Dear Aspiring Nursing Student,
Hello. I am writing to you at a time when the pandemic still rages and continues to ravage humanity on a global scale. We are in an existential crisis and the hope for a cure remains distant. As a result, We are all scared, confused and in perpetual quandary. It must be difficult to be in your position. Entering a milestone in your life amidst the chaos of a virus. You are tasked to adjust to a new normal that is both experimental and hurried. It must be difficult because in the middle of it all, you are going to pursue a degree in nursing.
It is commendable that you are choosing a career to care for the sick and the vulnerable at a time when the world is in chaos. As a future Nurse, you will play a multitude of roles unique to the profession. Take pride in that. My wish is that you enter nursing school with the right frame of mind. People seem to want to become a nurse for a better life. Work is present for nurses whether in times of war or peace. Other enticing factors may have pushed you to this course. These factors are important in your day to day existence, but you also have to want to be a nurse. My grandmother was a nurse. She had 2 daughters, both of them are nurses. That makes me the third generation of nurse in the family. When I first told them that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing, they were fully supportive, but they asked me to think long and hard. To try and check if I wanted to do something else. They also asked me to of course pray on it. As much as possible, they did not want me in the same field. They knew the gravity of responsibility and the professional and personal sacrifices that awaited me. For them, nursing is more than a profession, but also a calling; And that a nurse’s greatest treasure is unseen, intangible and internal. They may have lived in a different time and nursing as a profession has evolved, but I feel that their statements still hold value to this day. So today, let me say the same to you: Congratulations! I fully support your decision but try to think long and hard about it; pray on it because nursing is more than a profession, but a calling. Remember also, that your greatest treasure as a nurse will always be the unseen, intangible and internal.
If your heart is truly decided on nursing, the education and training will be one that is full of challenge and will test your will and resolve. The countless GIFs, memes and posts from social media sites are entertaining ways to put how challenging it can be. No amount of preparation or pedigree can shield you from that. Educators will always push you to find the best answer in a series of correct ones. Pick out what does not belong in a group of seemingly connected and cohesive choices. Projects and papers seem to be at best, passable and you will always be asked What more can you do? What is missing? Are you sure? The requirements are endless, nights will be long and so are the classes and lectures. You will feel drained in all aspects. You will feel that you are not good enough. Sometimes, you will question if you are in the correct course.
When you have reached that stage of murky, directionless, dark days remember this:What you feel is normal and your difficulties are honored and valid. Be kind to yourself. You will not understand all concepts at once. You will not be proficient in skills and procedures at a whim. Quizzes and exams will not be aced. Pleasing all your mentors and instructions is nearly impossible. That is okay. People learn by different means and at different pace. You being you, I am certain that you will discover what kind of learning works best for you and use it to your advantage. If you stick with it and power on, there will come a time when a surprise quiz will not be a surprise anymore; That your answers will include page numbers and references and you will find yourself standing up to defend your acts and choices.
The curriculum is designed to build and mould your raw potential as a future professional while developing your character as an individual. While mentors are grading you for your knowledge, they are giving you opportunities to build your character. Be honest, persevering, caring, assertive and inclusive. Strive to be intelligent in theory and emotion. I promise you will use it throughout your career. Build connections and friendships along the way. Something about difficulties and hardships make friendships stronger and last longer. I am sure that you will find the people you will be friends for life while studying Nursing.
Above all, know that because nursing will groom you holistically, you will have opportunities to relax, enjoy and rest. Use them to the fullest. Reconnect with family; sleep; bond with friends. Pick up hobbies;Loosen up; take part and be visible. Remember that you have more to offer than healing and when you take off your uniform, You are a person.
With that, I wish you all the luck. See you after four years!
Deo
