So as many of you may know, this is National Nurse's Week. I've spent much of my week thinking about what the profession means to me, what the title of nurse (regardless of whether it's RN, LPN, bachelor's degree, master's degree what have you) means and how much work it takes to get there. Nursing school, as I've heard from our pinning speech, is not for smart people. Boy can I relate to that! Some days in the past two years, I've asked myself over and over, "Why in the world did I choose nursing school?!" It takes all of your time, your energy, your brain cells. You spend many nights working on careplans, early mornings in clinical, studying until your eyes cross. It's not something you can do just halfway.
Over the past two years, I've made friends that became family. I've seen firsthand the difference a nurse can make in their patient's lives. Having been in the patient role more than enough times this year, one becomes more appreciative of the power a good nurse has on your care. My classmates have supported me, prayed for me, and become friends that I will never forget our lose touch with. They say the friends you make in nursing school are friends you will have for the rest of your life. This is true. We went through hell together, to get to the point where we are today. Not that any of us regret the journey, but it was a difficult one. Many changes have occurred in my life this year. The job I thought I would have for the rest of my career ended up not being such. But I was welcomed into a beautiful and loving environment and have added people to my "little family." Those people cheered me on, encouraged me, spent time with me when I was the patient, advocated for me, made me laugh, and kept me somewhat sane throughout this whole process.
I started this journey unknowingly as a child when my Grandma took me to her place of employment and I spent time with the residents. At the time, I wanted to be a teacher. With that said, residents and staff alike said over and over, "You would be a wonderful nurse." At the time, I can honestly say I thought they were crazy. I had no interest. But then, I made lasting friendships with the residents. During Middle School and High School, I volunteered in the special education classrooms and thought I had my life figured out. I was going to be a Special Ed teacher. But that didn't end up working out. I went back to the nursing home at the age of 14, and rekindled my love for the elderly and my relationships with the residents. Over time, I thought "this nursing thing may be for me." So at the age of 16, I enrolled in Nursing Assistant classes and in April of 2008 began working as a nursing asssistant. I had NO idea what I was doing and there were days when I thought "What am I doing here?!" I finally got used to the job and became pretty darn good at it, if I do say so myself. So after high school, I got this crazy idea to go to nursing school. And this five year journey began.
I switched schools twice, went through a semester that I failed my general ed classes, but something kept telling me I was meant for this job. Throughout my school journey for my first four years of school, I worked primarily on a locked Dementia unit and absolutely loved it. I had a deep connection with those residents. Especially when one of them became my Grandma Schock. It was my honor to spend the last few years of her life caring for her and to be holding her when she took her last breath. My Grandma Schock was a big part of my encouragement to go on. I would look into her eyes and see her love for me but also her need to be cared for. My Grandma waited until I graduated as an LPN to leave this earth for her Home in Heaven. I was devastated when she passed away, but realized then that it was time for a change in my life and started my journey as a licensed nurse with a new job and people I didn't know from Adam.
So what is the point of all of this writing? I'm getting there...I am not your "run of the mill" nurse. I will cry with my residents, hug them, hold their hand, go above and beyond to make sure I give them the best life and the best care possible. I will support my co-workers and celebrate their birthdays by bringing cupcakes and goofy cards, and do anything for them that I can to help them. I find humor in even the toughest situations. I advocate for both my residents and co-workers. I care for the elderly, who many times are unable to speak for themselves. I communicate with doctors, managers, and co-workers to make sure the residents get the care they deserve. Caregiving is something ingraved in me, something I was born to do. I do not feel that loving my co-workers or my residents is a bad thing. It is essential! Caring is at the heart of nursing. Nursing is one of the most respected professions, and there is a reason! Not everyone can do this job.
I would not trade my job for the world, nor would I choose any other profession. If anyone asked me, I would choose this path for my life 1,000 times over again. It is one of the most rewarding, meaningful, and amazing things I've done in my life.
That being said, I've had many mentors in this journey, and continue to. They have shown me what nursing really is and what it means. Their example has helped me become the nurse I am today. This includes my former and current coworkers, my instructors, and my Grandma and Father. I will never forget the times in school where I needed care myself and my wonderful instructors cared for me and supported me. They do more than just teach. They truly do everything in their power to ensure that we are successful.
So I've graduated. I still have finals to take, but I am nearing the end of this particular journey and coming to a new beginning in my career and my life. I have many people that have supported and loved me through this journey and I can not express in words how much this has meant to me.
So thank you, to all of you who have taught me, supported me, loved me, prayed for me, and helped me get through this craziness. I could not have become the nurse I am today without all of you. I thank those who attended my pinning and graduation, and those who wished me well and thought of me even though they could not be there. I am beyond blessed to have a wonderful support system. It has made all of the difference in the world.
Happy Nurses week to all of the wonderful nurses I know, as well as anyone who is in the nursing profession. I know I have worked with some of the most amazing nurses and nursing assistants ever! May you never forget how much you are appreciated.
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