Upon Becoming…a Nurse
Once upon a time, as all true stories begin, I needed to decide what occupation I wanted for my life.
Of course, I wanted to be a wife and mother eventually but I had a few more years before that would happen, given that I was only 16.
In the meantime, my Dad was urging me to go to college and get a good education which would help me in case, if I married, anything happened to my husband.
In ‘those days’ one either became a teacher or a nurse. I chose nurse. Why, you ask. Simple: in order to become a physical education teacher (which I wanted to do), I would be required to dissect a cat!
NO THANK YOU! Thus I chose nursing.
PS Why did I think that I would escape dissecting a cat by studying in the field of nursing? I ignored that silly thought!
Thus, my pathway was clear — I would enter college and learn all I could to prepare for a nursing career.
Next, I had to choose between UCLA and California State University at Los Angeles.
Since UCLA was more expensive compared to $50 per semester at the state college, my choice was clear. With only another $50 per semester for books, I was getting a good education for a low cost.
Perfect!
While waiting for college life to begin, I took a Nurse’s Aide class for 6 weeks, and learned a boat load of basic nursing skills. I then knew how to make a hospital bed properly, give a bed bath, help a patient get out of bed and so MANY valuable skills.
To further prepare myself for the ‘big’ college, I decided to take a couple of classes at the junior college right out of high school. Wow, I was in college and taking a Philosophy class!
When autumn finally rolled around and it was time for the BIG college, I was ready! Not being counseled about what classes would be best for a nursing major, I went in ‘blind’.
You guessed it — my very first college class at the BIG college was Anatomy.
Yup, I had to dissect a cat!
The smell of formaldehyde was strong but, with a lab partner, I did it!
Psychology, speech, economics and other lower level classes went well. Public Health Nursing did NOT go well. I didn’t have a clue what the Doctor/Instructor was talking about. I received a D. I should NOT have taken that class at that time — I didn’t know enough medical terminology to understand him. I did re-take the class in my senior year and received an A. Whew!
The days and years flew by. I made new friends and learned so much! Since my education was geared toward being a nurse-teacher, I worked hard! On weekends, I could be found working at the local hospital so that I’d receive great hands-on experience.
When college graduation day arrived, I decided not to attend. The school was huge, average age of the student was 40 years of age. I was only 20. I did NOT want to participate. Instead, I waited for my diploma.
I waited and waited.
My diploma did NOT come.
I contacted the college and was informed that I lacked an half credit to graduate.
What???
Upon further research, I found that my college had gone from a semester system (2 per year) to a quarter semester system (4 per year). I knew that but was perplexed because, the semester before I was supposed to graduate, I submitted a request so I’d know if there were any hidden problems which would prevent my graduation.
I was cleared to graduate…yet there I was — lacking an half credit.
Thus, this almost-nurse had to take another class!!! I chose badminton. I was tired of the heavy duty classes!
Finally, I received my college degree and could move forward.
That meant it was time to take my California State Board exam. Back to the books I went. Would I know and remember enough to pass?
I remember the nightmare of traveling to a far town to spend the night since the test took place over two days.
After the testing, another wait began. Did I pass? Did I fail?
My future in nursing depended on passing that test!!!
While waiting for the test results and the ability to have Registered Nurse after my name, I worked as a Graduate Nurse in a nursing home.
The looonnnggg wait was finally over.
I was a Registered Nurse!!!
Over the years, I worked as an Admitting Nurse, a Medication Nurse, an Ambulance Nurse, a Rehabilitation Nurse and now a Parish Nurse.
My Dad was right in encouraging me to establish a career just in case…. When I had children, my nursing education helped me know about pregnancy, labor and delivery and how to care for my children! If for no other reason than that, my nursing education was worth it.
When my husband of 35 years left home, I could fall back on my college degree to get me a job. It was a stressful time but my resume with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing blazed the trail ahead into being Office Manager for a local newspaper, then into working as a librarian, then into being a Project Manager for a design company. Finally, I worked in Business Banking.
One never knows where an education can lead. I’m so thankful I listened to my Dad!
I have a sense that no matter for which field we prepare and enter, we do a great deal of maturing through the years which helps us along life’s pathway no matter where it leads.
Thank you for taking time to read my story! If you would like to be added or deleted from my list, pleae let me know.
BrooklinErin June Thomas Noah Quinsayas Jane Keathley Julie KingGood Sharon Meyers, Ed.D. Nikita Rayne Johnson Susie Winfield Lu Skerdoo Paula Thomas Kathy Minicozzi Vicky Hughes Lori Motto Dixie Dodd Brooklyn shakespeare J.M. Troppello Trisha Faye Cheryl Wilding Grace Bianco Jenny Calvert Elizabeth Clark Adele Arbi Emily jones Jenny Alexander Piotrmak Marko Cheryl Watson Debra Anazonwu John Blackwell Autistic Widower ("AJ") Cheryl Reed Julie Ranson Mary McGrath Jan Sebastian 🖐👩🦰
