To be truthful, I didn’t want this position originally. My boss sort of suddenly decided she wanted to move on to bigger and better things. I am not technically qualified for the full position at present, though I am pursuing my PMHNP (psych nurse practitioner), and I will fully qualify then. I had been the educator on my floor for two years and was kinda the first pick for many of my then-coworkers when my boss announced her pending departure, but I feel somewhat overwhelmed. My wife’s encouragement finally motivated to take the plunge.

I’ve had little training, and mostly learn by getting slapped on the wrist by administration when I screw up. It’s been a rough learning curve, though I feel like I’m doing some good and like I am slowly catching on. I don’t see my family much lately, and school is stressful. I feel all three emoticons. I really am enjoying it, but it’s also very hard and some days I want to throw in the towel. But then I think of all I’m learning and the good I’m doing and I don’t want to quit.