Q&A | Why do I want to become a nurse?
I'm still working on putting together some more Meet a Reader posts, so today we'll do another Q&A round.
Why the drive to become a nurse?
-Rose
For those who have missed the memo, right now I'm doing some pre-requisites for a nursing program, and when Zoe graduates from high school in two years, I plan to apply to the nursing program.
Ideally, I'd love to eventually work in labor and delivery or the NICU, but I'm open to a variety of types of nursing. And my plan is to just work part-time so that I don't get burnt out.
Anyway, there are lots of reasons I want to become a nurse. And none of them are financially motivated!
(I'm sure I could make more money than a nurse does if I just really threw myself into blogging full-time instead of the part-time way I do it now.)
So, here's what I want to become a nurse.
I think God gave me some gifts that will fit well with nursing.
I am friendly, kind, and cheerful.
I like to help people.
I am happy to help people in very ordinary, mundane ways.
I am not remotely squeamish.
Pretty much every time I take a personality test of any type, when I look at the "recommended careers" section, nursing is near the top of the list.
I am really interested in medical stuff
Anatomy and physiology was my favorite science to do with my kids.
My favorite parts of biology so far are the parts that have to do with the human body. And even outside of classes, I find myself reading about and researching medical stuff just for fun.
I have the money to pay for school in cash
I started an investment account some years ago for the purpose of squireling money away for school, which means that I don't think I will incur any student debt.
I will be 45 when Zoe graduates from high school
Assuming I live an average lifespan, there are a lot of years left after 45! Like, maybe even half my lifetime.
And that means I probably have time for a whole 'nother career.
I want to use those years for something meaningful and important, and helping other people feels like a very good use of my time.
I have time, a good brain, a healthy body, and plenty of abilities, and I don't want to waste those gifts.
Long-time readers might remember that I helped my sister-in-law through her labor and delivery when my niece was stillborn, and I think that experience kind of helped me realize that this is important work and that I am capable of it.
So, Lord willing, in about four years, I'll have some official letters to put next to my name.
Purse? Wallet? Whatever will fit in your pocket or hand? Which do you prefer?
(also from Reese. She is a font of good questions.)
I actually have both, and I own exactly one of each, which I use the entire year round.
They're both second hand.
They're both Kate Spade.
And they're both from Lisey!
She is extremely good at finding designer wallets at consignment stores and she is also extremely good at knowing what I would like.
I like Kate Spade designs because they are so classic and simple; I love a minimalist aesthetic.
Because I am eminently practical, I really prefer to own only one purse. It feels like too much effort to move my stuff from one purse to the other.
I know some people love, love, love handbags and get great joy out of having a whole collection, but bags just are not what do it for me.
I like the ones I have, but I don't want more than what I have!
What about you? Are you a "bags are fun!" or a "bags are a necessity" person?
P.S. If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future Q&A post, you can leave it in a comment here, or you can email me.
I'm both when it comes to bags. Mostly I use a plain black leather Coach wristlet because I don't like big or heavy bags.
But I recently treated myself to a Kate Spade green watering can purse when it was on clearance on their site. https://product-images.therealreal.com/WKA78866_1_enlarged.jpg
I have several other novelty bags which I use very occasionally at summer parties: a bluebird of happiness and a white crab. I also used to collect 1950s Lucite handbags, but these days only use them at formal occasions like weddings.
And I'm sure you'll make a great nurse, Kristen!
Oh my word! I was expecting a watering-can print or something and then I clicked on the photo. As soon as I saw it, I thought, "Sonia would love this."
I showed her, and I was totally right; she said, "Oh, that's so cute!"
I think your tastes and Sonia's tastes probably have a lot of overlap.
Totally. When and if I ever get sick of it, I'll send it along to Sonia.
She says she hopes you are tired of it soon. lol
hahahahaha, honestly I am so tempted to pack it up for her right now. She's such a cute girl.
I find those Lucite handbags so unique and pretty! I am always tempted at antique shows...
I have a Kavu bag that I use for everything except my husband's formal work dinners that I attend periodically. Than I have a "nice" clutch gifted to me one Christmas. Having mulitple bags in my house cause things to get lost and forgotten. Even using my clutch onceish a year causes turmoil because I am fearful of forgetting my IDs the next time I'm out.
My kids are in Kindergarten and PreK, and I'm already thinking about my second career. I'll be 48 when the youngest graduates high school, and I don't plan to twiddle my thumbs from 48-death (supposing I'm given 48 years). I'm starting to look into programs that interest me, and talk to people about how to get an accredited degree while moving around the country (thankfully easier now than it was 15 years ago). Next school year, all of my kids will be gone 2 days a week, which should be enough to take a virtual class or two. I'm not terribly fond of school (ironic, with my educator background), but I love learning, so this should be a fun adventure.
