How crazy is the fact that all our lives there has been a voice inside our head saying 'do this, do that' about what we want to be in the future? Huge decisions have to be made whenever our eyes open each morning. Whether it is being a good person or someone who cares about those around them, this idea has been begging at your door step to be let in and taken care of. And if that idea involves making the world a better and healthier place, nursing school is the right place for you.
How can it already be the summer before nursing school? I thought I had at least another two years of pre-requisites, but now I'm buying packages of expensive books. Instead of saying, "I have to apply after my sophomore year in order to get in the program," now I'm saying, "Yes, I got into the program and now the fun starts." The idea is finally turning into reality one day at a time.
Am I going to be the same student I was for the past two years? Now that the stress of being accepted is over with and I can finally say I'm on my way, will I still get the same grades I had in the general courses? It seems like another whole world when it comes to actually applying the important information we will be learning now. But once our skills are rehearsed over and over again, I know the preparation will be there and each of us will become competent.
Being able to say, 'I am a nursing student' must mean something to your friends. I can already feel myself giving the excuse of staying in on a Saturday night because of a test on the following Friday. I see sacrificing fun time for study time is a huge difference for nursing students. Learning how to become a knowledgeable nurse doesn't happen over night and your friends will understand. Who knows, maybe they'll need you down the road because they knew how hard you studied.
Being curious to know something you don't is a good place to start. I would be such an awful nursing student if I didn't research every time I found something I didn't know. It actually scares me if I wouldn't know what to do if someone was drastically hurt. But the fear of not knowing what to do should drive incoming nursing students to learn as much as they can. The teachers are there to help you over and over again until you are confident in whatever procedure you're doing.
If you're a nursing student, it's because you can handle any bodily fluid. Blood, vomit, boogers, feces, etc., aren't for weak stomachs. That's why it takes a special person to deal with the not-so-clean aspects of life. When people are sick and embarrassed after an accident, the love and care a nurse shows can really change the situation into a more comfortable atmosphere. Knowing all of this before nursing school almost makes you excited whenever you get to help someone who isn't feeling well. And it should; you'll be doing it the rest of your life.
The biggest blessing of all is showing TLC to every individual you meet. Not everyday do you come by people who can stomach blood and can also handle the stress of a terminal disease unfold in front of their eyes. Nursing does not look like an easy job at all. But that is what should push incoming students to live up to the standard of professional care for those who need it. It goes beyond just being nice to people; it's treating them with all the knowledge and experience in order to make them healthier—physically and mentally.
