Dallas Nurse Educator Says It Is Never To Late To Go Back To School
Kathy Adams has a bachelor's degree in secondary education with focus on social studies from Clarion University in Pennsylvania. She earned an associate degree in nursing from Westmoreland Community College and a master's degree in adult education from Park University from Parkview, Missouri. She is the infection control officer and director of education for Epic Health Services in Dallas. Adams says, "It is never too late to go back to school to start a new career."
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"My first career was as a high school history teacher. It wasn't something that I enjoyed. I loved teaching but I was in the wrong setting. I went back to school and became a nurse. I worked as a pediatric nurse for eight years and then transitioned into nursing education."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"You need to go. It is so hard to get started because you have to figure out how to juggle your work schedule and family life. But once you go and you finish, you will see how much it was worth it."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Time. Finding time to do research and working on my assignments while handling three children as a single parent was hard. My kids saw how hard I worked and they stepped up in their studies. Your children really do learn from your example."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The position I have now as infection control officer and director of education for Epic Health Services. I love what I do. I have been able to build something from the ground up. I design training programs for nursing, office staff and therapy groups (occupation, speech and physical). I also manage the continuing education for the clinical staff. I would have never gotten this position without the master's degree."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
