To my students, happy holidays

[AOx1]

Dear nursing students, it is with mixed emotions that I prepare to watch you walk across the stage to graduate. With sadness, I know that my role in your learning is over. With joy I watch you begin your journey as a nurse. As a nurse, I have been the first to see a life enter this world and the last to see it depart. As an instructor, I have done my best to guide you, to push you to do your best, and to try to inspire you. At times we both fall short of our ideals and this can be painful, but this is the time in which it will all come together for you: the hard work, missing free time, and lack of sleep will pay dividends. You are all so special and unique. You will be great nurses and I'm really proud of you. Thanks for letting me be a part of your professional development. There are few greater rewards than to watch someone change from a scared, green novice into a competent, caring nurse-to-be!

With gratitude and a bit of pride mixed in, your instructor