Gradu-What?

Yes, it’s true…
It is possible to graduate nursing school (even an accelerated program). It is possible to come out alive & with loved ones still by your side. You may even make some of the best friends you’d ever imagine during the process.

The past year was a whirlwind…

Anger, Despair, Happiness, Anxiety, Love, Fear, Confusion, and so many other emotions.

More information was crammed into my brain than I ever thought possible, and there were so many times that I wanted to quit.

But now standing on the other side looking back it is easy to see how grateful I am and how I wouldn’t change it one bit.

Did I come out with a 4.0? Nope, but I did graduate with High Distinction.
Did I survive? Yup.
Did we lose some classmates along the way? Sadly yes.
Did I have a social life? Sometimes.
Did I cry? Heck yes.
Did I want to quit? Many times.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if helping people is in your heart do it.

I remember having so much anxiety before starting the program.  So much doubt in my ability and if I was capable of passing.  I was so nervous the morning of my first class I missed half the lecture because I was running back and forth to the bathroom. And I was even worse the day of my first exam!  But guess what, it all turned out okay.

We started with the basics: basic assessments, blood pressures, auscultating heart and lung sounds, reflexes, etc.  And silly me was worried about hurting someone while taking their blood pressure, Oh goodness did I have so much to learn.. 🙂

The next 11 months went by so much faster than I ever could imagine.  Over 200 exams, even more quizzes and assignments, and 1000+ clinical hours were completed.  It was difficult, but we got through.  I couldn’t have done it without my family, friends, and classmates; especially the two I now call my best friends.   Having people who love you and support you keeps your mind at peace and pushes you forward when you need it the most.  And having people there who are going through it with you is incredibly important.  Not only do they understand but they are willing to vent for hours about how frustrating your professors are, because trust me they will drive you crazy.

Things I wish I knew going into Nursing School:

• It is possible. Don’t doubt yourself, you were accepted for a reason.
• Your classmates will become your family.
• Taking a blood pressure is one of the least of your worries.
• Choose your battles.  Some information you will never master, accept it & know what you excel at.
• Take breaks!  You don’t need to study 24/7 to pass your exams.
• Make yourself a priority.  Do things for your health & others that you purely enjoy.  For me this was exercise (this part was not enjoyed…but needed), reading my bible, reading a novel, spending time with loved ones, going to counseling, and sleeping. That brings me to my next point…
• SLEEP.  Don’t sacrifice your sleep cycle.  Staying up all night does not work.  You will do worse on the exams.
• Make peace.  Whether it is with yourself, a higher power, or others,  you need to make peace.  You will see and experience so many things that will make you look inward, and that is normal.
• Witnessing your first death is hard. I cried in the break room for nearly an hour.  It’s okay to be human, let it out.
• Ask for help.  You aren’t meant to know everything, you’re learning.
• Take time to talk with your patients, they may not be around when you come back the next day & they all have a story to tell.
• Break your studying up into small sessions and don’t try to cram.
• Most importantly, believe.  Believe in yourself, and you’re capabilities.  Believe you can and you’re halfway there.

I’m feeling twenty-two.

Actually, I don’t very feel different at all.

Physically I am the same, mentally I am still a work in progress, and spiritually I still need Jesus more every day.

I am so incredibly thankful for all God has done in my life thus far, and he shows me daily how much more he is continually doing.  I celebrated my birthday on Friday with my family and dearest friends. Homemade pizza & homemade ice cream filled my tummy, while my loved ones filled my heart.

I got a really cool new parallel bible, and can’t wait to cover the pages in awe; while uncovering my fathers love for me. See look at it, isn’t it marvelous.

My 21st year was nothing like I could have imagined. Instead of being a social butterfly and thriving in relationships… God called me to be alone, something completely out of my comfort zone. But by being ‘alone,’ I learned that I’m really not ever alone. I’ve actually kind of embraced being somewhat of a loner, and it is like pulling my teeth to get me to go anywhere.  Though I thrive by interacting with others, I deeply enjoy curling up in my little nook and being alone.

Although I am still learning to comprehend the fact that I am loved beyond the influence of emotion, in a perfect agape love, I know there will be grace along this journey. I’m no where near finished but some crazy things have happened along the way and I know more are to come.

Some of the craziest things yet:

• Born with 5 Spleens! Into a home where not only my parents love me, but they taught me that my heavenly father does even more.
• August 25, 1998-One of the best & worst days of my life.  My beautiful little sister, Bailey, was born.  She stole my spotlight, and I hated her for it…but as we grew up she became one of my dearest friends and has humility.

• April 1, 2003- My other, more spunky, sister was born.  Sydney has done nothing but add color to my life ever since and has brought a joy I couldn’t have imagined.

 

• The ‘Glory Days,’ nah. Although high school happened, it definitely wasn’t fully of glory…  I was awkward moments and partaking in the ‘this will change the course of my life’ decisions…when in all reality those decisions wouldn’t have changed the course of the life of a fly..  I spent my time putting my drama to use by performing. Oh, and I graduated.
• My Aunt and Uncle Moved to Nebraska, letting me some of the greatest people of all time on a regular basis.

• My amazing parents renewed their vows, and taught me that being married isn’t always easy. (Although I don’t plan on finding out for myself for awhile!)

• I traveled by myself for the first time to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti where God taught me more about life than I thought possible, and how much I’ve been spoiled in this life.

• College.. It went by super quick and now I am a B.A.  And I know a little bit more about Psychology than I did before, enough to have a degree in it.
• I got accepted to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and I’ll start nursing school a week from today. Bring it.
• I traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica and realized that I am meant to live in another country for at least part of my life, I have a lot to learn about prayer, and every life is worth the fight. (…more to come…)

There has been plenty of other crazy things, and I know I’m missing so many of them in this little list.  But I’m learning that forgetfulness is normal and growth is a never ending process.  Such is life, and this is just a small glimpse of mine.

05.04.2015