I really like learning too, and I also don't love formal school; learning on my own is my favorite.
But you cannot get a nursing degree without going to school! So, school it is for me.
"Fear of forgetting ID" rings true for me switching purses. I have two fabric purses, both lightweight, (when empty!). But they are never empty if I'm going out. Glasses, checkbook, keys, $ & change, cell phone etc. One of my sisters made "snap bags" for the rest of us one year. They are made with pre-quilted fabric and strips of metal measuring tapes from construction tape measures (her busband cut those up). So I just have to transfer snap bags in and out of whichever purse I want to carry.
I do have one of those small purses that can be a wristlit or over-the-shoulder just by changing a strap.. but it's too small for the snap bags. I have to load each compartment
with the required ID/credit card/cash. Worth it because it is too cute. Most of the time it's easier to carry my store/Club warehouse card and credit card of choice in a pocket, less stressful. Required tissues are always in this Glamma's other pocket!
I am a bags are a necessity kind of person. I have two Coach classic handbags. One is brownish and was purchased for $3.00 at a church sale many years ago. I liked it so much I purchased the same thing in black on eBay several years ago. I thought it was the same thing but the black bag is bigger. I use the same one for months at a time but switch occasionally. They seem like they might last me for the rest of my life.
Oh wow; $3 is an amazing price!!
Ironically enough, I requested a purse for Mother's Day because my current and only one was from WM and is three years old and a touch ratty.
Dd loves Kate Spade and there is a Kate Space outlet store close to her so guess what I got for Mother's Day? A giant (which was the most important criteria) bag that is so pretty I'm afraid to use it!! Not really, but I will be very careful since I know it cost more than my usual $30 limit.
To date myself,the last designer bag I owned was an Aigner purse back in the early 90s. Does anyone even remember Aigner?!?
Ooh! What color is your new Kate Spade bag?
Ha - funnily enough, I just pulled an old Aigner shoebox out of a cabinet I was cleaning out - the shoes are long gone, but the box was a useful size, sturdy and narrow, so I used it to store negatives from our photos. A fitting symbolic 80s pairing (does anyone even remember negatives?? : )
Yes, I remember Etienne Aigner purses and shoes!
Thanks for the interesting post. I think it is awesome that you will become a nurse once you are officially done homeschooling.
I also remember the beautiful tribute to your sister-in-law and family. It made me cry then and brought tears to my eyes yet again.
And I have a few nice handbags for different occasions: a simple (and inexpesive) saddle style handbag that I use for grocery store runs and soccer practice, a good quality leather shoulder bag for nicer occasions, and a clutch for formal events (used occasionally).
I am more of a necessity person. However, I can appreciate a pretty bag. I, too, like Kate Spade since they fit my tastes nicely. I've only bought one to date (a cheerful blue one found on clearance) that I use year round regardless of what I'm wearing or the season. I
As a man I can't say I have an opinion on purses but I keep my money in a paper wallet because I hate having a big thick, leather lump in my jeans pocket.
Also I'm with you on the burgundy. ICK!!
That's how I feel now too. In 2006 when we painted it, burgundy was all the rage. But 2006 was a pretty long time ago, and I now have a strong distaste for this color that I picked out myself. Ha.
One of the joys of being so bland is that my tastes don't really change much because I go for timeless and neutral.
I hear you! A lot of the style things I choose are pretty basic and plain, which means they are not prone to going out of style super fast.
We bought our house in 2006, and the walls of our bedroom are, I daresay, identical to Kristen's. Back then, we liked it. Now, not so much. We have to muster the gumption to paint it. Last summer was one of the hottest we've had on record in our area, so not much of a physical nature was completed in our non-air conditioned house. Maybe this year....once the school year is over. My husband is a teacher.
It was a 2006 shade of red, I guess!
For the record, I still love my maroon bedroom walls. YMMV!
I think mainly what I dislike is that they make the room pretty dark; I didn't think about that as much back in 2006 as I do now, and I have a serious hankering for something that feels lighter and brighter on the walls.
Your "once the semester is over" comment made me laugh. I'm 49 and taking my last final tomorrow for my 2nd bachelor's degree - first one was history and this one is music. My husband is also a college professor, so our lives are an endless refrain of "as soon as the semester is over." I spent the last two summers working on my capstone project and not really taking time off, so there is a serious backlog of painting and other housework to do here! 🙂
Woohoo! Good for you; what an accomplishment.
