Congratulations to Nicole who graduated from the Psychiatric Nursing Program! We thank her for her hard work on the blog and wish her the best of luck in her new career. Questions and comments will now be disabled. Please watch out for a new Psychiatric Nursing Student Blogger in the near future!
Hi Everyone!
Currently my cohort is enjoying a bit of time off school. After a busy semester with five full-time courses and a clinical rotation, it is much deserved! I am spending my time off traveling to Vancouver and Red Deer to visit friends and family, and picking up some more shifts at Penticton Regional Hospital where I work. During breaks from school, I have much more time to dedicate to work and my social life. However, obtaining a post-secondary education requires that you use your time wisely and know how and what to prioritize! This is where work, school, and life balance becomes important.
As a child, I always dreamed of working in healthcare. I knew from the start that this would require commitment and hard work… Does it ever! The passion I have for my studies is what propels me to be the best student I can be; but sometimes, such dedication to my studies can get in the way of my other priorities. During this educational journey, I have often gone days without spending time with friends or family. When this happens, I remind myself that school is not everything in life; a healthy balance between my family, friends, school, and work is what makes my life complete.
School is not meant to be easy. It is a challenge that tests your intelligence, your passion, and your dedication. It is sometimes overwhelming; I think this is a natural feeling that every full-time student experiences from time-to-time. It is important to “check yourself” every once in a while, to make sure you are on the right track; the track you want to be on. When I become too stressed or anxious over my studies, I go for a run or to the gym to burn off some steam! When I isolate myself too much, without lifting my head from my books for days, I make plans with friends and family. And when I feel I have the time, I pick up shifts at work. By creating a balance for myself, combining all the things I love and prioritizing them, I am rewarded with a happy and fulfilled life.
The chaos and intensity of a post-secondary education won’t last in my life forever; but for now, it is something I value, because I know how far in life it will take me. Everything that I place merit on in my life is what I aim to prioritize. Family, friends, work, school, exercise, healthy living… and so much more! This journey is a gift that not everyone can take advantage of, and for that I am grateful.
By using your time wisely and placing your energy where it needs to be, you can go far! Education is invaluable and any educational advancement is never a wasted opportunity. I always try to remember that my family, friends, and my jobs have all impacted my desire to become a psychiatric nurse. And that’s why I make sure to balance all my priorities!
