided enhanced opportunities for students to obtain advanced educational degrees through the convenience of online learning. This paper will discuss some points to consider when contemplating pursuing a nursing doctoral degree through a totally online program. It is based on my personal my experience after completing two years of course work in an online program. Although it is written to help others in their decision-making, I also wanted to demonstrate that after two years of completely online classes, I have been able to retain a questionable sense of humor!

The AACN (2002) defines distance education as “separate from the traditional classroom setting” and “that teachers and learners are separate from each other.” Academic programs that feature distance education may be presented in a variety of formats and mediums. The program I experienced delivered all the required courses using web-based online technology supported by a knowledgeable support team and courses were well-planned and organized. Two weeks each August were spent at the University campus in an intensive research session, providing the opportunity for “bonding” with fellow students and connecting with our professors.

This brings us to our first point. Students in online programs may experience a sense of social isolation. Hence, it is important to develop a personal network of support and community. Generally, you cannot rely on family and friends since they likely will have no idea about the pressure and suffering you are experiencing by pursuing a doctoral education. Connect with peers currently in, or who have gone through, the program. We had an online virtual coffee shop where we could meet (have virtual coffee) and chat. In addition, I would recommend investing in a cell phone with unlimited long distance minutes. Whether you connect with one person or have a cadre of contacts, it is important to have an occasional human voice to commiserate with when that 20-page paper is due or statistics seems like Greek.

Other essential technology includes a modern computer system and Internet connections. You want to make sure you have access to quality, high-speed Internet connections. Otherwise, if you are using a 56K dial-up model, you may risk the end of the semester coming before you are able to download all your class materials. You do not need to invest in a new computer system, but it is advisable that you have a working knowledge of the computer, e-mail, and software. Even though the program may offer tech support, having a close, personal friend (or spouse) that is a computer geek is particularly advantageous for additional support and technical back-up.

Sitting at the computer will become your usual place of residence during the program. Your study environment is of utmost importance. Carefully choose your home office wall color. I personally choose green because it is known to decrease anxiety and is conducive to suicide prevention. Prepare to have a lot of surface space to stack articles, files and a myriad of papers. An online course is NOT paperless. Maintaining a stock of reams of paper and numerous printer ink cartridges is essential. Access to an online library is also critical.

Most class discussions are accomplished through asynchronous e-mail communication. It allows time for contemplation and careful reflection before posting. It also preserves your every word so carefully consider before hitting the send button and ask yourself, “Do I want these thoughts documented for all eternity? Am I presenting well-written, scholarly statements demonstrating my intellectual strengths and thoughtful processing of the assigned readings or am I exposing my ignorance, demonstrating no understanding of the assigned readings, or what anyone else is talking about??”

Then there is the importance of class participation. For online students, this requires posting responses and indicating a presence, usually through asynchronous class e-mail discussion. It is extremely important to consistently login and stay involved especially since students are graded on substantial contributions to the discussion. Not checking for several days may result in the horror of 50-100 postings accumulated. It is time-consuming to read each posting and provide thoughtful responses. Of course, there are those postings where enthusiastic classmates have taken time to comment—“I agree” or “way to go” or “good response.” This goes to the principle of posting quantity, and not necessarily quality!!

Online courses provide a sense of anonymity. This offers advantages and disadvantages. It allows students to sit at home to participate in class wearing pajamas, sweats, t-shirts, and no one will even know if you combed your hair. It encourages the introverted student to participate since posting in the discussion is required. It disallows the ebullient student from dominating the discussion. What is missing is the nonverbal feedback that you get from others when speaking in the classroom setting. You cannot see if others are nodding in agreement, displaying puzzled countenance, or if there are signs of enlightenment. Instead, for all you know, others may be sitting at their computers laughing hilariously at your inane contribution and the professor shaking his/her head in disbelief at your totally, inaccurate insightfulness. Of course, those little emoticons, such as LOL (laughing out loud), included in their posting may provide you with a hint.

Last, but not least, is the potential for disorientation to time. It is essential to have a means of tracking due dates for assignments and to adhere to the class schedule. There is no attendance in a classroom at one assigned time and place where the professor reminds you of an upcoming deadline. There is no heightened awareness of a complicated assignment brought to reality through audible groans and loud whining of classmates as the time draws near. It is up to you to be self-disciplined, keep up with the readings, and abide by the scheduled due dates.

To reiterate, key points to consider for pursuing a nursing doctoral education through an online nursing doctoral program:

  1. Prevent social isolation--develop a network of fellow students and professors.
  2. Obtain modern, quality equipment and high speed Internet.
  3. Establish technology support and resources including online access to an academic library.
  4. Develop computer skills including use of office software, navigating the Internet, and use of e-mail.
  5. Set-up an environmentally friendly area conducive to residing and studying.
  6. Do a self-evaluation regarding whether you are self-motivated, independent, disciplined, and time conscious.
  7. Assess if you are able to follow written instructions, feel at ease contacting instructors with questions, can function without immediate feedback, and are comfortable communicating through written rather than direct interaction.

In summary, I found the online approach to doctoral education rigorous, demanding, and challenging. It also has been rewarding, fulfilling, and intellectually stimulating. The flexibility has made it feasible with my work and family schedule. It has offered the opportunity to hone writing skills, achieve professional goals and to develop relationships with other students from all over the world.

References

AACN. (2002). AACN White Paper: Distance technology in nursing education. Washington: AACN.