As a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in geriatrics in Toronto, Canada, one of my responsibilities is to ensure that senior adults discharged from the emergency department are connected to support in the community and the hospital.
At the start of the pandemic, I did not see many patients because they feared coming into the emergency department; but more patients started coming after the second wave in Canada. They faced challenges including caregiver burnout, functional decline, lack of supports, and social isolation. These cases were complicated by many programmes transitioning from in-person to virtually and a lack of human resources. At the same time, I developed compassion fatigue which affected my physical and mental health.
These challenges presented future growth and development opportunities. I wanted to focus on improving home care and community support for senior adults to help them continue living independently. When it was suggested that I apply for an MBA, a spark lit up…
I stumbled across the MBA in International Healthcare Management at Frankfurt School and was instantly hooked! The programme’s objective spoke to me, and its course structure excited me, so I decided to take a chance and apply. I was nervous before the interview, but after speaking with Annette, the programme director, I knew that this programme could give me all the tools and skills I needed to accomplish my goals in transforming healthcare. A few weeks later, I received a letter of offer; I would start my MBA journey at Frankfurt School and around the world!
A few weeks later, I found myself in Frankfurt. I was feeling a mix of nervousness, uncertainty, and doubt…thankfully, that quickly turned into comfort, excitement, and gratitude. Our first module focused on intercultural teamwork, accounting, economics, and an introduction to the German healthcare system. We had examples to practice during accounting and learned to work collaboratively as a team for an economics presentation.
The topics were challenging but interesting to learn about, and our cohort, staff, and professors are supportive and encouraging. We had two guest speakers, one of them being an alum, Leo Brouwer, who discussed their experience in the programme and how it has helped them through their journey. The biggest lesson I learned from this was that accounting was going to be very important! Throughout the first module, I met my classmates in person and virtually, and enjoyed learning about my classmates’ journeys and goals and seeing their passion as they spoke about their dreams.
As for me, I encourage you to act and do your MBA now! I am looking forward to continuing this journey with the MBA Class of 2023!
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
