Glorifying Steps

Wow!!!

The biggest accomplishment of my life has been achieved!

A few weeks ago I graduated from Bon Secours and earned a Bachelors of Science in Nursing.

And, as of today, I have passed the NCLEX and am officially a Registered Nurse.

I have wanted to be a nurse since middle school. The ability to use the knowledge and skills with my future children, the chance of using nursing on medical mission trips, the flexibility of the job, and the endless opportunities all drew me to this field.

My journey through school has been the most difficult experience of my life thus far. It has forced me to honestly place all my trust in the Lord and truly cast all my anxieties on Him (and boy were there a lot).

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

I noticed a pattern throughout my years in college, when I was reliant and focused on the Lord, I was much less stressed.

He provided me with strength when I had no more.
Gave me the drive when I wanted to quit.
Provided grace and understanding when I needed it most.

I can look back on my nursing education and see the Lords hand guiding me through each step I took.

Back in 2013, when I first started school at Bon Secours, I wrote a paper about my philosophy of nursing. In that paper I wrote:

“Nursing involves so much. Defining the term nursing seems impossible when you think about all it encompasses. Nursing is an occupation to some, advocacy to many, and service to all. To me nursing is a calling that will be used in all aspects of my life.”

No joke.
All aspects of my life!

One of my favorite parts about graduation was decorating my cap. I loved being able to express my philosophy of nursing proudly. On the top of my hat was the phrase “Called to Serve”.

I thought that was a fitting display of where my heart truly lies.

Only the Lord knows where this new degree will take us. But I am incredibly excited to see how He will use me in Lesotho. Through health assessments of the children at the care centers, to mobile clinics in villages with Me Teresa, I am so excited to put this degree to work!

To all my nursing friends, get your passports ready!

With Love,
Rachel