1/32 of the way done

One of my classmates was trying to figure out many days we have until graduation. That seemed a bit depressing to me, considering we are only two weeks into the program. I chose instead to look at how I've gone, and in weeks instead of days. Why? Who knows. Therefore, I'm thrilled to announce I'm 1/32 of the way done with nursing school. I've completed 1 paper, 3 quizzes, 3 tests, 7 homework assignments, 1 group project, and 2 individual projects. I've had 7 classes so far. I bought 1,200 flashcards last week. They will literally last a month before I need more.

There's good news and bad news. It's only going to get harder. I'm only going to get more tired and overwhelmed. I'm eventually going to have to stick tubes up places that you can't discuss in polite company. I've heard that I'm going to eventually learn something that resembles actual nursing. So far I've learned the history of nursing, legal issues related to the medical field, transcultural nursing, diet requirements, and school rules. We've been told that in a few months we get to start giving injections to hot dogs. So, that's progress toward real-life nursing, right?

The good news is.....Um. I'm sure there is some. Let's see. I've created several excellent study music youtube channels. I've had a cold since before school started, so once I'm not sick, maybe it will get a little easier to stay awake in class. I got a fidget spinner shaped like a snitch to play with in class. If that sentence means nothing to you, just skip it and know the snitch makes me happy.

Now excuse me as I go make more flashcards.

One day down

I completed day one of nursing school today. It was like many first days: confusion, excitement, nervousness, and curiosity. We spent most of our time going over the student handbook, the syllabus, our required immunizations, and uniforms. There are 22 students in my class, and my teacher is convinced we will all graduate. Right now, it all seems pretty overwhelming, and this isn't my first college class, people! It's clear, however, that nursing school is far different from my previous educational experiences.

1. If we miss a class, we have to come in on the weekends to make up the work.
2. There is no late work accepted and no tardies tolerated. If we are late, we are essentially locked out.
3. I'll be doing all this in white scrubs. White??? Yes, it's the historical color of nursing, but really, haven't we figured out that there are better colors out there? Must we keep all traditions?
4. My teacher doesn't care if we use MLA or APA formats, doesn't care how many sources we have, and told us that, "the first paragraph should tell me what your paper is about." Yup, the papers are going to be a snap. Unfortunately, that's a teeny, tiny part of my class.
5. Most of my time will be spent taking tests. We had one tonight, will have 2 tomorrow, and a unit test on Thursday. Yup, a unit test on the THIRD day of class!

I have a feeling that school is going to be long hours of boredom/hard work, punctuated by moments of terror and panic. And hopefully, a little laughter, fun, excitement, joy, and fulfillment. Time will tell.