Nursing School

Nursing school,
most difficult time of a young woman's life
a time of much suffering and strife
difficult to get admitted
on the first try,
hope not to get waitlisted
many enter, but few will graduate

Once admitted
long hours of studying, homework
and several clinicals
unhealthy diets
of fast-food and caffeine,
anxiety, depression, stress,
weight loss, weight gain,
youth slowly fading,
signs of fatigue and aging,
health decaying,
no time for sleep
no rest for the weary

So much pressure
to graduate, earn a degree
to achieve success
future of a Nursing student,
certification to be a full-time nurse
all lies on one test
the NCLEX
three hours long
four years to prepare
decide in the eyes
make all you've worked for count
do your best

Graduation
so satisfying
white robes, white caps
down the aisle, across the stage walking,
for that Bachelor's degree
paid for in blood, sweat, tears,
and borrowed money,
small, metal pin
received at the pinning ceremony
medal of honor
certifies one as an official, licensed nurse,
kick-starts their career,
LPN or RN
came after a long struggle
but it was worth it
for a profession very rewarding
the field of Nursing