I'M A GRADUATE NURSE!!!!

I can't believe I can type that!!! This journey has been a very emotional one, with many physical, financial and family hurdles to get through. I am finally letting it settle in. I am so glad I have a faith that allowed me to understand that the bump in the road was not the end of the road and that my faith kept me strong. Granted I cried a lot last weekend, every time someone would ask me how I was doing, I'd start to cry. I really was 'ok' with the fact that I had not passed the course, but it still hurt. I went to school on Monday, purely for the fact of finding out what I did wrong so I could do better when I repeated the course next month. I never EVER dreamed the outcome would be what it was! I am glad that this error occurred. It reminded me that I need to lean on Him who has helped me through this journey.

On Wednesday, we completed our 'exit' exam for the nursing program. It is supposed to be a predictive of how you would do on the NCLEX. I left knowing I had some work to do but was pleased with the score I had obtained since I didn't even know I was taking the exam two days prior to it. This morning we had a predictive exam for a prep course my school is offering to us. The purpose of this exam was so they would know how to gear what to go over for us. This exam gave you a percentage rate that they predict you'll pass the NCLEX the first time you take it. I was shocked when my exam revealed 94% chance of passing the first time I take it. I am going to take two prep courses and will register for the NCLEX following those courses.

Yesterday was our graduate luncheon. It was a relaxed afternoon to spend with our classmates and enjoy some food and cake. We then had our practice for our Pinning Ceremony. We had to come back in just a few hours all dressed up for the REAL THING!

I had been chosen as one of the two student speakers for the ceremony. I was honored to have Dale, Aubre & Tyler; my parents and sister and some very special friends who have shared in this journey with me, supporting me with prayers, supportive words and a listening ear; attend the ceremony to support me.

I was a nervous wreck when it was my turn to speak but thankfully, once I got going, I was fine. It's just opening my mouth to get the words to come out at first, LOL. I reviewed the past two years as evening clinical students and some of the things we learned and the instructors who helped shape us into the nurses we are! It was an amazing night!

Here are a few photos from the past couple days!!!

Graduate Nurses

Giving my speech

Just Pinned

THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Well, this has been a whirlwind! I posted Thursday afternoon after getting the devastating news about my exam. I had an outpouring of friends and loved ones who showered me with support and love. On Friday, I cancelled the Kaplan Prep Course I was going to start tonight to prepare for the NCLEX. I registered for next semester, unhappy I couldn't get the time slot I wanted, but had to move forward. I shared my sad news with my co-workers who all reinforced to me that this was just a bump in the road and I was still going to be a nurse, just not as soon as I was originally planning. Thankfully my faith kept my head on straight and I started to plan some family time (something that has been neglected for far too long). Dale & I signed up to help with a dog transport on Saturday evening (which they ended up not needing us for) so we took a ride, enjoyed a dinner and drove around looking at Christmas lights. Sunday after work, we started to put up our tree, getting lights only on the bottom before deciding to go see a movie. LOVE having time to just do something for us!

This morning I met with my instructor to review my exam. Typically we have a scheduled test review after each exam but being the last one of the semester there was not one. In reviewing my exam and the answers and belittling myself for selecting the wrong answer when I knew the right one (test anxiety is a KILLER) it was revealed that one of the MANY 'select all that apply' questions my answer matched the correct answer yet it was marked as wrong. My instructor had to meet with another instructor with the test key to review this. Then she returned to tell me that she would have to investigate this and would contact me very soon, asking for my phone number.

I left the school, texting Dale that I had this one question right and that I MIGHT have passed.  He got all excited, but I said NO, I can't get my hopes up to only find out I failed by an even closer margin.  So I waited for the call. A very short time later, my instructor called and said that that question was correct and so by a very TINY margin, I PASSED NURSING SCHOOL!!!!  I cried so hard, I think almost as hard as I did when I received the news that I had failed on Thursday.

So, this Thursday, at 6pm, at Delaware Technical Community College - Stanton Campus is my Pinning Ceremony. If you are local, I would love to share this accomplishment with you. If you have any questions, please call or text me.

WELL THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE CONTINUES

On Tuesday, I took my final exam in the one course (Community Health) of the fourth semester in the nursing program.  I did well on that exam and concentrated on my final nursing school exam. That exam was today.  I passed the exam, but not a high enough grade to pass the course (Med-surg).  I am devastated at the moment and will have to repeat the course next semester (which starts next month).  I am waiting to review my exam with an instructor next week so that hopefully, I will do better next time.

Thank you for the continued support.  As sad as I am right now, my manager said this and it helped a tiny bit:

"You have just hit a bump in the road. Somehow, someway, it will make you even stronger and an even better nurse"

For my friends and family that were going to attend the Pinning Ceremony at my school next week, please do not attend as I will not get pinned this semester.  I will hope to share some better news with you next semester.

THIS IS IT!!!!

Last week, as I put on my hunter green and white scrubs and ugly white nurses shoes (which are falling apart), I thought, I can't believe it! It's done! Clinical was OVER! The clinical portion (hands on) part of the program is where we actually get to treat patients. It was the time where you really felt like a nurse (at times). This semester also gave us an opportunity to be 'manager' of part of our team. I didn't think I'd enjoy that part, but I did. I enjoyed being able to help each member of my team as they needed it (since I didn't have a patient assignment myself that week). I reluctantly washed and hung those white and green scrubs until I know for sure I am done! I hope to never have to put them on again. As for those white shoes, they are falling apart and so ready for the trash!

Well, this is the final week of nursing school! Two exams this week. Always the roughest week of the semester. This time last year we got hit with a major snowstorm.  Monday, we got eight inches of snow, resulting in the cancellation of school the next day which would be the first of the two final exams. This was the most dreaded thing. We then had to take one exam on Wednesday and the final exam on Thursday. Just NOT optimal situation when you are stressed about passing the exam.

I have one exam on Tuesday, which I'm doing ok in that course, so, hopefully, I won't have any issues.  The harder of the two will be on Thursday. I hate that I will be on pins and needles until grades are posted on Thursday afternoon, but that is how it is in nursing school. 

As my countdown on my phone alerted me (like I needed a reminder), there are just a few days left in this semester!

When I shared this photo with Dale he commented that it seems like I just started. Another friend said it's been the longest but fastest two years!!! Only a nursing student would truly understand this.

So, now it is time to finish the final lecture and do many hours of readings. Please pray for me (and my friends) to get through this week successfully and onto the next hurdle (NCLEX)! I'll be sure to update later this week!

If you are one of my local friends or family, I'd like to take this chance to invite you to my Pinning Ceremony. It will be Thursday, December 18th at 6pm at the Stanton Campus of DelTech. If you need more info or would like to attend, please let me know. It is probably the most important event of a nursing students journey. Graduation is a formality and will not happen until May, so this is what we really look forward to.