It feels like we are living in some sort of alternate universe. I am both stressed about getting everything done on time and feeling like the start of the program is so very far away.

There are still many things left to do on the to-do list. Honestly, the timing couldn't be worse. It's nearly December and Christmas is staring us down and the money is stretched so tight that it causes me to lay awake at night trying to calm anxiety. Is there enough money to do both a small Christmas and get all our supplies we need for the start of the program? If I wait until January will they have scrubs in stock in my required colors and fit? What about a stethoscope? Can I buy one locally or do I need to order one? Don't forget a watch... I must have a watch, and I keep forgetting it on my to-buy list. If I could feel like I had anything under control maybe it all wouldn't feel so overwhelming. We don't know our schedule for our classes/lab/clinicals yet and likely wont until the day after classes start. This makes lining up people to care for our children difficult.

Inhale. Exhale.

It will all fall into place. It has to.

Somehow, I anticipated having time to kick back and relax from the time I found out I was accepted until I started the program in January. This is not to be the case. There is just so much to try to do, and it seems like more is being added all the time.

I am currently working on my 7 hour HIV training as well as my HIPPA training. Next Monday I will be having my doctor fill out a form stating that I am mentally and physically able to participate in nursing school. Also, papers talking about my vaccination status. I have to turn those in, along with a copy of my insurance card. Still to do, CPR for the health care professional, background check, and drug testing.

We are having a meet and greet this Friday, and I am so excited to get to see my classmates! I am really hoping that we will be a very close knit group and enjoy each others company.

Also, although I don't feel the need to stress over 4.0's for this last quarter before starting the program... I can't just forget about my classes I'm currently enrolled in. Sociology the second time around is no more fun....

We received our letters of acceptance in the mail this weekend, as well as a long check list of tasks to complete before the end of November. Which was a little surprising since I thought we had until the start of the program to complete them. That's ok, just gotta come up with the money to get all this done.

The next 4 weeks will be spent getting our criminal background checks done, a health assessment performed by our physician, verification of all vaccines, CPR for the health care professional, 7 hours of HIV training, HIPPA training, and proof of medical insurance. I think that's everything.

I was planning to take the CPR course after finishing my finals in early December, so I'll have to move that date up. No biggie I guess.

I'm also on the look out for some good reference books to have before classes start. I'll welcome any and all suggestions.