I've kept in contact, through texts and emails, with a some of my Ex Coworkers/Friends from Wrongway Regional Medical Center. I worked there for 17 years, was honored for being an "Extraordinary Nurse" in February, and fired in March of this year.
Rooty Payne, psych tech texted me once and said, "Dave, you got out just in time... it's horrible..." Jason Hiney RN texted me and said, "It's not the same around here Dave. I did something excellently, and nobody worthy was here to offer me external validation".
I respected, liked, and could go as far as admitting that I loved, many of my old Coworkers. I felt a connection with both them and many of the patients I serverd. I truly enjoyed working as a Nurse for over 36 years and have no regrets in my decision to enter my this profession.
But... do I miss anything about working as a Nurse?
No. Nothing. Not one teeny tiny bit.
I do not miss the drives to and from work, the schedule, my Coworkers, the Patients, duties, responsibilities, charting, or even the great pay.
I currently have a schedule where I go to bed between 9:00 and 10pm, get up between 6 and 7:00, work around my place (mainly doing art) from 9:00 to 6pm, wind down, watch a movie, and drink a couple glasses of wine. I also work out and bicycle every day.
On the days my wife Belinda is off, Monday through Thursday, we do whatever she wishes. On the days she scheduled to work (as an IMU Nurse), I keep house and make her work transitions as comfortable as possible.
I am enjoying my retirement to the Nth degree and miss absolutely nothing about working as a Nurse!
Okay- for you other retired Nurses: Do you miss anything about working as a Nurse?
