One Year Later

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

My journey through nursing school has been a long one. At least to me it seems. Today was my last actual "lecture". Every class next week has tests and then we can review old tests, then the following week finals. So 6 tests, one 30 page care plan, one genogram, and one concept map, plus two clinical days and I am done for the semester!! Yay!!

I remember one year ago, I was finishing prereqs and waiting on my acceptance letter to nursing school. In one year, I will be planning my pinning and graduation. It's a lot to wrap my head around. I do know that I love nursing. I know that I love the good and bad aspects and am realistic about the "real" world of nursing. I know it's not all sugar and spice and saving people. Sometimes, it's just about the comfort to the lonely, old woman who called an ambulance because she was tired. I think she just wanted someone to pay attention to her.

I think back to a year ago and how I was focusing on finishing all my prereqs with those As. I put some effort into my classes, but realized that being a student who paid attention and got assignments done on time got me those As. Very little studying outside of class was necessary.

Now, I must study. I must work for every point. Homework is worth very little. My grades are now weighted. They were not before. A 90% is no longer an A. I've learned to be comfortable with Bs and occasional Cs. I've learned to look at tests and priorities differently. I've learned how to balance my life. I make time for school and family and friends. It may mean I'm stretched a little thinner, but balance is important. I've learned how rely on other people and it's ok. I'm a control freak so letting go a little was hard.

I've also recognized I'm a little jealous. My son has been spending more time with his dad which means I've lost a little bit of our tight relationship and that goes to his dad now. It's hard because I have always done everything for him. Now, I feel on the back burner but I know it's just another year. It's still hard and I have mom guilt all the time.

I've recently reflected on how far I have come as a person and student nurse. Not everyday is perfect. I was a hot mess yesterday. I woke up 10 minutes before I had to leave for clinical. I lost my name badge but found it later. I learned you can't be on top of it everyday but never, ever, let the patient see you sweat, which I didn't.

I'm happy. I'm happy with how far I have come as a person and where I am at in life. My boyfriend just took my son to get him a bat. I have a few moments to myself while making him a cheesecake for his awesomeness to me during this time, and the fact I will be MIA the next two weeks. He gets my homemade cheesecake which I am told is to die for. A little consolation prize for missing your girlfriend.

Thank you for everyone on here. You all have been supportive. I have had a couple who have been awesomely supportive. It has meant the world to me and good luck to everyone as we finish up our semesters!!! Summer and relaxation here I come!!

[16mm]

Good job!! I think we finished up prereqs and started our programs around the same time!! It's so crazy to think we're actually DOING it, you know? Instead of just fantasizing about it. But one things for sure, I can't wait for this semester to be OVER!!

[cocoa_puff]

Awesome job! I'm in the same place as you, one year ago I was finishing up pre-reqs and found out I was accepted to nursing school. One year from now, I'll be getting ready to graduate, take the NCLEX, and become an RN! How exciting (and terrifying!)