I Got In!!
Posted by Sean on July 1, 2010
I. GOT. IN.
Wholly carp I’m nervous, excited, exhausted, anxious, scared, ‘scatter-brained’.
I got into the Nurse Practitioner program I applied for earlier this past Spring. It’s an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, I’m focusing on Critical Care for my specialty (although that’s a long way down the road).
I interviewed less than a week ago and I got THE phone call this morning! I was beaming with excitement. I think I shed a tear when I was talking with my advisor.
Whew…
I must tell ya the road I traveled to get here was not smooth in any way, shape or form. Going back for my BSN was a task in itself. Then going through the emotions of what to do next. I mistakenly followed the suggestions of the ‘majority’ instead of following my heart. So I foolishly thought I wanted to pursue a career in Anesthesia as a CRNA.
I filled out all the forms, applied to all the local schools, paid all the application fees (and it was a lot!). I even qualified and interviewed with one school. The whole process just seemed to be a ‘dance’ that I was performing because that’s just what most critical care nurses progress into. I was told I’d be great at it. You’d be a good CRNA! I heard it from more than one source and more than one profession.
So I thought it was meant to be.
Then I spent more and more time digging in to the heart of what I love, the meaning behind what I enjoy about being a nurse. I found myself questioning my choices, in fact I was scared of my choices. Then I shadowed a CRNA I had worked side by side with. I realized I didn’t want to be in the OR. I didn’t want Anesthesia school.
It was a miracle in itself that this opportunity was even available for me. I did the research and asked the questions, talked with professionals and discovered that being an NP is exactly what I should be pursuing.
So. Here we are now. I’ve been accepted into a highly nationally ranked program. I’m beyond excited.
Now I have to jump through all the hoops to set things in motion and learn how to be a full-time student again one last time.
I’m more than ready. This is where I was meant to be.
I couldn’t have done all this without the help of some great friends, some superb co-workers, my wonderful family and my most amazing wife. My wife especially has had to witness first hand all the bumps and bruises during my journey in to finding ‘me’. She is the only reason I am where I am, and am going where I am going. Thank you all.
Wish me luck!
Sean Dent said
Thanks Drew! Words cannot describe how excited I am.
drewmgriffin said
Sean, way to go! Thats awesome news. Congrats. It will go by fast
Sean Dent said
Thank you! That's my hope!
NurseExec said
Sounds like you've got some exciting times ahead of you. I have no doubt you'll handle it well.
Sean Dent said
Thanks!
nurseXY said
Way to go bud!! That's fantastic!
Sean Dent said
Thank you!
Tweets that mention I Got In!! | My Strong Medicine -- Topsy.com said
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sean, Grace White. Grace White said: So fantastic! Congrats! “@bthenextstep: I Got In!! – http://tinyurl.com/23crmwa” [...]
Marjorie said
CONGRATS!!! That's huge! It sounds like you're up for the challenge. Keep your eye on the prize and you'll be just fine.
Best wishes…
Sean Dent said
Yep. I understand and shared that fear. I sent ya some Tweets to explain.
Nicole said
I am wondering how you determined Acute care, as opposed to Adult or Family? I want Acute care because I know I want to work in the unit, but others “warn” me that I won't ever be able to work in an office setting with the ACNP. I'm kind of worried that maybe down the line I might change my mind and want to do primary, but…not sure! all i know is what i want right now.
Sean Dent said
Thanks Nicole! You KNOW I'll be blogging about my journey.
Nicole said
Wow, congratulations! Can't wait to hear how you juggle school and work, and how the ACNP works-Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope