The nursing profession is a competitive field. It did not come easy for me; however, I kept the belief that I can do anything I put my mind to no matter how long it took. I ‘ve always had faith and knew that I would achieve my goal if I continue to work hard. Since a child I’ve always known that I wanted to become a nurse. Once graduating from high school, I got accepted to Rutgers University. Words could not explain the excitement I had until I found out that I wasn’t able to apply to the nursing program until my second year!
After completing the pre-requisite courses for the nursing program, it was time to apply! I kept my fingers crossed only to receive devastating news that I did not get accepted into the program. I was so hurt! Of course, it took a while to get over it, but I had to figure out another plan. I then decided to change my major to Childhood Studies. After graduating with a BA in Childhood Studies, I was determined to get into a nursing program. Thank God my godmother told me about St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing! I applied and got accepted. Whew! I was so thankful!
St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing is a 2-year ADN program. I was surprised to learn that many of my classmates were experiencing the same issues that I had been going through and many of us had degrees in other fields before we started the nursing program. After completing the 2-year program and passing my boards (which was a terrifying experience, which will get covered in another blog post) I got a job and started working as an RN. Yayy!!!
Within a year of working as a Cardiac Registered Nurse, I decided to go for my BSN. Seemed like a great idea until I found I was pregnant with my first child. Luckily, I was able to get through the BSN program while pregnant and finishing my last 2 classes after my son was born. Fast forward to a year and a half later, my brain was telling me to keep going. So, I decided to enroll in the MSN program for Nursing Informatics. I’ve always been interested in technology and I had a passion for nursing, so why not integrate the two and get a degree in Nursing Informatics. During the course of my MSN program I got pregnant with my second son. What was I thinking?? I managed to get through with a strong support system and the grace of God!
To any person who is reading this post, whether it be a nursing student, nurse, or a individual who is interested in the nursing profession, know that if one door closes, another one opens. Don’t give up until you achieve your goal. I always like the saying, “Hard work, dedication”. No matter how long it takes you to get where you are going, stay focused because you may have a layout on how you are going to get there, but God has another plan.
Much Love,
Ishana RN, MSN
Ish_RN
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