It's no surprise that I find myself feeling this way. There have been a number of times when I wondered if I was making the right decisions about going back to school at my age! It feels like I'm out hiking in the mountains right now. Just when I think I've made it to the top of trail, I look and see that there is another large hill that I couldn't see from below. The hike UP hill is still not over.
I've "finished" almost every single prerequisite for TWU. I applied, but was denied...totally expected this time around. If I retake Micro, A&P II and take another Chemistry class this summer and get A's in every one, my gpa will be all the way up to a 3.7 which I just learned is borderline for getting into TWU.
So...should I shift, and take other classes this summer that might help me get into UT Arlington's program? This might be a good idea since I'm applying for jobs at Presytarian Hospital in Dallas where they have a BSN program for their employees through UTA.
I thought I'd be in great shape for the next round of applications to Brookhavens ADN program, but I wasn't able to get into the two classes I really NEED to get the extra points necessary to be closer to the top of consideration.
I can/will look at other programs, but this becomes overwhelming sometimes. Every single nursing program has a different list of pre-reqs. Some require college Algebra, others do not. Some have special pre-nursing classes they want you to take from THEIR school. Some allow a basic intro to Chemistry, while others require a slightly higher level of Chemistry. UTA is the only program that requires a technical writing class. And the list goes on. If I went to another state (i.e. Idaho) the requirements are significantly different.
My biggest struggle is probably with timing. I'm getting older every day (duh) and I had hoped I would be finished with a nursing degree by the time I turned 50. It's looking less and less like that is possible at this point. I know...God's timing is always perfect...so I will trust in Him, and also pray that He will give me clear direction about what program to put all of my effort into.
There are other factors involved in this overwhelming feeling that are more on the personal side. I have a lot of changes and decisions taking place in my life. So not only am I on what seems like an endless hike, it also feels like there is an earthquake beneath my feet. Where will I land when the quake is over? Will another mountain be created in the process???
But I cling to what is good, what is pure, what is lovely...I cling to Christ who is my solid Rock. He gives me hope and peace when every other thing seems to be shifting. So, I will take a deep breath, go deep into God's Word and come back out with the strength, hope and peace to walk through this with Him God is good. He never changes. I can trust Him with my future. He knows the plans He has for me, and they are good plans. Plans that will cause me to become more like His Son. Plans that will show me how to love Him, my family and my friends even more. Whatever the circumstances, He has a plan that is so far beyond anything I can see and it is perfect.
I am discouraged, but I cling to HOPE. This is a feeling...not a fact. So, I feel it. I express it. Then I claim what IS true. The feeling begins to subside, and is replaced with peace. His peace.
"Thank you Lord for Your supernatural ability to transcend my wishy washy feelings. Thank YOU that when I am weak, YOU are strong! Your strength is perfected in my weakness. I am SO weak. You are SO MUCH STONGER! I trust You for my future. I trust that Your plan is perfect. Help me to stop struggling, and let You do Your work. May Your will be done in my life. I love you. Show me how to love you more. ~Amen."
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, November 28, 2008
Our amazing bodies
One of the recurring thoughts I have while in A&P for two semesters is how amazing and fine tuned our bodies are. Sometimes I wonder how we manage to live at all. Most of the time I'm simply reminded of our Creator and Sustainer and want to give Him praise.
Our bodies have many "check and balance" systems (called homeostasis) in place that keep us from certain death. For instance, if your blood pH becomes slightly acidic one mechanism that kicks in (without our knowledge) causes our breathing rate to up in order to blow off more CO2. Less CO2 equals less acid build up in blood. There isn't much room for pH changes in blood. The normal pH range is between 7.35 and 7.45. If your pH goes below 7.35 you are in acidosis meaning your blood is becoming acidic...not a good thing! If your blood pH goes about 7.45 you go into alkalosis which is less common that acidosis, but non the less just as dangerous. Our kidney's come into play as well in this pH balancing act as they help regulate the release of hydrogen ions (which cause acidity). That's part of the reason having healthy kidney's is so important!
