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As I sit here thinking back on the past two weeks, trying to recall all the events that took place, I realize that stress is present in everyone’s life right now. We all have papers, exams, projects, meetings and many other activities that fill every minute of our lives. For me, the past two weeks have been very trying. I was sick, and had massive amounts of work: papers, exams, a group project, new clinicals and of course the ever present tasks of ROTC. I was, to say the least, at the end of my wits. Fortunately, ROTC tries to be understanding of nursing cadets; they recognize the large time constraints that we have voluntarily placed upon ourselves. I must also acknowledge that I am not the only one feeling the pressure of academia and ROTC I know that at least half my staff is as stressed as I am. And it’s not just the MSIVs; I know that there are MSIIIs, IIs and Is that are stressed.
But as I was thinking about how busy my life is, and how I have hardly anytime to wash my clothes or fix myself supper, I thought of people who have made an incredible difference in the lives of many. I thought of Jesus and how he was always helping other people and taking little time for himself. I thought of President Bush and how he must start his day very early in the morning and sit through meetings all day long and probably does not sleep until late, then repeat it all again. I know that President Bush also draws his strength from God. I think of how the most effective leaders are the ones who give more of their time to other people than they take for themselves. I saw my preceptor, 1st Lt. Rutledge, make sure that the other nurses, medics and licensed practical nurses took their lunch break before she did when she was charge nurse. I also think about the heroes at ground zero, the firefighters who are still digging through the rubble, even though the site is a great health hazard to all who are working there. In addition to giving so much to others, great leaders also make sure they take personal time themselves, otherwise they will get burnt out and will not care anymore.
So, while I know that I need to be able to give the necessary amount of time to nursing, ROTC and the other activities in my life, I also know that I need to take some time to myself every now and then.
This next week is going to be very busy for me and most of the cadets in ROTC. Then we will have a much needed Thanksgiving break. We will have time to recuperate just in time to begin thinking about finals. And this too, shall pass.
