This is a post about what I know… Because we ALL KNOW SOMETHING!
I know how to insert a foley catheter (and pretty darn well, mind you).
Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, I was a registered nurse. Not something I often talk about on here, mostly just because it’s no longer a part of my daily routine.
This whole post isn’t going to consist of how proficient I am in draining bladders with a catheter. Surprisingly, it was the first thing that popped into my head when I sat questioning myself about what I REALLY know.
I remember the first-time I ever inserted a foley catheter, was during my Labor & Delivery rotation in nursing school. That particular night, I was assigned to take care of a new momma and baby. However, when the opportunity presented itself to straight cath a pregnant woman in labor (who had received an epidural) my clinical instructor had me do it… for my FIRST-TIME EVER!
For those of you who’ve had children or are nurses and know what goes on DOWN-THERE during labor… you can probably only imagine how terrified I was! I was REALLY doubting myself!
However, it went like a breeze… and although I wasn’t expecting to see my first delivery that night, I DID! That full bladder was the only thing standing in the way of that precious, little baby making his entrance!
As soon as I had finished up straight cathing her, she was ready to push and I watched that baby make his début just 15 minutes later!
I have a lot of mixed feelings about nursing. I don’t know if it’s really something I wish to go back to. However, that’s another post, for another time.
It’s just been something on my mind since I got a reminder in the mail that I need 30 CEUs yet to renew my nursing license come October.
I don’t want to let my nursing license go because I wouldn’t want to have to sit and retake the nursing boards (NCLEX) if I worry ever to want to go back to nursing.
I also struggle because I know I’m slowly losing my knowledge that I’m not using with each passing day.
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
Have you ever been in a similar situation? Where you have received specific training or schooling and end up not using it? Please feel free to share your experiences below!
I love this! I think you should totally do the CEUs and keep it up! I SOOOOO wish I could be a nurse. It’s pretty much the perfect job for moms who want to stay home, but work a little too. I know so many nurse moms who work a weekend here or there. That’s exactly what I’d love! But, I obviously didn’t go to school for it, and more importantly, I hate all bodily fluids. So it’s out of the question.
As for receiving training/schooling that I’m not using? I finished my MBA three months before Ben was born and I stopped working. Granted, when I find a job, that will definitely be helpful, and I do feel like the things I’ve learned professionally and in school help with blogging and life in general. Plus I really like school and feeling the achievement of finishing a degree, so I would do things the same if I had the chance for a do-over.
Yikes, getting rambly now! Thanks for linking up with us!
Totally thanked you for the linkup on the wrong post. I’ve had WAY too much coffee today.
hahaha… it’s OK, I thought it was just another one of my many little, mishaps! You should’ve seen me on Neely’s Twitter Party the other night! That may be thee first AND LAST time I ever attempt a twitter party, haha!
Hahaha I give you credit because I don’t even know how to do a Twitter party!
Wow, that’s so impressive! That would be so scary!
You worked hard to get your license and it would be worth keeping up if you think there is a possibility you might want to work again as a nurse.
In answer to the question at the end of your post, I had a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders (speech therapy) that I let go when I married and became a mom, and I do occasionally kind of wish I had kept it up-to-date. Now it would be totally useless since it’s been too long (1983), Ah, well, I’ve had a good life despite it, so it’s just a matter of personal preference I guess.
Usually if you go the direction your heart tells you, it will end up being right for you.
Awww, that is what my Aunt had a degree in! I think she kept her’s renewed up until just recently, when she finally left it go. She has strongly encouraged me to keep my nursing license renewed as well. However, much like you she never ended up using it again after marrying and having children… and even now she works at a church as a confirmation coordinator. Decisions, decisions… but like you said, maybe I need to go with my heart’s lead on things!
I say keep it up because you never know when you will need it. I am so impressed with anyone who is in the nursing profession. More props to you because it’s something I could never do.
Awww… thanks, Sara! I will most likely keep my license up (like you said, just in case), but I really don’t know if I have the desire to ever go back to it. So many conflicting feelings about it.
I think its worth keeping it! I still use some of my skills, cutting and coloring friends hair, but its not the same. I have to do research on how to do the newest technique, because otherwise there would be no point in keeping my license. I love doing hair, just not anytime soon in a work setting. Good luck in your decision!!
Hailey @ Love, Laughter and Lipstick
Thanks so much, Hailey, for your input! I will work towards the required CEUs and keep it renewed. It’s just like you said though about not knowing the latest techniques or practices of doing things. I suppose I can always cross that bridge if and when I ever get to it!