Seems like only yesterday...

[CandyGyrl]

Actually April 2008, That I joined allnurses.com, excited about my exciting new ventures into nursing school. It was here I was often times criticized for being condescending, arrogant, and overall just a plain ol' jerk especially when I referred to the ADN program as possibly being a "cakewalk" LOL!! Oh the memories. It's almost over! Its so close in reach I can see it, smell it, and touch it... I've learned so much, and have grown even more. And No it wasn't that easy but whats important is that you stay focused no matter what, it will seem that you don't have a life or maybe that you're neglecting your family and friends even yourself-- but it is only sacrifice for a short, short time in exchange for a lifetime of possiblilities. It is also HERE that I share my triumphs, and success as well as my losses and defeat while humbly providing encouragement or advice for those who are now traveling down this road as well as seeking advice for myself from those who have already paved it. Definitely this isn't the end-- only the beginning of a journey in which I am looking so forward to embarking.

:grad::yeah:SEE YOU AT GRADUATION MAY 9th 2009!!!!!!!:grad:

[ldnurse1]

Congratulations on completing one journey and beginning another!! I'm just beginning my venture into nursing school (starting this fall) and am so excited and nervous at the same time. Do you have any advice for all of us just starting out? Is it really as difficult as everyone makes it out to be? I mean, I know that it's going to be a lot of hard work, but as far as your "free" time, do you have any?? Any advice or tips would be appreciated. And again congratulations!!!

[CandyGyrl]

1. Don't worry, its normal to be nervous and excited.

2. Pace yourself and don't overwhelm yourself with non-relevant matters. When I first started I wanted to know who, what, when, where, why, how, I wanted to make sure I had this that and the third and any and everything related to nursing etc.

3. K.I.S.S Keep it Simple Silly! although it's ok to be knowledgeable and have all of the latest nursing technologies it can be very overwhelming and alot of it ends up becoming unecessary clutter. As you go along in the program find out what works for you some of your best resources will be the tools you already have right in front of you.

4. Go in with an open mind, willing to engage with different personalities and ways of thinking. Don't prejudge people you'll meet some of your BFF, study buddies or future co-workers in nursing school.

5. If you are not much on time management, this is where you definetely want to hone in and start creating a system for yourself because time in this pgm is of the essence and will be the difference between you being successful or barely successful. That means little things like creating blocks of time for yourself to study, work and play. You will have free time, but you must maintain your priorities first, you get what you put into it.

Good Luck to you, you'll do great and remember K.I.S.S

[oguesswhat]

Me too! Except I am not going to graduation...but I will be there for the mandatory NCLEX meeting ha.

[texastaz]

:hpygrp: Congratulation!

[arlevra]

I too am graduating after the longest year of my life in the Accelerated 2nd Degree program at OU!!! May 2nd!!!! Congrats to everyone else graduating!!! Now to find a job, anyone else having trouble???

[oguesswhat]

I am having trouble too! Yikes!

[miMOMMYof3]

may 9th, I'll be walking too. Im SO ready.:w00t::clpty::dancgrp::[anb]:

[CandyGyrl]

Only 12 days until we walk... I'm lovin it!

[Veruka]

CONGRATULATIONS! Ahhh, the cakewalk! I do remember, and I am so glad you have learned and grown, etc....

Enjoy the walk- all of you! You deserve it!

I'll be a year behind you! :)

[oguesswhat]

I can't wait...the only part that stinks is we have to go back to class the week after to study yuck ha.