Im not a nurse, but im considering it.(18 years old)
I know that in nursing school you only have time for studying because of the intense work load. But how does that change once you have a job?
I personally have a passion for drawing, and after not drawing for about 2 years, im slowly getting back into it and realizing how much I love it. A small percentage of me would want to go to art school, but it doesn't seem to offer much stability. I definitely want to have enough time to draw, perhaps do freelance work, take art classes, etc and basically still enjoy life. I wouldn't want my life to revolve around nursing, and i'd be broken hearted if I couldnt do art as much as I'd like to.
So...what do you guys like to do outside of work? How do you manage a work/personal life balance?
Went kayaking (flat lake only) yesterday. Hiking last week. Lots of crocheting and reading and watching Netflix and old movies. Did 2 5Ks (walking of course, not competitive), hoping to pick up my TaeKwonDo again. Sleep in a lot. Walk the dogs. Visiting with family. Waiting for the last of my chemo/rads side effects to wear off.
Now, back when I was busy,ran 2 GS troops for my daughters, Asst. SM for son's BS troop, camping, homeschooling, getting a masters, got the kids to private music lessons/band, church trustee, monthly missions trip to Mexico, earning a black belt with my kids, crocheting, reading, canoeing, camping, photography, helping with Little League and fall soccer, and very once in a while cleaning the house.
Reading, shopping, making cosmetics and bath/body products, taking care of DH and 2 toddlers, lots of stuff with church, sleeping if there is any time leftover.
You guys do a lot! I mostly just sit on the couch and browse the internet. I am a real homebody and I am really lazy when I'm home, LOL. I hang out with the boyfriend whenever I can - we mostly just stay in and cook each other dinner. Occasionally I go out to see a movie, things of that nature. I have lost touch with most of my nursing school friends and my coworkers are a little too busy to hang out, so it's been a long time since I've hung out with anyone other than my boyfriend.
I have lately been reading a lot of the early retirement blogs. Mr. Money Mustache especially. He is seriously changing my life for the better, so I am intentionally living a little cheaper and working more so I can retire early and have ultimate freedom to do whatever I want whenever I want to do it. I have dramatically increased my 401k contribution and I am maxing out an IRA for the first time this year. With the projections I've made, it is perfectly doable to retire by 45 if I bust some serious butt for a few years, maybe even by 40 if I am extra motivated. Going in for an overtime shift for incentive pay this morning! :)
Even as a student you have to balance and take some time for just you. In school I had what my family called "creekbank therapy". I found a quiet creek or spot on the river and fished. It recharges me and grounds me at the same time.
My first degree was in Theatre, and I have spent the last 10 years stifling the love I have for being on stage. I have recently begun to take part in workshops here and there and I'm taking voice lessons again. It makes me a happier person to be able to do that. My sibs and I have been making more of an effort to get together too. 2 Cops, an Occupational Therapist, and a Nurse walk into a bar... could make for a great joke set up.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Im not a nurse, but im considering it.(18 years old)
I know that in nursing school you only have time for studying because of the intense work load.
Eh, not all that true. Yes, studying is a major part of it, but you will still have time for a life. While in nursing school, I got divorced, dated, remarried, ran a home business out of my garage, and worked part-time as an extern. Gotta have work/life balance, even while in nursing school!
Now that I'm done with my MSN program, I want to take violin lessons. And learn how to knit. And maybe a once-a-week Spanish class with a one-on-one tutor.
I'm not a genius either but I had free time and a part time job during nursing school. My sister had 3 young kids, a husband and also worked, juggling school and kids wasn't easy but she didn't struggle with the curriculum.
I think nursing school is not as difficult for those who are wired for rote memory, care planning, test taking and rolling with the stress. I didn't necessarily grasp all of the concepts as well as some of my more mature classmates at the time but the school experience itself is just easier for some.
While working FT I've raised my kids, take care of my dogs and horses, spend time with the horses, gym when I'm motivated, frequent dining usually in SF or weekend trips to our favorite spots, yard work, shop, girlfriend time..
I did say it was on a flat lake... not a raging current!
JBudd, MSN
3,836 Posts
Went kayaking (flat lake only) yesterday. Hiking last week. Lots of crocheting and reading and watching Netflix and old movies. Did 2 5Ks (walking of course, not competitive), hoping to pick up my TaeKwonDo again. Sleep in a lot. Walk the dogs. Visiting with family. Waiting for the last of my chemo/rads side effects to wear off.
Now, back when I was busy,ran 2 GS troops for my daughters, Asst. SM for son's BS troop, camping, homeschooling, getting a masters, got the kids to private music lessons/band, church trustee, monthly missions trip to Mexico, earning a black belt with my kids, crocheting, reading, canoeing, camping, photography, helping with Little League and fall soccer, and very once in a while cleaning the house.