Skili

:chuckle Hello, just an update. Been very busy in massage school, and got a small break. I LOVE it! Lots to learn and got till Dec before I graduate, but this is such a nice compliment to nursing. I am also surprised at the depth of anatomy and physiology!! Holy cow...This nurse never had to learn attachments, origins, and actions of them there muscles in nurses training...I am so excited and want to try everything (hospice, chronic fatique, lymphatic drainage, stress relief,maybe work chiropractor a bit to pick his brain for awhile.....so many choices!) I do recommend it for anyone who is contemplating it....if anything, it will get you on the cutting edge in my opinion...especially since so many states are lisencing. It gives a whole new perspective on health care(that we already know, but mainstream medicine still kinda ignores...but is starting to acknowledge.Would like comments and advice. And I did get that biotone dual-cream! I like it a lot too! Does anyone use aromatherapy? I loves the smells, did a paper on it...what is some of your takes/experiences with it? Also, how small is too small of a room to practise? I have an 8 x 10 room, room for the table, me and me to move around it, but that's about it. Is that claustraphobic size? I could use a different room that is about 12 x 10 if absolutely necessary for comfort of the client? Opinions please? Thanks again for all input! I put it to use. Sue

Hi Nurse Kelly...old post with you, but I am an R.N. for 30 years, just got out 1-1/2 years ago. For me, I know nursing was going to kill me before I reached retirement and I now am 1/2 way through massage school. Traditional nursing is extremely stressful as you know, and as one ages(me 54) it really has taken it's toll on me.I believe most all my health issues(now under control, were directly related to the constant stress. After much soul searching, I left,(I still keep my liscence up) even without health insurance. I decided health insurnace wasn't going to do my any good dead. Life is short and not that it is wrong to look ahead, but many retirement plans are a gamble. After cancer, I learned to live more in the moment, and what gives me a deep sense of personal pleasure. I have wanted to massage for 20+ yrs and am persuing that dream. Have you considered doing massage on a less "Nursey" level?(I know that is heard to beat that out of us oldtimers) There are so many avenues to take. I vasilate with medical/chiropracter/spa ideas. We had a panel come to school the other day, and one gal works at a cancer center. That's all she massages. She is a massage therapist(not a nurse) and she loves it. It is not hospice.It sounds awesome too. I personally am leaning more to relaxation massage and mental health aspects of it with maybe a smattering of medical(maybe I.C. out one day a week)to keep my fingers in medical. I just bought a water fountain for my home massage room, so I guess I really don't want that much to do with complaints& pain anymore, and want to emphasize wellness. This got way to long...My point, live your dream, and find a way to make your dream work for you. Good luck. Skili

Dang Zenman, I am with you! I too, get really, really, frustrated of trying to prove to people that I "know what I know" and they still don't get it . (Is that theory grounded enough?) Probably nobody but you will get this, and then I am not so sure you will either. I get really upset with peoples "opinions" being deamed as "fact" also, and sometimes I make a sport of calling them on it.(everybody is an expert syndrome-with only their personal experience counting and/or self interest always lurking in the background) We just need to understand the importance and the concept of theory.I am old enough to have lived though the coffee and deoderant causes cancer years to keep my brain open to ideas/and the fact modern science is still in it's infancy, though some wonderful (and not so wonderful things) are happening. Those that don't keep their brain open scare me. Someday, they will know you are right . (but probably won't admit it). I think you are about the smartest person on this board. Skili P.S. FACT: Einstein spent most of his life proving his theories AFTER he made his claims. But his claims were theories.( Ehhem )

Shandy, Just noticed your reply dear, also. I did spend 10 yrs. working psych & wished I followed some of the advice I gave. I came from great, hardy , genes with longevity on both sides of the family. I am breaking with the family tradition in so many ways . I have suffered so many stress-related ills- Major depressive episodes(I know some genetics play here)-but always situational triggered & resolved, endometriosis, cancer, stomache ails.etc., etc. I decided I wanted to live a while longer. My breast cancer surgeon I still have to see told me that 5 yrs. ago, if I left, I would live longer. I am not suggesting you do that. We need nurses so badly, but you must take care of yourself- stress is like smoking, you can do it for yrs. without noticable problems, but it is silently eating away at you. Get yourself in a healthy situation. Take care. Skili

Hi, I also graduated in 1976, (ADN for the same reasons)worked until last yr.(will be going to massage school soon) Went to several job interviews after leaving my last job,& the culture/environment is different everywhere I believe,but pretty much the same with nursing understaffing & /or politics, so best be doing something you love, however, I am getting to fricken old for the stress & I am personally not looking for the challenge of learning a new job every 2-3 yrs. anymore. I am tired of the above mentioned, though I still want to challenge myself without killing myself before retirement. It sounds like you enjoy the stimulation / culture of a bigger city, why don't you satisfy that part as that is so critical to our core inner well-being-and get the job available closest to fit that that best suits you there? If that doesn't pan out, you still got the bigger city & culture you love, & go to a plan B. But I say: "Get out of Dodge." Life is too short, and it's getting shorter. Good luck from one old-timer to another & best wishes.

