One of my classes requires that I write a reflective essay at the end of this semester about my experiences in nursing school thus far. Rather than carry yet another notebook around in which to jot my thoughts and experiences, I am going to utilize the blog. Two birds, one stone. You get (hopefully) interesting things to read while procrastinating on important stuff, and I get to have a dated, time stamped, organized record of my experiences to aid in writing the paper. While not nerdy in the traditional sense (I'll save the technical jargon, questions, and concerns for MyFriendTheDoctor, Paul - congratulations, Paul! Bet you can't wait), it might be helpful for other nursing students seeking validation of their impending nervous breakdowns, not to mention, family and friends of mine who are wondering whether or not to intervene.
For those of you who can do without feeeeelings, the handy "Nursing Nerdity" title will serve to warn you of subsequent dribblydrool.
Please pardon the shorthand and relative lack of subject-verb agreement: these are posts, not essays. Time's a-tickin'.
Thus, this.
Winter Semester, 2008 Class Load: Nursing Funamentals (theory + clinical), Microbiology, Growth and Development Across the Lifespan, Anatomy and Physiology II.
Chapter Count (to read for next week): 12 for Theory, 3 for Clinical, 7 for Micro, 4 for Lifespan, 2 for A&P.
1/2way through 2nd wk. Everything so far is what I expected: extremely intense (new reality tv show: EXTREME NURSING SCHOOL!). Breaking readings into more manageable blocks as much as possible, taking books w/ me everywhere. Last day of 2nd job is tomorrow - should relieve some pressure. Putting feelers out, trying to ID who will be helpful to me in the coming months and who I need to ignore. Lots of cattiness among some women, reminiscent of high school. Trying to separate those who are there out of genuine passion & desire to help, be of service, care for others, from those who read about nursing shortage and thought: quick and easy way to get a "real" job with higher pay and "benefits". Seeking out former, avoiding latter. Mental tape on repeat: "I am totally Fugazi on this shit. I ain't fuckin' around." Under pressure, but not overwhelmed yet (stress "yet"). Motivated, inspired, curious, confident, wanting to absorb as much as possible. Loving Micro, not so much loving Lifespan (love material, like instructor, not so much liking the afore-mentioned "latter" group of students - hoping natural selection will kick in after current semester). Found Sat. study group focused on ATI/NCLEX; will attend beg. 1/26. Went to informal study group this morning, practicing skills to be tested on next wk. Spoke to friend in same program closer to graduation: reciprocal encouragement, venting. Study groups @ school = good. Studying @ school = too much distraction. Note to self: read/study @ home.
Feeling good.
You can do it! Remember, baby steps!
With much love and pride,
Mom