Thank you! 🙂
Bags are a necessity, and I can't be bothered with swapping the contents. I have a deep purple healthy back teardrop shaped bag. And I have a hand embroidered, hand sewn clutch for dressy occasions. If I need to go to a dressy Summer occasion that requires more than a clutch, I have a cream leather purse that I've owned for over 20 years.
I love different purses, but not the impracticality of moving stuff from one to another. Then I can never find anything in it. So I pretty much stick with one and they seem to be getting smaller and smaller every time I get a "new" one.
I swap bags all the time because I hate carrying multiple bags at the same time, so whichever bag is going out with me today needs to hold everything I need, whether that’s just my phone and wallet or a full set of riding gear and my work laptop. To avoid missing things, I have smaller “pods” that group the things I take with me in multiple bags - so one pod has toiletries for when I’m going to be out all day; another one has my wallet and keys and room for my phone; a third one has charger cables and a power bank; one has non-perishable snacks. Then every bag has a few of the bits I always seem to need - a pair of gloves or a mini tube of sunscreen, a few band aids, some painkillers, hand sanitiser, kleenex etc. Each pod is distinctive, so it’s easy to find what I’m looking for no matter how big the bag is, and because there’s just a few things to transfer, it’s easy to swap bags and know I’n not forgetting anything.
I love a tiny sort of hybrid wallet/purse, but alas it must account 2 epi pens which is a pain. I like bagalini - they last for-ev-er. I had the dining room walls that matched your bedroom. Fortunately I moved before I had to paint!
Graduated in 1996 at 39. Preparing to retire now from a company I own. Lots of career left after 40!!
Sonia has to carry her inhaler with her everywhere she goes, so she runs into similar problems as you!
I was actually just thinking about bags this morning! I am a one bag person except in this stage of life. I work part time so I need a bigger bag for work! And my daughter is 1 so I need a backpack for her stuff! And then a purse when it’s just me going out! I tried having one bag for everything but I had to carry way too much stuff around!
Apparently I'm stuck in a years-long phase of trying to find what I need. It used to be very simple — cards, change, checkbook, all in one pouch with one zipper. Then I had to leave the house for many years with all the possible things for feeding and changing babies and small children. Now it's less stuff again, but still too much for a single pouch, which I really, really would like to get back to.
At the moment I have a Thirty-One wallet that's not perfect, but fine, and a Thirty-One crossbody that, again, is not perfect, but fine for when just the wallet won't do. Then I have also a small freebie canvas bag that's almost always perfect for everyday except for the part that it says "Go Wichita" on the side, with the Wichita, Kansas, visitors bureau logo. Yeah.
I have a large leather bag that is a remake from my longtime favorite coat that was worn in spots and badly out of fashion, but that bag is really from the all-the-diapers-and-bottles phase and is just too big. It might get remade again into something like the "Go Wichita" bag.
I commend you for your energy and drive. My MIL got her LPN when her oldest (now my husband) was in high school. She did it so that she could care for her parents in their old age. She did work in a hospital for a time and a nursing home, but did eventually care for her dad with dementia and her mom with congestive heart failure. Both parents received the love and care they could only get from family.
I think you'll make a great nurse!
My mom started her career right out of college as a BSN/RN, then later got her phD (she started when I was 1, and finished when I was 4 - yeah, a phd in 3 years isn't very common!). Then she taught nursing as a college professor for many years before returning yet again to become a nurse practitioner! She's now retired from being a professor, but still volunteers 1-2 days a week at a free clinic as a nurse practitioner.
I would also encourage you to check out palliative care nursing. If I wasn't an engineer, I think I'd be a hospice nurse (for both young people and the elderly). I worked as a nursing assistant for 18 months with Alzheimer's patients, and just really liked working with the hospice nurses, seeing how they treat the entire family, not just the individual patient.
I’m excited to see what you pick for your bedroom! I just finished painting our house’s main level (while the kids are in school since we don’t homeschool, then we’ll have summer for adventures!) - just need to finish touching up trim today. It feels so good to have it all be fresh and what I picked now.
Re purse - I did a wristlet that was combo wallet and purse for a few years and loved it, but last year upgraded to a regular small purse and wallet. It is nice to be able to hold a few extra things and that it’s cross-body so my hand isn’t occupied. I’m loving these comments - you are my people!
