Starting this Blog Resulted from My Mid-Life Crisis
As I said before I’ve been a nurse for over 15 years. I’ve been working on my FNP post masters for four years while working full time. In my personal life, I am so happy I can’t stand it! I have a great relationship with my husband and my family. I’m involved with volunteering in my community, sit on executive boards of local non-profits, and I am a pageant gal! So basically what I’m saying my personal life if full and alive. However, in the last few years, I have realized my work life/career…not so much. And before I go on, I need to express that the current place I work at is great. I feel like I am being utilized to the best of my ability. But, I am tired. I’m worn out. Juggling classes, work, and my great personal life is wearing me down. And I often question, did I make the right decision to go to nursing school. Did I make the right decision continuing nursing school. Did I make the right decision to continue nursing? So yeah… I’m thinking about…no…I’m obsessing over these kind of thoughts. Hello! PANIC MODE!!
My poor husband. He’s had to hear me work out my thoughts and feelings about this. On a regular basis. Thankfully, he’s been fully supported of me exploring my feelings as long as continue working full-time as a nurse! : )
Anyway, I would not give up nursing. It was brought me a sense of satisfaction that I don’t know if any other field would have provided. I always thought I’d be a good marketer, so I took a bunch of online marketing courses, read a lot of marketing books, and listened to a lot of marketing podcasts. I still think it’s fascinating and I’m intrigued by it. However, I don’t think it would have provided me with the satisfaction of talking with a hospice patient about the time they spent in World War II and that it was their duty to protect our country. I don’t think it would have provided the satisfaction of an 36 week pregnant female talking telling me that she is carrying the baby for her sister who couldn’t conceive or carry on her own. I mean, WOW!
So this blog, is therapeutic for me. I get to come on here, express my frustration with nursing, reflect on those feelings, and then stop and think about all the good things nursing has afforded me. All the knowledge nursing has provided me. It basically has helped shaped the woman I am today. I know I am very likely to continue struggle with the question of why did I chose nursing! I’m sure it’s probably like that with every career field. But, I need to continue to remember the special moments especially the relationships I develop with my patients.
Yes, this is a mid-life career crisis blog. Hopefully, I can save you from the thoughts of regret or provide a sense of comradery.
Keep looking up, my friends!