Does the company you keep work in health care??

[Nola009]

I am a newer nurse, but have worked in the health care setting for a long, long time. Plus, many of my family members work in health care too. More and more often, I'm finding that I have trouble relating to the folks who have Bachelor's and Master's degrees (outside of a health-related field, that is) outside of work. I am starting to see "oh, I could NEVER do that" and "oh, I could NEVER work those hours" comments that I get at times as kind of insulting. My own husband insults me by saying that I "only" have an Associates Degree and make more than him and that is messed up according to him. Being raised how I was, I thought this (working as a nurse/in health care) was something to be proud of. Is there some way I can REexplain that this is what *I* want to do? I don't put the people with a Master's in pottery or communications down, ---What's their problem?

So, fellow nurses, have you found that your circle of friends has shifted more to other health care workers over the years? If so, is it by choice or circumstances?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

It is definitely true that most of my family and much of the rest of my social circle will never, ever in a million years understand my work in the ER in da hood. I don't talk about it much with them.

Those current and former coworkers with whom I do socialize are a much needed outlet.

And the two worlds rarely cross.