I love the writeup on becoming a nurse. I’ll be 53 when our youngest graduates high school - but again, we don’t homeschool. He has one more year of pre-K, and I’m starting to think about what’s next for me once he’s settled into full time school. Tricky since I know that me taking a fulfilling job (my degree and passions are in social services) would require some sacrifice from my family - some childcare for the kids, less freedom for summer adventures, and even being limited in family vacation time (my husband’s job doesn’t really track or limit that). But, I think I have value to add to the world, and that’s worthwhile.
I worked as a nurse for over 40 years, with a break for a few years when my 2 children were small. I enjoyed it all and I think you will, too. Helping others gives you a sense of purpose and it is fun and wonderful to meet so many different people. No two days are the same, so it rarely, if ever, becomes boring.
Nursing has such variety, so if you find you have become tired of one area there are so many others you can move into. And it's nice to know that you can almost always get a job.
I wish you luck, and will enjoy following along as you pursue your goals.
I admire nurses. A LOT. And we need more good ones. I once thought about entering the medical field as a young person. I became a nursing assistant at 17 at Mayo Clinic years ago and started my undergraduate studies as a biology major. I soon realized what a poor fit that career was for me. As a float, I saw and experienced everything -- derm, gastroenterology, emergency room, ICU, infectious disease, etc.: Sick at home is so very, very different from sick at a hospital and it plays out in so many different ways. I am so glad that I had that experience and it put me through college and allowed me to study abroad in Spain. But I'm so glad not to be a nurse or doctor and instead be a college instructor now. I assume that you will spend some time on the nursing floor as a part of your education. I hope we get to hear about that too! It is an eye opener.
I was a nurse - active for 45 years. I was always part-time after I had children but often worked extra shifts. I was always a bedside nurse - never management. I loved the OR and really loved the flexibility of different shift lengths, different days, and picking up extra hours when it worked. I live in the midwest where pay is OK. I topped out at $40 an hour and with overtime I was making nearly $100,000. I share this to encourage others to think about nursing as a career. You can start out with an associates degree (2 year) and easily get your BSN later on-line. Often hospitals will help pay for your classes to get your BSN. Many nurses work beyond retirement age because we love it so much. My nursing also allowed me to help family and friends and go on mission trips.
I am with you, I am so not a pocketbook person, I have one I use and a back up. (the one now is starting to show its wear) I like to buy a good bag, that will hold up. I usually get a coach, but only at the outlet, on clearance with more discounts!
I think cheaper bags, do not hold up well, I think the one I have is about 3+ years old.
I don't understand the changing of bags, would make me crazy! don't have time for that!
Then again I am not a shoe person either!
My twins were in nicu for 11 days and I still remember how very grateful I felt toward the nurses who took care of them. I was able to leave them knowing they were in warm loving hands. They taught me and my husband so much too so we felt confident when we were finally able to take them home. You will be a wonderful nicu nurse!!
I always think a nice thing about NICU nursing is that your patients would never be too heavy to lift. Heh. Even the largest NICU patients are quite small.
I'm so glad you had a good NICU experience!
My great nephew spent the month of March in the NICU. He was 6 weeks early and weighed 7 pounds at birth.
I think being a nurse is a very noble profession and that you will be a great nurse. I love nice bags and wallets but I only use one until it dies. Right now my Radley of London is around three years old. My Radley wallet coordinates perfectly with my purse. I don't have a dog but the dog logo on my purse and wallet make me smile. If I change purse I leave something important our of it.
I view purses as a necessity and carry, and usually own, only one at a time. I carry enough spare things that I need a decently sized purse. I won't carry a huge bag, but I carry one that will hold my normal stuff plus my husband's wallet when needed, a pen and my checkbooks, because I still need them on rare occasions, my retainer case, glucose tablets or candy, hand lotion for my chronic dry hands, and sometimes, a Glucagon pen in case my husband has a hypoglycemia episode while we are out and about. My daughter gave me a leather Dooney and Bourke that she found at a great sale a couple of years ago. It's a simple, classic design and I use it everywhere.
Explanation here -- I wore braces as a young adult, because my parents couldn't afford them until I was 19. Decades later, my bottom teeth started shifting out of place, and I went to an orthodontist for a removable retainer. No way was I letting five long years of braces go down the drain! The good news is that after all those years and changing insurance numerous times, my dental insurance at that time viewed it as "new orthodontia" and paid for half the retainer fee. I carry a retainer case all the time.
