Nurses from an artistic/creative background?

Woland · Mar 17, 2010

Hi!

I am not a nurse yet, but I have the same question. I hope, kammel, that you don't mind that I share it here a bit. :)

I've been always interested in medicine (being a nurse, doc etc) too. So after graduating high school in 2005 I wanted to become one, they accepted me at the med. school. I went there for 2-3 weeks and then dropped out just because I didn't feel right there, although I got good grades (As and Bs). At that time I also considered becoming an artist and had exhibitions, so I thought that being an artist was the right choice...But I was 18 years old at that time and, well, at some point started to loose my interest in art. I don't paint anymore.

In 2006 I went to study Culture Theory and I've just finished my studies, so now I have a BA degree on that. I don't regret these studies, because the time I spent at the uni has helped me to understand myself better, I have grown as a person, more stable, more focused etc.

I am now 24 and I still haven't lost the interest in medicine, in being a nurse/doc etc...When I dropped out from med. school, I think now, I was only 18 years old and quite insecure, still searching myself. But I think I have changed a lot during the past 6 years and now feel that I am mature enough to know what I am looking for.

I've had some personal experiences with being a patient, seen this and that. I've worked as a caretaker at the hospital and it was the most interesting job I've ever had. It was stressful, psychically demanding, but otherwise - I got so well along with the patients, some of them even game to shake my hand and said good-bye as they left. I believe I did a good job, responsibly...And, as kammel said, I have, too, felt sense of purpose when helping people, listening to them, and cannot imagine myself working in some firm or office etc.

Well, now, after graduating my BA studies on Culture Theory, I am thinking about going back to med. school...Is it a good idea? I think it is, but maybe I am not too objective here. Perhaps I should work for some years and then decide, if I still want to go to med. school or what? Please, I'd like to hear some opinions too.

Thanks!

Johnnyonthespot · Mar 17, 2010

I'm a musician/nurse and I gotta say it can be tough. I like to compose my own albums entirely, guitar, percussion etc. When I have my time off the name of the game is to stay focused on music. Sometimes my job makes me too protocol minded to do something as creative writing music, you just have to unwind and leave work @ work. You can do it if you really want it. I guarantee you can do it if you want it.

kreuger · Mar 17, 2010

I'm an architect/nurse,,nursing is my full time job, and if time permits i do freelance working drawings. yes, nursing could take over your life if you let it

kdrose01 · Mar 17, 2010

I'm also a creative person who's going into nursing. I worked on a film that was written and directed by a nurse, but I don't think he ever slept! He was always picking up more shifts to fund his creative endeavors. But he was always great to work with, and I think of him when I have doubts about pursuing my own creative endeavors after nursing school.

Overall, though, I've found that being a struggling artist in NYC is nearly impossible and my art suffered for it, as did my relationship and my own self-esteem and happiness. If you find yourself in the same position, consider a career change, but don't forget your art. I miss acting and filmmaking, but I can't wait to get started again once I'm finished pre-reqs and nursing school.

Good luck to you! There's something to be said for stability.

Work in Progress · Mar 17, 2010

I was a Performing Arts Major prior to nursing school. While nursing school itself does not really allow you to have time to pursue your artistic side, I think I will have more time to focus on this when I begin working. I think some artistic people have a hard time with the science aspects of nursing, but it sounds like you are not going to have any problems there. I don't know any other nurses that pursue creative endeavors outside of work, but I think that with 4 days off a week and the ability to leave work at work, it would be possible.

ArtsyGal · Mar 17, 2010

I did a fine art major after high school, mostly focusing on painting. When I graduated, I did a couple of shows and sold a couple of paintings, but I wasn't really motivated enough to make it a career....so I waitressed, and I waitressed....for 5 dreadful years And then I went back to school for nursing at 30.

I did a 2 yr. PN program and now I'm upgrading to a BScN (1 yr to go..woohoo). To answer your question: yes. it does take over your life. I try to squeeze in art projects here and there but I just have about 5 half done paintings that I've started over the past couple of years. I try to channel my talent into class projects...if I have to create posters or pamphlets or anything like that...haha I take what I can get!

