Adulting: Some Lessons Learned…

The month of June two years ago was a very exciting, emotional time for me.

A couple of weeks ago was June 14.

June 14, 2017 was the day I passed my nursing boards and became a registered nurse.

Since then, I began my residency program to learn about nursing and the floor and all the “exciting” stuff ahead as I begin a career and “adulting”.

Ha.

I have learned quite a bit since then, and one of those things being that it is not always sunshine and rainbows and “exciting”.

The working world is hard. Nursing is hard. Adulting is demanding and requires much of you.

I am learning more and more everyday… about nursing, working, adulting, and life in general. I still have a lot more to learn. After all, it has only been two years with—God willing—many more to come. However, I wanted to share some of lessons I have learned from this small part of my journey. I am no life expert, but these are just a few lessons I have found helpful and uplifting.

1. “It’s not about you” (Warren 21). We are all called to some career path because of the gifts and passions we were given. Nursing is definitely the job I was meant to do, but I did not get there because of myself. The journey was never about me, my accomplishments, or what I contributed. It was solely because it was a mission ordained by the Lord placed on my heart. He has guided and directed me the entire way, and every day I go to work, I am there solely because the Lord NEEDS me there to serve His people. It has and will never be about me or my skill.
2. Be authentic. Find your voice. Be YOU. The Lord made you uniquely, beautifully, and wonderfully you (Psalm 139:14). Never be afraid to shine that light that is your own. Especially with my patients, I share my heart with each one. Creating that rapport and relationship is so crucial to providing the best care. I try to let them know I care and that I am there to serve them.
3. Work HARD. Always. Part of our responsibility on this Earth is to work hard at whatever job and opportunities arise. I’ve learned that nothing is accomplished well when I am just half way involved. Also an important lesson I heard from a podcast by Scott Saul’s was about this mission. The very first commandment from God was to “tend your garden” (Genesis 2). All of what we are given is meant to be taken care of and to be attended to. As I said, “adulting” is hard, but it is required of us from God. Pleasing the Lord is cultivating a joyful heart.
   

4. Ask Questions. I have met a lot of people on my journey whether it is doctors, nurse practitioners, other nurses, other professionals, etc. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to use them as resources. Ask the hard questions. Ask if you do not know the answers. Questions enhance your knowledge. Having knowledge benefits others. Some have been around the block a few times enough to provide the answers that prevent mistakes and allow for the best outcomes.

These past two years of nursing have taught me a great deal that apply to nursing and to life in general. Nursing and adulting is hard, but it is never a journey that happens alone.

I am about to have a birthday. The older I get, the more I have such an appreciation for time here on Earth. In the grand scheme of things, life is SHORT, and we do not have the time to live it in a way that is less than or mediocre. Serve the Lord, serve others, love others, tend your garden, adult to the best of your ability, and ask questions from others.

Thanks so much for reading!

Love always,

Katie Girl

 

Sources

The Bible.

Warren, Rick. The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth am I here For? Zondervan, 2013.