I recently listened to a radio program and important courses and learning experiences in college. One of the presenters spoke about the importance of learning resilience in college. I hadn’t really given that much thought in the past, but I had to agree that learning resilience is an important skill to learn in college.
The Oxford dictionary defines resilience as: the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape, or the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
People who cope well with stressful situations have been described as being resilient. They are able to experience stressful circumstances, bounce back, and move on. Not blowing things out of proportion is a critical part of resilience.
When I was in college majoring in nursing I was a very good student. I prided myself on being in the upper ranks of my class. When I got a D in Microbiology I was devastated. I was traumatized not only because I got such a low grade but also because I needed at least a C to continue in the nursing program. The only option was for me to retake the class and obtain at least a C. This meant that I would need to carry a heavier course load than I had planned to carry the next quarter and work hard to achieve a C in this class.
I did get a B or a C when I retook the class. Interestingly, the passing grade I got is not at all memorable but the D I received is something I remember some 40+ years later. I could have catastrophized this situation and quit nursing school but I pursued a different option. The positive result of retaking the class helped to teach me resilience and helped me see that what might look devastating at first isn’t necessarily as awful as I first thought it might be.
This is a critical skill to learn as you will certainly be faced with events in life that at first appear to be dreadful with dire consequences. Learning to reframe these experiences in a learning environment such as college can be a safe place to acquire or build on this skill. In college you are surrounded by professionals who are there to help you develop new skills and abilities. Learning or enhancing your resiliency in college before you get out into the “Real World” can be incredibly valuable in helping you succeed later in your nursing career.
As you think about attending college for your BSN or MSN assess how resilient you are. Do you think that this is a skill that you can further hone while in college? Do you have the ability to see obstacles as temporary? Are you able to see possible outcomes other that the worst possible outcome in a given situation? To get through college you will likely enhance this skills and enhancing this skill will contribute to your success in life and in your career. Remember to enjoy your education experience! You will be developing your skills, talents, and characteristics that will be with you throughout your nursing career.