There are many areas in which our bodies have automatic control systems in place to keep things balanced. From blood pressure rates, to body temp, to battling foreign bacteria, our bodies are working hard at the cellular level to keep us alive and well.
Which brings me to a personal question. Now that I know these things, why do I continue to abuse my body when it's working so hard to keep me alive? In fact, the more I abuse it by overeating, the harder my body has to work at keeping me in balance for life. This all brings new meaning to the fact that God created our bodies and that we can glorify Him through our bodies.
Thank you Lord for your amazing creation. May I become a better steward of the one and only physical body You have created for this life. Thank you that in eternity our bodies will be perfect!
Our bodies have many "check and balance" systems (called homeostasis) in place that keep us from certain death. For instance, if your blood pH becomes slightly acidic one mechanism that kicks in (without our knowledge) causes our breathing rate to up in order to blow off more CO2. Less CO2 equals less acid build up in blood. There isn't much room for pH changes in blood. The normal pH range is between 7.35 and 7.45. If your pH goes below 7.35 you are in acidosis meaning your blood is becoming acidic...not a good thing! If your blood pH goes about 7.45 you go into alkalosis which is less common that acidosis, but non the less just as dangerous. Our kidney's come into play as well in this pH balancing act as they help regulate the release of hydrogen ions (which cause acidity). That's part of the reason having healthy kidney's is so important!
There are many areas in which our bodies have automatic control systems in place to keep things balanced. From blood pressure rates, to body temp, to battling foreign bacteria, our bodies are working hard at the cellular level to keep us alive and well.
Which brings me to a personal question. Now that I know these things, why do I continue to abuse my body when it's working so hard to keep me alive? In fact, the more I abuse it by overeating, the harder my body has to work at keeping me in balance for life. This all brings new meaning to the fact that God created our bodies and that we can glorify Him through our bodies.
Thank you Lord for your amazing creation. May I become a better steward of the one and only physical body You have created for this life. Thank you that in eternity our bodies will be perfect!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Hope...
It seems like the moment I get a little bit of hope that I might...just MIGHT get into TWU's program, or even Brookhaven's progam, I talk to someone who has stories to tell that dash my hope to pieces. The latest was a story of someone who didn't get into TWU who had a 3.9 gpa. For real? I have a hard time believing that one, but at the same time it causes me to doubt that my 3.5 has a snowballs chance in an oven.
Then I'm reminded, by the Lord and through a good friend, that it's not by MY might, but by HIS WILL. Yes...I've had to study hard (and harder still for finals coming soon). Yes, I may have to take a class or two over to bring B's up to A's. But if it's in the LORD's will that I get into either nursing program in the fall of 2009, it will happen! If it doesn't, I have to rest in knowing that God has a perfect plan. He knows the future...I don't.
My hope is not in my own abilities (or lack thereof), and it's not in the school. My hope is in Christ. As much as I want to be a nurse, the mere fact that I've conquered all the science and math and a few other side courses in the past year that I have is HUGE for me! If I can do this, then anyone can. Seriously! I'll write more later, but my story really begins in the 8th grade when I barely passed pre-algebra with a sympathy grade. That was the last math class I had until this year.
For now, I need to make my bed with clean sheets so I can get into it and get some sleep. Thanksgiving dinner is coming in about 36 hours, and before that Pam will be here. I have a lot more cleaning, shopping, and cooking to do, not to mention two classes in the morning.
GOOD NIGHT!
Then I'm reminded, by the Lord and through a good friend, that it's not by MY might, but by HIS WILL. Yes...I've had to study hard (and harder still for finals coming soon). Yes, I may have to take a class or two over to bring B's up to A's. But if it's in the LORD's will that I get into either nursing program in the fall of 2009, it will happen! If it doesn't, I have to rest in knowing that God has a perfect plan. He knows the future...I don't.
My hope is not in my own abilities (or lack thereof), and it's not in the school. My hope is in Christ. As much as I want to be a nurse, the mere fact that I've conquered all the science and math and a few other side courses in the past year that I have is HUGE for me! If I can do this, then anyone can. Seriously! I'll write more later, but my story really begins in the 8th grade when I barely passed pre-algebra with a sympathy grade. That was the last math class I had until this year.
