A Ph.D. student is almost done with their dissertation if they exhibit a few signs:
Research Finalization: The student's data gathering, analysis, and interpretation stages have been finished. They might have carried out the required surveys, interviews, experiments, or archival work, and they combined their results into logical conclusions.
Writing Drafts: The student has drafted several times for their dissertation chapters, and upon receiving criticism from peers, committee members, or their advisor, these drafts have undergone substantial adjustments.
Approval of Chapters: Individual chapters or sections of the dissertation have been evaluated and approved by the student's dissertation advisor and committee members, showing that progress is satisfactory.
Defense Preparation: The student has started getting ready for their dissertation defense, which usually entails picking a date, putting together a presentation, and practicing their oral defense of the results and conclusions of their study.
Formatting and Editing: The student has followed the guidelines provided by their department or university for formatting and has carefully proofread their dissertation for errors in grammar, style, and consistency.
Looking back, I think I was feeling that I was finishing a task. I thought that I had done everything. But had to add to it when the examiners wanted me to include other things.
But I did enjoy my time as a nurse in a totally different environment. I was sponsored generously and did not have to cover my expenses.