-
I graduated feeling pretty undecided about what I wanted to do. But when registering for college classes, I chose to proceed with doing the pre-reqs for Nursing and seeing where things went. I wasn't entirely sure (at the time) if that's what I wanted to do, but I was more sure about that than anything else at the time!
-
Looking back it felt like a rough and swift 2 years... From pre-requisite classes, to volunteering, to EMT course, and to the TEAS exam, I pushed through to continue the momentum of progress from high school. That was until...
-
-
At the time, this was a huge shift in how I saw my future. Getting denied from all 3 schools I applied for when I felt that I worked pretty hard to get into nursing school was a huge blow to my sense of self. Additionally, it killed the aforementioned momentum I had and I wasn't sure what to do with the time I had until the next round of applications.
-
Rather than moping around, I took that opportunity to enjoy the abundance of time I had newly available to me. I got a part time restaurant job (that I am still currently part of until I find a new-grad program for me to work in), had amazing experiences with friends and family, and prepped myself for the next round of nursing program apps.
-
Slightly prior to this, I was heavily considering back out of the nursing path. The amount of self-doubt I had in myself back then was too much for me back then. But after some friends and family reassured me and I heard the great news of me getting accepted, I committed to Palomar to start my nursing career!!
-
Nervous, yet excited for this new start! First semester definitely felt like the toughest time with how much there was to learn in so little time. -
Right before spring break for the second semester, we were told that we would be halting school for a brief period until a certain infection had dissipated. We were told that it would only be a 1-2 week pause in the semester, but man was it something worse than anyone could have expected.
-
The 1-2 week break we had ultimately resulted in a semester restart in Fall 2020, where everything had changed to comply with COVID-19 regulations and to keep ourselves safe from the unknown dangers of the pandemic. Despite the setback, my classmates and I were raring to hit the ground running and continue in the program from where we left off. -
Despite a rough and tough year and a half of adjusting to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations ONTOP of the new knowledge provided to us every semester, we persevered and finished! Pinning day was bittersweet. From prepping the livestream and even trying to fix it mid-ceremony, to the selfies with friends I might be seeing for the last time, to the after-party where a good amount of us drank (safely of course) and had fun. It was an amazing time that marked the end of nursing school. -
After graduation, I took a "brief" 4 month break to do some traveling as a means to unwind. But after realizing that I had to get the ball rolling again, I got signed up for the NCLEX, studied what I felt would prepare me, and took the exam. Crazy concept, but the 2 sets of Mark Klimek notes and minimal amounts of practice questions I did hadn't prepared me for the exam properly.
-
With failing the NCLEX on my mind, on top of other personal and family matters occurring, my motivation to continue and re-study was put at a hard stop. Part of me felt like I needed a "break" from what was going on, despite it not being the best decision. I traveled more, started going to concerts and festivals more, and just working at my part time job.
-
Realizing I had taken too long to resume studying for the NCLEX, I got back into things understanding that I had much to essentially re-learn. It was definitely tough during the first week or two, but after I got a better understanding through hundreds of practice questions, I felt more confident as the study sessions went by.
-
It took me some time, but I finally got it done! After a brief week break, it was time to start looking for work via New Grad Programs.
-
In the midst of me looking and applying to new-grad programs, one of my cohort friends (Sam) had texted me about an opportunity to be part of a new BSN program with some of the amazing instructors from my old nursing school. With that, how could I not! I'm beyond grateful for that text, as well as this amazing opportunity to further enhance my nursing career. I'm excite for what's to come!
-
It was a tough couple months of applying to hospital new grad programs, with them either never getting back to me, or just straight up telling me that I was removed from the application pool. Luckily, I had received an interview opportunity with Tri-City Hospital's new grad program. The Interview itself went great, and I'm hopeful that I get an offer at the end of May!
-
Assuming that the interview went as well as I felt it did, I'd be starting the new-grad program with Tri-City likely in early September!! It's been some time since I had clinical experience, but I'm optimistic that it'll be like muscle memory, especially with the help of some reviewing.
-
I can already see myself in awe about the fact that I got through this program, furthering my education beyond the ADN degree that I thought it would stay at for quite some time. While it might be tough, again I am excited for this program and for what comes next!!
-
Whichever floor I do end up in for a new-grad program (telemetry, or ortho) I do see myself wishing to transfer to other departments such as OR or ED. I want to build upon the experiences I'd gain from my first year working as a nurse, and get a better understanding of what it's like elsewhere!
-
From nursing school to now, I've always had an interest in the software/ tech aspect of nursing. I haven't done much research yet, but I'd hope at this point in my career that I would gain a better understanding of this via talking to other nurses and professionals, as well as doing more research about what this specialty entails and what I would need to do to get there.