Shannon Longendyke, RN?

Well, I still have to make it through 4 semesters of nursing school AND pass the state boards, but I do feel like I've gotten over the first big hurdle - actually being accepted into the program!  I received the news late last week and I've been on cloud 9 ever since.  I know that I will love this program, dedicate myself fully to it, and become a great nurse one day, but I was starting to doubt if I would ever get a chance to prove myself to NVCC and also make use out of the expensive stethoscope that Scott surprised me with last Christmas!  Not anymore.  :)

Since I found out in April that I was not accepted into the accelerated online program, I've discovered that my rejection into this program was truly a blessing.  This program, which began in mid-May, would have consisted of 4 consecutive semesters, with the lecture portion of the classes available online, but the labs/clinicals would still be onsite at the Springfield campus or at a local hospital.  Of course on the outside this looks the best program for a stay-at-home Mom of 3, but I know now that God had other plans for me and the children.  The tradtional program that I've been accepted into consists of all lectures/labs onsite at the Springfield campus, a total PAIN for commuting, but it's more traditional in the sense that I'll have the summers off and be able to spend them with the children...which is truly a blessing.  Yes, I'd love to be done sooner and start making money, sooner...BUT, this way will work better for me and the kids and THAT is the most important thing!

This program will begin this fall (August) and complete fully in May 2012.  I'll start with only 2 classes to take the first semester, 2 next Spring, 1 next Fall and 3 the following Spring...which is not that bad...thanks to already having a degree!  I'll only get my Associates when this over, but the word on the street is NOVA grads have an extremely high placement rate and they are highly sought after in local hospitals!  Sooo, my next step is orientation and registering for classes in early July, which I'm so excited for.  There is one more hurdle to get past, however.  Continuing BSF for me and the kids is extremely important and I pray that my schedule works out so that I'm able to get into the classes/clincials I need, continue in BSF and get Sienna to preschool!  I want to thank all my girlfriends & family who have been praying for me these past few months - I'm so grateful to have you all in my life - you mean the world to me!