by Sarah Jividen | Apr 12, 2023 | Nurse Gifts, Nurse Scrubs & Accessories
The Best Backpacks For Nurses and Nursing Students
*This post contains affiliate links
Struggling to find the perfect nurse backpack? You’re not alone.
The thing is that finding the perfect nursing backpack to meet your needs is actually quite important.
Think about it: as a nurse, you’re always on the go. You’ve got your stethoscope, your scrubs, your pens, your notebook, your lunch (because, let’s face it, nobody wants to deal with a hangry nurse), and about a million other things to carry around with you.
And if you’re not careful, all that stuff can get heavy and uncomfortable pretty quickly. That’s where researching proper bags for nurses comes in. With the right bag, you can keep all your nursing supplies and essentials organized and easily accessible while also distributing the weight evenly across your shoulders and back. Plus, a good backpack can be stylish and even a little bit fun (because who doesn’t love a little bit of flair?).
Now, you might be thinking, “But can’t I just use any old backpack?” And sure, you could, but then you’d miss out on the joys of having a nursing-specific backpack.
These beauties are designed with your job in mind, with features like waterproof compartments (because spills happen), pockets for your ID and keys (so you don’t have to dig around), and even built-in charging ports (because, let’s be real, our phones are practically attached to us these days).
That’s why a great nurse bag is your trusty sidekick. It’s like Batman’s utility belt – but for registered nurses. Keep reading to find the best backpacks for nurses!
How We Chose the Best Nurse Backpacks
If you want to be a successful, comfortable, and well-equipped nurse, researching high-quality backpacks for nursing is key.
We’ve read through a ton of user reviews and star ratings to develop a list that makes your life easier and provides information to help you make a good decision. Choosing the perfect medical bag requires some extra considerations to ensure it meets the unique needs of a nurse.
Factors we considered include accessibility, hygiene, security, comfort, functionality, and portability. We also considered whether these nursing bags had features such as:
- A fully padded computer sleeve or laptop bag
- A zippered pouch or zippered pockets
- Hidden anti-theft pockets
- Padded shoulder straps
- A spacious main compartment
- Multiple storage compartments
- Adequate space
- Stain resistant fabric
- Waterproof fabric
From affordable options to higher price points, there is a best backpack here for you!
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Why We Love It
This durable backpack has a detachable thermal lunch bag that is constructed with easy-to-clean aluminum foil and durable Oxford cloth.
The roomy main compartment of this backpack offers reliable protection for your 15.6-inch laptop, thanks to its dedicated laptop sleeve and the main compartment bottom.
This backpack makes charging your phone on the go a breeze, thanks to the USB charging port conveniently located on its side and a built-in charging cable inside.
Product Features
- Keeps meals fresh and drinks chilled while on-the-go
- Detachable thermal lunch bag with easy-to-clean aluminum foil and durable Oxford cloth
- Maintains the temperature of food for up to 3-5 hours
- Roomy main compartment for 15.6-inch computer with dedicated sleeve and bottom for reliable protection
- USB charging port conveniently located on the side for easy phone charging on-the-go
- Built-in charging cable included (power bank not included
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Why We Love It
This backpack is both spacious and practical. With a generous 20L capacity, it boasts two roomy compartments and 18 pockets, making it effortless to organize all your school supplies and carry up to 15.6″ laptops with ease.
LOVEVOOK states they are committed to complete customer satisfaction and product confidence. They offer a no-risk purchase with 12-hour customer service, a 30-day no-reason return policy, and a 3-year quality warranty on all backpacks.
Product Features
- Ample storage capacity in a multi-compartment and large open design for easy and efficient organization.
- Made from high-quality polyester material for heavy-duty and robust nature.
- Thick shoulder straps and strong handles for durability and comfort.
- No-slip zippers and reinforced seams for extra strength.
- Built-in USB charging port for phone charging on-the-go.
- Power bank is not included with the backpack.
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Why We Love It
The front compartment is a big open pouch with a media pocket, two small zipper pockets for open pouches, a media pocket, a small zip pocket, two small pockets for pen/pencil loops, two small pockets, a media pocket, and an open mesh pocket.
Product Features
- Padded compartment designed for a 17.3″ computer and a padded iPad compartment in the interior
- Two open mesh side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella
- Two inner pockets with open mesh side pockets and two inner mesh pockets for pen/pencil loops
- Large zip pocket for additional storage
- Anti-theft pocket located at the rear of the bag for secure storage of important items while traveling
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Why We Love It
This backpack features front mesh side pockets, a water bottle pocket, a front pocket organizer top, a front utility pocket, a pleated front stash pocket, and a zippered front stash pocket.