Sometimes I worry that nursing is too "tasky" for me. There are very few opportunities to be creative in the way I would like, but it is just a job....I enjoy it in other ways, and while school takes up all my time, working only takes up 40 hours a week (or so). I am hoping I will find some inspiration when I'm out of school.

I think it also depends on what kind of nursing you end up doing. There are so many options for nursing graduates, you are bound to find an area where you can flex your creative muscles, so to speak.

BA.LVN · Jun 20, 2011

I too, received my BA in art/photography after high school. I worked in the creative/publishing field for a year, until the company closed. After that, I struggled to find art-related work...nothing. So, I worked in retail, and joined a year long LVN program. Could not work during the program as it was so demanding...but since graduating and working, yes you can make time for your art, but sometimes I don't even feel like doing anything but relaxing after work. I found my niche in private duty/home care, so I work with one client 8-9 hours a day....let me say, the stability and helping people/fostering a relationship with the patient and family can be VERY rewarding. But I have found my creative endeavors have taken a back seat. Like someone on here mentioned, I too, have a few projects in the works that have been in the works for quite some time. Let us know what you end up doing!

anewsns · Nov 22, 2015

I'm bumping this thread if possible.. I was just thinking of heading in the opposite direction.. I came from a poor background but am also the creative type. My heart is dragging me back to artistic endeavors lately but I definitely do not want to be a starving artist.. I have a steady and enjoyable nursing job right now so I'm thinking Im gonna stop forcing my way through more school and using my free time and money for guitar/painting/ writing , and hopefully traveling. I hope The nursing and creative mindsets can live harmoniously and I won't get too stuck without more than an ASN. I'm 30 and I've dropped my strong creative drive for stability.. I just don't want to be 40 and never have picked up my hobbies again.

Davey Do · Nov 22, 2015

I'd like to know if anyone out there has become a nurse from an artistic background, and how your experience has been as a nurse.

Nursing is great field. I've done everything from clamping the cords of new-born baby twins to hold the hand of a lady as she passed from this life to the next. I've got about 2 1/2 years administrative experience and lots of years of grunt work.

I feel like my main worries are that nursing would "take over" my life, and that it would be too stressful or emotionally draining. I don't think I'd want nursing to be the only thing I did with my life

A combination of the right brain/left brain thing is what helps keep me centered.

I was a free-lance artist from 1996-2003. I've put Nursing on hold to primarily do art, and I quit the professional art thing when my nursing salary dramatically increased and the business end of art took away the pleasure. The majority of my art is now self-involved.

However, as part of the professional art thing, I worked with public schools and special ed and did things like caricatures, face painting, and other volunteer stuff. That was fulfilling in a giving way.

Good luck and the best to you, kammel!

CryssyD · Nov 22, 2015

Not an artist per se, but I do have significant dance training. When I am really stressed (which can happen so easily when you're a nurse--one code, or even one nasty family member, can ruin my mood for hours) I like to go home, put on some good music, and just move! Another big stress reducer for me is my horse (or other horses, when I did training); I know most people probably don't consider horseback riding "art"--it probably seems more a "sport," but I would contend that it's both--watch some dressage, especially where it's put to music, and tell me there's no art there!

My point is, you have a ready-made stress-release valve--your artistic pursuits, which allow you to forget the struggles of school and work by immersing yourself in something that allows you to express yourself and requires concentration; that concentration helps blot out your stress. I think anything you love doing can serve this purpose, but trained artists have more ability to really immerse themselves in their art and "get away from it all." There's much to be said for that.

By the way, yes, nursing school is intense. But you will still have time for your creative pursuits, I'm sure, if they are important to you.

Good luck! I hope you go into nursing--we have so many science types, we need more right-brain artistic souls, I think!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Nov 23, 2015

I used to write a lot and made stories and books as a child; I also know how to paint as well.

Now that I'm in a specialty that I enjoy and will be having the right schedule to start writing again.