MZ NURSING SCHOOL update

Hi everyone, as many of you know, I am currently in nursing school for a community college in Whittier. Technically, 2nd semester but officially, 1st if you subtract Fundamentals. It's been an interesting ride so far, complete with ups & downs. I work 24 hrs a week & working nights has me in Zombie mode. I wake up usually around 4-5am these days when I am not working. For anyone that is remotely considering going into nursing, I suggest become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) first. Take a class- usually 3-4 months. You'll learn the basics of basic nursing care but will help you tremendously with confidence, understanding equipment, personnel, & the responsibilities of being a nurse. Now, working as a CNA in an acute care hospital is also very different. You'll be exposed to a variety of settings, conditions, & population. I think of it as a paid internship. You'll meet the good nurses, unfortunately, you'll meet the not-so-good nurses & boy, there a lot of them. But each moment IS a learning opportunity. Opportunity to be a great nurse or a poor nurse. You'll learn how to prioritize & understand the hospital sector.

Volunteering in a hospital will also help determine whether this is an occupation for you. When I graduated high school, there would be no way in hell I would be interested in dealing with bowel movements. I needed 11 years, being laid off, & doing tons of volunteering before realizing this is the path for me.

I am excited where I am in life, despite the poor time management & sleep rollercoaster. I truly look forward to December, Godwilling, when I can take a small breather. Education doesn't stop for me because as many of you know, I've always wanted to get my graduate degree. Many of you also know, how important I feel that PREVENTION IS KEY! Preventing diseases helps save money, Preventing conditions help save mental/emotional breakdown. I urge you & your loved ones to try to eat healthier, get some physical activity, stop the television & actually take a family walk around the neighborhood after dinner. SPEND time with the family, get to know your children, get to know (again) your spouse, have time for yourself, have a gratitude attitude, & respect & love yourself & others. This I leave you for now...