Forevs.

Well of course, it's been ages since my last blog. That's nothing new. I usually only do things during times of desperation, or honestly leave them to the very last minute. Per this entry, I am completely refusing to write an assignment concerning polytetrafluoroethylene. [Say what!?] And now, you might understand why I would choose to forgo this awesome learning experience for just a few more minutes. Any word that has nine syllables can wait. BLAHHH. I've mentioned this habit once before -- that whole conditionalization thing. BUT, it's all a work in progress people. The first step is realizing you have a problem, right?! Anywho...

On that note, I don't even have something of minute importance to relay to my extensive audience. AKA: YOU. Either way, I believe this blog to be my ultimate tool of outreach. Or perhaps, it's just a really fun way to dispose of some of these thoughts. Ultimately, it's a nice alternative to the overwhelming mountain of work that needs to be completed.

First things first. In my final semester of school, I find both myself and fellow peers struggling. And I use the term "struggling" in a general aspect. We struggle with focus, concentration, emotional instability, and overall physicality. As my best friend and extremely philosophical Van would say, "We struggle with the ability to give a..." [Feel free to add your own creative twist to this missing word; although, my favorite rendition is "shiza".] At this point, we have been bruised, battered, and broken with obscene amounts of knowledge, commencement information, and the horrors of employment. Add to this the grueling schedule of a student and one must incorporate elevated levels of stress, decreased amounts of sleep and rest, poor nutrition, and a decreased exercise regimen. Overall, each of us is struggling with one aspect or another. We count down the days until graduation as if it's our only hope; and at times, it may very well be. Being a student is hard work. Being a nursing student will be the bane of my existence; if I make it past tomorrow.

And yet, for some reason, we each still love this profession. We love the interactions, the care, the knowledge and the critical thinking behind every patient. We love providing assistance, compassion, and teaching to those in need. We love being the liaison, advocate, and support system for both patients and families. We love it all. And that's a pretty friggin' impressive thing.

As an individual fully immersed in the process of nursing, and also as a student drowning in education, I am proud to call this my home. I know that my peers have the absolute best combination of knowledge, preparation, and empathy. That they each contain a pure heart of gold and genuinely care. It may also be conclusive to say that these young men and women have given a fellow student a dose or two of hope. On that note, I offer this quote by George A. Sheehan as encouragement to anyone struggling, "Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing."

In an effort to find this happiness, I'll try and remember this, too. It's safe to say that more often than not I feel as if I'm a little lost. But heck, I'm a third of the way to finding happiness!! I'm struggling. I will endure. And eventually, I will have accomplished something. :]] Like, potentially a completed assignment?! ;] Goodnight, all. Hope this finds you well.