Keep Calm . . .

But I really can't keep calm.  Yes, we have three more week in the semester, and next week doesn't really even count because of Thanksgiving break - however, Thanksgiving break will be my savior because there is still so much to do and so little time to do it.  With ATI testing (x2), health assessment final check off, clinical's teaching project, and exam, and four final exams on the list, I must prepare for a very busy week which lies ahead.
I really hate saying no, friends, but my head is gonna stay in a book until the last day of finals.  And then, after the semester is over, I have a schedule full of shadowing, working, and Christmas shopping in between.   

Another reason why I can't keep calm is that this past week was our last clinical day of the semester.  It was bitter-sweet.  Bitter because this group kept me going through this semester - they have been my encouragement, my pal with whom to laugh to laugh with and a shoulder on which to cry.  Each of these nurses bring something special to the table; laughter, thoughtfulness, sarcasm, loyalty, reality, I really couldn't imagine this semester without any of them [and Kelly, we really did miss you].  Because I can't do this journey on my own, I am so thankful to have these wonderful souls by my side; thanks for helping me find myself and aiding me as I continue to form into the nurse I desire to be.  Bitter because the floor on which we were blessed to work gave us such a good experience; many of the nurses were more than happy to explain, to aid, and to encourage us through the weeks of our rotation.  The nurses, along with the patients, made my experience one in which has changed me.  Unlike the beginning of the summer semester, I am now able to honestly confess that I have compassion in my heart for those who are hurting; I want to help the sick, not only physically, but mentally as well.  Everyone needs someone, and as often as I can allow, I would like that someone to be me.

Sweet because [in three weeks] I will have one full semester of nursing school under my belt.  The world keeps moving, the days keep slipping away, and as they do, I become closer and closer to becoming a Nurse.
God bless nurses, because the ones I am surrounded by each day are truly a gift to the world, a gift to my life. So thankful for the FAM.

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I was blessed to be able to finish this long week of exams with a Scholarship Dinner in which my fellow FAM-member, Autumn and I were able to meet Sen. David Weinstein, our generous donor.  I am blessed in so many ways, and I am gracious in knowing that there are so many people behind me who believe in me and are encouraging me to continue this nursing school journey.  

Thank you, Mr. Weinstein, for giving Autumn and me the opportunity to embark on a journey to follow our dreams and desires of becoming a nurse.  I am excited to see where the next few years take me.  God has some awesome adventures awaiting the UNCP nursing students.

 

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