Product Features
- Extra-large carrying and storage capacity with two main compartments and a padded computer sleeve
- Made with high-quality, durable, and recycled material.
- Sturdy web haul handle for easy carrying
- Ergonomic S-curve straps and fully padded back panel for all-day comfort
- Available in over multiple different colors, prints, and patterns
Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack
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Why We Love It
This backpack is spacious enough to hold a laptop, books, and more, making it the perfect choice for busy nurses.
Product Features
- Large multi-compartment design with a 17-inch padded computer sleeve
- Organizational pockets for extra scrubs, keys, cell phones, and all the things you need
- Two mesh water bottle pockets are located on either side of the backpack.
- Compact size and lightweight for easy travel, yet large enough to hold all your essentials
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Why We Love It
Crafted from a trendy chevron quilted polyester-twill material, these medical bags boast a water-resistant exterior with stylish gold-plated zippers.
The interior is lined with a tear-resistant stripe polyester material that is perfect for daily use.
Product Features
- Separate padded tech pocket in the main chamber area
- Padded tablet pocket in the main laptop compartment that is compatible with most tablets
- Breathable and adjustable padded shoulder straps at the rear exterior of the backpack for maximum comfort
- Trolley strap on the back of the backpack that fits over most luggage upright handles and an easy-to-carry top grab handle
- Weighs 2.15 lbs and is compatible with most tablets and computers up to 15 inches
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Why We Love It
The travel backpack with wheels can be converted into a backpack and has foldaway covers that act as wheel covers when used as a backpack.
- Has a main compartment with many smaller compartments, including a laptop compartment to keep your things organized.
- You can either wear it as a regular backpack or use the wheels to roll it around. The wheels have a cover so they don’t get your clothes dirty.
- The handle is strong and durable so you can roll it easily without it breaking. This backpack is great for traveling, business trips, or going to school.
Product Features
- Ample storage capacity that can accommodate laptops up to 16 inches in size.
- Padded compartment to protect your electronics
- Workstation for chargers, tablets, phones, and other tech accessories
- Backpack straps can be tucked away for easy toting or switched to the soft-grip handle for rolling the backpack
- Large compartment to store scrubs, books, documents, folders, and clothes, with elastic straps to keep everything in place.
- It can be used as a rolling computer backpack or wheeled computer bag
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Why We Love It
This backpack keeps food warm and drinks cold for 2-4 hours. A high-quality insulation layer keeps food fresh and is easy to clean.
Product Features
- The main compartment, laptop sleeve, and pocket organizer provide excellent storage capacity
- Durable zippers ensure smooth use
- A separate main storage area and dedicated computer sleeves provide full storage capacity for various items such as lunch boxes, clothes, water bottles, umbrellas, wallets, and keys
- A charging port and two interior pockets included
- Both side pockets can hold umbrellas or water bottles
- Water-resistant fabric protects your supplies from getting wet
- Shoulder straps are designed for long-time wear
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Why We Love It
This is a large and stylish laptop backpack with a 20L volume and durable, water-resistant nylon material.
It has a wide-open design with a rectangular frame and reinforced edges, providing easy access to items at the bottom and keeping the perfect shape of the bag.
Product Features
- Multiple pockets and compartments, including exterior and interior pockets, side pockets, a dedicated laptop holder
- It can hold books, iPad, Kindle, cell phone, wallet, umbrella, cosmetics, and more
- Adjustable padded wide shoulder straps and luggage straps for convenient carrying
- USB charging port on the side of the backpack with built-in charging cable (POWER BANK not included)
- Front compartment with opening magnetic flap and back zipper pocket for anti-theft features
FAQs Backpacks for Nurses
It can be hard to figure out what the best backpack is for you. With all of the different brands on the market, it is no surprise as to why.
We’ve created a guide with a few frequently asked questions to help you choose the best nurse or nursing school backpack for your needs. This guide will help you understand what to look for when deciding between the best nursing bags and tote bags for your lifestyle.
What is the best nursing backpack?
The best nursing backpack is the one that supports your needs and style. You want a backpack that is spacious enough to carry your scrubs, shoes, and nursing essentials and lightweight enough to wear to school or the hospital. Do your research, read reviews, and don’t forget to choose a design that matches your scrubs!
What do RNs have in their work bags?
Nurses are always prepared, so you can bet that their backpacks are packed with everything they need to save the day. From stethoscopes to scissors, pens, and hand sanitizers, a nurse’s backpack is a treasure trove of medical supplies.
What supplies do I need for my nursing school clinicals?
