Thursday, January 24, 2013

At the End (RS: third year)

Nursing school at IU has been an incredible journey filled with trials and triumphs, late nights and early mornings, real patients and practice mannequins. More than anything, it has been an honor and a privilege for me to be a part of it all. I have truly enjoyed learning alongside others who, like me, have a passion for nursing. As a senior in my last semester of college, I can reflect upon my previous five semesters in the nursing program and can honestly conclude that I have had some of the best instructors imaginable. They are always there to support and encourage each and every one of us to be the best that we can be and to consistently strive for excellence. They have taught us and continue to remind us that, no matter the circumstances, our patients should be at the forefront of our care and that advocating for our patients is our mission.

For me and many other students, there is something so poignant about our upcoming graduation. Sometimes it is absolutely terrifying to think about leaving IU and entering the real world and saddening to think about nursing school friends going their separate ways. However, IUSON has equipped us with the tools that we will need to succeed. Graduating is a bridge that we must cross so that we can go out into the world and do what IUSON has taught us to do, which is to provide outstanding nursing care.

Graduation on May 4 will represent the end of my IU nursing school career, but it will also signify the beginning of my new career as a professional nurse. But before I get ahead of myself, I still have one semester left. From weekend-long clinical experiences at Bradford Woods to Capstone beginning after spring break, I believe this may be the most exciting semester yet! The future seems to be filled with endless possibilities, and I am looking forward to discovering what it has in store.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Fun With Challenges (LB: first year)


     My experience in the nursing school thus far has been full of wonderful revelations.  I was under the impression that it would be all work and zero time to enjoy other activities.  I have found that I can successfully balance classes, work, and my personal life, which has been a huge relief.  I enjoy how challenging my classes can be and how fun the different exercises can be as well.  The professors have been astute in recognizing that not all students learn the same way and therefore encourage us to study and learn in a way that fits.  From past experience in college and throughout high school, it is evident that not all teachers truly enjoy their careers and therefor do not want to help their students excel.  I was delighted to discover not only how much the professors enjoy teaching but also how much they truly love their careers in nursing.  The teachers present the course material in various ways, i.e. learning about skin anomalies with gourds, discussing discrepancies with the Board of Nurses, and supplemental videos to help further our education.  I have met so many people in the program and I have developed strong relationships that I am sure will endure a lifetime.  I feel it is obvious to note but I enjoy clinicals the most.  I am so passionate about working with the patients and making a connection with them not only as a healthcare professional but also as another human being who can relate and empathize with him or her about his or her life experiences and health difficulties.  I am anxious to learn more in future classes and in different health settings.  I am excited about meeting new people and catalyzing my promising career in nursing.