what a difference a year makes

Published Apr 23, 2014

1,335 Posts

Specializes in hospice.

About a year ago, I posted that I didn't think I ever wanted to be a nurse.

Today I turned in my application to Gateway Community College (Phoenix) for their fast track LPN program. Most likely I will have to spend a semester on the wait list and so won't start until Spring 2015. Hopefully I won't be one of the unlucky ones who has to wait a whole year.

So what changed? Honestly, some days I'm not even sure myself. All I know is that my prayers for clarity and direction in my professional life kept leading me back to staying with my current employer and moving up. Searching and applying for other jobs led nowhere and stressed me out. When I actually got an interview, my mind started coming up with excuses I could use to not change jobs should an offer come. (Thankfully they never called me.) Apparently, I am where I am supposed to be. The only reason I started looking was my hours being cut, but that's since recovered and I'm glad I stuck it out, whether entirely willingly or not.

I always thought that I might go LPN first because with family responsibilities and financial contraints, taking my education in small bites makes the most sense. Once I found out about this fast track LPN course, it seemed the only way to go. I've been focused like a laser on it, and every time I was working on my application, I felt at peace and like I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

Long story short, be careful what you pray for. I've learned over the years that God is a nag and has a sense of humor. If you pray for guidance, you're going to get it, and it will lead you to places and choices you never imagined. My bachelor's is in political science and I was going to be a lawyer, 20 years ago. Nursing wasn't ever on my radar. I considered it a "calling" and I don't have one. Even now I don't have a burning passion to become a nurse. Maybe warm embers......and maybe it will grow over time. I also have no idea how we will deal with the logistics and expense of child care needs that will be caused by my being in school, but my husband just keeps saying, "We'll figure it out when the time comes."

I just feel like I am obeying direction, and doing what I am supposed to. What will come of it remains to be seen.

AMDG