I went back to school when my kids were 3 and 6. It was hard, but to this day, I am so glad I finished it. I had half of the credits I needed to finish my degree, and it nagged at me until I went back. Good luck on your schooling, Kristen! We have nurses in our family. One has retired, and what did she do then? She went right back to work, part time. She has always been a NICU nurse, by the way, and loves it. Being one for so long, she gets the joy now of seeing her NICU babies all grown up, and having babies of their own
I used to paint with colors that suited the furnishing and decor trends of the times, figuring I'd re-paint when I got tired of it or changed furnishings. When we built out house, 21 years ago, though, I decided to heck with what was fashionable, and chose colors that I loved, then had my upholstered furniture recovered to go with the walls. The walls in the kids' rooms were their choice, and I have repainted them since the kids have left, but every other color in the house is still what I picked out. I was amused to realize, after we got to unpacking the less necessary things, months after moving in, that my old wedding china has the exact same colors as my walls, proving that I have always loved these colors. I don't plan to repaint until the walls need it, and then I will go with the same colors, or close to it. I've made my pick, and I'm sticking with it. My walls are all cool pastels, which suits a Florida house anyway. I am looking forward to the painting posts for this bedroom re-paint!
I will be 53 this summer and my youngest will start high school in August. I stayed home with them for 16 years, working part-time in a contract job during the last 5 years to rebuild my skills. Now the time is here to decide what I get to do/want to do with my career. Exciting? Yes. Scary? Yes. My field of work has changed so much it may he an entirely new field of work that I will have to choose. Kristen, it will be fun to hear about your journey!
I am a nurse and have been nearly my entire adult life. I did stay home with my children but returned to the bedside when my youngest was in 7th grade. At 57, I am in administration now, but there are days when I miss the direct care aspect of nursing. I'd say $100,000 per year is quite attainable for RNs today. Since COVID and the increase in agency and travel assignments, I've had the pleasure of meeting some $75 to $85 an hour plus paid housing nurses. Travel/agency most certainly isn't for me at this stage in life, but a younger, single me would be all over that . Honestly, I love when people want to nurse for reasons other than financial, because I was called to it and have never regretted it, but today's nursing salary is a nice incentive.
Oh and I'm a seasonal purse woman. But in winter I always carry black leather purses. Right now, I am carrying a multi color Relic that I've had for years. I've tried the wristlet and wallet only, but they don't work for me.
I'm so proud of you for making plans to become a nurse, and I love how well you know your strengths!
Aww, thank you for the support!
I'm so glad you've decided to pursue nursing, for the very character traits that you've cited and that make your blog so enjoyable. When my husband had a big health scare several years ago, the nurses were all amazing, and I'll never forget it. You'll be well-remembered by many, Kristen!
I'm a wallet or coat pocket person unless we're traveling, in which case I switch to my one purse, as my husband's medication stays with me. Said purse is a gorgeous handmade number from a talented leather-working friend. I don't wear it as often as I should because it's soooo pretty, I don't want anything to happen to it! I have a complicated relationship with nice things. ;P
My one travel bag is a ThinkGeek (RIP) backpack of holding, which is amazing. It expands or retracts as needed, with a durable heavy canvas body and loads of pockets. I owe it to my best friend, who asked what I wanted as a bridesmaid gift for being part of her wedding. I genuinely didn't want anything but to be there for her, but she was insistent. Since I'd been eyeing that bag for a while, I also knew they were on sale and sent her the link. I only cost her $25 instead of $45--at least I'm a cheap date!
I have two purses. A barely big enough one for every day and a large one for travel when I'll want to bring extra things with me. But, I also use my pockets for every day things: my phone, hankies, a flash drive backup of my computer, and a nail clipper because I often have to repair a nail I bit.
As the mother of a daughter born still in 2018 (my first child), I just wanted to say thank you for being with your sister-in-law during that time. Nothing can make that heartache better, but good nurses and support people can do a lot to lessen the trauma, and I wish I’d had that type of care when my daughter was born.
Fortunately, I switched hospitals/care providers when pregnant with my son, and it was such a redeeming experience.
You will do amazing things and make such an impact in the lives of other people.
Yes, I think it must be one of the hardest types of situations for nurses, but probably one of the most important!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss; laboring and delivering a stillborn baby is a breathtakingly hard thing to do, and I really hate that you did not have good support during that hard time. I'm so glad you had a better experience with your son. Big hugs to you.
Thank you so much. I should clarify - I had my parents with me, and they’re the most caring/supportive/amazing people, but from a hospital staff perspective, it was really a traumatic experience.
I know how special it is to your sister-in-law that you were there to see and hold her baby. That shared experience is something that is so validating, and again just speaks to how much I know you will “show up” as a nurse.
