As you are preparing for starting a nursing program, consider you are on a journey. The journey can be compared to what has been called the hero’s journey. Author Joseph Campbell described the “Hero’s Journey” in his 1949 book. It is a pattern followed by most novels and movie plots. Think of the journeys taken by Dorothy Gale, Luke Skywalker, and Harry Potter. They started with a goal and perseverance to make their journey successful. When we undertake any new venture, we often experience a similar pattern of ups and downs on the way to success. Knowing what’s ahead in nursing education is a priority.
The Hero’s Journey
Joseph Campbell was noted to say we all have to “find our bliss.” Those who choose nursing education are on a journey. The goal of becoming a healthcare professional may seem daunting. Here is my take on the journey of the nursing student hero. The steps are based on the works of Campbell, Brown and Moffett (1999), and Vogler (1999. 2007). The journey could be the whole nursing program or broken down semester by semester. Here are my condensed 8 steps:
- The call to adventure. While in the ordinary world, the hero discovers the need for a change or a journey.
- Refusal of the call. There is fear of taking such a new journey.
- Meeting a mentor and allies. New people through the journey present as mentors and allies. The mentor may be an advisor or counselor at the school. Allies are other new students and instructors. All have a shared experience and can help one another.
- The road of trials: The start of the journey in the new world or environment. The student hero faces tests and trials along the way and meets a few enemies. Enemies to success are those who don’t understand your decision.
- Meeting temptations (“the temptress”). Distractions present along the way. They may include social events, hobbies, excess work hours, etc.
- Reaching the abyss or the extreme challenge. The hero must move forward when faced with an ordeal. This could be multiple assignments, a challenging project or course, or final exams. Some might say they reach a point where they “hit the wall.”
- The point of new understanding (a transformation). The student hero faces the challenge, works hard to push through, and completes the journey.
- Achieving success in the journey. The student hero returns home with new skills and a new purpose.
The Nursing Hero’s Journey
As you begin to consider nursing, find out as much as you can about the nursing program options. Don’t be surprised if you are a bit overwhelmed and question your abilities. That is common at the start of your journey. Look for more information and a mentor to answer your questions. Once you start the program, you should meet peers, teachers, and counselors who become your mentors and allies. As the courses begin, don’t be surprised by ups and downs. Some aspects of study may seem easier than others. In each semester, there will be tests and final exams. These are the times you may feel you have reached the “abyss.” Just like Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter or any superhero, you need to continue your work and not give up. Through dedication and perseverance, you will reach the end of the program and success in becoming a nurse.
Nursing Students are Heroes
The journey of the nursing student can be seen as the “hero’s journey.” Knowing ahead of time what you may experience may help. Nursing students are heroes and will meet challenges. Focusing on the goal, one can meet the challenges. Look for your mentors and allies. Realize you may be the mentor or ally for others.
References:
Brown, J. & Moffett, C. (1999). The Hero’s Journey: How Educators Can Transform Schools and Transform Learning. Association for Supervision & Curriculum.
Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.
Vogler, C. (1999). Forward. In Voytilla, S. Myth and the movies: Discovering the myth structure of 50 unforgettable films. Michael Wiese Productions.
Vogler, C. (2007). The writer’s journey: Mythic structure for writers (3rd ed.). Michael Wiese Productions.