In addition to having a stethoscope and comfortable shoes, nursing students also need a penlight, a blood pressure cuff, a watch with a second hand, and a medical dictionary in their nursing school bag. Don’t forget snacks, water, and a positive attitude!
What types of bags do nurses use?
Nurses use all sorts of bags, from backpacks to tote bags and fanny packs. Each bag has its own benefits, so it really depends on personal preference.
Backpacks are great for carrying heavier items, while totes are perfect for everyday essentials. And, let’s not forget fanny packs – they may not be the most fashionable, but they’re definitely practical for quick access to medical supplies.
What To Look For When Buying Backpacks for Nurses
Great organizational ability. You need to be able to organize all your supplies like a pro, so look for a backpack that can hold your stethoscope, pens, snacks, water bottle, and whatever else you need to save the day.
Durability. You don’t want a backpack that falls apart faster than a Jenga tower during a hurricane. Look for materials that can withstand the rough and tumble life of a nurse.
A cute design. Medical students and other healthcare professionals don’t need to sacrifice style. You want a backpack that looks good and makes you feel confident, even if you’re covered in bodily fluids.
A reasonable price tag. You don’t want to blow your entire paycheck on a backpack, but you also don’t want to buy one that’s so cheap it falls apart after one use. Look for a backpack that’s reasonably priced and won’t leave you crying in the break room.
Consider rolling bags if you need something more lightweight.
Tips For Organizing
First and foremost, invest in a sturdy backpack with great support and room to carry all your scrubs, nursing accessories, and nursing gear.
Keep a stash of snacks in your bag, because you never know when your blood sugar might crash during a nursing school clinical rotation. And let’s be real, hangry nurses are a force to be reckoned with.
Keep a mini hand sanitizer bottle attached to your backpack, because germs are everywhere, and ain’t nobody got time for that.
Use a small pencil case to store all your writing utensils, because digging around in your bag for a rogue pen is a recipe for disaster.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack a sense of humor, because nursing school can be tough, but a good laugh can make all the difference.
What Supplies Should Nurses Have in Their Nursing Bags?
Nurses and students typically have a lot of equipment and supplies to carry with them in their bags on a daily basis. Here are some items that you should consider keeping with you:
- Stethoscope: This is an essential tool for any nursing student. Make sure to invest in a good-quality stethoscope that will last you throughout your nursing career.
- Penlight: A penlight is an important tool for assessing patients’ pupils and checking for any signs of neurological damage.
- Pocket Organizer: A pocket organizer can help keep all of your supplies organized in one place. This will save you time and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
- Scissors: A good pair of medical scissors can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting bandages and clothing in emergency situations.
- Clipboard: A clipboard can help you keep track of your patient notes, assessments, and other important information.
- Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is important for preventing the spread of germs in clinical settings.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important for your overall health and well-being. Make sure to bring a water bottle with you to nursing school and clinicals.
- Snacks: Nursing school can be demanding, and you may not always have time for a full meal. Bring some healthy snacks with you to help you power through long days.
- Textbooks: Nursing students typically have several textbooks and study guides that they’ll need to bring with them to class and clinicals.
- Notebook: Keep a notebook with you to take notes during lectures and clinicals.
Remember, this is just a basic list, and you may need to add or remove items based on your individual needs and program requirements.
Best Backpacks For Nurses Advice
So what’s the best backpack for nurses? The answer may vary from person to person, but we’ve tried to provide a variety of the best options for you to choose from based on reading thousands of reviews.
All you have to do is just tap the button to check the price of the best nursing backpacks. Thanks for stopping by!
Additional Recommended Reading:
by Dr. Linda Marcuccilli | Dec 3, 2020 | Nurse Career, Nurse Life, Nurse Mom Life, Nurse Work Life Balance
Online Nursing School Tips For Success
Congratulations on starting your online nursing degree program!
You can go back to school without sitting in a classroom, fighting traffic, or even finding a parking spot like you would at a brick-and-mortar university. Instead, you can go straight home after work, cook your family dinner, help your kids with homework, and then work on your studies when everyone is asleep.
Starting online nursing school is something to be proud of. But in the back of your mind, you may be thinking, “Should I have waited until the pandemic is over? Will I be too overwhelmed with online learning?”
Online nursing school is challenging no matter when you do it. But you can still be successful, even during the pandemic.
Before addressing these concerns, see if one of the following four scenarios below mirrors your current lifestyle.
Scenario 1: You come home from work after being exposed to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 patients. You have not eaten. You have not gone to the bathroom. You are going on zero sleep because your 6-month old was up all night long. You come home from work and immediately bombarded with the needs of your children. Your babysitter has left the house in disarray, and now your husband calls and says he has to work late. Your online program starts next week, and you think, how am I going to do this?
