May 8, 2012 : Nursing Pinning Ceremony

AKA: My graduation!!!!! :D

Last night was the night I have been anxiously awaiting for a verrrry long time. I officially completed the Nursing School program at Phoenix College. Woot woot!! I can hardly begin to put into words the way I feel. Overwhelmed. Grateful. Exhausted. Relieved. Anxious (state boards are coming up...).

I have learned so much about myself this past year. I have been through many highs and many lows, and much appreciation goes to my parents, family, husband, and God for supporting me (literally!), encouraging me, loving me, being patient with me, and helping me to KEEP GOING. There were many instances where I wondered why I  had chosen nursing of all things, if you haven't done nursing school, then its hard to fully comprehend what it is like! It is intense. I have never been so grateful to get at the very least a 76% on a test! haha. Then there are those moments in clinical when you take care of patients who are dying, patients who are vulnerable and can't care for themselves, patients who remind you of your own family: mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, and realize that a patient is more than just a disease process or a sickness. They are a real person, with  feelings, emotions, culture, history, and they are also a child of God. I am grateful that the profession I chose was one of healing and taking care of those who can't take care of themselves. Nursing is much more than putting on a "band-aid", passing meds, emptying bedpans, or placing IVs. It is an art, a science, a passion. I look forward to placing that RN behind my name once I pass the NCLEX, and putting my education into action.

I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I was surrounded my all 5 siblings (and 2 sisters-in-law), niece and nephew, parents, in-laws and grandparents; to support me in this achievement. So loved!

(L-R) Mark, Karen, Neil, Abbie, Kristin, Me, Sarah

2012 Graduating Nurses!

After Kyle pinned me 

My amazing mom, Janae

My wonderful dad, Mark

My handsome husband and I 

The in-laws: Steve and Sharon

My super cool grandparents! Janiel and Frank

The whole familia, and support system

My niece, Zaley (Azalea)

The ladies of  the family
(L-R) Sarah, Emily, Zaley, Erin and baby girl #2, Me, Mom, Grandma

<3 <3 <3

I DID IT!!!!

I am so glad that school is over with, so now I can re-learn what it is like to feel "normal" again, to reconnect with friends, watch a movie or read a book without feeling guilty that I'm not studying, and not have to write another concept map or care plan. It has been a huge accomplishment, and I am proud of it. :)