For now, I need to make my bed with clean sheets so I can get into it and get some sleep. Thanksgiving dinner is coming in about 36 hours, and before that Pam will be here. I have a lot more cleaning, shopping, and cooking to do, not to mention two classes in the morning.
GOOD NIGHT!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Another semester almost finished
Time seems to fly like never before when classes are in full swing! This semester has gone faster than ever and I've really enjoyed my classes for the most part. I'm bummed that I didn't get an A in an EASY music class, but that was my own fault. it took a back burner to science and math classes so I didn't get all of my work done. So I have a B in that class. I'm on the edge between an A and a B in Chemistry and A&P right now which means I'm going to study harder than ever for good grades on my finals. I've GOT to get A's in both classes in order to feel like I've even got a chance of getting into TWU nursing school.
NURSING SCHOOL APPLICATION TIME! That's right, as soon as I finish taking Statistics over the winter term (argh), I'm eligible to apply to TWU's Nursing program. I'm also apply to Brookhaven, but my first choice is TWU of course. Honestly, I know I'll be near the bottom of both lists as far as acceptance goes, but Lord willing I'll get into one of them for entrance next fall. I'm SOOO excited that I've gotten this far, but I'm also trying to remain realistic about getting into either school the first time around in applying.
I need to take the NET exam next month for the TWU application and will take the HESI exam in Jan/Feb sometime for the Brookhaven app. Then there are the vaccinations to get up to date, a CPR class, background checks...etc.. once I know I've been accepted to either school.
Now it's time to decide what to take for classes next semester. I could take it kind of easy, and I might just do that and then work part time somewhere. I do know I'll be taking Pathophysiology at TWU, another Math class and probably TX history. The question is, should I retake A&P I to get my grade up to an A (from a B)? The only reason I would need to do that is if I don't get into one of the schools next fall, then it will be an improvement in my grade. Decisions. I'll talk to a couple of instructors and get their opinions.
IF...and IF...and IF...
If I get into TWU and IF I've taken the above classes, then there will only be one more class to take over the summer (women's studies)! Then a short break to get my house spic and span clean and organized before going "under the water" with nursing classes. I've heard and completely believe, that once nursing classes begin, there isn't time for anything else. I feel that way a lot right now anyway, which scares the _____ out of me!
I WANT to get into one of the programs next fall so badly!! I'm going to ask everyone I know to pray with me about that. If I don't get in for the fall, I'll definitely retake a couple of classes over the summer for higher grades.
So...that's the future. Right now I need to focus on finals!
NURSING SCHOOL APPLICATION TIME! That's right, as soon as I finish taking Statistics over the winter term (argh), I'm eligible to apply to TWU's Nursing program. I'm also apply to Brookhaven, but my first choice is TWU of course. Honestly, I know I'll be near the bottom of both lists as far as acceptance goes, but Lord willing I'll get into one of them for entrance next fall. I'm SOOO excited that I've gotten this far, but I'm also trying to remain realistic about getting into either school the first time around in applying.
I need to take the NET exam next month for the TWU application and will take the HESI exam in Jan/Feb sometime for the Brookhaven app. Then there are the vaccinations to get up to date, a CPR class, background checks...etc.. once I know I've been accepted to either school.
Now it's time to decide what to take for classes next semester. I could take it kind of easy, and I might just do that and then work part time somewhere. I do know I'll be taking Pathophysiology at TWU, another Math class and probably TX history. The question is, should I retake A&P I to get my grade up to an A (from a B)? The only reason I would need to do that is if I don't get into one of the schools next fall, then it will be an improvement in my grade. Decisions. I'll talk to a couple of instructors and get their opinions.
IF...and IF...and IF...
If I get into TWU and IF I've taken the above classes, then there will only be one more class to take over the summer (women's studies)! Then a short break to get my house spic and span clean and organized before going "under the water" with nursing classes. I've heard and completely believe, that once nursing classes begin, there isn't time for anything else. I feel that way a lot right now anyway, which scares the _____ out of me!
