Opinion

Advising and Caring: Essential Strategies to Success- Professor Emerita of Nursing

Ernestine Bady Davis*

University of North Alabama, USA

Submission: July 24, 2017; Published: August 15, 2017

*Corresponding author: Ernestine Bady Davis, University of North Alabama, USA, Email: ebdavis@una.edu

How to cite this article: Ernestine B D. Advising and Caring: Essential Strategies to Success- Professor Emerita of Nursing. JOJ Nurse Health Care. 2017; 3(1): 555606. DOI: 10.19080/JOJNHC.2017.03.555606

Opinion

The writer is an educator with an aspiration for students. She reaches out to students encouraging them to identify and develop core values and internalize strong words: can and will. Words that promote positive self-image initiatives, fosters critical learning and thinking skills for students.

With over 45 years of teaching in higher education, she understands that academic advising is a connecting approach to success. Advising provides students with correct information while using therapeutic communication techniques and guidance. She stresses the importance of posting regular office hours and adhering to those hours. On numerous occasions her office hours exceed times posted. There is always a constant flow of students into her office. As an educator, she provides not only academic counseling and advising but also listening to students during conversations. Mentoring is an important component of the advising process. Students are provided opportunities to articulate concerns and problems. A trusting relationship develops as a result of this initiative. Additionally, information relating to registration and academic requirements is also discussed and feedback from students is encouraged. Vast experiences have provided the writer with the ability to coordinate student' academic, educational personal and social experiences during their years of study. It is noted that concern and availability provide a structure that enable students to increase skills and independence when making decisions and problem solving.

Caring, concern, sensitivity and honesty are qualities that bond her with students. Other attractions are firmness and openness. She is always encouraging self-development and professional growth as students travel their journey toward academic success. Ultimately self-confidence, maturity, selfesteem and strength become stronger as educational goals become stronger.

Her knowledge of classes, and schedules are essential in the advising process. During the initial process class schedules, time allocated, work adjustments and personal work hours are some of the many issues included in the discussion. Students are aware that personal issues might require adjustment and if not resolve will interfere with academic success. Her process includes encouraging students to discuss short and long range goals for success. She feels that goals and objectives are linkage to students achieving success. Student should be encourage analyze self and seek advice when experiencing personal and academic problems. Students are encouraged to use campus support services. These include but are not limited to: personal/professional seminars, time management, dealing with stress, test taking skills, writing resources, service learning and community engagement. Sometimes students are required to write a contract for success. The contract includes goals and objectives for success. The writer sees herself as an advisor, friend, counselor and encourager. Many have call to say thanks. She continues to maintain high standards and tell students to believe in self, maintain excellent grades committed and success will come. Never lose essential Elements: caring, respect (for others), and feelings for without these you will become insensitive .Success requires hard work, dedication, commitment, having a strong vision and mission to achieve.