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I just graduated and the LPN program and am so thrilled and happy. I don't think anyone understands the severity of nursing school unless they're also a nurse. I noticed that the majority of people who have been happy for me (with their congratulatory comments) have been nurses, half are some whom I don't know, never met (people on here who have been great), and just nurses. I was at the bank the other day and was having small talk with a stranger - she happened to be a nurse and when I shared that I had just finished the program, she was very happy and so sweet. There are family members and friends who've known I've been in hibernation for 2 years and when they found out, they didn't say anything about it. For the record, I'm definitely NOT expecting to be the center of attention with this. I'm a private person... I rarely go social networks (i just had to post up some pics of the pinning for family members to see). I'm not expecting the whole world to drop to their knees about this (or maybe they think it's "just" an lpn program, so "no big deal") but I have to be honest: it's a bit disappointing that there's not even a simple "congrats", especially knowing what I've been through. I don't want gifts or praise but a simple acknowledgement that hell is over...for now :)
I had an instructor who said, "the people who will understand you most in your career are your fellow classmates. You will always have this bond for the rest of your career, past graduation. People who aren't nurses will never understand." I think this is true.... do you find this to be true also?
Thank you :) I'm learning that it's the nurses that really understand how "big" this is for me. In my culture, LPNs are somewhat looked down upon because it's not an "RN" and most people in my culture have graduated from an RN or BSN. It's been nice though seeing old classmates from pre-reqs and friends from other nursing programs be so nice. I know this isn't over and like many of you - would LOVE to take the lpn-rn-bsn path (please God).
:OMG I could have wrote this post my self! I totally understand what you mean. My own mother got jealous and told me that I could not do it. Both my sisters do not talk to me. NO ONE in my family has a college degree.The only advice that I would give you is to surround yourself with positive people and the ones who bring joy. Most people do not like to see others "succeed". Its sad but very true. You accomplished what some can only dream about. Congratulations on becoming a NURSE! Such a wonderful title and a great feeling.
Yes, I agree. There's more people in this world who want to see you fail than succeed. There's very FEW that genuinely want to see you happy. Sad but true. There's people who also disguise themselves are genuine but it's great when you can spot them. That way, you can spoil good news for those who deserve and will celebrate with you :) Even in nursing school, after taking those Kaplan tests (every quarter), people literally stayed after and would jump on you just to hear your score. Very competitive... like animals. My colleague was not happy about his score but I told him it those times he had to fake it and SMILE. That's all he had to do. He did just that and it was astonishing how his smile disappointed so many. I'm pretty sure they were wanting him to say a low score so they could feel better about themselves.
Hellostudentnurssee
133 Posts
Love and appreciate the advice, as usual :) THANK YOU. When I first started with my pre-reqs waaaay back, I thought I wanted to be in pediatrics. I worked at the campus daycare as a "teacher" and was able to take care, interact and observe infants - 5 year old kids. Great experience however someone said if you're very sensitive and fond of kids, peds will not work. I took their advice. I got to volunteer in a cath lab and found that to be a bit boring (back then) but the EKG machines were always interesting to me during Human A & P. When I got my CNA, I loved working with geriatrics and got along with them well. They always gave me the grumpy ones and they ended up liking me. I just didn't like the nursing homes around here because it's very easy to get "lazy" and not practice good habits. Can't speak for all nursing homes but that's how I've felt and have not liked it. I went to a "well known" nursing home/assisted living however I felt it wasn't "sincere" but more of a business to rip of old people and their families. It's sad. I learned about mental health and Alzheimer's through their trained programs I attended. Later on as a CNA, I worked with residents with developmental disabilities. It's very rewarding however VERY training and stressful. I only worked part time but took such a toll on me. I'm still trying to figure out what I really like.
I think you're right about being tired. It's been a little over 2 weeks and I've been so tired and burnt out. I was lucky to be given an opportunity to join an EKG class - for interpretation (which there are only 2 in the state; one which includes curriculum in the med school at the state hospital). I've been emailing the instructors to get in forever... about 2 years now. When I got in to EKG, I got into the PN program so had to cancel. Like I said, I've always had a fascination about it and it's very interesting. So far so good but I do notice, my mind is not as "sharp"... so maybe I' am burning out. After the first class, i found the class to be very technical in comparison to nursing... it's good stuff but just different from nursing school. I don't know why but something in me kept pushing me to take this class NOW. It seems like a good time (since school is over) but there are it's cons, such as taking this while studying for the NCLEX. I don't know why - I can't explain it but there's something in me that is pushing me to take it and it can't wait. I'm not sure how this will help me in my nursing career (or if it will) but I hope it works somewhere down along the road. Any thoughts on this? I still don't get why I'm taking this class but I feel like it's a good time to....