Your journey to nursing

Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2010

My journey began in 2003 with school, transitioned to working in 2007 to 3 years experience in the here and now. It is still amazing to me, *I made it*

I was out of school for like 5 years. Had a small child and a great hubby. I started with the basics, english, algebra, pre reqs and the like.

We lived in a small town, and the community college was 40 miles one way. The closest 4 year institution was 70 miles one way. I went to the community college and finished pre reqs, and applied for the nsg program. there was a waiting list and competition. The girls that had been at it for awhile said Id never get in, and being as how I didnt know the ins and outs, I didnt know what I was in for or up against but Id figure Id apply. What's the worst that can happen?? I dont get in and I keep doing what I am doing, right? I had been in school full time for 2 years at that time.

The year that I applied, I got pregnant with my second baby, my big girl was in kindergarten, and I got married. I found out I was accepted in February and had my baby in March. My husband got injured at work and was off on workman's comp.

I wrapped up the rest of my pre reqs over the summer, and took the plunge. I cried every day I went. Id be so teary on the way home and sob at the stop light. I would call my hubs and squeak out that *I can't do it. Its too hard. I don't want to be a nurse.* With every phone call, I was gently told, *you have came this far, you have taken these classes, this is what you are doing.* So I did. I got good grades, I tried my best. I stayed out of the cliques, kept my head down and did my work. I stopped crying on the way home and started rejoicing that another 8 weeks was complete... another care plan was done, clinicals were at the hospital I loved.

Time slid by and before I knew it, I was getting close to being a graduate nurse. The hubby was still off work. Money was tight, and the kids were getting big. I felt like I missed alot of being a mom, but their dad was *so good* at parenting, and still is.

I started working 3 night shifts a week the last semester of school as a CNA. I was crazy and cracked out often times... I missed alot of *firsts* but the firsts weren't missed because their daddy was there. I had a lot of firsts of my own. Phi Theta Kappa, National Dean's List and Magna Cum Laude, first person in my family to graduate from college. Providing for MY family, and non dependent on grants, financial aid, or food stamps.

I started as an ICU nurse in the midwest at a small community hospital, working nights in an 8 bed unit. It was hard, I learned alot. Two years went by and I made a cross country move to South Florida. I currently work at the largest hospital in the county, in a 32 bed MICU-CCU. I care for patients I had only read about at my last job. Every day is an adventure.

There are still times when I still feel like crying, but there are also days when I rejoice. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. There is always something new to learn, a soul to soothe, a family to teach, or a patient to bond with.

Your journey will be your own, and Im glad to share mine. Good Luck :) Ivanna

emrebeth3 · Feb 21, 2010

your story Ivanna was AMAZING! you have inspired me. Thank you.

dark40 · Feb 22, 2010

My journey began in 2003 with school, transitioned to working in 2007 to 3 years experience in the here and now. It is still amazing to me, *I made it*
I was out of school for like 5 years. Had a small child and a great hubby. I started with the basics, english, algebra, pre reqs and the like.
We lived in a small town, and the community college was 40 miles one way. The closest 4 year institution was 70 miles one way. I went to the community college and finished pre reqs, and applied for the nsg program. there was a waiting list and competition. The girls that had been at it for awhile said Id never get in, and being as how I didnt know the ins and outs, I didnt know what I was in for or up against but Id figure Id apply. What's the worst that can happen?? I dont get in and I keep doing what I am doing, right? I had been in school full time for 2 years at that time.
The year that I applied, I got pregnant with my second baby, my big girl was in kindergarten, and I got married. I found out I was accepted in February and had my baby in March. My husband got injured at work and was off on workman's comp.
I wrapped up the rest of my pre reqs over the summer, and took the plunge. I cried every day I went. Id be so teary on the way home and sob at the stop light. I would call my hubs and squeak out that *I can't do it. Its too hard. I don't want to be a nurse.* With every phone call, I was gently told, *you have came this far, you have taken these classes, this is what you are doing.* So I did. I got good grades, I tried my best. I stayed out of the cliques, kept my head down and did my work. I stopped crying on the way home and started rejoicing that another 8 weeks was complete... another care plan was done, clinicals were at the hospital I loved.
Time slid by and before I knew it, I was getting close to being a graduate nurse. The hubby was still off work. Money was tight, and the kids were getting big. I felt like I missed alot of being a mom, but their dad was *so good* at parenting, and still is.
I started working 3 night shifts a week the last semester of school as a CNA. I was crazy and cracked out often times... I missed alot of *firsts* but the firsts weren't missed because their daddy was there. I had a lot of firsts of my own. Phi Theta Kappa, National Dean's List and Magna Cum Laude, first person in my family to graduate from college. Providing for MY family, and non dependent on grants, financial aid, or food stamps.
I started as an ICU nurse in the midwest at a small community hospital, working nights in an 8 bed unit. It was hard, I learned alot. Two years went by and I made a cross country move to South Florida. I currently work at the largest hospital in the county, in a 32 bed MICU-CCU. I care for patients I had only read about at my last job. Every day is an adventure.
There are still times when I still feel like crying, but there are also days when I rejoice. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. There is always something new to learn, a soul to soothe, a family to teach, or a patient to bond with.
Your journey will be your own, and Im glad to share mine. Good Luck :) Ivanna

:)WOW IVANNA YOUR JOURNEY WAS A GOOD ONE, IT WAS SO TOUCHING TO ME, GOODJOB. :up: