Deferring

I decided to defer my nursing program until next May. Originally I was planning on taking the 2 year (4 semester) plan starting in Aug '06, but instead I'm going to take the 1 year (3 semester intensive) plan starting in May '07. Both plans graduate in May '08. I think this will be better because it gives me more time to get my prereqs done, gives Alan time to build up his hosting business, and gives both of us time to bring our overall financial situation a little closer to the black before I give up my hefty salary.

I got a package from Binghamton yesterday, which must have gone out before I alerted them to my change of plans. I'm glad I got it, but it was a bit overwhelming. The packet was full of information about what needs to be done before classes start in May. We have to order uniforms, name tags, medical supplies (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, pharmacology kit(???), etc.) We also have to take the professional level CPR training, get vaccinations, get a specific type of insurance AND attend an orientation in April. All of this results in many hundreds of dollars before we even start registering for classes. As I read through the information all I kept thinking was "I'm soooo not ready for this just yet!" However, like I said, I'm glad I got the packet this year so I'll know what to expect for next year.

Sheep brains anyone?

I narrowly escaped a brain disection today! Half way through class my teacher says "Oh, I need to take the brains out of the fridge." We all say "brains???" She says, "Yeah, didn't I tell you we are disecting sheep brains tonight?" Geezz.... you gotta give a person fair warning before expecting them to disect brains on a Tuesday night. Luckily (for me, others in class weren't so happy) we ran out of time so we'll get to do that fun project next week. At least I can mentally prepare myself anyway - and remind myself that brain disection was my sister's favorite part of college :)

Work related stress

We have this big conference coming up next month and my job has gotten progressively more stressful this past week. As an implementer (versus a visionary - the only two roles at my company) a lot has fallen on my plate lately. Stuff I don't know about falls out of the visionary's heads and on to my lap, and always due yesterday.

On my way home today, after a particularly annoying day, I started thinking about what life as a nurse would be like. Every job has it stressors, I'm aware of that, but I wonder how they will be different in the healthcare field. I can envision two scenarios.

Maybe the stressors of the job will be less annoying because the job itself is more fulfilling. Maybe it will be easier to deal with stupid things because overall I know I'll be having a positive impact on people's lives, instead of just designing brochures and spam for the world. Or... maybe the stressors will be that much more difficult because they affect people's lives, not just brochures and spam. If a boss makes a stupid decision now it sucks, if a nurse's boss makes one, it could be fatal. Maybe the stress will just be tons worse?

It's kind of scary switching into a field I've never been in. I think I have the professional, Office Space world down pat. I wonder what I'm getting myself into.