My Future Awaits
Monday, April 06, 2009
Nursing is often chosen because it offers job security, financial stability, and the privilege of working with and caring for people. These were naturally part of why I initially chose nursing. After being in school for two years, I now see many more opportunities within nursing that were invisible to me as an incoming freshman. Thus far into the coursework we have completed a clinical in a nursing home facility and are beginning our time in an acute care setting. Further into the program many more styles of nursing are exposed to us. This is one of the many perks of my career choice, a broad and ever expanding field to choose from. Another point that is stressed to us as students is the possibilities that are offered if you continue up the education ladder. Within nursing the sky is the limit on the amount of education one can receive. With each notch on the ladder completed, more expertise follows. I truly believe I have chosen a career that has infinite possibilities to offer to all capable, qualified, lifelong learners.
My first clinical experience opened my eyes to what I was getting into. While in the nursing home we were able to give care at the most basic level and have the opportunity to really connect with those familiar faces. This is so rare in nursing today because of the fast paced routine of the hospital setting. We were expected to give bed baths, change bedding, clothes, depends, help to deliver and feed lunches, and pass medications. This was my first experience with being in someoneā?Ts personal space and barley knowing more than their name. While at first I was intimidated, as the semester passed by I realized that by performing these basic and therapeutic tasks with my patients I was able to build a much stronger and more trusting relationship. To me, this is the heart of nursing and solidified more than ever before; I am choosing the right career. Since building these relationships with people I canā?Tt imagine a life where I canā?Tt do this every day.
Although nursing is a common career choice it is not one easily completed. Schoolwork is complex and very challenging. Some may buckle under the pressure or choose another path for themselves. I have no doubt chosen a competitive and difficult course of study but I knew that coming into it. I know what is expected of me and I get the work done. I take my classes very seriously because I know the information Iā?Tm learning now is what will help save lives in the future. I also believe that when school is something the student has to pay for they learn to appreciate it more. When I graduate I will be able to say that I did it for myself and no one else. I will have an ever changing career with endless opportunity, itā?Ts only two years away, and I canā?Tt wait!
posted in: Ohio