Almost there!

[nursegreenwood, LVN]

There have been a few trials and tribulations on my path on becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. I have endeared obstacles that some may have hindered to. But I continue to go forward with a smile and positivity that will conquer all!

I remember in 2011 I was so excited in starting the LVN program at UEI in Chula Vista, CA. I knew that this was the beginning of a journey that I was willing to work very hard at until I accomplished my main goal. I drove 125 miles a day for 5 days a week for 12 months with no complaints for this achievement. Knowing that earning my LVN license would open the door to the beautiful world of helping the sick and needy. With four children at the time, my husband stood by me and made it possible for me to complete step 1 of my goals.

Classmates called me an over achiever, teachers expressed their lack of doubt in me passing the NCLEX with flying colors frequently throughout the program. Inside I was apprehensive. I helped classmates by empowering them in the knowledge and organizational skills I felt would help them & myself through those trying times. But yet I still had doubt within myself. Studying late nights, rising early mornings to get to school and study more was my life during this time.

Towards the end of the first session there were midterms that needed to be aced. My stress levels were at an all time high! I demanded perfection out of myself and completing this program with the knowledge and skills on passing the boards. Unfortunately, around this time I received a call, that my baby sister, someone that was very close to me had died of suicide. Everything in my mind froze. All what I had learned and knew up until that time was obsolete. Although I loved nursing and wanted to complete the program in a timely manner I had to neglect the program to go to my sister in Colorado.

Taking a brief leave of absence to be with my family, I studied constantly while mourning my dear sister. The very day I returned to San Diego, I went to the school and requested to take my midterms. I stressed to my teachers and Director of Nursing, to provide me with no slack because of my situation. I wanted to test my knowledge and solidify that nursing was and is where I needed to be. I passed with exceptionally high scores and felt accomplished.

After graduating with a 3.98 GPA and passing the NCLEx while pregnant with twins the very first time around, I found trials and tribulations have not and will not be my downfall. I will continue to grow in my profession and complete my dream of becoming a CNM Women's Health Nurse Practitioner!