Getting a BSN

This will not be my first 4 year degree, but it is a step towards my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. When I joined the military in 1993, I was given the occupation of 'combat medic' an EMT-B. I ended up managing a multi-speciality clinic my first year as a Private First Class(PFC), because all other Americans ended up rotating out at the same time. I was surrounded by wonderful people, professionals who encouraged me to move forward with my career and education. I was a first generational high school graduate and the thought of college and a real profession seemed unattainable to me. After working with Physician's Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, I knew then I wanted to be a family nurse practitioner. I applied to the nursing program in the Army, became an LVN, and after exiting the military, I started my journey to that dream by becoming an RN. It has been a long and tedious journey. Nonetheless, I am excited and I still look on that day when I decided this was for me. I have been sidetracked, discouraged, and all that stuff...but I know, it's worth all of it. I believe that it takes a 'calling' to be in this profession. Though money is necessary, and the flexibility that nursing offers is second to none, I am proud in knowing that I have an honorable occupation that is gratifying to me.