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To become gainfully employed at a D1, R1 university in Texas, where I can start a Doctor of Nursing Education Program.

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The university I have in mind values innovation, wellness, and progress while maintaining high standards for all levels of nursing education. The Ohio State DNE program has provided countless benefits to me, and in turn to the students I teach, and I wish to further provide these benefits on a grander scale to educators and students.

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To be an innovative leader in nursing education by forming a DNE program at a large, public university in Texas. To increase the amount of nurse educators and in turn, the amount of qualified nursing students universities can accept.

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To use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from the OSU DNE program to continue to change the landscape of nursing education on a grand scale.  I want to inspire colleagues and students to embrace wellness and innovation in nursing education and improve experiences for educators, students, and patients.

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Being an achiever will give me the drive to succeed and overcome any potential obstacles. I can also leverage my relator strengths to build relationships with stakeholders and gain support for implementing a DNE program.

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This collaboration by Colbie Caillat and Sheryl Crow speaks to me. It is how I feel regarding this cohort - everyone is so supportive and present. I also always hope my students always know that I am there for them as well.

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Colbie Caillat, Sheryl Crow - I'll Be Here (Official Music Video)

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Major Milestone:

Successfully implement DNE project that will enhance Level 1 student resilience thus putting me one step closer to graduation.

Minor milestones:

1. Gain support from stakeholders and recruit participants for project implementation

2. Successfully defend project proposal

Revision: Include wellness activities for myself and my students throughout the project implementation

Mentor opportunity:

Dr. Younger constantly thinks outside of the box and is an extrovert to my introvert. She can help me find creative ways to gain stakeholder support, especially from students.

Potential Character Builder:

It may be difficult to get students interested and willing to participate in my project. I may also face reticence from faculty who do not see the benefits of resilience. I can present the evidence to both parties, in a meaningful way, to gain support.

Courage:

It will take courage to defend my project proposal. I have put much time and effort into building my project, and it will take courage and confidence in myself to present my project and complete my oral examination, hear constructive criticism, and apply it moving forward.

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Major Milestone

Graduate with DNE!

Minor Milestones:

1. Successfully defend final project and complete all courses.

2. Disseminate project findings through publication in 1 peer-reviewed journal

3. Present project at a National Conference

Mentor opportunity:

Dr. Younger is an achiever like me. She has recently (with the past 5 years) completed her doctoral education and understands the stress involved. She can be a moral support to finish strong and provide tips on how to achieve a successful defense. She is also published, and can provide helpful suggestions to ensure as smooth as possible publishing process.

Potential Character Builder:

It is highly likely that I will face rejection from journals that I hope to publish in. I need to realize that rejection is part of the publishing process, and not let it stop my from achieving my goal of publication. I can also grow professionally by applying any feedback received from the process.

Courage:

It will take courage, confidence in myself, and grit to defend my final project, especially the 30 minutes that are open to the public.

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Major Milestone

Secure a full-time, tenure track assistant professor position at a D1, R1 university in Texas or certain other states.

Minor Milestones:

1. Pass the CNE

2. Develop a teaching portfolio that includes my philosophy of teaching, evidence of teaching, presentations from my DNE education, publications, mission and vision for myself as a nurse educator

3. Discuss opportunity to implement a DNE program with potential employer

Mentor Opportunity:

Dr. Younger can use her creativity and to provide suggestions to make my portfolio stand out. She also is very idealistic, which can help me include other areas of my nursing education experience in my portfolio that I haven't considered.

Potential Character Builder:

It is entirely possible that I will not be offered employment at my university of choice. Therefore, I can see it as a character builder and use it as motivation to grow professionally, improve my portfolio, and apply for other R1, D1 universities in Texas.

Courage:

Any R1 D1 university in Texas would require a move to a different part of the state. In addition, I have never lived outside of Texas but want to push myself out of my comfort zone. Should I gain employment, it will take courage, determination, and grit to pick up my life, move, and start over, but it will be worth it.

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Major Milestone

Establish a professional presence at the new university in order to gain support for implementing a DNE program

Minor Milestones

1. Conduct a university needs assessment in collaboration with faculty and students

2. Collaborate with colleagues to develop curriculum and program proposal

Mentor Opportunity

Change is always scary. Dr. Younger is extremely adaptable and can provide sound guidance on best ways to get involved with a new university. Dr. Younger, while holding an Ed.D, is very supportive of the DNE program and can help me brainstorm ideas to gain support for developing a new program.

Potential Character Builder:

Some faculty at the new university may not see the value of a DNE program. I can present the evidence from the literature, testimonials from the classmates, and my own experiences to garner support.

Courage:

It will require courage, confidence, and determination to introduce a new program as a new faculty member, as there will possibly be some pushback from more experienced faculty who believe "if it isn't broke, then don't fix it".

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Major Milestone

Obtain university approval to implement a DNE program

Minor Milestones

1. Submit program proposal to university's academic committees for review and approval

2. Apply for accreditation from relevant nursing education accrediting bodies, addressing any feedback and recommendations

Revision: Present to the faculty regarding purpose, mission, and vision of future DNE program.

Mentor Opportunity

Dr. Younger is currently chair of our curriculum committee and is intimately familiar with gaining approval and accreditation. I know she will give me guidance, as much as she can from a different university, on approval and accreditation processes. Her achiever strength will match with my achiever strength to push past frustrations during this daunting process.

Potential Character Builder:

It is possible the university's academic committees may reject or revise the program proposal. It is also highly likely that there will be numerous hurdles to climb with the accrediting body. I can network with other colleagues who have implemented new programs to grow professionally and determine the best path forward to implement a DNE program.

Courage:

Rejection is always a possibility when submitting a program for review and approval, both to the university and the accrediting agency. It will take courage to submit to both and face rejection or revision of something that I care about and will have worked hard on.

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My mentor is Dr. Allison Younger, an assistant professor at my university. I met with Dr. Younger on 2/27/2025 to discuss my progress in the DNE program, my ideas for my final project, and my 5 year plan, including major and minor milestones. Dr. Younger is extremely supportive of my goals, offered her assistance in any way possible to help me achieve my goals, and had some good suggestions moving forward. Another minor milestone Dr. Younger suggests is to host a lunch and learn at my current place of employment to discuss my completed project, which is something I will consider. Some strengths Dr. Younger has that will be helpful to me are that she is incredibly creative, believes everything educators do should be based in the evidence, and believes no idea is too lofty.

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Major Milestone

Implement a DNE program at a new university

Minor Milestones

1. Develop courses with faculty input and support

2. Put together with an administrative team specific to the DNE program

3. Admit at least 20 students for Cohort 1

Mentor Opportunity:

This is an excellent opportunity to continue to work with Dr. Younger but also find a new mentor specific to whichever university I am at. Dr. Younger has excellent insights in regard to curriculum development, and I can continue to work with her to implement this program and discuss curriculum issues. However, it would be beneficial to find an established professor or administrative team member to serve as a mentor to provide wisdom and support while implementing the DNE program.

Possible Character Builder:

It is entirely possible there will be reticence from some faculty regarding implementing a DNE program. I have firsthand knowledge of how beneficial this degree is. It is also supported by the evidence. I can continue to provide both personal examples and the evidence to garner support and not let the negative voices win.

Courage:

It will take courage and confidence in my education and abilities to implement a brand new program that no faculty has likely taught before. There are always obstacles with big changes, and it will take courage to meet them head on and overcome them.