Introduction + + The following pages contain my academic writings in pursuit of Master of Science in Nursing Education degree at the University of Phoenix. May colleagues who are undecided in pursuing graduate studies be encouraged to continue until receipt of their coveted diplomas. Academic writings, much like feature writing takes one word at a time. Just keep reading and typing! + + + About the Author + + Google my name and the first 100 of the 55,700 results puts Johanna (32 y/o woman from Finland), Romina (21 y/o woman in Manila) and myself in the same page. I'm older than both but younger than their combined ages. I've never been to Finland, but have roamed the streets of Manila. In 1989, I traveled 8453.9 miles to Boston for the proverbial American Dream. I was 22, hired as an entry level Registered Nurse for a Rehabilitation Hospital. I relished my adventures in New England. Life is good. Cupid shot love arrows and in January 11, 1991, after a year of dating, Joseph and I became man and wife. We were blessed with Jessica, bought a home and then Gino came along. I've worked the chain of command, from staff, charge, Supervisor to Director of Quality Improvement. I've participated in a Medical Mission, published articles, sold 2 oil paintings, written songs, and even taken a course at Harvard. Life is great! Two more blessings followed; Lilly then Max. We've moved to a bigger home. We traveled for various charitable activities and cultural events. Annually, our family volunteers at the Lowell Folk Festival. I am part- teaching at a Community College (Clinical Instructor), part - editing as Publishing Director for a monthly newsmagazine and part- acting, landing a gig in a Sandra Bullock movie, The Proposal. Life is grand! Yet, I search for more. As I turn older one December, obtaining a Master's degree seems a logical step. Education is another ticket to help change the world, an action to be remembered. Ben Franklin said, "If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing." At your liberty Google Johanna, Romina and I, we share the name, Gretheline. + + + Table of Contents Introduction, p6 1 - March 7, 2011 - Changing my Life for Better, p7 2 - March 14, 2011 - Failure to Change, p11 3 - April 4, 2011 - Done in 7 and a half Hours, p14 4 - April 11, 2011 - Done in 7 and a half Hours, Part II, p19 5 - April 19, 2011 - Done in 7 and a half Hours Part III, p24 6 - May 2, 2011 - Nursing Science from Nightingale-Today, p29 7 - May 9, 2011 - From Apples to Oranges, p33 8 - July 18, 2011 - An Orange A Day, p39 9 - August 08, 2011 - Without Walls and Beams, p43 10 - September 19, 2011 - A Nurse by Any Other Name, p49 11 - October 03, 2011 - Rules are rules, p56 12 - October 23, 2011 - To Scan or Not To Scan, p60 13 - November 7, 2011 - Bladder Scanning, p65 14- January 9, 2012- Curriculum, Curricula, Curriculums, p68 15 - January 16, 2012 - Risky Business, p73 16 - May 07, 2012 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, p79 17 - May 14, 2012 - Nurses Who Puff Their Lives Away, p81