That is so good that your parents were there; wonderful.
I took photos for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and that felt like such an important thing to do. There is little you can DO to help grieving parents and there is little you can give them; but I was able to send them a whole set of photos of their little girl, and it was an honor to be able to do so. Photos are one of the few material things that you can give to parents who have lost a baby.
When my daughter was born, she was confined to an isolette for breathing problems and I was confined to bed having a blood transfusion. When a nurse found me crying because I couldn't see my baby, she wheeled my bed down the hall and parked me beside the nursery window. Fifty years later I am still grateful for her compassion. You will be that type of nurse.
You do not forget that type of compassion. I had a nurse hold my hand when they were putting me under for my hysterectomy. It was a great comfort.
I think that kind of thing is so important! Small, ordinary bits of service to other people when they need help; it makes a difference.
I love that you're going back to school for nursing. I often think about how much more valuable a college education would be to me now vs when I was a young adult. I basically couldn't see past the schoolwork to apply the knowledge. It creeps in here and there but in general, I was there for the grades and then the degree. And it's pretty great that you have such a strong pull to the profession. I'm a couple years older than you and still I don't have a clear idea of what I want to do when I grow up. 🙂 You absolutely seem suited for this line of work. It seems like such a difficult job but nurses help make some of the scariest days of one's life doable. My dad had a heart attack years ago, my FIL had heart surgery and I'm lucky enough to have only stayed in a hospital when my kids were born. In all three cases, the nurses were kind and compassionate and it made a world of difference for us. Wishing you the best of luck as you venture into this next phase of your career.
I have a number of purses but they don't get swapped out often. I mostly have more than I need because I get them as gifts. I really just need one daily use purse. I did go through and thin the pack when we moved. I like kate spade too. Nice, clean designs and not too over the top with prices.
What you said is exactly why I want to do this; to make a hard time a little bit more bearable.
And yep, I think I am way more interested in the school material now than I was when I was 18/19!
Oh, bags are for fun!! I own way too many of them! I finally had to limit myself to ever how many will fit in a rectangular laundry basket. Now most of them were purchased at yard sales and at the Goodwill. I'm not one to spend a lot of money on a purse. Only one is a new Vera Bradley and it has a wallet to match. A friend picked that one up for me at their outlet sale one year. I don't change purses so that they match my outfit - that is way too much work - but I do like a little variety in what I carry. I am sure I would be better off with just one or two.... but life is too short to be boring! I love your blog!
This is Sonia's philosophy too...life is too short to be boring!
Having worked with nurses for 33 years now .... I think you will be a great one. Your patients and their families will love you and I think your coworkers will, as well. Kudos to you for pursuing a dream.
I have a winter purse and a summer purse. The past couple of years I have used more of a cute backpack-style bag--it seems to have all the hidey-holes I need to compartmentalize my essentials. I'm with you, switching from bag to bag seems like so.much.work. It does give me a mental lift, though, to seasonally change out what I use.
I'm sure that painting the bedroom is one of those items that gets knocked down the list when you are prioritizing what you want to do. I have always preferred a lighter, brighter environment, so the dark walls never appealed to me. I see that dark colors (navy .... ) are getting popular again. I dislike painting so I'll never jump on that bandwagon. You are in good company with those of us who have had things on their to-do list for awhile!
I have so much respect for you for doing the work to become a nurse. You will be a great one, and especially if you get to work with babies. One of my friends started nursing classes in her forties also so that she would be able to help her parents and in-laws as they aged. She never finished due to an automobile accident she had, but she does work in a gastroenterologist’s office as the office manager, so she is working in the medical field. You never know where you will land, but the classes and experiences you have will be valuable to you and many others who cross your path for sure. I look forward to hearing more about this process for you.
As for purses, I usually have a fall/winter and a spring/summer purse. The summer one is usually lighter in color and smaller. I am always so happy when it is time to change over to my summer purse.
I used to only have one purse for the season, until I started blogging, LOL!!
But I do have just one small wallet and one smaller "bag" that holds the essentials so it's easy to switch from one to another.
I love that you're working towards being a nurse. You learn so much about the body that I believe it's just as helpful for you as for others.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
What a fun thread about wallets & purses (in conjunction with very important input about the nursing profession, for which you seem perfectly suited, Kristen!) I am ridiculously sentimental about my wallet - an anniversary-themed Dooney & Burke from a Main Street boutique at Disney World. It was an impulse on our last day of holiday and I paid a ridiculous amount of money for it - however, it's a memento from an amazing trip with a very dear friend who has since passed and I think of her whenever it's in my hand. It's proven to be excellent quality, 11+ years of daily use and still going strong...I think I'll splurge on this brand again when it finally gives out.
