People often say, “If I can do it, you can do it.” However, without context, that phrase is meaningless. This is because you don’t know me, and I don’t know you. I don’t know your struggles, history, trials, or tribulations, and you don’t know mine. Let me provide some.
We all come from different walks of life. We each face our own unique challenges—I have my own. One in particular is that I have been bullied my entire life. Even in nursing school. Even in my nursing job at the hospital! (I probably don’t have to tell you that professional adults bullying each other is very real.) It has had significantly detrimental effects on me and made me quite a loner. I now prefer to do my work and study by myself, not relying on the help of others. However, in the nursing profession we are supposed to work together as a team—making this particularly harder to navigate.
After earning my associate degree in nursing, I didn’t bother going back to school for a long time because, well, first I hate APA format more than most. I am sure most (if not all) of you can relate. Secondly, after the same behaviors from fellow students and teachers, I had had enough. But when online school became a realistic option, going back to school was tangible. So, I did it. I went back and finished my bachelor’s degree in nursing online through a local university. After a nine-month break, I completed my master’s degree in nursing education online.
When I received invitations to join honor societies, I knew it looked good on resumes so I joined. I even joined a specific group of nurse educators hoping to build connections and gather ideas for being a good instructor in the future. I read posts often and offered a little feedback when I thought I had something insightful and helpful or if I could provide a little encouragement. But I seldom posted. I had no need and didn’t feel like I had anything worth saying, yet.
Recently, I decided to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam. The National League for Nursing was offering a new novice version of the exam, and I qualified (barely). As a brand-new nurse educator, I wanted to get certified while everything from the program was fresh. As the exam approached, I got nervous. I was just as nervous as I was before taking the state boards. I get terrible test anxiety, and I wanted to vomit. I chewed off all my fingernails.
I decided to post on The Circle, Sigma’s online member community, and I thought that if anyone could send out any positive vibes and encouragement, I might get through this. It certainly couldn’t hurt. If there was any chance at all that the universe wanted me to pass, I was willing to try! So, I posted about my anxiety, the date of the exam, and that I needed some positivity sent my way.
I got more responses than I expected or even hoped for. Naturally, I thought I would get ignored, or even that my post would even get removed for being about me. A few nurses sent prayers, a few sent positive thoughts and vibes, and a couple even sent their contact information wanting to stay in touch, regardless of my outcome. I was overwhelmed with the encouragement and reminders that we have all been there.
I had to wait for weeks to get my results, and I cried. Not just a little—a lot. I posted about my success and thanked everyone who had sent a prayer, word of advice, positive vibes, and thoughts because I believe it helped. It was the first time that I felt like I belonged to a community. I felt like a group of strangers actually cared about me and that I had something significant in common with this group. I felt like I belonged, and I was no longer alone. I wasn’t being bullied anymore, but accepted. No more childish, petty behaviors or comments. A group of professionals and adults accepted me just as I’ve always hoped—just as I am.
I have an education, a certification, a plan, and a voice. And the really cool part is that people are starting to care what I have to say.
So, when I say to someone that “if I can do it,” know that I believe you can do it, too. I overcame some difficult challenges. They are different than the challenges you face. But go do whatever it is that you want to do and know that there is someone out there—me—who believes in you, supports you, and is sending positive energy to help you when you need it.
Shanan Thode, MSN, RN, is a field nurse at Centria Healthcare in Lake Orion, Michigan, USA, and a member of Sigma’s Omega Gamma Chapter.