Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it has happened: I have graduated from nursing school. Now, all I have to do is take my boards (NCLEX-RN) in June sometime and I am ready to be unleashed upon the world.
somebody hold me, I’m scared
No, really, I’m feeling a little nervous. Am I really ready? I guess I’ll have to find out soon.
I’ve got this pain in my lower back, at night and… 
J/K. Congrats!
Congratulations. My ex-fiancée (we’re still friends) just got a letter inviting her to do the essay portion of the getting-into-nursing-school process. She’d passed the first hurdle, and a lot of others didn’t. Not sure what the essay is/was on. Ethics? I don’t remember. Anyway, she’d been working very hard on her classes and is really hoping to get into the nursing program.
Congratulations! Remember, you already know what you need for boards, so cramming the night before is counter-productive. That said, don’t go at it hung over, that too, is counter-productive.
Remember, that the license you receive is merely a license to learn.
You’ll have to be strong, nursing is the only profession that eats its young.
You will reinvent the wheel at every new place. Don’t take it personally, we all had to.
You will meet some brilliant nurses. You’ll also meet some dumber than an sneaker full of shit. Most are in between. The stupid ones are more likely to be those who make you jump through hoops.
There may be times that you feel like a fraud, that you have arrived where you are by some undiscovered mistake. Don’t worry, we’ve all felt that way, it will pass.
Stay curious. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new.
NEVER be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. Questions are a sign of intelligence. Remember, you can’t know everything. Know what you know, learn what you don’t as you go along.
Don’t be afraid to treat your colleagues (doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals) as equals. They are. Be confident, but not cocky.
Take care of yourself.
Sucker. 
Congratulations!
Now get out there and nurture!
Congratulations! I’ve seen the math quizzes, and if you’ve mastered medication measurements, I’ll gladly put my life in your hands.
picunurse, do you mind if I share your advice with my bosses (nursing instructors) so they can share it with their graduating students? It’s wise and pithy.
Of course, I’d be honored.
Thanks! 
You hit the nail on the head with this one! My instructors assure me I am ready, and they are never wrong, so I must be ready. However, it sure doesn’t feel like it.
Thanks for the congratulations, everyone. It has been a tough two years, especially as a non-traditional (read: older) student.
AuntiePam, I made straight A’s in nursing school, including dosage calculation. They drilled us so much, I can figure out the admin rate for vancomycin in my sleep.
Woohoo! Congratulations! Wishing you luck and joy in your new career.