The Life of a Student Nurse

Update!!! April 30, 2010

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I know, I know… I’ve been a very bad blog-friend. The only thing keeping me from feeling too guilty is the belief that you all have been just as busy while I was afk. =)

Lots has happened in the last month. Obviously. For the most part I’ve been busy with writing essays and papers for my classes, that I have no brain space left for blogging. Seriously. I mean, I even Tweet less these days. (I know! Who’s too busy for 140 characters per Tweet?!?)

Anyway, I think my last post I had just gotten a letter to let me know that I am on track to graduate. Recently, I received a letter from the BRN to let me know what other items I need to complete my application–basically my transcripts, which will be sent off by my school right after I graduate (*knock on wood*). All I have to do is register with Pearson VUE $$$, which I will do soon. After they get confirmation I am eligible to test, they’ll give me authorization to test (ATT). Then and only then can I even sign up for a test date. At least, that’s my whole impression of the process.

Catch all that? lol

I’m almost done with my clinical hours. My time in the ICU has been great! I feel like I learned a lot about what it means to be a nurse. Just to be able to apply theory and evidence-based practice gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling. (I know! I’m still in that honeymoon phase…) Anyway, I guess what I mean is that in previous semesters I was doing things because I was *supposed* to do them… now I know why I do them. Not that I didn’t know back then, but being in my senior year, my last semester, I can really just focus on the my role as a “nurse”, instead of worrying about what forms and paperwork I need to fill out for my instructor. It helps too that my preceptor is awesome! She has really allowed me to grow as a soon-to-be nurse. Sure, there are plenty of days I still feel like a student. (I am a student! lol) But I feel more confident now that I did, say… last year and even just this past semester.

My senior project hours in the skills lab are almost at an end, as well. My kiddos (haha) have their comprehensive skills final next week! It’s been great to work with the 1st year nursing students. What an amazing feeling to see them grow. Seriously. The students I really enjoy having are the ones who want to know how they can improve. The best part about teaching is when you see the concepts finally click. We try to push the critical thinking aspect, because anyone can memorize a skill; but do they understand the WHY behind it all? Listen to me, all excited. =) It makes me think about going into education one day. Not soon, but some time in the future…

My grad invitations have been mailed out. I’m just waiting for people to R.s.v.p. to the pinning. I’m disappointed that our tickets are limited, but that’s another story for another post. Or not.

Let’s see… what else? I have to start applying to jobs soon. Somehow I feel like I should have been job hunting sooner. Argh! Hopefully I’m not too late to the party and can still get something close by!

Other than that, things are great. I am stressed out, but I am surviving this semester and right now that’s all that matters. I hope you all are doing well with school (or work). Take care!

Happy Friday!