It's the first time I saw this. As a compasionate psych nurse, I thought," What a Meanie"...Then-Hee, hee hee, Ha, ha, ha,...The heck with compassion,I'm going carolling...

Thanks again for all your suggestions. It is so nice to communicate with someone who has "been there" and is generous with sharing their expertise. I too, with the pet grooming have basically thrown money away with "trappings". I really appreciate the input because I do believe and think too, you get what you pay for in many cases, and if I spend all the money on school, etc., I want to do it right with the equipment and supplies. I don't believe in shortcutting the customer over a few bucks/I want to make it worth their while and money, and one's reputation can lie heavily on the details, I believe.I appreciate the tips on the room temp.,esp. the range.Do you have your nursing job secured at this point?I am so glad that they are introducing natural and holistic care as well in some areas. It was so tabboo for so long.I personally, had taken the traditional route with medication for so many years/and first hand suffered the reprocussions,at least in my opinion.(Took hrt @ high doses and got breast ca, antidepressants - got restless leg syndrome-now linked with antidepressants.) I still think traditional medicine is good,but I question EVERYTHING now before I take it,and if I can fix it without it, I don't take it. Unfortunately, many Drs. still downplay side effects-and other disease related illinesses in my area. Good luck in your nursing-their is such a need for quality nurses. Skili P.S. I print all your responses for future reference (in case I forget down the road with my old brain)They mean a lot to me from an experienced expert. Any other advice on massage that you wish someone would have told you? Thanks

Dear Nemhaim, thank you again for your fascinating response. You sound enviously well rounded. The nursing profession is going to be lucky to get you. I've been a nurse 28yrs. and don't see it often when a nurse can use both the right and the left side of her brain well. It's usually one or the other. I for one stuck a tinker toy in my eye at age 4 had a bloody eye and had to wear an eye patch for a week. My mechanical inclination never evolved past that point.Thanks for the input on the stone therapy. I have been a dog groomer also for 8 yrs. and see some fads that are mostly for the cha-ching. I appreciate your honesty and try very hard to keep my business(s) ethical. Thanks for the thoughts on talking-I can see now too, where many people I know are uncomfortable with the massage idea,it might help them through that. What type of nursing school are you in?(adn.,bsn,hosp,etc.) and have you been satisfied with your choice? Thanks again for your time Skili

Nemhain-Thanks for the thoughtful and comprehensive response. I really appreciate the time you put into it and printed it out for my "massage file" for future reference.Are you about done with nursing school? What area are you interested in? Can you bear a couple more massage questions? Stone massage-what do you think of it? Also, is it normal for the therapist to talk the whole session? I have only been to 2, and they both talk your leg off.(I am equally at fault-I liked them)The 1st time I went to them I felt great after the session. Though I really liked them,I probably won't go back because I really didn't feel relaxed because of the talking. I realize I could have said something, but didn't know how to tactfully "stop" the chatter. Do you discourage this,or leave it up to the client?

Hi, hopefully will be entering massage therapy school in the near future. I would like to know from some experienced practicitioners their preferences on the best massage tables, oils/creams, & most helpful books and music. Also what piece of equipment other than your table helps your massage session the most?..What is the biggest mistake in your opinion, a massage therapist can make(other than hurting the client,or unprofessional conduct) during a session? Is it too stupid or can a single female (old bag type) safely do therapy out of home? Sorry so many questions, just pick and choose if you would like to respond. All responses are appreciated. Skili

Hi eveyone-another "tired" nurse, but also have been interested in massage therapy since the early 80's and never had the time/money to do anything about it. I currently am taking a sabbatical(?) from nursing and hope to enter into a massage program within the next yr. at the community college that(yippee)recently started offering a course in therapeudic massage. I am in Illinois/starting in Jan we have to be liscesed and take boards from what I understand.I think its gonna work out real well, they require,psych,anatomy,health, nutrition and though I had them yrs. ago, they say I don't have to repeat them since I have worked as an R.N. in the last 5 yrs. I AM S0 excited! For those nurses who did the switch, do you still nurse?If you don't how do you feel about leaving nursing behind? (I think there is a possiblity I may-I'm getting too old for it I think)Are there places that you can work and get health insurance? Thanks for your replies.

Hi Kelly, welcome to the midwest-I am an old nurse and planning to go to massage school hopefully this yr. I think it is a natural, nurturing thought to combine the two, especially since science is finally linking how seriously stress affects the physical body's responses to illness and the cause of 50-90% of all illnesses. The New England Journal is starting to write about this and insurance is starting to pay for certain cases as you probably already know. I have been a psych nurse much of my career, and saw the benefits yrs. ago. Nursing is extremely stressful, I personally am taking a sabatical from it and hope to continue my desire to improve others health in massage. I have a nurse friend who does massage .I have nursed for 28 yrs. and never regretted it. It is not for the faint hearted-and I don't mean just as in blood. The hours are brutal, as are the working conditions and the politics, and in many cases , very hard on your personal life.(Most of us work many week-ends, 2nd and 3rd shift,10+hr. days and at least 50% of the holidays,) but does depend on the type of job you have too. My final opinion, there is nothing like it.People will touch your heart in a way you will never be able to let it go. Your friend, Skili