301 posts

How appropriate to post that I am offically a GN on my 301st post! :)

Pinning was last night and ended my career as a student nurse in a way much like how I've spent the last two years-very stressfully. This is due in part to the fact that the entire program rested on my shoulders in terms of the media aspects, and yes, things went wrong. Basically the auditorium's equipment broke, and my back up plans were tested. Thankfully all worked out, but I was so stressed and distracted by all that was going on with media that I missed out on experiencing my pinning fully.

I dont know that I would recommend being on student council. It is a thankless, stressful job. I learned a lot from it...but at what cost? I dont know yet.

Now the good:

Surrounded by poinsettas, soft lighting, good friends, loving family, and my nursing school instructors, I finally got recognition for all my hard work in the shape of a small piece of metal pinned to my collar. I was dressed in all white and it looked as though myself and all the other nurses were floating on air in their white cap and gowns. There was a speech about the nurse caps meaning and a prayer for nurses. We recited the Florence Nightingale pledge--the same one my mother recited back in the 1960's when she was pinned.

My family was all in attendance and were so wonderful! They brought noise makers and party hats and yelled loudly for me as I crossed the stage. I sat next to some dear friends on stage and enjoyed watching them all tear up dearing my slide show. My part of the speech went well and I was pinned by one of my favorite instructors. My children were so excited for me and hugged me over and over. Afterwards I went out to eat with my family and had a really great time.

Ultimately, the good has outweighed the bad. I am a nurse--through much work and perserverance. Nursing school is hard in many ways--the acedemics are secondary to the stress and emotional fatigue. Would I do it again? Yes. It has changed my life.

My recruiter called today and she is mailing my new grad letter with all the info about my new job! I cant wait to start. Meanwhile, some rest and some studying for the NCLEX.

Thank you all for sticking with me through school. There is more to come! ;) Stay tuned!!!