Why I'm doing this

Part of the problem is that I'm stubborn and impatient. By the time I make up my mind that I want to accomplish something, I want it done, and I want it done yesterday. The goal at hand now is a BSN through an online program. I want a BSN for three main reasons: first, it's required for me to enter the USAF as an officer. Second, when it's time to go back to school for whatever comes next, it will be very helpful to have a nice shiny GPA (unlike my one from UD). Third, and perhaps most compellingly, I've told everybody I would, so now it's my pride on the line.

That reason applies for the rationale to stay with the online program. The didactic exams are not difficult to prepare for, but the last performance exam I did with them was a nightmare. However, I know in my heart that I would have been the most miserable nursing student alive in a brick-and-mortar program, so it was worth it. My work schedule is still non-conducive to class, and I'm pretty sure I'd continue my tradition of falling asleep in lecture hall -- not to mention that the tuition for local BSN programs is astronomical. So here I am.

For my Professional Socialization exam, I am expected to keep a journal describing my "professional development". Here's the problem -- a year and a half into my license, I am barely socialized as a nurse. I've been a paramedic for five years. I still work full time as a paramedic. I do critical care transport, and I work in an emergency room one shift a pay period. I don't act, sound or think like a nurse, and I've gotten a good laugh at some of the more mealy-mouthed journal articles on nursing professionalism I've read thus far. Don't get me wrong -- I think professionalism is very important. It's just that a lot of nursing theorists make me throw up in my mouth a little.

Wish me luck.