Being a nurse and an artist?

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Hello all,

I'm about to be a new grad (June 2020) and if things go as planned I'll be starting my residency in the cardiac critical care unit, where I've worked as a tech for the last couple years. I have so much passion and excitement about my future career, seeing as it's the first time I've actually felt like this about any job. I try not to appear as doe-eyed and naive as that statement makes me out to be, but I will relish the positivity that I am holding on to especially during times like this.

I am reaching out to this amazing nursing community as someone who rarely posts anything in social media circles (apart from a few IG posts here and there) because I am wondering if any of you have been successful in finding a balance between a life outside of being a nurse. More specifically, in the last 6 months (over one of our school breaks) I got drawn back to sketching and doing watercolor, something I've done all my life, and fell in love with linoleum printing. I've made a few prints here and there and even got the opportunity to set up a little art studio space next to my desk where I study - I guess what I'm asking is...have any of you been successful in maintaining a hobby or even turning it in to a side gig? This isn't something I want to do to make money on the side, I don't expect it to be a significant addition to my income - I'm just curious if any of you have had success in maintaining a creative outlet, if you will, while working full time as a critical care nurse (or any nurse, for that matter. You're all awesome!)

Sorry for the lengthy post - thanks for reading ?

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It's absolutely possible! I was an art major before nursing and I do it on the side. I mostly do commissions and sketches portraits excetera but I always use the weekend of my free time to work on it. I just devote an hour to myself of Art and that way I get little projects done periodically. You should always keep your hobbies in your passions that's what keeps me going and I found that having an artistic mind really helps me Reach Out creatively to other patients it's funny how the two can be connected

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Nursing makes me enough money to pay for my sewing supplies. A few years ago I discovered the joy and creativity in sewing my own clothes. I like finding vintage patterns and supporting independent pattern designers. On Thursday evenings, you will find me ringing in the handbell choir.

I don't think working as a nurse should get in the way of any creative outlet unless scheduling around rehearsal times or performances becomes a problem.

The hardest time for maintaining a creative hobby was actually early parenthood. Most of the leftover time not at work was spent in childcare, and household chores. Free time was the ultimate luxury with young children and often there would be not enough money, time and energy to get involved in a project.

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On 4/19/2020 at 8:22 AM, Sarah Amelia said:

It's absolutely possible! I was an art major before nursing and I do it on the side. I mostly do commissions and sketches portraits excetera but I always use the weekend of my free time to work on it. I just devote an hour to myself of Art and that way I get little projects done periodically. You should always keep your hobbies in your passions that's what keeps me going and I found that having an artistic mind really helps me Reach Out creatively to other patients it's funny how the two can be connected

20200405_132544.jpg 20190908_185640.jpg 704689_10201016225646001_5295358551272169241_o.jpg

Sarah, these are absolutely beautiful! I am so relieved to hear that you find the time to devote yourself to your passion, you are clearly so talented! Thank you for replying ? never stop drawing.

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On 4/19/2020 at 9:24 AM, RNperdiem said:

Nursing makes me enough money to pay for my sewing supplies. A few years ago I discovered the joy and creativity in sewing my own clothes. I like finding vintage patterns and supporting independent pattern designers. On Thursday evenings, you will find me ringing in the handbell choir.

I don't think working as a nurse should get in the way of any creative outlet unless scheduling around rehearsal times or performances becomes a problem.

The hardest time for maintaining a creative hobby was actually early parenthood. Most of the leftover time not at work was spent in childcare, and household chores. Free time was the ultimate luxury with young children and often there would be not enough money, time and energy to get involved in a project.

WOW!! That's so impressive! I definitely have a lot of passion about my career and I sought a career in science and medicine because it made sense to me and I got good grades - art was and always will be a passion of mine and I feel fortunate to have an opportunity to not have to put a price on my creative projects and instead just leave it as a hobby and maybe make some change on the side.

I am hoping to have kids in the next few years, how do you manage all of it at once? Do you work full time?

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5 minutes ago, rusalka34 said:

Sarah, these are absolutely beautiful! I am so relieved to hear that you find the time to devote yourself to your passion, you are clearly so talented! Thank you for replying ? never stop drawing.

Thank you so much! ♡♡♡♡

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If you don't make time for your side interests you will lose your mind.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
On 4/19/2020 at 1:02 AM, rusalka34 said:

I guess what I'm asking is...have any of you been successful in maintaining a hobby or even turning it in to a side gig?

On 4/23/2020 at 5:53 AM, Wuzzie said:

If you don't make time for your side interests you will lose your mind.

Amen, Wuzzie.

If I didn't have my art as a catharsis and a therapy, I could have lost it.

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