Erin, I hope school has been going well since you posted this early last year. I found your Substack via your thoughtful comments on some of Freddie DeBoer’s pieces; just wanted to say that if nursing turns out not to be to your liking, you easily have the writing chops to make it your full-time gig if you were so inclined. Wishing you all the best with your new career.
Hi Erin, Welcome back on Substack! Ive missed reading your writing. Once you get through all the academic training(the hard and dry part) you will find your place at the table with the human part- the caring and authentic woman that you are will shine and feel at home once you are with patients. Keep the goal in mind. If you find its not for you-forgive yourself and pivot toward holistic medicine if need be. Trust your instincts! You will make a wonderful healer/nurse because you are aware of your vulnerabilities - thats the kind of real person nurse We liked and trusted- Laura, Paul and I. The nurses were our rocks! 💜
I have always thought of care work as the highest calling there is, even if I'm no good at it myself (especially the physical skills), so immense respect. One of my best friends went back to school at age 40 to finish his BA so he could begin nursing school recently - it's challenging but he's making it work! Hope you keep writing occasionally; we could use more nurse-writers as well as writer-nurses.
Good on you! I've been working as a health unit coordinator in health care (in a skilled nursing facility) for the past 4 years, so I've considered going back to nursing school. But I can't quite force myself to do it, sadly. I'm sure you will do brilliantly!
You will be a _great_ nurse.
In the history of nurses it’ll be 1) Florence Nightingale and 2) me
Just try not to show up to work drunk more than twice a week. Do that, and you're already WAY ahead of Nightingale. That souse.
Great advice, thank you 🙏
I'm rooting for you so, so hard.
Erin, I hope school has been going well since you posted this early last year. I found your Substack via your thoughtful comments on some of Freddie DeBoer’s pieces; just wanted to say that if nursing turns out not to be to your liking, you easily have the writing chops to make it your full-time gig if you were so inclined. Wishing you all the best with your new career.
Hi Erin, Welcome back on Substack! Ive missed reading your writing. Once you get through all the academic training(the hard and dry part) you will find your place at the table with the human part- the caring and authentic woman that you are will shine and feel at home once you are with patients. Keep the goal in mind. If you find its not for you-forgive yourself and pivot toward holistic medicine if need be. Trust your instincts! You will make a wonderful healer/nurse because you are aware of your vulnerabilities - thats the kind of real person nurse We liked and trusted- Laura, Paul and I. The nurses were our rocks! 💜
Erin -- you have my full confidence!!
I know it takes a lot to earn the Rosa stamp of approval!! 🙏
Incredibly inspiring. I'm wishing you success and strength in the years ahead. The world needs more people like you.
That’s so kind of you to say! Thanks!
I have always thought of care work as the highest calling there is, even if I'm no good at it myself (especially the physical skills), so immense respect. One of my best friends went back to school at age 40 to finish his BA so he could begin nursing school recently - it's challenging but he's making it work! Hope you keep writing occasionally; we could use more nurse-writers as well as writer-nurses.
There are several 30-somethings and even a 50yo in my cohort! While it’s certainly a challenge, life experience is definitely an asset in my opinion.
You can do this, Erin! A great nurse starts with being a compassionate and gifted caretaker, which you obviously are!
Beautiful essay. You are honoring your beloved mother-in-law, ancestors, and kids by dedicating your life to healing others.
You've got this, no question. And please keep writing.
Thank you for this next career.
Good on you! I've been working as a health unit coordinator in health care (in a skilled nursing facility) for the past 4 years, so I've considered going back to nursing school. But I can't quite force myself to do it, sadly. I'm sure you will do brilliantly!