I WANT to get into one of the programs next fall so badly!! I'm going to ask everyone I know to pray with me about that. If I don't get in for the fall, I'll definitely retake a couple of classes over the summer for higher grades.
So...that's the future. Right now I need to focus on finals!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Up to speed...for now
Since the blog is about my pursuit of a nursing degree, I'll add short update on my progress for now, and then will make more of an effort to journal about this amazing journey on a regular basis. Truth be known, I forgot my password...once I remembered I had started this blog about 10 months later! That's what school does to me. I live in a school "bubble" mentally, and tend to forget other parts of life. I hope that changes some now that I'm past the original shock and fears of going back to school at my age.
So...in the last year I've taken:
US History
Developmental Psych
Nutrition
Computer concepts
American Lit
Biology 1406 (for science majors)
Developmental Math 090, 097, 098
Microbiology
Anatomy and Physiology I
English Comp
Whew!
This fall I'm signed up for:
Anatomy and Physiology II
Intro to Chemistry
DMath 099
I'm thinking of adding a class or two to this fall. I need to make some decisions about how to best prepare to apply to nursing school in the spring. If I apply to Brookhaven, I should take Nursing pharmacology, or pathophysiology or something to that effect that will give me more points towards being accepted into the program. My BIG struggle is that I haven't been able to get Statistics in yet. I can't take that until I finish DMATH 099 this fall. There is a "fast track" of 099 that starts Aug 25 and ends Sep 18th that I'm still considering. The benefit to that is that then I could take a stats class that begins that same week. HOWEVER, both of these classes are online, and the one thing I do know about myself is that I need a classroom instructor for math classes in order to really learn it. So...I'm just praying that statistics will be offered over the wintermester!
Taking prereq's to apply to nursing school has been fun, and frustrating all at once. The frustration comes from the fact that each of the nursing schools have slight differences in the required prereq's in order to apply to their school. So...after the fall semester, I'll just add classes for other nursing schools and will apply to every single one possible. My first choice is TWU so I can get that little "BS" behind my RN. So that's the track I've been pursuing.
One of the greatest lessons learned this past year is that I am more determined than ever to get into nursing! Each semester has given me more confidence and motivation in the pursuit. That's not to say that I haven't had moments that I was overwhelmed and felt like giving up...I have! But the motivation level is so high that it keeps me going in those tough times.
So...in the last year I've taken:
US History
Developmental Psych
Nutrition
Computer concepts
American Lit
Biology 1406 (for science majors)
Developmental Math 090, 097, 098
Microbiology
Anatomy and Physiology I
English Comp
Whew!
This fall I'm signed up for:
Anatomy and Physiology II
Intro to Chemistry
DMath 099
I'm thinking of adding a class or two to this fall. I need to make some decisions about how to best prepare to apply to nursing school in the spring. If I apply to Brookhaven, I should take Nursing pharmacology, or pathophysiology or something to that effect that will give me more points towards being accepted into the program. My BIG struggle is that I haven't been able to get Statistics in yet. I can't take that until I finish DMATH 099 this fall. There is a "fast track" of 099 that starts Aug 25 and ends Sep 18th that I'm still considering. The benefit to that is that then I could take a stats class that begins that same week. HOWEVER, both of these classes are online, and the one thing I do know about myself is that I need a classroom instructor for math classes in order to really learn it. So...I'm just praying that statistics will be offered over the wintermester!
Taking prereq's to apply to nursing school has been fun, and frustrating all at once. The frustration comes from the fact that each of the nursing schools have slight differences in the required prereq's in order to apply to their school. So...after the fall semester, I'll just add classes for other nursing schools and will apply to every single one possible. My first choice is TWU so I can get that little "BS" behind my RN. So that's the track I've been pursuing.
One of the greatest lessons learned this past year is that I am more determined than ever to get into nursing! Each semester has given me more confidence and motivation in the pursuit. That's not to say that I haven't had moments that I was overwhelmed and felt like giving up...I have! But the motivation level is so high that it keeps me going in those tough times.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)