#Newrelease in The Nomadic Nurse Series - Having It All: My love affair with nursing

 

NEW RELEASE TODAY!

Having it all, but at what cost for a career nurse and devoted mother?

When one of my early mentors suggested that my nursing qualification, as a Registered General Nurse, would be my ticket to 'Having It All' I could not envisage what that would mean for me. As a nurse and a woman, who intended to have a family, I did not think too far ahead and any thoughts on how it would manifest itself in relation to my nursing career were limited to family-friendly options. However, this phrase became embedded in my subconscious and would end up influencing my goals, dreams, and aspirations both personally and professionally.

For me, having it all was not based on greed or a materialistic wish list, instead, it described the tight rope walk that was my life, a finely balanced juggling act between my career, and my family. The truth was that I had survived a period in my life that physically and emotionally pushed me to the edge, and I was literally saved by the deep-seated love for my children. Now as I looked forward there was a ray of light beckoning and telling me it was time to start over.

Might this be my happy ever after at last?

In the words of the singer, and songwriter Beyonce, is my love affair with nursing, “a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare?” To be honest it has been a combination of the two, since I qualified in 1986, for a variety of reasons. However, despite the challenges and circumstances that could have been made easier by walking away or diluting my passion for my nursing career, here I am still in awe of the privilege it is to be able to call myself a nurse.

Over the years, since I entered the realm of nursing, I have experienced some of the many facets that make up the ever-expanding and developing healthcare sector. The majority have indeed been a sweet dream for me. I can recall only a few nightmare nursing situations that I have found myself in and for that I am eternally grateful as it has added to my love affair with nursing. I feel fortunate and privileged that on my journey I have met, practiced with, and worked alongside numerous unique, highly qualified, and experienced individuals who have added numerous positive encounters to my nursing journey and healthcare experiences. One of my early nursing career mentors told me that my nursing qualification was the key to, “Having it all,” and that I should protect my registration against all odds. At the time I had no idea of the magnitude surrounding this advice and I could not foresee any event or issues that would threaten my registration or my career if I always did my best, worked hard, and maintained and applied my professional knowledge. The thought of my registration giving me the opportunity to have it all was exciting, but I had no idea what that meant or could look like for me or my career. Why would I need to protect my registration, and from what? That said, as I did with all advice and guidance from my mentors, I stored this statement away in my subconscious. Little did I know, or realise, that events would happen both in my personal and professional life that would challenge my career and make me recall and heed this sage advice. 

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