Scenario 2: You are home-schooling your children and have a one-year-old who just learned to walk. You decide to get up early to get a head start on your work. You managed to get a couple of hours of work done until your 12-year old announces he needs help with an e-learning project that is due at 9:00 a.m. – the same time you have an important meeting. You sign in to Zoom, forget to mute, and the camera is on. You can be seen running after your diaperless 1-year old screaming in delight, thinking it’s playtime. The day is long and hard, with chores needing to be done, and your online program started today.
Scenario 3: You are now in the 3rd week of your online course. The COVID surge has hit your hospital hard, and you are working 60+ hours a week. You are already behind in two assignments and lagging in the discussions. You want to stay in class, but you also need to pay the bills and put food on the table. You need your degree to keep your job but don’t know what to do.
Scenario 4: You are working from home and get a call from the nursing home that your mother has taken a turn for the worst. You get in your car and receive a call that your 16-year old is COVID-positive and is coming home to quarantine. You haven’t seen your friends in ages and abandoned your own health care needs months ago. This whole pandemic has been very hard for you emotionally, and you don’t know how much more you can take. Your degree program is the LAST on your mind right now.
I’m sure many of you can relate to all or parts of these scenarios as you continue to ponder if online education is for you. You are not alone.
Online Learning and Reflections on Your Experiences
Before you think that pursuing your online degree during the pandemic may not be a good option, consider this: Part of learning online is about reflecting upon your experiences as a professional nurse AND applying these experiences to assignments in your classes. If you wait until the pandemic is over, you might miss out on one of the best opportunities of your life for reflection, personal and professional growth.
In all universities, objectives and curricula are designed according to national standards, such as an online RN-BSN program. Curricula contain specific courses for the program and are further broken down into course content.
Course content is typically divided into two main sections: discussions and assignments. Students have an opportunity to reflect upon and apply their experiences to demonstrate how they have met the overall program and university objectives. Therefore, the experiences you have accumulated from working through this pandemic can help you succeed in meeting program and university objectives.
What Can I Do to Be Successful in the Online Setting?
Now that you’ve considered the scenarios outlined above, there are ways to overcome many of those hurdles. Whether you are thinking about going to school online or have already started your educational journey, here are online nursing school tips you can integrate into your lifestyle right now.
Additional recommended reading:
Online Nursing School Tips For Success:
Support is Key
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professors, advisors, and loved ones. Your school has many resources to help you, from time management strategies to writing resources.
It is important to learn about these resources right away. Find out who your advisor is and discuss any concerns you have. Communicate with your professor often. A simple email indicating that you need help, or keeping them informed about ongoing circumstances in your life, keeps the lines of communication open. You and your professor can come up with a plan for you to complete your work. Remember that they are nurses, too. They will understand.
It is recommended you do not choose an online program that does not offer this type of comprehensive support.
Create an Action Plan
Creating an action plan is vital. Why? Because you can see a snap-shot of all your roles and responsibilities from child care, employment, your study schedule, and more.
Your action plan can be just a simple sheet of paper or an elaborate spreadsheet with time-tables and prospective future endeavors. The best part of this action plan is that it is a working document. You can add or delete from your list and find more time to do the things you need to do.
Start a Reflective Journal
Many have reflected upon how their nursing roles have changed during the pandemic and pondered about where they see their professions headed in the future.
Reflection is essential in any nursing program because it allows you to apply your course content and develop new critical thinking skills in real-time. The best thing about online learning at this time is that you can use your professional experiences to help you complete your class assignments and have insightful discussions in class.
Writing down your reflections can be as simple as jotting down your experiences on a notepad, phone, or computer. Some of my best reflections occurred while listening to relaxing music and admiring nature and photography. Perhaps this strategy can work for you as well. Even just 5 minutes a day can help you gather your thoughts during these uncertain times.
Engagement!
Many nurses have verbalized that they may not have enough engagement in an online program. Not so!
Many online programs have innovative ways for professors and students to be engaged with one another, such as Zoom, Skype, Voki, and real-time audio and video. Most online nursing schools have discussion boards. Aspen University, for example, has the Nurse Cafe — in which you engage with your peers and professors on a variety of topics.
Online courses often have their own unique ways to encourage discussion and engagement. One of the main benifits is that online discussions are mostly asynchronous, which means you can partake in discussions anytime during the week – 24/7!
Practice Self-Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a great deal of stress, anxiety, and burnout for many of us. Self-care activities — like proper sleep, healthy diet, stretching, and other small changes to your daily routine — are so important as you treat patients and work your way through your online degree program.
