Before COVID-19 affected our nation, here is what my schedule looked like:

• Every two weeks, we had a lecture on campus
• Every three weeks, we had a simulation exercise
• Clinical: three days a week
• Online: Doctorate project courses

Since the pandemic, we have transitioned to an all-virtual platform. All of our lectures and exams are online, and we have been pulled from our clinical rotations. We have been out of clinical for about three weeks now, and I must say, this has been quite an adjustment for me. To go from a daily stress level of 10/10 to now, stressing at 5/10 is quite relieving! Since the break from clinical, I have been able to take the time to organize my notes, go over old school material, work on my DNP project, and study for next year’s SEE exam. So even though this pandemic has pulled me away from clinical, I have been able to utilize the time off in a constructive way.

When will we go back to clinical? That question is unknown at this time. I think there was some talk about going back in June. We won’t know until COVID-19 is better controlled, and standard hospital order is resumed.

I am looking at this situation in a positive manner. Since the break, I’ve been able to get some adequate rest, take care of bills and other responsibilities that I neglected, and to get in some much-needed self-care. When classes and clinical start back up, I’ll be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running!

How has COVID-19 impacted your life?