The Real World of Nursing

Before I entered nursing school I wanted to me a midwife and deliver babies. It's something I always wanted to do since I was young. Finally got accepted into nursing school. Thought I was different from everyone else. *I* really wanted it.

Then I learned nursing school breaks you down. It's a good thing all around and you meet great people. And the instructors you hate the most are the ones you love the most in the end.

And there's clinicals. This is where instructors PROVE to you that you don't know anything. You get hands on work in the craziest and messiest situations.

But despite the blood, sweat, and tears one day you find you have a month to prepare for finals. During the exam (and eventually the state exam) you feel like they pulled questions out of the blue.

"I never learned this!" You were supposed to learn it, you just didn't realize you did while doing something else.

Always think ahead. That's one of the most important things in nursing. You will need to think ahead from building your resume to caring for a patient. Every nurse should be given a crystal ball because you will be expected to see the future long before it arrives.

So about resume building, think about that even before you are accepted in a nursing program. Take your pre-requisite classes seriously and earn good grades. Strive for an Honor's Society. If you get an invitation, no matter what the cost is, JOIN IT! It will be worth your while in so many ways. Plus, they generally give you letters of recommendation to give to prospective employers once you graduate!

Consider joining any student nursing organization that you can. This can also be used on your resume. Be respectful to instructors, clinical and classroom, because they are nurses too. And nurses are a strange breed. You need to learn to talk to one, work with one, and learn to not be intimidated. In the "real world" alot of nurses are going to expect you to know much more than you do (get out that crystal ball) and have the answers to everything. There's the occassional one that will seek you out just to cause trouble. So learn to not be intimidated.

The nursing organizations and relationships with the instructors both fit into your professional future. Many hospitals will require you to give professional references. How do you give a nursing professional reference when you're new to the game?! Instructors. That's your answer. I still keep in touch with a few of my instructors and they are still used as references. That helps.

Finally, you pass the NCLEX and you get your nursing license in the mail. You are a nurse! Get out there, good luck, and don't sell your nursing books! You will need them again!