Looking Ahead... Too Far Ahead?

A few days ago I printed out information on the three CRNA programs located in California (CRNA is a high-paying and competitive nursing specialty).  When my husband came home from work, I showed him the curricula for the three programs, and he was amused that I was already looking into graduate programs when I don't even have my RN (in fact, in the case of CRNA, one must be ACLS and PALS certified and have at least a year's experience as an ICU nurse and a BSN before applying).  Getting ahead of myself?  Yes, I am!  Am I sorry??  No!!

It's never too soon to start thinking about the future and coming up with a rudimentary action plan.  It's true that I haven't even begun the nursing program...  Will I be successful?  Will I want to continue my education down the road, especially if my life becomes more complicated with the blessing of a larger family?  Will I have the opportunity to work in a specialty area like ICU?  Will I enjoy direct patient care, or will I feel compelled to move towards something like discharge planning or education?  I don't know.  One thing is clear, though...  I'm excited to start, and excited at where this path might lead. Because I have felt thwarted from my goals and held back by life's circumstances for so long, I'm eager to get going, eager to run with this opportunity and take it as far as I can.  I'm impatient.  Let's go, already!