The Last Semester

It is finally here...and I am feeling a mixture of emotions. There is a big part of me that is counting down the days until graduation (December 18th!) and there is another (right now, very tiny) part that is really nervous about what is happening after graduation. Nothing is for certain...and although I can't wait to take the NCLEX, I am really feeling overwhelmed. I have so much to review; basic A & P, patho, all of the specialty areas and of course, the meds. I almost don't know where to focus! I have been waiting for this semester for over 2 years-to finally start the rest of my life, move on with my career and be a part of normalcy.

I don't even know what normal is anymore. I'm not sure that any part of my life is considered "normal" but then again, is anyone really the norm anymore? Ridiculous hours are more than a habit. Up by 4:30a (5a if I am lazy and sleep in), commuting to school, sitting in classes for hours on end, 12 hour clinical days, 12 hour work days, a rare day off from work or school which is spent studying...this craziness never ends! I've had many people ask me what I'm going to do with all of my spare time when I'm finished with school...am I going to work 3 jobs? Go right to grad school? The answer is...first, I am going to sleep. Then, I will determine how my free time will be spent. I have so much on my "to-do" list (well, it's probably a bucket list, but I don't like that term) that maybe I will take a little time to accomplish things that aren't related to professional development first. Grad school....yes, I will get there eventually. Right away, I want to work in the clinical setting-and really learn and advance my skills, before I start on a track with little direction and knowledge. Plus, working will give me focus on what I want to do 5 years from now...10 years from now...to keep learning. I've thought a lot about an MSN...for a clinical leadership role-such as a nurse educator role, teaching a clinical thru a University, or even (gasp!) research. I can't envision myself ever leaving the bedside nursing role, though. If I decide to continue for an APN, I will choose a specialty that is very involved in what happens bedside.

Anyway, I am continuing to explore the wonderful neighborhoods around my new home as I get outside for the occasional run, trip to the grocery store, or even on my way out of town. I have been downtown a few times, Brady St. area, and of course, the adorable Village of Tosa, which is walking distance from my place. As the weather turns cooler, it will be interesting to see what the neighborhoods are like in the wintertime. I can't wait for a day off...to spend dancing in the rain, building a snowman or picking apples in a nearby orchard. I have a feeling though...I will have free time starting in December-so I'll be starting by building a snowman.

Hopefully my next post will be in less than a month from now! Love, Rose