Day 1

Well I have survived my first day of nursing school!  I am taking a quick break from the 4 hours of reading and reviewing I was advised I should be doing a night to write this post.  This program is no joke!

I am feeling very overwhelmed, but thankfully, a lot less nervous.  Maybe a different type of nervousness now.  I didn't sleep well, as I expected last night.  I woke up panicked a few times during the night thinking I was going to over sleep.  I got up at 5:15am and actually went for a quick run.  It must have been all the adrenaline I have from the excitement and nerves of the start of this program.  It was helpful, although reminded me of how out of shape I am!!  I think having this blog as well as exercising will help my stress and mood.  Hopefully I keep up the running!

I made it to school 45 minutes early.  Traffic wasn't too bad, but still a 40 minute commute.  I made my way into the lecture hall and sat next to a familiar face.  It seemed everyone was nervous, which made me feel a bit more relaxed.  Our program director and professor for the first course started our day.  They had us write on an index card what our major concern(s) were about the next 14 months.  We had very similar responses: How will we get all the reading done?  What if I don't fit in?  What's the best way to start preparing for the NCLEX exam? Our wonderful program director was very empathetic and reassured us all.  This program is doable!!  She also reiterated the fact that we all belong here.  The application process is a rigorous one and none of us would be here if they didn't think we could do it.  She said the only people left to convince of that fact was all of us.  We all had the opportunity to stand in front of everyone (again) and introduce ourselves and see if we could find a car pool buddy based on where we live.  It seems our class has around 80 or so students.  So far everyone I have had contact with is very friendly.

During our morning lecture (on the history of nursing and what is a nurse) I had a moment of clarity.  The last few days, especially last night, I have been so nervous but really couldn't even put into words what exactly was making me so nervous.  Aside from the obvious workload, 14 months of putting my life on hold, the time commitment, the long hours and the unknown, I felt like there was something else that was leaving me with knots in my stomach.  During our lecture about what makes a nurse (qualities and responsibilities and such) it all became so obvious!  I was nervous about the professors and how hard they would be.  Then came the moment of clarity; we are being taught by nurses!!  Nurses who are caring, compassionate, empathetic, thoughtful, respectful and who have all been where we sit today!!  How amazing is that?!?!  This realization gave me a sense of calm.  This paired with what the professor and program director were telling us gave me a glimmer of hope!  Maybe I can do this, maybe I am right where I am supposed to be.  Maybe this is a moment of confidence (until I go to read my 7 chapters required for tomorrow and am quickly knocked off my high horse!).  I know I am in for a wild ride, ups and downs. 

Ok, off to get cracking on my reading to get geared up for day 2!!