♡Family and Friends of a Nursing Student♡

          Did you realize when you selected Nursing as your major it was not just going to affect yourself? Sure maybe you thought about your future patients, but what about those in the present, those we call family and friends? Did you know when you went to your first nursing class that you were taking away from the time you spend with love ones to attend class, study sessions, clinical, labs, and simulations? Your family and friends now look forward to scheduled birthday parties and weddings just hoping to see you for a few hours until the next event. I had no idea when I was applying to several schools that not only my life was changing, but those around me were going through a transition because of it too. I decided to briefly ask about how it felt to be friends or family of a nursing student and these are the responses I received…

“Being friends with a nursing student requires a lot of understanding. We have to understand she’s not available 9/10 because she’s either studying or busy with clinical. Nonetheless, it makes me proud knowing she’s going to fulfill her dream career in no time :)” –KG

“I hope you can diagnose my kid so I can save myself trips to the ER, but I hope you never have to draw my blood.” –LP

“I’m proud to have a friend who’s a nursing student because it gives me the security that if I have any problems with my health, she’ll always know how to help me! I’ll always feel safe around her :)” –MP

“I’m annoyed and over hearing about it.” –JB

“I have been friends with Anna for 21 years and from the time I can remember, she has wanted to be a nurse. It is amazing to see her doing what she loves and I am proud of the hard work she puts into it everyday.” –SM

“I’m proud of you and you’ll be the first in our family to become a nurse.” –BB

“Being friends with a nursing student is so beneficial to me because I am also a nursing student and we encourage each other and help push each other to work hard. It’s also amazing to have someone who can relate to exactly how you are feeling and all the stress you’re going through.” –AN

“Although you seem stressed and overwhelmed know there is going to be a light at the end of the tunnel and it will all be worth it and I am proud of you throughout this journey.” –CB 

“I know nursing is one of the hardest majors so I’m proud of how you handle it. You have your priorities straight, instead of going to parties and going on dates you stay in & study.” –AL 

“It makes me feel less worried if you were to babysit my kids because I know you would have the right training and skills to assist them if they needed help.” –KB 

          …Some responses sounded familiar to those conversations I would squeeze in during quick lunch dates, others really touched my heart. Although, I knew the people above were my supporters I did not actually know my personal schedule, struggles, and stress affected them and made them proud that I am striving to achieve my goal no matter what obstacles stand in the way. It is important to always recognize and be thankful for those who help push and guide you. Thank you to all my friends and family I appreciate you all more than you could ever imagine. You make everyday as a nursing student easier.♡

↞Balance Before Breakdowns↠

           Balance. Balance is an equal distribution of something. As a nursing student it is very hard, at times seems impossible, to have balance in the material we are juggling. How can anyone manage to find a way to equalize classes, assignments, studying, labs, clinical, work, gym, family, friends, and so much more that our daily lives attend to. Personally, I prevent a lot of the stress that comes with a busy schedule by having a planner. A planner keeps me organized, however, just writing things down is not going to solve 100% of my anxiety toward my workload. Although, nursing students do not allow themselves to participate in the activities we enjoy because it takes away from studying time, it is the key to making the hefty load more bearable. At the end of the day, your choices are balance or breakdown. 

Breakdowns. Breakdowns are a period of intense mental distress. Breakdowns consume a majority of our time as we experience the sleepless nights, clinical rotations, and the anxiousness of taking tests that decide our future in the program. But would you rather use the extra free time you do not realize you have to breakdown and worry, or to feel confident and enjoy the things you are interested in? The meltdowns will not completely disappear as a struggling nursing student, but I would much rather have a meltdown while watching Grey’s Anatomy, instead of on my bedroom floor doubting my future. I always thought I was the only person in nursing school having rough days and doubting my own intelligence. I could fill my planner with more breakdowns than assignments for most weeks. The truth is every nursing student experiences the same stress and doubt as the next. It is very important to recognize you are normal and everyone is in the same boat as you. You are never alone.  

The one thing that I always give into for entrainment and to take a break from my busy life is Grey's Anatomy. My favorite line of dialogue from this series is "It's a beautiful day to save lives." Reflect on this quote and decide what is going to help you save lives, balance or breakdowns? Now step away from the keyboard and make your answer reality.