I'm a bags are a necessity type of gal. I have one thrifted purse. I only use it on "dress up" occasions. For day to day trip to the store, I carry my dedicated envelope (groceries, clothing, household , in a reusable tote bag so I always have a bag with me & avoid bringing more plastic into the house.
I don't see anything out about going to nursing school "late." One of my good friends became a nurse (BSN) at 40, after going to school part time for 10 years. And she didn't have any prior college credits, so it was totally from scratch. Good for her, and good for you too!
I think it’s cool that you are going back to school to be a nurse. You seem very level headed, kind and smart so it will be a good fit.
I am thinking about a career change. I currently want to have more control over my schedule, more rewarding/ encouragement from management and less time on my feet.
I use the same bag for work as I do for running around. It’s a large tote to fit a water bottle, lunch, wallet, Lysol wipes, lotion, hand sanitizer, chapstick, umbrella and more. I’d love to down size bags but I really feel like I need it all and I work 12 hour shifts so it’s nice to have all these things so I’m not caught off guard and have to buy something. I’m definitely one that likes to be prepared! I know I just started commenting recently but I’ve been reading regularly for a year plus now. If you’re interested I’d be willing to do a meet a reader section. For some general information I’d probably talk about my frugal upbringing and what I am doing now. I’m in my late 20s.
I hate having to carry things so I try to buy only clothes with pockets. If no pockets, I put my money in my bra; when I was a kid, my grandmother used to carry her money that way, saying that if someone wanted to rob her they would have to rape her to get it (I thought that was odd even back then, but when you consider what she went through during WWII in Germany, perhaps it made sense).
I never carry my cell phone except when I am in the greenhouse, and then only because my husband is phobic about the possibility I might fall out there and would have to crawl back to the house (this happened once and he has never forgotten it) because I had no way to call for help.
I am so frequently annoyed with women's clothes that have fake pockets. Or tiny pockets.
I want 'boy pockets' to be the LAW in Women's clothes. sucks to have 'girl pockets'. I love my Chico's jeans but hate the shallow front pockets (that ALWAYS turn inside out when I go to the bathroom, and I remember to fix them about 1/2 of the time, sigh). And back pockets that won't hold a phone when you sit down? GAH
I know I could never be a nurse, but any time I've had need of nurses caring for me, I have been deeply appreciative for all they do. Good for you for pursuing something you're passionate about!
I love when you talk about school and your plans of becoming a nurse! I'm 47 and almost finished with my associate's degree. My homeschooled daughter will graduate next year, and I will move onto a four year university. Medical social worker is one of my possible career paths, for similar reasons that you have cited to becoming a nurse. I had a stillborn baby 11 years ago, and I always knew after that that I wanted to work with people that were grieving. I have no interest in the medical field though, so social work might be a perfect alternative. I will never forget my favorite nurse for the three days that I was in the hospital holding and saying goodbye to my son after he died. I can still picture my nurse as she helped me into the car and stood waving at me as we drove away...
That's wonderful that you know what you want to do and are working towards it. We have two nurses in our family, one long retired and one fairly new to the profession. I admire them both greatly.
As for purses/bags, I am a "a few bags are a necessity" kinda gal. I have one basic casual and practical purse I use all of the time and one slightly fancier one for special occasions. I also have two clutches for when I don't need to carry that much. One I inherited from my mom and one I got many years ago at a yard sale for $5. It's silver and a hard shell case and still in great shape and I love it!
I love that you recognize your gifts and want to make great use of them.
I only have 2 purses right now. My everyday one and a larger one for when I am going somewhere I might want to pack a few more things. But I admit I have a tote bag problem. I have way more than I need to tote around library books, craft projects, etc. But I just can't help myself from collecting them.
It seems like you have an interest in working with babies and moms (which I think you would be GREAT at!). Have you ever considered getting certified as a doula or midwife? I’m in healthcare and had both a doula and midwife for my first baby and a midwife for my last two kids. All of my midwives worked in hospital practices right along physicians delivering babies (so if an emergency occurred the physician could be there in minutes). My doula was like a best friend with *a lot* of knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth. We met for coffee a couple times, she gave advice on books/videos, checked in on me about every 2-4 weeks via phone in the last trimester, and was there for the birth. My husband was just as thankful for our doula and midwives as I was. I think the training is not as expensive as nursing, it’s much more focused on pregnancy/labor/delivery, and hours are very flexible (except when a client goes into labor, or course!). You’ll be successful in whatever you put your mind to- just food for thought as it seemed like it might align with your interests 🙂 http://www.doulatraining.net
I had a similar thought in suggesting you might consider working as a doula while you pursue your nursing degree. I am trained as a nurse (and did labor and delivery at a free standing birth center for many years) and also work as a doula. Much of what you've described doing with your cousin is what a post partum doula does-coming along side a new mom to help them transition to motherhood. I'm local you so if you have more specific questions, please ask.
