July 8, 2010 · Category: President's Message
Author: Angela Schwab, SN, BSN, CNSA President 2009-2010, President@cnsa.org
It seems obvious that three years of Nursing School would be an educational experience. As students, we are inundated with information from how to change a bed to saving a life. It has been over a month since I graduated. The majority of that time was spent studying for my NCLEX, taking practice exams and reviewing content. In the process, I realized just how much information is crammed into a nurse’s education. During a recent conversation with a good friend, I was asked “so what is the take away message?” That question got me thinking, aside from all of the textbook and clinical knowledge that I will take with me into my nursing practice, what has nursing school taught me? I was able to narrow it down to the top ten things I learned in nursing school.
10. Complaining about something does not provide a solution. It is easy to get caught up in negative conversations, but in order to make a difference, it is important to evaluate and discuss how things can be done differently to provide better outcomes.
9. We all cry sometimes. Nursing school takes physical, mental and emotional stamina. Sometimes a good cry helps relieve the stress.
8. Laughter really is good medicine. A good cry helps, but laughter makes it better. Sometimes all you can do is a take step back and laugh. Having a sense of humor can make all the difference.
7. Mistakes are always opportunities for learning. As nurses there is little room for mistakes. When they do happen learn from them. Self loathing will not make up for forgetting to have the information an MD asked for. Remembering that they asked for it before will prepare you for the next time.
6. CNAs are phenomenal people. They literally do the dirty work in the hospital, have a heavier patient load, and get paid a lot less; yet they continue to come back for more. Nurses and nursing students should remember to show them appreciation. Our job would be so much harder without them.
5. Every time you walk into a clinical site you are on a potential job interview. When nursing students are at clinical, dress, initiative, and work ethic are noticed by the staff. When students leave, that message gets passed along and will make a difference when it is time to apply for a job.
4. Most people like to share their life experiences they just need someone to listen. It is amazing how much a nursing student can learn about someone by just taking a few minutes to listen.
3. Getting involved in nursing organizations is essential. Nursing makes up the majority of the healthcare workforce, but our voice is not as strong as it could be. Getting involved in nursing organizations is the only way to unify our voice and make it as strong as it should be.
2. Acknowledgement and appreciation are not always given, when it is enjoy it. Nursing school involves a lot of work and dedication. Between exams, papers, care plans and clinical days students are given a great deal of responsibility and little recognition. Take the time to celebrate a good grade, praise from an instructor, preceptor or peer, or a simple thank you from a patient or family member.
1. There is still so much that I have to learn. It is impossible to know everything. Everyday offers learning opportunities. Reference books are on nursing units for a reason.
Nursing school was an amazing journey. It is easier to appreciate all the ways it has enhanced my life now that I am finished and have my RN. Everyone will have a different take away message from their nursing school experience. Thank you for allowing me to share mine with you.
Angela Schwab RN, BSN, CNSA President
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