Second thoughts... if there ever was a time

So, after the 4th clinical and right before the fundamental's final exam I'm starting to aknowledge my second thoughts.  To be quite honest I'm not enitely sure about my decision on nusring as a career.  I know that I want to be a nurse and that I want to serve and make a difference, however, I'm still waiting for that one thing that makes me latch on to nursing.  I'm praying I find something that I truly enjoy and feel good about.  I'm trying to find myself in nursing and hopefully I will. paramedics are the best!!

Until the next time...

Whatever floats your boat...

This morning I woke up and made up my mind and I haven't changed it since.  I'm not going to worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright.  I have a plan.  I've got chapter 23 covered, drug math and abbreviations.  I'm studying two chapters per day Monday through Saturday.  Sunday I'm reviewing Unit 1.  Monday I'm opening my Fundamentals Success book and practicing test questions; and, finally, Tuesday I'm doing an overall review for the big one on Wednesday.  May the pieces fall where they may.  Goodnight.

Until next time...   

 

You can't take me down, praise the Lord, Halleluyar...

This weekend has been hectic for me and I've barely had time to study.  Drama, drama, drama... it always seems to come in the most inopportune times.  That’s just how life goes I guess, but the show must go on.  Life always has a way of throwing obstacles at us and no matter how good or bad a situation is, it is always bound to change.  By now I’ve come to peace with the fact that life is a school and I am here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons I learn will last a lifetime.

I’m very much looking forward to this fresh week as there’s lots’ going on.  I’m catching up on my reading now.  Tomorrow will be a long day.  I have lecture, then assessment, then the Hesi test, but that’s ok.  I have to have the meds on the Mar done and memorized for lab on Tuesday. Wednesday is our culture presentation and Thursday is my third clinical.  And of course, the weekend study fest begins on Friday.

On another note, I’m praying that the horrendous financial aid issue gets resolved by this week!  I am trying to stay positive and calm about this entire mess, but my money is not a joke.  I have rent and bills to pay and I just can’t wait until November for my financial aid.  That’s just not feasible.  I quit my job under false pretenses; I have absolutely no income, and needless to say, I am not happy about this.  Everytime I go to talk to Dr. Moss about these "emergency funds," I get the same response:  "Dr. Moss is not available and unaware, so just write your name and number down and we'll call you."  I have yet to be contacted by the financial aid department.  All I have to say is they need to stop messing with my money!

Until next time…    

 

   

A learning experience...

This past month of nursing school has taught me a great deal:  "Don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff."  Yes, even the TCC Nursing Program is made up of the small stuff.  If only I had told myself that before I started wigging out and second guessing myself.  I know this program is not easy and that it requires dedication which I am willing to give; however, I am not helping myself by getting caught up in all the hype.  You all know what hype I'm taking about and if you don't you better ask somebody.  I know that I have a good head on my shoulders period; so even though I didn't do well on the midterm, I will take it as a learning experience. 

From now on the following are my prios:

1.  I have to CHILLAX :o)  (I have to start working out)

2.  I gave up a lot to be here and every morning that I wake up I have to remind myself that I deserve to be in this program just like everyone else does. There will be no more second guessing.  (I have to take time out to recharge my battery)

3.  I have to work smarter not harder.  (I have to think smarter not harder)

I'm turning a new leaf
Until next time...

      

Getting in the routine of things

Week three of nursing school and I'm starting to get the hang of things:  experienced my first clinical, starting to get the picture on how to study, and I'm beginning to time manage.  I'm starting to get in the motion of things.  I still have to find a way to include at least one hour of exercise per day into my routine, so hopefully after the midterm my mind will be less preoccupied and I'll be able to arrange that :)  I've been working on my study guide and am looking forward to apply everything appropriately for the midterm this Wednesday.  I have all my information gathered for the elder reminiscence paper and will get started on that this Friday. 

I am a bit worried about the Hesi test comming up because I'm not sure how to study for it and I haven't retrieved my evolve information yet.  For now bed time

Until next time... 

Nursing School...

So the time I've been waiting for is finally here.  I am in nursing school!  It's the beginning of my journey and I am extremely exited.  I have quit my full time job and am currently just a full time student... never done it before and it's pretty exciting.  I can't beleive I've already been through two weeks of school.  So far so good.  I have vitals down... yeah. 

I must say, however, that I am freaking out.  Everything seems to be ok, but for some reason I feel overwhelmed; I feel like I am behind somehow.  I feel as though I am not doing enough because according to everyone I talk to, only a small percentage of the students in this program will graduate on time...yikes!

Until next time...

The nursing career: My idea

Choosing a career was not easy for me.  After taking all the backroads and working in different settings, from bartending to administrative assistant, I knew I wanted a career in which I could put my high energy to good use, where I could be challenged daily, and one in which I could express my care for others.  With a suggestion from my lovely grandmother and after researching nursing, my decision to pursue a career in the field became obvious, so much so that at the mature age of 28 I decided to leave my comfortable desk job with amazing benefits and my comfortable life style to become an entirely committed and broke nursing student.

My idea of nursing changes daily with new knowledge.  For example, I was under the impression that I would not have a problem finding a job upon graduation, but after a scholarship interview with TMH and further research, I realized that finding a job upon graduation could be a challenge anywhere.  As of right now our biggest hospital, TMH, only hires 20 or so graduates per semester.  Tallahassee has over 3 nursing programs that graduate at least 20 students each.  Not only that but I learned that even if I'm lucky enought to find a job fresh out of shcool, it will more than likely not be in my desired unit: the ER, or my desired shift: days.  I'm assuming more than 50% of Tallahassee nursing graduates will want to stay in Tallahassee and most of those will want to work at TMH, so I am aware that it will be the survival of the fittest out there when it comes time to find a job.

As a nurse, I would like to obtain experience in different units.  I know that as a nurse I will continually learn.  I would like to maintain a positive attitude, keep an open mind, and stay away from bad habits.  I would also like to further my career by getting my masters degree.  Beyond that I've thought about becoming a nurse anesthesist as well as a teacher.  As of right now all of my thoughts and feelings on nursing are based on research, so I am looking forward to experiencing the reality of it all starting with schooling experience.

Until next time...