Nursing Degree

Most of you know my school struggles, graduated with my bachelors in Biology in 2009, was accepted into the local Physician Assistant program, failed one class (by 0.6%), and was asked to leave the program.  It was devastating and I felt like a failure for a long time, in fact, I still struggle with "thinking" that I have failed in life.  But that's another post...today I want to talk about how those struggles have gotten me to where I am now.

I knew after the PA program that my schooling was not finished...although my student loan amount repayment amount should have told me differently!  I knew that I wanted to pursue an occupation in the medical field.  So after a little break, I met with school advisors and determined that Nursing would be a great choice for me.  There was an accelerated BSN degree through another local college, I applied, was interviewed, and was turned away because I "failed" (there's the blasted word again) an accelerated program before so they didn't think I could handle their program.  Even though one person from my PA class who also failed was accepted into their accelerated nursing program.  It was heart-wrenching.  Old wounds were torn open again and me "thinking" I was a failure were replayed in my mind.  But with the support of my husband I knew that I needed to keep trying.  So I decided to apply for the regular nursing program, which I was accepted into.  The only downfall with this program is that it would take 2 years to complete, whereas the accelerated would take 1 year.  But I figured that it would be less stressful to take my time in 2 years as opposed to the 1 year. 

The program was tough, there were many tears and late nights studying.  But my nursing track was so supportive and awesome, we all became very good friends and that made it worth-while for those 2 years.  And despite the tears and frustrations I made it!  I graduated on April 27, 2013 with a 3.3 GPA. 

My pinning ceremony was the day before, on the 26th and that is what I was most excited about.  This ceremony is what I wanted my family to come and watch...this was more important to me than the graduation ceremony.

Some of my cohorts

Right after being pinned KK ran and jumped up into my arms...he was so proud

A couple of my closer friends from school

Her + I = LOTS of stories

KK loved playing with this curtain with Jordan

After standing and sitting for so long on Friday I was in so much terrible pain from my hips and pelvis that I had to take a sedative (hydroxyzine) to sleep because I was in SOO much pain, I was seriously on the verge of asked Mr H. to take me to the ER, but knew that they would just give me pain meds and all I needed was to rest my hips and pelvis.  So after a nights rest, I knew that I couldn't bare to go through a graduation ceremony and risk hurting like that again.  So I didn't go to graduation...and I'm not upset about it nor do I regret it.

I am grateful for my education and that I have FINALLY finished (for now).  I can focus on my family and career without the nagging thought of homework or studying.  So what's next for me!?  My main focus is this baby.  I want to have a healthy pregnancy and birth without the stress of finding a job or going to a job.  The money would be nice, but we're surviving right now and can continue to survive until I feel capable of going to work.  This baby and my family are much too precious and are at the center of my focus at this time.