I have learned a lot in nursing school and really just college in general. I am in the BSN Nursing Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and I am finally a senior in college and on my fourth semester (out of five) of nursing school. You would think I have learned a lot. To be honest, I don't even know what I know. Over this Summer Break, my mind will wonderfully (I say that sarcastically) erase the knowledge I have gained over the past semester. Hopefully, when the NCLEX comes around, everything I have learned will have just been shoved to the back of my brain, and I will be able to pull it all out. I truly have learned a lot of things about myself, about life, and about all things nursing. I have learned how to handle patients and what to do in certain situations. I still have tons to learn, but I believe I am slowly becoming a nurse. These are some things that I have learned.
To take advantage of every single break and enjoy each minute of that break.
There are very few breaks, and with each break comes the guilty feeling that you should not be taking a break. But seriously, take a break. Take a break to get some sleep, to spend time with Jesus, to take a bath, or to spend time with family. You don't get these four years back, so don't miss out on opportunities that could change your life. Don't miss out on moments with your family. Life is short.
Your mom can always make you feel better.
I always call my mom after a big test or presentation, when I find out my grade, when I am really stressed, or when I need a pick-me-up. She always knows the right words to say, and she always listens.
Pets and significant others (if you have one) always help.
My cats and husband are always there for me. They listen intently when I am shedding buckets of tears over my next test. They snuggle up against me so that I feel incredibly loved. They do a great job at making me smile in the midst of my creeping, school stress.
Get a glimpse of the nursing life before applying to nursing school.
When you're already halfway through nursing school, you just might realize that you made the wrong decision. I had doubts halfway through, but I prayed about it and thought that if God had gotten me this far, I was meant to be a nurse. Along with that thought, I started to have peace about becoming a nurse. My third semester nursing clinicals included labor and delivery, and I felt at home there. I would advise anyone thinking about going into nursing school to make sure that that is truly what you want to do. It is hard work, and you have to really want it because you need real motivation to get through it.
What I am passionate about.
I learned what area of nursing that I would actually love. After the first two semesters of nursing school, I was freaking out because I did not like nursing at all. It was because I hadn't been put in the area that interested me. I learned that I am passionate about so many more things than just nursing.
What I am not passionate about.
I learned what areas I absolutely could not stand to work in. Clinical definitely helps you figure that out. I find myself wondering how some nurses can be in certain fields. I know that some people would wonder why I would want to be where I end up as well.
Things about myself.
During my three years of college, I have learned so much about who I am, what I love, what I can do, and so many more things. I have grown more than I ever knew I would.
How to treat a patient.
To the teachers of nursing, I am sure that this is the most important thing you could learn in college. It really is why we are there. I have learned so much about patient care, and that makes me so excited. To become a nurse, you have to learn so many aspects. I only know a small amount, but I can't wait till I know all that my nursing school has to teach. Even after we graduate, we still have so much more to learn.
To spend more time in prayer, in the Word, and with Jesus.
In my time of studying and stressing, I sometimes forget why I am here on this Earth. A friend in nursing school wrote something that reminded me, and I won't ever forget. In the midst of reading the countless pages of nursing books, endless nights of studying, and preparing myself for tests and presentations, I just can't wait for that break. Where I can watch TV, read a book, go to sleep at the same time as my husband, and hang out with my family. I forgot that my sole purpose on this Earth was to serve God and tell people about Jesus. It changed my perspective, and I started to say that I couldn't wait to spend time with Jesus. Spending time with Him gave me peace, which has helped me through it all.
To say yes to spending time with friends.
I have always been someone who loves to stay at home and go straight home after school or work because I can't wait to be home. I got to hang out with my friends on our last day of the semester, and it was such a treat. Say yes to spending time with friends because friends make going through college and life easier and way better.
I know that I will learn so much more in nursing school and especially when I graduate. They say actual nursing is nothing like school says it is. Before you know it you will be a senior in college like me. Then, before I know it, it will be May, and I will be graduating.
