A Mommy Story

Today I did something I haven’t done in over two years: I stepped back into the classroom as a student.

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it here, but I am feeling out a new career path. I’m currently taking a few classes as pre-requisites for a nursing program to see if it’s something I want to pursue. Seriously? Yeah, seriously.

You see, I figured two complete career changes before I turned 30 was pretty accomplished, but I have been feeling the itch to do something different again. My current job as a student advisor is great, although the pay is low. I enjoy working part-time, I enjoy working with people, and I love being able to see so much more of my daughter. But again, the pay is low. I’ve always had a knack for choosing low-pay careers – you don’t get a history degree for the $$ it will bring. Nor a theatre degree.

I first thought about nursing when I was in the hospital with Cordelia. Nearly any new mom will tell you: it’s not the doctors that make or break your experience in the hospital. It’s the nurses. Let me repeat that for emphasis: it’s the nurses. While I never got to experience the delivery room, I know from the tales of others that the doctor is generally only there at the end to play catcher. Until then, you are at the mercy of your nurses. They can make your life heaven or hell, and I was lucky to have (mostly) wonderful nurses for my post-partum care. OK, the percoset-pusher overnight nurse was a pain in the ass (that’s a story for another day), but the other nurses were helpful, caring, and attentive.

I thought to myself: what a wonderful job. Helping parents with their new children, helping mothers rest and get to know their new babies. Yeah, I know it’s also a lot of bitchy moms, overbearing grandparents, and body fluids of all types, but that’s never bothered me much.

The benefits of nursing are simply amazing as well: great pay, great health care benefits, part-time hours are always available, and with the current shortage of nurses, you can basically set your own hours.

After thinking it might be something to try, I decided to apply to the local college and give it a go. This quarter I’m signed up for Psychology and Human Anatomy. Anatomy is often referred to as a “weed out” class. It’s hard. No, I mean it – really hard. Human Anatomy is my personal test. If I can pass it, then I will continue on with classes. If I can’t pass it, then clearly this isn’t for me and I will stop there.

My mother works in the medical field, and thanks to her I already know a lot about medical terminology. I also spent a lot of time as a child visiting her or hanging out at the hospital where she worked, and I saw all sorts of illnesses and injuries come in those emergency room doors. Dead bodies don’t bother me. In fact, I’m actually looking forward to working with the human cadavers in class. (Yes, I know. I’m a total freak.)

Aaron is totally supportive of my plan, probably because it means that if I’m a nurse, I can make the equivalent of what we consider a full-time salary while only working part-time hours. For him, it means a chance to work more part-time, and focus on his theatre and stage combat career. For me, it means more money, plus I still get to see my daughter. Perfect!

Do I still want to write? Of course. I enjoy writing. It’s my release. But I doubt I’ll ever be able to make a living from it. Like many of our artistic/creative friends, I will probably always have the job I like that pays the bills, and the job I love that is my creative outlet. I’m far too insane to do only one thing at a time.