On this day 8 years ago, I graduated from the University of South Carolina but more importantly I finished nursing school! It was one of the best days in my life. If someone told me back then in 8 years you will not be working as a registered nurse at the bedside, I would probably have laughed. After all those late nights, early mornings, stressful exams, clinical rotations, and presentations, I was convinced that my heart beat on an EKG would print out in the shape of a nursing caduceus. Never in a million years would I have imagined that my life’s journey would lead me away from the bedside into the world of nursing education. Initially, I felt like I was just taking an intermission from the stress of hospital managed patient care.
Some people in my family and even some of my friends questioned me about why I gave up on my dream. But I never really gave up on my dream. I just felt so limited and I longed to do more! I wanted to impact patients in a mighty way without worrying about being scolded for minute things like clocking out a few minutes late because I decided to console a patient having a rough day. I believe that my decision to become a nurse educator has been one of the best decisions I have made. I am still impacting the field of nursing in a great way by imparting my knowledge to the next generation of nurse clinicians. Although my focus may have shifted, the field of nursing is still my passion. God just decided to send me where I am needed most to help fill a shortage of nursing educators and to help ensure that only the most qualified and compassionate students become nurses who touch the lives of many…maybe even yours 🙂
Do you remember what you were doing on this day 8 years ago? Share your favorite #throwbackthursday memory.
Stay inspired, Brittany
And you are are wonderful at what you do!
Thank you 🙂