Hello everyone!
I hope you're all doing well and enjoying this bit of nice weather we seem to be having.
I'm due to start annual leave for a week so wanted to update my blog before I do.
I'm still continuing to work with the course reps on resolving issues, answering queries, and offering support where needed. I'm also continuing to work with the SU and the academic staff on a range of ideas that we hope to make reality soon.
I was asked earlier in the week why I chose to study nursing and, in doing some self reflection, I realised that we all have a unique story as to our experiences, our circumstances, and our reasons for doing what we do. So here is a little insight into mine:
When I was 14, my dad became unwell with, what was later diagnosed as, liver disease and liver cancer. After undergoing a lot of investigations and consideration of a range of treatment option, it was determined that his condition was terminal, and he passed away when I was 15. Six months later, shortly after my 16th birthday, my mom became unwell and had to be ventilated for 2 weeks; the team caring for her didn't think she would survive. However, my mom is rather stubborn and, while she was left with a range of health issues, she survived and made it home in time for Christmas that year.
Now I know this sounds rather sad and, of course, at the time I was devastated and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. However, this period in my life changed my perspective on a lot of things and, in many ways, changed the course of my life completely. I witnessed the care that the CSWs, nurses and doctors (and all of the other individuals involved) provided for my dad and my mom. I was also touched by the extra care they took to involve me, keep me updated, and the fact that they wanted to know more about my parents as people. I recall a student nurse assisting to care for my mom when she was sedated, who would spend so much time talking to me wanting to know about my mom's life and her character. These key individuals inspired me to want to be able to make that difference for others, and this is what began my nursing journey.
Finishing school, completing my A levels, several jobs, and a back injury resulting physiotherapy and accupuncture all delayed my nursing journey. But here I am - a third year student nurse due to qualify in around 18 months to undertake a career that means the world to me.
My story is a lot longer and more complex than I've written here, but I've told you enough to illustrate this:
You will have difficult days, and times when you consider quitting. You may have days when you wonder why you started this journey, or may think you'll never get to the end. Make sure you remember the reason you started your journey. Remember that at one point, you would have given anything to be where you are now. Take it a day at a time, step by step, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps you could write down the reasons you're on this journey, or your goals for completing the course. Perhaps you could create an inspiration board or something similar. Whatever works for you, just make sure that on your difficult days or when you need a little `pick-me-up`, have something you can turn to to remind yourself of just how far you've come and how hard you've worked to get here, and why it will all be worth it in the end.
So that's my little bit of advice for you today - remember why you're doing it, and don't give up!
Finally, I'd like to wish cohort 220 good luck for starting their placements next week. I have every faith that you'll all be amazing!
For those of you who celebrate it, Happy Easter!
I'll speak to you all when I return from annual leave on 12th April.
Carrie :)