I use thrifted purses. Right now I am using a brown one made out of beads. Usually in winter I don't carry a purse ...preferring to zip credit card in my coat pocket
Oh boy I don't like the look of blood, it is so red. That's a panic button for me. Glad you have the stomach and personality for it!
I have a lot of purses but I do use them all, I love brightly colored small ones and all are designer brands but I hunt for the deals. I use the same wallet so I can switch purses in 60 seconds...or just take my wallet.
My home improvement list includes recovering 2 footstools that either need it or my dog chewed on it. Now that he is becoming a more responsible 2 year old I don't think he will chew on them anymore. Ha! Glad to be getting out of the puppy stage.
It sounds like your purses are beautiful and functional and they make you happy -- my mom always had different ones for different seasons and outfits and always looked wonderful.
I think you’ll be an amazing nurse and think it shows a lot of dedication to go back to school when you are beyond the “typical” age. You’re exactly right that you likely have many years ahead of you to build a new career! A family friend of ours had triplet girls and decided to stay at home with them until they were a bit older and then built a second career as a nurse. She loves it! I’m sure she’ll be able to pay for college a bit easier now, as well 🙂
I’m in a relatively high paying corporate job, but would like to transition into something different (like teaching) as my second career - it may not always be as practical from a strict numbers standpoint, but geez, if you want to do it, then do it! And that’s why I also happily live on just part of our income so we have more choices down the road.
Your sister-in-law is very lucky to have you in her life. I can’t imagine having to go through that and having someone to help you through it is truly a gift.
I went to community college and got a secretarial degree. Upon graduation, I got married. My husband and I decided that I would work until we started to have kids, which was 3 years later. While always being full-time farmers, my husband also worked full time for 30 years so I could stay home. He retired that job back in 2012. I don't remember us talking about what I would do when the kids were all grown. But our lives are busier now being self-employed than ever before. We are so thankful to God for this opportunity for this freedom so that we can help take care of our parents, and our children and their families.
Remodeling: We got an architect to the house to help put on paper what we'd like to change to our old farmhouse. Hoping that within the year we can start doing something. We've always put off painting, etc., because we always think "this is the year" we are going to starting ripping stuff out.
I'm 43 and just applied to nursing school myself. Hope to find other people in our age range in class 🙂 Best of luck to you!!
There are a number of other moms my age in my biology class, working on medical degrees of various sorts, so I'm hopeful you will find some friends around your age!
That's so awesome to hear!!
Bags are a necessity! And I favor a small wallet-sized shoulder bag with just enough slots for credit card, insurance, license, etc.. I sling across my body and forget about it when shopping. Less inclined to put it down and misplace it. Cuz I do that sometimes.
Oh and the thing I really wanted to say -- it sounds like you will be an amazing nurse 🙂 And you can write your ticket and choose the areas that really interest you. And choose your hours doing something you really enjoy. Awesome!!
I read nearly all of the blog posts when they are first written, but I came back to comment after reading this one again. (Linked from Meet a Reader - Florida Brooke, March 2022).
I admire Kristen's attitude to continue using her gifts and talents well. I worked as a chemical engineer before children, stayed at home full time for 8 years, and re-entered the workforce as a daycare assistant when my youngest went to kindergarten. I do enjoy my job and it's flexibility, but I also feel called to return to a more "technical" field. I will most likely need some training to brush up on my skills or pivot to a different area. I haven't made the move as it doesn't feel like the right time, yet.
I'm inspired by those who are returning to work or pivoting when they are older than the typical college age student.
I hope that you can find a path to go back, since that's what you feel called to! I love that there is time in life for a great many things.
Thank you, Kirsten! I love reading your columns--you are eminently sensible, which will help to make you a good nurse. I graduated from nursing school many years ago. I only worked as a nurse for a short time before beginning my family which grew to six children. I continue to love medicine, and I marvel at the human body and how it works. It is such a helpful body of knowledge to have, whether one is able to work full time, part time or not at all. All best wishes to you!