I still can't believe it. I am closer to graduation and it's
getting very REAL.This upcoming week will be my last week
at the inner city clinic I spoke about before, and then I have
about 2 more weeks until my 2 weeks of observation off campus! Then
when I get back, I will have about 4 days left of clinic before
graduation week! It's so crazy!
I remember this similar feeling when I was graduating from the
chiropractic program, but the feeling was halted by the sense that
my graduation was only the mark of the beginning of the
naturopathic program. While all my colleagues were putting their
business plans into action, interviewing for associate positions,
or packing up and moving back home, I was studying and preparing
for my 11th trimester! It was still an exciting
time considering it is still a HUGE accomplishment. However, it was
bittersweet for me.
Now I sit here, writing one of my last blogs ever,
preparing for a new journey in my life, and feeling an amazing
amount of joy and peace! It's still very stressful realizing that I
am still at that place again--not completing a business plan or
interviewing for any associate positions, but preparing a nursery,
utilizing the summer to relax, and enjoying life without the
pressures of school. I feel much better about it all than I
thought.
You might hear over and over again about the "Numbers Game" in
clinic. There are high expectations and huge requirements that are
obligated for you to pass your clinic internship, and the
naturopathic program has definitely trumped the chiropractic
program in my opinion! I learned so much from both programs on many
different levels, but because the naturopathic program is still
relatively young at NUHS, there are different struggles that we
face. The numbers were driving me crazy but definitely did not
affect my ability to give my patients the best care possible. And
our clinicians were right, if you treat your patients right, the
numbers will take care of themselves.
As I am heading into my last couple weeks with patients on
campus, I am feeling more comfortable than ever about my competency
AND numbers. Although I won't be out in practice right away, I have
been able to soak up the experience the best way I could. I
struggled, I cried, I became frustrated on the verge of walking
away--but looking back now, I can appreciate the obstacles I've had
to overcome and above all else, I've had the best patients ever!
:)
I only hope you will be able to soak up my experience no matter
what school or program you choose! Take care of people and they
will take care of you. :) Here's to my last weeks here at
National!!