Nursing school friends = regular friends?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 9, 2007

There's four of us who get together at least every 2 months, usually once a month though, for appetizers and drinks.

agent66 · Sep 9, 2007

Actually I met my best friend the first week of nursing school in 1985. We had actually apparently met up before as we had mutual high school friends and work acquaintances but I had no reccollection of her from those meetings. We hung out together all through nursing school, got married together but not to each other in Las Vegas (but both to men with the same name) and have lived in the same city since. We have grown from girls to women together, shared our family issues and work issues also since we have now worked on the same unit together for 10 years. My other 2 very close friends are also women I met my first year working on a neurosurg unit. It was so nuts there that we shared many, many laughs together just to get through our shifts. But for me maybe it is easier, since these 3 wonderful people all live in my city as well and even though we all have families and busy schedules we always seem to make the time for each other.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2007

Are any of you still long time friends with your "nursing school friends"?

I purposely lost contact with my friends and acquaintances from nursing school. I was 23 when I started attending an LVN program, but I was at a different life stage than many of my classmates who were in the same age range. They were rather immature, had everything handed to them on a silver platter, and had not had any formidable life experiences. Most of these people lived at home, and were being financially supported by Mommy and Daddy. On the other hand, I had to work tirelessly for every single thing I ever had.

I was 23 years old, and going on 40. My classmates were in the 17 to 28 year old age range, and going on 12.

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2007

Commuter,

I had to work for survival myself, but I truly am sorry this thread sounds like a bad experience for u. I don't have lots of froends, but the real friends I have (i can count on one hand) are such a blessing. Hope you have formed some friendships now in your career. You offer alot of good stuff here!!!!!!

GeminiTwinRN, BSN · Sep 10, 2007

I am good friends with 2 of my former classmates. One works on the same unit I do, although she works NOC shift and I work days. The other works at a different facility, but we get together often.

Funny, but the 2 friends that are so close to me on their own have no contact themsleves. I've never really thought about that aspect. :)

I'd say I get together with both of them (seperately) at least twice a month.

I count them both as very good friends now, not just former classmates.

I have another friend who I've had for almost 20 years now. The two of us get together less often than my former classmates and I, but it's the kind of friendship that just picks up wherever, you know what I mean? We talk on the phone several times a week, but only get together once a month or so.

MIA-RN · Sep 10, 2007

I had some friends in nursing school but I was there to work and learn, not to make friends. I guess that makes me sound cold but I'm not. I just had a lot going on with kids and work that they didn't quite have.

I got pretty close with one friend about my age and kids about my kids' age, and then towards the end, two more joined the group. But then suddenly towards the very end...I was out of the group with no warning or reason. Its sad because I really liked these women and I don't know what happened.

I have kept in occasional touch with one, who has been in occasional touch with another. I guess the one I was close to in the beginning is not hanging out with either of them.

Then for awhile I worked with a few that I went to school with. After orientation it was like a feeling of camaradarie---what we survived together. But friends? No. Only one or two that I would like to catch up with some day.

I just didn't view nursing school as a time to make new friends because it was so intense and I was facing a few life issues at the time. Same with work. I love most of my coworkers but I never go hang out with anyone outside of work. I just need that separation, I guess.

anonymurse · Sep 10, 2007

No. I don't mix business and pleasure, never have. It ruins both.

RN1989 · Sep 10, 2007

My college roommate was in nursing school with me and we are still friends. We did lose touch for a while when we were young - diverging lifestyle paths and all. But after we both chilled out and settled down we got back together again. We still talk about nursing stuff but most of our friendship is based on other mutual interests as well as our differences. I value her friendship above others.

leslie :-D · Sep 10, 2007

I just wanna share this nice quote I got from a friend.
"People come in your life for a reason. It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty; to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem God-send and they are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die, sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent has been answered and now it is time to move on..."
Makes sense, doesn't it?

the above passage reflect my sentiments.

during nsg school, college, various jobs, i have struck up glorious friendships with 2 or 3 women ea time.

we laughed, listened, griped, studied, planned, partied...we shared so much.

when a job or school would end, these friendships would fizzle out.

mostly, my doing.

i think of these women often, and remember them lovingly.

they made certain events in my life, so much more memorable.

do i have regrets?

sometimes.

but i know myself well and have accepted i am a fleeter.

the friendships i have had, have enriched my life and for that i am blessed.

they are all a lovely memory.

leslie

neneRN, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2007

There was a group of 5 of us that were really close in nursing school...none of us have kept in touch (other than a quick "hi") since then, and we all work at the same hospital! My two best friends now are both nurses that work in my unit- we all started around the same time 6 years ago.

sameasalways, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2008

I don't think anyone should take it personally or think it odd if people don't maintain friendships out of college. People have their lives to contend with and have a tendency to move on...especially with the highly mobile society we live in. I don't think it is very common for someone to attend college and then live and work in the same town as their classmates. It is just part of life. There will be instances where you clique with someone so intensely that they will remain forever a part of your life or your heart, regardless of distance, but those relationships are in the minority.

Dunno? · Jan 1, 2008

There was too much drama in my nursing school..I am glad that I dont see those people ever again..