Musicians/artists/performers thinking about nursing?

[lucy ball]

Hello--I am posting here just to get some thoughts on this. I am a musician and an artist--have a BA in fine arts, and am doing the singer/songwriter thing here in the city (NYC). At the same time though, the desire to go into nursing keeps resurfacing. I have successfully pushed that feeling away over the years, but it keeps coming back....hmmm. Now, my main conflict is how do these two things go together at all? And will I have time to do both? As it is now, I have always had a day job in addition to pursuing music--its not like I am able (financially) to do it full-time. So why NOT go into nursing? And I wonder if I would be more "satisfied" if my "day job" was actually something that I was passionate about and felt good about, such as nursing....but still I am scared to just go for it -- scared that the artistic side of me will somehow be compromised or sacrificed....

I guess I am just looking to see if there are others out like me, and if so I would love to hear your story...!

[Curls105]

Hello Lucy ball!!!

Yes! I was a singer/dancer/actor for MANY years professionally before deciding to become a nurse. I am starting Downstate's accelerated nursing program this June and I'm so happy that I made this decision. I actually know a few other actors turned nurses as well. I feel like for me I had spent so much time and energy on a career that was very much for me and it began to feel very shallow. Show biz tends to be a very selfish career, always thinking about how you can improve yourself in a myriad of ways. Also it's very hard as you know to commit to a career in the arts full time because it is so hard to actually make a steady income. Basically I really wanted to do something in my new career which was giving back to those less fortunate or those in need as well as something that I could actually get a job in and a paycheck. Now as far as doing both at the same time that is something that I think could be done but probably as more of a hobby. My sister is in two bands and also has a full time job so it is definately doable. I know for me I eventually want to do something creative in more of a hobby capacity down the road once I feel really settled in as a Nurse. Please feel free to PM me if you have any more questions!

Good luck!

Kristen

[lucy ball]

hey curls105,

thanks so much for responding! very encouraging....thats exactly what it is for me too--the whole idea of wanting to be involved with something where i feel i'm working beyond myself, helping others, etc...if i think of it as obtaining another skill, as opposed to replacing the ones i have, it is easier to think about making the leap. how long did it take you to do your pre-reqs? and where did you do your pre-reqs? i'm thinking of trying to start out this summer with just one class, maybe at hunter or city tech. any suggestions?

[Vida]

I know this is a few weeks after the fact ...but I have been wrestling with this for a while too... I am finding that yes, nursing means alot of work and long hours...but depending on your situation there is enough freedom in nursing that you can make it work for you. We are planning on moving to NY in a couple of years, when I am really hoping to find a Baylor-type postion...full time wage in a few days...so I can keep the day job and maintain my family, but still have alot of time for them AND my music. Great deal. When I became an lpn I had realized that theres alot more to the world than a practise room - I was feeling a little selfish and shallow too... but you can be an artist without feeling guilty. It works!

Good luck with everything.

Vida

[chuck1234]

If this is what you want...go for it!

Good luck!

[littlenursey]

Go for it. My friend in nursing school have a degree in Performance Arts. He worked for many years in the business until he decided to get a second degree in Nursing. He is doing wonderful in school but still enjoy his old profession. We are graduating at the end of the month!

If it if really what you want to do and you have to push it our of your mind, but it still nag at you then you should give it a try. I always believe that I rather do something I want to do, even if I end up not liking it or not succeeding, at least I've tried! So no regret!