We all know (or will soon know) how daunting a task 3-4 years of Nursing School and Pre-Reqs can be. Obviously we all share the same goal of becoming a nurse. A friend of mine eloquently stated to me that any accomplishment is deserving of a reward. Each small victory deserves a small celebration. And once the ultimate goal is achieved we should treat ourselves to an even greater reward. My friend isn't a nurse, but when she was in school she always set goals, and with each small victory (say an A on a test) she treated herself. When she graduated, she not only acheived her ultimate goal (and the rewards that came with her degree) but she also treated herself with a trip to Europe before entering the workforce. She didn't have much support, so these small treats continued to keep her motivated (and sane) as she tackled the ultimate prize.
So two questions. What little things do you do to reward yourself for an accomplished task. Like an A on a test?
And when you finally get through Nursing School, what reward do you plan on giving yourself?
I will graduate just before my youngest son starts Kindergarten, and a few months before mine and my husband's 10 year anniversary. So we are going to take a huge family vacation before I start work and the boys start school. We are thinking maybe Disney for a week, and then a week of total relaxation in the country somewhere! And then we are going to buy my husband a new top-of-the-line truck. He sold his in order to reduce our monthly payments while I am in school. And it was his prized possession! He is sacrificing just as much, if not more, than I am. The next two years are going to require a combined effort and sacrifice, and the accomplishment and rewards will be shared, as well.
Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..
I know I've already replied to this post, but I didn't include my "finishing school" plans.
I'm a travel agent, and my agency was going to send me on a cruise (all I would have had to pay would be my tips and shopping) next week, but I found out that I was accepted to nursing school and had to tell work that I couldn't go. I figured that Mexico would always be there, but right now I had a chance to do something for my future. So, when I pass the boards, I'm going on a cruise. Maybe Mexico, maybe somewhere else, but I'm taking a week long cruise...I'm thinking tropical drinks, forgeting the diet and eating all I want/when I want, and most important, doing nothing !!
When I finish any semester and make it too the next one I usually go out to dinner with my family. When I graduate next year in May I will celebrate by taking a full month before getting a job. The facial thing and body massage are great ideas.
I don't really do anything if I get A's in a class... But what I normally do is if I have time after a test and not much due I usually relax, watch my favorite show such as law and order or order pizza.
Before I read the post I was thinking about throwing a big party for my graduation but now I'm thinking about the cruise since I'm already in Fl and I've never really been on one. Come to think of if it my hubby and my son are the two people really helping and cheering me on. So will probably need the cruise as much as I do instead of entertaining a bunch of friends and cleaning the mess afterwards... lol! Yep I think I'll stick with the cruise...lol!
I know how it is to go without for a long time and then reward yourself (so you don't go AWOL). I don't know what i'd do for the final graduation but I'm saving up for a trip to Ireland. I think little goals are good too so a chocolate shake, body massage, hair time at the local parlor, new clothes...all sound good.
I wanted to do something to celebrate getting a 4.0 in all my prereq's. Needless to say, money is tight, so I had to be creative.
While paying the AmEx bill I remembered when you use your American Express card, you build up points, kind of like a frequent flyer program. Well those points have been building for years and I finally decided to cash them in for something special.
I traded in the points for a gift certificate to the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon for a facial and a massage, plus I got several free products. All I had to pay for was tips. It was absolutly incredible, very elegent and the staff treated you like a queen. My skin looked so smooth and creamy, I wish I could go once a month like the facialist suggested. (At $75 a facial, I don't think so!)
It will probably take another 3-4 years before I can build up enough points to go again, but it's worth the wait!
It was years ago, but I remember celebrating the completion of my nursing school by moving out of the podunk area the university was in! [Just don't tell that area that I thought it was Hicksville!] :chair:
I figured that Mexico would always be there, but right now I had a chance to do something for my future. So, when I pass the boards, I'm going on a cruise. Maybe Mexico, maybe somewhere else, but I'm taking a week long cruise...I'm thinking tropical drinks, forgeting the diet and eating all I want/when I want, and most important, doing nothing !!
RN2BTam
20 Posts
I will graduate just before my youngest son starts Kindergarten, and a few months before mine and my husband's 10 year anniversary. So we are going to take a huge family vacation before I start work and the boys start school. We are thinking maybe Disney for a week, and then a week of total relaxation in the country somewhere! And then we are going to buy my husband a new top-of-the-line truck. He sold his in order to reduce our monthly payments while I am in school. And it was his prized possession! He is sacrificing just as much, if not more, than I am. The next two years are going to require a combined effort and sacrifice, and the accomplishment and rewards will be shared, as well.