Merry Christmas, Nurse!

A couple days ago I got the best Christmas gift possible for this year…

I passed my NCLEX-PN exam!!

(My nursing board exam)

Thankfully the letter arrived with good news in the final days before Christmas. It is still sinking in that it’s really really, that I’ve been successful and achieved this dream to become a nurse!

9 days

At some point you realize, ” I can do this…” And then there are the days you call your mother sobbing from the parking lot that’s filled with other emotional students.

This, is nursing school.

I have 9 days left in an accelerated LVN/LPN course… And only now is my sanity beginning to re-surface (mom would point out more importantly my sense of humor is also making a come back.)  So I wanted to start Blogging again, I really want to remember this past year and remember this excitement leading up to graduation. When I started I couldn’t find a lot of help for LVN students in accelerated programs, or more importantly what to expect from an accelerated LVN program.

Two words: awesome. Insanity.

But now as I start to look back on the year it seems that time flew by so quickly. More soon!

Sure ain’t easy.

I wouldn’t want nursing school to be easy. Really I wouldn’t, because then anyone could do it, and the care people get wouldn’t have a high standard. But good grief this is hard. This accelerated program is kicking my butt! I’d love to be relaxing this weekend, going and playing with friends, or shopping? Oh I miss shopping. Not to mention camping? What I wouldn’t give to feel the hot sand beneath my feet and the freezing Oregon Coast waves crash into me…

Accelerated LVN school is doable. But it’s not for everyone. My biggest advice to someone going into this? Make sure you have the year (or however long the accelerated program is) to dedicate your life. Shit will happen, you will get sick, you will miss your friends and family.

This week was a fun one (aside from the evil math test of doom). We practiced injections:

Start of the injection practices

Hot Dog showing my intradermal injection practice

…and are now well into Pharmacology which is interesting, but somewhat terrifying. They make sure we understand how much we need to be sure about the medications we give.

Belle fans will be happy to know she and PFCat are both very happy and healthy! She’s as cute as ever and while she may not be a fan of my being in school so much of the time, she’s so very happy to greet me when I get home!

I have 209 days left in the program.

First Day- Glad that’s over!

Holy crap people. I’m tired.

I feel old.

This is possibly related to me being too excited/nervous to sleep last night. Sweet Kurt talked to me until I finally calmed down enough to sleep for the precious few hours. (Sweet Dreams Tea, I’m forever a fan.) Very glad I packed my lunch and had everything set up for myself in the morning. Thankfully everyone (Belle the princess Papillon.) cooperated and I got to school on time.

Final interview went fine; hair is short enough, I now know what shoes to buy, oh and that I don’t have all the immunizations/records I need. (Fuck.)

We’re not wearing uniforms until after we make it to “core” or possibly all the way to semester one. That part was fuzzy as were so many others because my brain was in overdrive. We’re allowed to wear “community college appropriate clothing” but somehow I don’t think my comfy pants are going to qualify for that, also, no hoodies allowed, zippered only. (Fine, shopping with money I don’t have & would rather not waste…but I <3 sweaters so whatev.)

First day was fine, boring with all the “this is how to take tests” and “what kind of learner are you” that’s typical of first day classes. People seem nice, hoping to get into a study group soon with some good people… and that I make it to the top of the class so I’m not scared for a spot in the rest of the program. We have just over 40 and there are 36 seats in the rest of the sections.

I’m excited, I’m tired, and despite the hours of honest studying I’ve put in, I haven’t finished the notes or the practice stuff I wanted to for the night. But sleep will come first tonight, I cannot afford to be sick.

3 weeks and I should know if I’ve made it to core, then 5 weeks and I should know if I’ve made it to first semester. (pretty sure on this count)

Thank you all for your lovely support and kind words today and the past few days. It really means a lot to me and helped me get over my anxiety. The texts from my Mom and Diana this morning made me smile– it’s so incredible to have so much support from so many awesome people– all those FB comments? Totally appreciate the love.

Before I forget

Driving home yesterday I was all pumped up about writing. Maybe it wouldn’t be stuff I could post on the blog but heck,I was going to do some writing because the weekend had been awesome.

Instead? I slept.

I’m trying to catch up on my Google Reader, it was over 100 when I started today, now it’s telling me I’ve got nothing unread.

Today I need to be reviewing for my Phlebotomy Exam. I should’ve done this at least 6mo ago but with 27 days left before VN begins, I’m just happy to be finishing. After the exam I’m not sure how long before I’ll know if I passed or not– if I pass it’s onto getting my paperwork through the state.

Things that happened this weekend (that I want to write about so I dont forget):

• The Surprise Birthday Party
• Stargazing & Sprinklers
• Realizing just how lucky I am to have such an amazing boyfriend.

Open & Honest

I never meant for this blog to turn into another tight lipped half, hushed blog full of quiet partial stories as to not offend people. Mostly people who know me IRL. Lately this has been grating on me.

Currently, I’m on the fence about creating a second more PC/Family friendly blog and Facebook account since my Mom’s sister now has FB and my Mom, may not be far behind.

I have one year until graduation, I hope after that year to no longer be dependent on family. I love my family, I’m extremely grateful for all the love and support they have given.

… but I’m ready to be my own person and not have to hold my breath because I don’t want them to be offended. (This is a really big deal to me and something that’s very very difficult.) That secret some of you know about? Well, part of me thinks maybe I should go for something smaller that would be mine so my parents wouldn’t have that over my head.

I’m going to be honest with you all…

I am scared.

41 days until LVN starts. 402 days until GRADUATION!!

And then? Then the real world. Full time work, bill paying, full time work!

I ramble a lot in these more heartfelt blog entries but I hope you’ll stick with me here.

I am excited. Really, really excited.

Reading the blogs of the adults in my twitter feed, you all are amazing. Those of you with kids? You’re helping me see all the things the books, workshops, school– that no one tells you!

I’m not really sure what my tweets, my blog, my life is going to be like starting in 41 days, but people, I hope you stick around for the ride!

Apologies

I’m sorry this blog doesn’t follow the blog rules. I will one day move into “grownup” blogging but for now, it’s just life, my life, my journey. Sometimes I do review movies, products, and other things…. mostly it’s just me!

Anyhow I just wanted to give an update of sorts:

Laptop is back in the shop and is due to arrive home Friday. Waiting for a date to take my phlebotomy exam to be board certified. Got my shots for nursing school today, 3 vaccines, a TB test injection, and a blood draw. So I hurt in a major way. Belle is still cute as can be, Kurt and I are doing well, long distance and all…

So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to sleep away the side effects of my morning.

The Big Day!

Today I take my entrance exam for an LVN program. If I get in, I start the process of beginning school in September! The program is intense and is 11months…. I’m thrilled and SO nervous!!!!

LVN Here I come!