Lately, it's been about finals

I am so pleased that our university ends school redunkulously early for the spring semester. Finals started today with Psychiatric Nursing. In nursing, for each class there is a final and a comprehensive HESI exam, which is standardized. So, more Psychiatric Nursing tomorrow with the HESI. The HESI scores are particularly important for grading your national ranking, and are reviewed at the end of next fall to establish a placement for spring preceptorship.  

Which brings me to another point....next Thursday I will be considered a senior. And not just any senior - a senior in the nursing program. A senior that after passing the NCLEX will be a licensed nurse professional.

(Er. Is it weird that I'll be a practicing nurse before I am of legal drinking age?

Yeah it's weird, and it's kinda awesome.)

What has surprised me while learning the profession of nursing is how the role is very multifaceted. There is no topic or client centered conversation that is taboo. We're expected to be the go-to person on any physiological and psychological concern the client may have, and to answer in an honest, therapeutic, straight-forward manner. If we don't have the answer, we find the answer. We comfort, console, listen to, challenge, enforce unit rules, minister to basic life needs and facilitate medical recovery. Up til now, I have studied fundamentals, assessment, health promotion, pharmacology, medical-surgical, and psychiatric nursing. I have experienced clinicals on the medsurg floor, nursing home, home care, oncology unit, and psychiatric unit. I can tell you about heart problems, medication complications, how to prevent superbugs, check O2 stats, resuscitation, SBAR reports, sexual dysfunction in males and females, fall safety, manic intervention, using a drug book, and how to have sex when paraplegic. (I know, I'm still scarred from that one.) 

Anyways. I did not want to do this, and I've been completely honest on that account. College was not what I wanted - a degree had no interest to me. When it became clear I had to attend, and was probably being immature about school, I picked nursing and that was final. Why did I pick nursing? I have no clue. Or, maybe just ideas...I wanted a challenge, I know that...I wanted variety...and the thought of being a nurse like my grandmother and best friend's mom was just cool. In the rough spots of my life and early college experience I clung to nursing school like a lifesaver, because with all the uncertainties, I could know I was going to graduate a nurse. I did not even care if I ever practiced. It simply became something I had to accomplish. Even though I still lie awake wondering why I'm doing this...during the day I can focus on pushing ahead and setting goals for future success.

And speaking of future success, I need to study. For the psych HESI. Which is early tomorrow morning.....

:)