Graduation Day

[missmarylou]

Today is my pinning ceremony for the completion of my LPN Program. I was a little paranoid about posting anything inspirational before I was finished because I have a slight (read severe) fear of failure. I am also a little superstitious and didn't want to jinx myself. Don't judge me!

Now that I have this in the bag, I thought I would share some insight and inspiration to those of you who may be just beginning this journey and those battle scarred veterans who are somewhere in the middle or nearing the end of your programs. You are probably exhausted and burnt out and if you have to answer one more "select all that apply" question, you may lose your mind. I am coming to you today to tell you this:

You CAN do it.

It won't be easy, but rewarding things never are.

You are not going to have all the answers.

Life is full of fantastic surprises and so is nursing school. Don't be hard on yourself when you don't know something. I have studied for hours on end and on the day of the exam, something would always throw me for a loop. You cannot possibly remember every single thing, and you really arent expected to. There will always be someone better than you who knows more than you and makes it look easy. Don't worry about that person, you will be fine.

You have to give things up.

But, dont give up everything. And don't forget who you are.

You will be tempted to take shortcuts, or the easy way out. Don't do it.

You have to push yourself to be the best nurse that you can in nursing school. When you are in clinicals, you will see two kinds of nurses. The kind of nurse you would want taking care of you and the kind you wouldn't. Be that nurse that you would want taking care of you or your family. Do not take shortcuts that will jeopardize yourself or your patient. Wear that isolation gown, double check that insulin, listen to your patients family. Try your best to be a good nurse, it will come naturally!

You are going to love nursing, and you are going to hate nursing. There will be days when you feel like giving up. Don't.

You have chosen an amazing and rewarding career. Know that you have the light inside you and make that light shine!

I wish you all the best of luck!

[LeeLeeTheGPN]

Thank you for this! I am nearing the end of my program and I am so excited!

[LadyLeo75, LPN]

@Missmarylou thank you for this I am starting this journey in September and I am nervous already thinking I can't do it. But after reading what you just posted I feel inspired. Thank you and congratulations on your new career.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

[littleyllwpenguin]

I'm halfway through my program and I have been battling severe anxiety and depression. Reading your post makes me feel hopeful. Thank you :) and good luck in your future career

[SWM2009]

Congratulations

[WideOpenHeart]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

:) :) :) :)

[MsJoan25]

Congrats, and thanks for the inspiration, I start in 6 days and im nervous but excited!!!