I’m practically a nurse!

Look at me! I’m a practically a nurse! (HAHA)

So here’s where the fun begins: I feel like a real nursing student now! We had our first two days of clinicals this week — yay! The first day was super stressful, just a warning. Trying to take someone’s blood pressure in a room with 25 other people all attempting to talk over each other is hard. Especially when they have very faint blood pressure sounds. After day one, I was extremely discouraged because I hadn’t really been successful in taking anyone’s blood pressure. I know it was only the first day, but I didn’t think it would be so difficult. Day two was a little easier, but not by much. It’s way easier to determine diastolic pressure than it is for systolic. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, the bottom number is easier than the top. I ordered a super adorable pink blood pressure cuff yesterday afternoon so I’m going to be practicing on people. I’m gonna get good at this, I swear. If you remember to last week, this was one of my fears. Failing. I’m definitely not giving up yet, but it’s pretty stressful. Oh, but I did learn that I’m very good at making up beds, whether people are in them or not. Woot!

Texas A&M Health Science Center – Traditional Class of 2016, all 51 of us (one is a boy!)

I also expected to be on the verge of becoming friends with some of the girls by now. I’ve never claimed to be great at making friends (I’m a little awkward, in case you didn’t know that about me), but I expected at least one or two to appreciate my quirks. Maybe it’s too soon for potential friendships to form. The hardest part for me has been trying to be more open and talkative. For once, I’m in a situation where I’m going to be with these people for the next two years, rather than a few months. Semesters always seemed daunting; trying to meet someone to be your friend but really only getting to spend actual time with them for a little while. Now there’s all this pressure. I’m totally over thinking this, I’m sure.

On a slightly less depressing note… I spoke up in class on Monday to explain something or another, and my prof told everyone that they should study with me because I’m a genius. Haha! That was so funny and felt pretty good, actually. I’m holding on to this memory, even if she was totally kidding.

I’ve decided to start a “thing”. Throughout my nursing student experience, I’m going to be using the hashtags #nursingstudentstruggles and #NSS — so for all the past, present, and future nursing students out there, feel free to join me in using these so we can share our experiences with one another! I would love to hear stories, fears, accomplishments, or anything!

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inspiration // “I can’t control you behavior; nor do I want that burden… but I will not apologize for refusing to be disrespected, to be lied to, or to be mistreated. I have standards; step up or step out.” ~ Steve Maraboli 

Oh HEY. I’m a nursing student!

Yeah you read that correctly. I’m officially one week into my first semester of nursing school! And this is what I’m already dealing with…

You are seeing that correctly. Five books for a five-week summer session. One is so big that I swear it weighs more than a small child. So far my schedule hasn’t been too hectic, but I have a very strong feeling that will be changing in September when the Fall semester begins. It’s daunting. There are no words. [I know someone who recently graduated. She told me her friend ended up in the hospital with heart palpitations because of the stress! OMGOSH.]

Somehow I always forget how much better writing out thoughts/feelings/mindless rambles makes me feel. I don’t understand myself sometimes. Does that even make any sense? I feel like I’m always saying that; sorry! But it’s true. I just keep forgetting. I’m definitely going to try to post at least once a week. Something interesting is bound to happen that doesn’t break any confidentiality laws. I’ve been trying to find a way to make sure I hold myself to this promise. Any ideas?

Well on the first day of class, we were asked to state what our worst fears were going into nursing school. Mine was that I’m afraid I’m going to be terrible at everything and just fail. I get that they wanted us to bond and whatever, but was a conversation about self-doubt really necessary on the  f i r s t  day? I don’t think so. But then I saw something on Instagram that made everything seem a little less worrisome…

How perfect is that? I have faith in God’s glorious plan for me. I’m confident that nursing school is the destiny He set out for me. But doubt is the Devil’s plaything. I just have to remind myself that if this isn’t what He wants for me, then life will change, and I have to be okay with that. I have the support of some amazing Godly people who will help me when changes seem impossible. So for now, my motto is this: Just have faith. I think I can manage that one.

inspiration // “Those whose steps are guided by the Lord, whose ways God approves, may stumble, but they will never fall, for the Lord God holds their hand.” ~ Psalm 37:23-24