Well, I finished but we can't have pinning or grad ceremony

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

I'm in north Alabama and we were greatly affected by the recent storms and tornadoes. I just got power on yesterday after six days w/o.

I drove to an area near campus today and they still don't have power on that side of town.

Due to all the storms, the university canceled pinning and graduation ceremonies which were supposed to take place this weekend. I am feeling a little selfish about this given that so many people lost homes and family members.

I am just feeling a little let down and that I need some closure or something. I can't help it.

The dean announced that we would reschedule pinning in August but I'm sure a lot of the young students will be gone by then and others will just not really see the need to attend. I just hate that for our class.

Ok, so I've had my pity party. Maybe I'll try to throw something together at my house for some of my friends and that will help us feel better about it all.

party over, carry on

meredith

[JRP1120, RN]

I totally understand what you're feeling about being sad about not being able to have a pinning ceremony and graduation. For me, it's a validation of all the hard efforts, the tears, the long nights of studying, etc. I've put in and is a wonderful climactic ending to something I have worked so long and hard for. It is a kind of closure for me as well. In nursing school there are many small disappointments along the way that we all have to face, and we got through them with support from friends, family and loved ones. While this is a much bigger disappointment, I think you are handling it right by recognizing your sadness and moving on anyway-it doesn't take away the blood, sweat and tears you put into passing nursing school, by any means. I think you should have that party with your close friends and family and if they hold the ceremonies in August, if I were you, I would go anyway, even if most others have left the area. Walk on and be proud of your accomplishments! Between now and then, maybe you could find a way to help those affected by the horrible storms that devastated the area and so many lives. After all, showing love and compassion for others in need is a huge part of what being a nurse is all about-doing for others and making even a small difference for even just one person or family may make you realize that is the only closure you need. :)

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

Do not feel guilty for your feelings...you have suffered a loss too and you are entitled to your feelings about it. Just because there are others with greater losses does not mean you are not entitled to feel sad. Nursing school is a big deal, and graduating is even bigger. I think having something at your home is a good idea, and I agree you should go in August even if it is a small crowd. This is a huge accomplishment in your life and you should celebrate it, even if the actual events are not what anyone would have wanted.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

That really sucks. I would definitely have a gathering at least to celebrate.

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

Awww I would be crushed I'm so sorry that happened to you. I'm surprised that you guys couldn't just post-pone it for a week or 2!!! Do something for yourself because you deserve it!

[Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I see why you feel the way you do. Maybe your class can get together and celebrate or get together and assist with donations, clean-up, etc. Our class got together to collect donations and deliver them.