It’s been a while
Ok, ok so its been 7 months since I last posted. It’s not that I’ve had nothing to post about - just been preoccupied. So, here it goes…
Although I have always been one of those folks who insists that learning never ends, I really did believe that I had experienced enough formal learning for a while. WRONG! Back in September I realized that I need something else to add to my proverbial plate. This is when I decided that I would write by Gerontological Nursing Certification Exam GNC (C) this coming April 14, 2007. (Perhaps this is why I have found renewed interest in blogging. I should be studying!). Many people are compelled to ask why I would become certified if it doesn’t lead to immediate promotion, pay raise, or the like. Their second question is usually, “Why in gerontology?”. Not all, but many people struggle with the idea obtaining education that doesn’t “get you anywhere”, per se. So why am I becoming certified, and in an area of nursing that is probably one of the least popular or “sexy” as I like to call it?
Certification is my way of doing several things. The process has really helped me to identify what I know, or do well in my field of nursing. It has also helped me to identify what I want to know more about. As I study, I learn things that I can easily and relate to my clinical practice in a very real way. Not only will this certification showing my commitment to caring for seniors, but it will also give me a way to stay connected with the field and show that I stay current with the latest research, evidence and practice in caring for older adults. Gerontology is so incredibly important as our Canadian population gets older and requires specialized nursing care. Those of you who have known me longer than say, 7 years, will know that I started out wanting to be a midwife/L&D nurse and will probably look back and giggle.
I have really found my calling and my passion in caring for seniors. Some nurses love the pace of the E.R., others like working with children, or the acuity of ICU. Me? I love the enormous complexity, the challenges, the long-term professional relationships and the meaning that comes with working with seniors. I love that I can help enable them continue to live incredibly meaningful lives despite the complex challenges they are sometimes faced with. I work with all very amazing people, and in this way I am truly blessed. In this way I feel that I have found my calling and that God really wants me to do this, at this point in my life, because I have the passion and vision for something truly wonderful. This may change someday, one never knows. I hope I will always hold the same amount of passion for my work that I do now, and remain just as hopelessly idealistic 
Perhaps I should study now…