Master of Science in Nursing
Advanced Clinical Nursing Track
Student Features - Mary Curry Narayan
After 20 years of nursing, I applied to George Mason University's graduate
nursing program. At first, I considered the Nurse Practitioner track but since
I was interested in advancing home care and cross-cultural practice, I opted
for the Advanced Clinical Practice program. I frequently tell people that it
was among the best decisions I ever made.
The Advanced Clinical Practice track allowed me enormous flexibility and opportunities for growth. In every required course, I was able to focus on my areas of interest. From theory to research courses to clinical practicums, I geared my papers, seminars and projects to my interests in home health and transcultural nursing. For instance, I wrote a paper for one of my advanced practice courses entitled "Cultural Assessments in Home Care." I turned the paper into an article and submitted it for publication. The article was published, and since then, I have seen that article cited within other articles in the transcultural and home care literature! A member of the Planning Committee of the American Pacific Nurses Association's annual conference read the article. She liked it so much that she asked me to be the keynote speaker for their annual conference which was held in the tropical island of Saipan. The conference was exciting and the luaus were enormous fun! All this from writing a paper for one of my Advanced Practice courses!!
My ability to concentrate on my areas of interest during my graduate studies enabled me to sit for the certification exams as a Clinical Specialist in Home Health Nursing (CS) and as a Transcultural Nurse Specialist (CTN) shortly after graduation. My studies at George Mason prepared me well as I passed both exams with flying colors.
Before obtaining my MSN in Advanced Practice Nursing, I sometimes felt that I was not using all my God-given intellect and potential. Now with the alphabet soup which follows my name (MSN, RN, CS, CTN), I find that I am asked to accept roles and participate in committees and projects galore. Now I am very very intellectually and professionally stimulated!
I owe a big thank you to all my George Mason University Advanced Practice Nursing Instructors!!!