By: Alisha Baldwin
What does it mean to graduate with a profession? That you are free from learning, ready to take on your chosen path fully prepared? If only that were the case.
As a recent graduate from the Nursing program, I know that I still have so much to learn. I have had some experience during clinicals where I worked inside the hospital, but that was under the watchful eye of an instructor. I have never fully been on my own, never had my own patients, never done anything one-hundred percent solo.
The excitement of the nursing programs candlelight ceremony has passed, and the realization that I am about to embark on a journey of helping people has set in. Starting this January, myself and many of my fellow graduates will beginning our career. We will be attending orientation at different facilities and learning how to operate individually. The learning never stops.
There is fear, anxiety, excitement, and so many other unknown emotions that coincide with becoming a nurse. To be the best nurse we can, it is very important that we know ourselves. We must know our strengths so that we can positively impact the team we work with. We must also know our weaknesses so that we can ask for help as it is needed and build those weaknesses up.
As directed by Calhoun’s nursing administrators we have applied for temporary licenses, registered for our license exam for permanent licensure, and still have been studying to pass our exams. The learning will never stop for use, or for any profession. Every day will bring a new challenge and a new lesson because every person we treat is unique. Yes, there are common illnesses that spread, but each person will react different, each person needs to have individualized care. This is especially true with the COVID pandemic.
My classmates and my journey started in spring of 2020 when schools closed, and virtual learning was initiated. Although you would think this would hinder the ability to be a nurse, I feel that it only made us stronger. As we started our specific education we had to quickly learn to adapt and identify issues with individual learning since we did not access to face-to-face teaching and learning. We adapted and pushed forward, learning, and adjusting every semester to make the most of our education.
Photo credit: Family of Alisha Baldwin
The new group of nursing graduates of 2021 have faced many challenges along the way that will help them be more flexible and ready for changes as they occur in the workplace. They can adapt to different situations with minimal interruption for their work. They have learned to overcome distance, illness, and isolation. They have more empathy for those that visit a healthcare facility for the risks it can impose on them and others. They are strong and determined individuals.
Nursing is a profession that takes immense commitment, continual learning, and dedication. The heart a nurse has is not solely for themselves, because they willingly put themselves at risk to help another. They are aware, insightful, and critical thinkers that find ways to make a situation better. A nurse will cry with you, laugh with you, and do everything within their ability to make you feel better.
Education and learning never stops with nursing. Some may choose to pursue higher education; some may flourish in their new jobs with continued education courses and on the job experience. No matter the path chosen, a nurse never stops learning. There is always room for improvement on our current education so that there is better patient care. Congratulations to all the graduates, may your path take you to new heights, encourage you in your capabilities, and always keep you striving for advancement.