“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Last Days of Nursing School

It's official...my last two days of nursing school were this week so it's all OVER! We don't have actual graduation until July 30th so it hasn't really sunk in that I'm really finished. (Other than I have all this free time to do absolutely nothing, wonderful feeling!!)

Tuesday we had to present our Evidence Based Practice presentations to the Juniors. It was crazy to think that was us not that long ago. I remember going to the Seniors presentations last year thinking, "Gosh I wish I was where there are right now, almost completely done" as I had 12 more grueling months ahead of me.

Although I can say that it did go by pretty quick, I look back and realize how much we had to go through to get to this point, and then the whole process seems like it was sooo long. This program crams so much into a short amount of time. It's overwhelming to look back at the numerous amount of tests we took, care plans we wrote, papers written, and assignments completed. So although it seems like it went by quick, this program is no joke! Tough!

Making the decision to go back to school, however, was such a great choice. It amazes me to look back before school and realize just how far I've come and how much I know! I know that might sound crazy because one would think after14 months of school, you better know something right? Yes...But I think as students we see all these what we call "seasoned" nurses and feel less competent and doubting what we have really learned.

My Leadership experience was when I first really realized how much I DO know. Yes, the "seasoned" nurses know a lot more because they have been doing this for so long, but I am competent and am capable and ready to do this on my own. They all work as a team and no nurse is ever really alone. In my experience, they were all so willing to jump in and help each other without even having to be asked. This was so comforting to know someone will always have your back.

Not only have I gained a ton of knowledge during this program, but I have also gained a lot of great friendships. I remember the first day of school, looking around the room at all the unfamiliar faces, and thinking that these people are going to soon become some of my closest friends. And within the first few weeks, those unfamiliar faces became the people I truly enjoyed being with and could count on for anything.

More than the knowledge I've learned, I will always cherish and value the friendships I have made. It is so sad to think that we will all be going our separate ways after graduation and possibly never see each other again. But we will always share this nursing school experience and can look back and appreciate all the people who helped get us through.

Here are some pictures I took on our last two days. Some are from our EBP poster presentation and others are from a Geriatric Conference that I helped out with.

I passed by this sign many, many times.


This is just another look into the College of Nursing. Walked this hall many times too!

My group in front of our poster presentation. Our poster was awesome (thanks to Sara)!!

I was very proud of our poster, so I have to show it off a little bit. :)


The pictures up top were hung with clothes pins. Our topic was the effects of skin-to-skin contact on breastfeeding immediately after delivery. So we put up all these sweet pictures of babies, skin-to-skin.

Now onto the pictures of all my wonderful, nursing school friends.:)
Jessica and I

Alex and Randa

Sara and Bethany

The person I probably wouldn't have made it through nursing school without.
Hollie and I
(kind of a bad picture with the sun glaring and shadows)

Bridget and Miranda

Brittany and Taylor C.

Alesha and Whitney

Amber, Jessica and Sara

Alison, Marcy and Glory

Me, Randi, Kirstan, Erica, Jenny, and Whitney

The rest are from the Geriatric Conference in Norman.
These glasses simulate what it might be like to have different vision impairments.
Jani, Me, Randi, Ana, and Hollie

Randi and I hard at work :)

Our job was to create a "Hazard House" that would give people an idea of various hazards that you might see in an elderly persons home. See if you can pick out the hazards!

This cute little dog can be a hazard but what else do you see that could be as well....look closely!hahaha We had way too much fun with this project! :)

More hazards...

Eeewwww!

Hollie and Ana

Hollie and I, love this girl!!

Gotta love free t-shirts! I sure will miss my nursing friends :(

Well, those pictures sum up the last days of nursing school. Once again, I am so thankful and blessed that God has given me such a wonderful opportunity to further my career and meet such great people along the way. It has only been with God's help and guidance that I have finished this strong.

James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

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