Hobbies off duty as a Nurse?

[Beldar_the_Cenobite]

I'm doing pre-reqs for nursing school and was wondering what people do on their down time. Does anyone have hobbies they do? Like cooking? Or motorcycle riding? Or playing video games? Or going out to eat at places or movies? Take care of kids? Take kids out to play or do stuff?

I wonder if there is some comfort off duty people can have to themselves when they're not working. I'm not in nursing school yet or even a nurse for that matter but as far as level of stress I'd like to gauge what others do in their time.

When I'm not in school(as in when the semester is over and I'm on break) play a lot of Fallout on Playstation 4. One of my dream goals as a future RN is I'd like to buy a Harley Davidson Street Glide Special if I can get into nursing school, graduate and get a job as a RN. I don't have much debt. I'd like to learn how to cook. I have some expensive kitchen appliances that I've bought over the years that are still like they're brand new. I hope I can enjoy the fruits of my labor once I get my foot in the door of this field.

What do you like to do? Are you stressed about your job? Can you sleep at night? Can you cook for yourself good food? Do you like to watch cooking shows? Do you ever travel outside the United States like I want to do?

Are you going to school again to further your education? Maybe learn a new language or get your masters or doctorate in nursing?

Do you have time for dating? Do you have time for anything? Can you work another nursing job? Would you? Would you advise that or no? These are just questions outside of the main job you work.

[Cashlee, BSN, RN]

I work full time as an LPN and I am currently taking prerequisite classes for my BSN..

My hobbies are hiking, camping, snowboarding, dancing, beer drinking;), gardening, and crafting. My boyfriend and I are lucky enough to have an awesome group of friends who we do all these things with. I concentrate hard on work and school during the week so I am available on weekends to do all the things I love while still maintaining a good gpa. When you have a work life, student life, AND social life.. it's all about balance and time management! I firmly believe that you must make time for fun and to do the things you love in order to truly be successful! School DOES stress me out more than I should let it (hence why I make sure I can enjoy the weekends), but I tend to leave any work stress at work.. this helps me relax so I can do the best that I can without feeling too ​overwhelmed.

[mbartish]

I garden a lot!!! Nothing is more peaceful and rewarding to me then being in my flower garden. The phone isn't ringing, no texts, no emails, no people swinging by my desk or stopping me with questions, just being. I become rejuvenated for the 50 hr workweek to come. I work for a spine surgeon who has some of the highest volume of patients and let's face it, spine has some extremely complicated patients. I'm doing the work of at least 2 people and as my husband calls me the "quarterback " of my doc's clinic & surgical practice.

I know that my doc is probably going to retire in a few years and this gives me the kick in the pants to finish what I started. I need to start pre-req's to get my BSN and intend to once I have my part time LPN start with me and is acclimated. After working in this role and learning as much as I have, I believe I may have a hard time returning to a role that doesn't have as much responsibility as I currently have.

I've been perfectly happy being an LPN for these last 8 years and have had great success in the jobs that I've had but I feel like I've done as much as I can with this degree and need to move higher in the education aspect.

[Beldar_the_Cenobite, CNA]

When I was in nursing school I knew it was going to be demanding of my time and I would not get to exercise as I should. So, I took elective courses that helped me get credits and exercise at the same time. I incorporated my hobbies as well as a chance to exercise. I took life-saving classes, advanced swim classes and weight lifting classes. During lunch breaks I put my tapes in my recorder, my earpiece in my ear and walked laps in the gym. I came out healthier and was able to enjoy these classes and relax a little.

Did being in shape help you with your nursing classes?

[47alphaTARDIS]

I also have a music degree, I am a flutist. I play and conduct a local group. So I play in my free time. I'm also do a lot of crafts.

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

I like hiking, gardening, and go to the gym on most days I am off. In the winter when there is no gardening to do, I do cross stitch and drink. :)

[sevensonnets]

I write poetry but only when the mood hits. I come from a long long line of poets, so it must be in my genes. I'm also a family history researcher and grower of succulents and cactii.

[bmh98]

Embroidery and sewing!

[Arrevelle]

I know exactly how you feel. Totally relate!

[FunnyPants]

I like to go salsa dancing, hiking, gym, try to beat everyone in my fitbit challenge (kidding), and travel internationally once a year.