Another First

This day has been three years in the making, the day that I start nursing school. I can't even believe that I get to type that. I love envisioning my life as a nurse someday and today is another first step on that path. As a theatre artist I have grown accustomed to first rehearsals and as Peter Brook famously wrote, "The purpose of the first rehearsal is get to the second." I have always loved that quote because it is the perfect level of expectation that you need to start the rehearsal process of a show. I think the beginning of a journey (like nursing school) needs to start with a similar level of expectation. The purpose of the first day of nursing school is to get to the second day of nursing school. So, with expectations at a surprisingly but appropriately low level I start my first day. I know this will not be easy, but I also know it will be well worth it.

Becoming a nurse is a relatively new life goal of mine. I always thought that theatre and education would be my career but when I decided to seriously entertain the idea of a career in health care, it was one of those ideas that just would not leave. Three years ago I started my CNA class and somehow I just knew right away that this was for me. Caring for people comes completely naturally to me, so what better profession to be in but nursing.

I have been actively avoiding the thoughts of "what if" because I really can't manage any extra stress in my life right now. I do feel extremely confident that I will enjoy nursing school and that I will do well. I have always been a good student and I am sure I will be again. Going back to school later in life they say makes you a better student because you tend to make more conscious choices about what you study. This course of study has been long thought out and even longer excitedly anticipated. So here I go; ready or not.