STRONG GIRL JACKIE BLANDON ON BECOMING A NURSE

threadTALK Blog Series 9

I’ve always envied the people who work at hospitals or in industries that provide care for those in need. It’s not easy counseling family members as they’re going through possibly one of the most difficult times of their lives. Our next individual is on her way to becoming a nurse who’s going to dedicate her life to saving lives. We found her Youtube channel and quickly fell in love with her. She’s doing an amazing job documenting her journey through nursing school and sharing her experience with the world. Without further ado let’s get started and get to know our next threadTALK guest Jackie Blandon!

Q Tell us a little bit about yourself and your YouTube channel, what made you want to start creating videos?

A My name is Jackie, I am 22 years old and I am currently in nursing school. I decided to start making Youtube videos while I was actually studying for one of my exams. I frequently used Youtube to study and I ran into a fellow nursing students Youtube channel, where she talked about the things that she did while in nursing school and tips for new nursing students. I always grew up watching Youtube videos, and always wanted to start a channel but never really had something I was passionate about to make videos! The idea was sort of crazy to me at first just because I was so scared of what others would think. I brought the idea up to my parents as well as my boyfriend, and they were actually really supportive and even gave me ideas on video topics that I could make. I wanted to create a channel where other nursing students or pre-nursing students could collaborate and share their experiences and tips. I feel like nursing students sort of have this special bond, and just like others could use my channel to learn, I could also learn tons from my subscribers. This is what lead me to create my channel, and allowed me to make friends from all over the world!

Q When and how did you know that you wanted to pursue nursing? Do you have any advice for students who are considering this path?

A My nursing journey has been a rollercoaster, as I am sure many others have been. I decided to pursue nursing in my sophomore year of college. I had originally planned to become a lawyer, and after soon figuring out that it was not my passion, I began taking different courses to help me figure out what I could dive into. At the time, my grandmother had been admitted into the hospital for different issues that would call for me to stay in the hospital with her. She didn't speak English, so my family and I would take turns spending time with her. Around this time, I had still been undecided on my degree and I was really curious about the medical field. I began to do more research and ended up deciding on either to become a Physicians Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner. I decided to pursue nursing, and hope to one day become a Nurse Practitioner. My advice for other students who are considering this path is to NEVER GIVE UP! It was so discouraging to receive rejection letters the first semester I applied for different programs.. but it just made me realize that God had a different path and school for me in mind. I absolutely love my program now and am so thankful that I never gave up!

Q What is the hardest part about nursing school and how did/do you overcome it?

A The hardest part about nursing school was deciding on the nursing program and being accepted into a good program. I overcame it by reminding myself of the end goal, which was to become a nurse and most importantly a Nurse Practitioner. I had cared for my grandmother who lived with me, and in the future, I could not only take care of my grandmother but also all of my family that would need my help. I read articles and blogs on the best programs in my area and made appointments to see advisors of those schools. I created a binder and made a schedule in my planner for the exams I would need to take, the deadlines, as well as the essays I needed to write for the programs. I pushed myself and worked towards my goal until I received an acceptance letter in my inbox. I believe that once you set a goal in your mind, you become so addicted until you're able to reach it.

Q We heard from nursing students that the coursework and exams are very demanding. Some might find it hard to take time off on the weekends. Is that the same for you right now? Or have you put practices in place to prevent work overload?

A I would say it completely depends on how you spend your time. If you procrastinate, it makes it much harder to enjoy your time off on the weekends, but if you spend your time studying wisely you do not feel as guilty for taking time for yourself and your family. I've gone through both procrastinating and also being very meticulous with my study time. It's very hard to be consistently on top of your studies because it is so much stress and work load, sometimes I get overwhelmed and have to take a day off for the sake of my mental health. I try to set a schedule for myself in regards to studying so that I know where I stand and it allows me to be more organized.

Q What is the most impressive procedure you’ve seen so far?

A I think the most impressive procedure I have seen so far would be seeing a c-section. It is such a common procedure but I don't believe many know how intricate it really is. I dedicated a video on my Youtube channel all about the procedure and many moms that actually had the same procedure done had no idea what actually happens during the c-section and were shocked to find out!

Q For someone who can barely look at a medical procedure without looking away. BUT dreams of becoming a nurse. Do you think this is something you can outgrow/cope with?

A That completely depends! If you'd like to be a nurse at a doctors office, then you're in the clear! You'll just do routine exams, and injections here and there but nothing too gruesome if that's what bothers you. If you'd like to be a nurse at a hospital.. I would say it might be more challenging for you. Nurses get floated all the time at the hospital, and even as a nursing student I have seen many medical procedures, gruesome infections and injuries. None have ever bothered me, but I have fellow nursing students that do not particularly enjoy watching all the procedures. I would say as long as you could put this fear aside for the sake of saving a life.. then you just might be in the clear! I believe that the longer I have been in the hospital the more comfortable I have gotten, and I think the same with many other students.

Q Lastly, we love that you were able to relate your story with our designs. If you were to give a title to your life story, what would it be and why?

A I think the title of my life story would be "the happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything". I think that the way you react to situations completely determines your happiness. My journey to nursing wasn't very easy.. as many haven't been. It is such a competitive journey, I received my rejection letters in the mail, and B's in my transcripts when I was told I HAD to get A's in order to be good enough. But even through that, I still knew in my heart that this path was the ONLY path for me and no matter what happened that God would lead me when I was ready. Even through the negatives, I knew that in the end I would get to where I needed to be. Everyone goes through hardships whether it be in their family, in school or other things, but I believe that the way you react is what will determine your future and your happiness.

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