After working as a nurse for the past 36 years I am retiring. There I've said it. I have had a wonderful, long and varied career. This has been a decision made after much introspection and some angst. I always thought I would know when it was time to move on and that time has come. I am both happy and sad, but mostly happy. I'll miss my co-workers and patients but I am definitely not going to miss 10 hour days on my feet. I know that I will be able to fill my days nicely with crafty endeavors, gardening, coffee with friends and am looking forward to doing more volunteer work now that I'll have time. I'm really excited about all of the possibilities that are out there.
I've been so fortunate to have worked in many different areas of nursing: ICU, CCU, ER, Supervisor, Endoscopy, home IV therapy and they have all had their rewards and challenges. And never a dull moment.
I've held babies, held the hands of dying patients, cried with families, laughed with my co-workers. It has been a wild ride at times and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Well...maybe that one night where there was poop everywhere and I had 20 patients to take care of...but that is a story for another time, heh heh.
Aw, congrats on your retirement! Sounds like you had a rewarding career.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chawne!
DeleteCongratulations! I retired early from my job last spring, and I am so loving my new life! Lots more time for photography, knitting, reading...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
That is so good to hear Julie, I am really looking forward to the next phase of life!
DeleteOh Wow!!! What a wonderful, satisfying, and rewarding career you had ~ I know you were a blessing to your patients in their time of distress and need and you were blessed to have had the opportunity to to be of service and feel fulfilled in your work. This is the start of a new and exciting phase in your life when you get to chose the story your write and how you spend your time. I am very very happy for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to begin the next chapter of my story...I definitely see volunteer activities in my future, I'm taking a little time to see what they will become. Thanks you for your words of encouragement Claudia.
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