Wow, I think it's finally hitting me that I'm really... really... almost done with nursing school. That is so crazy. All the hard work and studying is coming to a close, and a new chapter of a different kind of learning (practical experience) lies ahead. Feeling a little bit emotional :) Nursing school really is no joke. It's definitely the toughest thing I've done in my 22 years of life, for sure. I'm sure it will only get more difficult from here, but in a different way.
Last week, I finished my practicum in the Emergency Department. It was a really good learning experience, and I was blessed with great preceptors who were really encouraging and willing to teach, and didn't treat me as if I was inferior because I was a student, but really tried to help me grow as a future nurse, in both my practical skills (IV insertions, catheters, assessments, etc.) and communication skills. Jobwise, hopefully I will have a chance to talk to the nurse manager of the ED in order to at least get my name and resume out there. Starting a a grad nurse in the ED is still a bit of an intimidating thought to me, but I've talked to several nurses who started as a brand new nurse in the ED and said it was the way to go. Wherever the Lord will have me go, whether it's the ED, or med-surg, or wherever, I will still learn and be content :)
Tomorrow is my last written exam (multiple choice style) in critical care. After that, I have 2 essay finals, a ATI leadership exam, and THATS IT. Whew. It's pretty awesome to look back and see how far we've all come. I fell a little bit short of cum laude, which is kind of a bummer, a couple more A's and I probably would have gotten it :) In the end graduating and passing NCLEX is all that really matters :)
~Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