Additional recommended reading:
Don’t Ever Lose Sight of your Determination and Passion!
This is true not only in nursing but also in life. The nursing courses you will be taking may ask you to focus on a topic you are passionate about – perhaps you discover that you have a great interest in developing evidence-based policy/procedures for addressing future pandemics. Whatever your passion is, make sure that you hold it close to your heart and remain determined to reach all of your dreams and goals.
But most importantly, remember this as you continue to ponder your future in higher learning through an online setting:
Passion and determination make up the core of our aspirations, and higher learning sets the stage to help you showcase your dreams.
About The Author
Dr. Linda Marcuccilli is a professor of nursing at Aspen University and a registered nurse for 33 years. She developed a research program involving persons with implantable ventricular devices, published her research in several peer-reviewed nursing journals, and presented her research across the nation.
Dr. Marcuccilli is the author of the book The Journey Through Graduate School: Flourish and Be Happy and her blog Inspiring Learners: Find the Passion Within.
Additional recommended reading:
by Sarah Jividen | Mar 12, 2020 | Nurse Life, Nurse Scrubs & Accessories
This post has been sponsored by Zebra Pen. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is an astronomical amount of information to remember as a first-time nursing student or as a career nurse who returns to college or university for an advanced degree education. With all the meaty textbooks, scientific lectures, and in-patient clinical training, it can make even the most diligent learners feel overwhelmed.
Which leaves many nurses asking, what is the most effective way to retain all of this information?
As it turns out, research shows that putting your pen to paper (instead of typing notes on a computer) can help you take your education to the next level.
That is one reason why, as a nurse and healthcare freelance writer, using a Zebra STEEL G-402® Gel Retractable Pen has been my voice for notetaking. It is a pen made for savvy and confident professionals and it allows me to whittle down my most important thoughts on paper instantly.
In fact, all of my daily, weekly, and monthly goal-setting is freehand written with my STEEL G-402 and paper. My goals are what keep me focused and successful, both at work and in my personal life. Check out more information here to see how you can Choose Different.
Here Are 3 Ways Using a Zebra Pen and Paper Will Help You Succeed in Nursing School:
1. Notetaking with a pen boosts memory and helps you retain more information
Taking notes with a laptop has become the norm for our tech-savvy generation of students who want to refer back to every detail that a professor says in class. However, this may not be the best way to learn when it comes to notetaking. In fact, from a learning and memorization standpoint, typing may cause you to remember less compared to taking handwritten notes in class.
A recent study has shown that students using laptops were able to take an overflowing amount of word-for-word notes, but they performed worse when tested on the ideas compared to students who handwrote notes. Writing handwritten notes helps with cognition, especially for students learning complex medical information.
2. Freehand writing with a pen and paper sharpens critical thinking
My professors in college reminded us that the nurses who succeed are the ones who learn how to “think critically” in school. In other words, take the facts and form a judgment. It makes sense to me now—every ATI test in nursing school, as well as the nursing boards, are almost ALL critical thinking/multiple-choice questions.
In the real world, nurses must take the medical facts and form a judgment on how to treat the patient in the correct order. Lives often depend on it. Handwriting allows you to “critically think” about data more effectively than typing. You can form more transparent connections between thoughts, instead of just typing out lecture information verbatim. Another way using pens can help you learn more critically is by using colored pens to organize your thoughts on paper.
3.Freehand writing can help you manage the stress that comes with nursing school
The benefits of putting pen to paper do more than improve brain health and enhance learning in the classroom. Your mental health can benefit from journaling sessions. Expressive writing can help decrease stress, lower blood pressure, improve organ function, and improve your mood. All good things for stressed-out nursing students!
Freehand journaling is a tool that you can use throughout your nursing program and into your nursing career to help keep your mind in a positive state. In fact, writing with a pen increases neural activity in certain areas of the brain in a similar way to meditation.
To thrive in the nursing profession, you must take care of yourself first. Being a nurse in charge of someone’s life can be extremely stressful, especially when dealing with very sick patients. Consider starting a daily journal to help you manage the anxiety that can arise from the responsibility of caring for patient’s lives.
Why I use a Zebra Pen STEEL G-402 gel pen as a nurse and freelance healthcare writer:
I keep a STEEL G-402 and a notebook in my bag, at my desk, and on the side table next to my bed. That way, I can write a quick note to myself at any time. If my mind throws out an idea that I want to remember, I jot it down quickly with my STEEL G-402 so I can remember it later when I sit down to write.
In addition to supplementing my writing and research, the STEEL G-402 is a(n):
- Affordable writing accessory for nurses
- Heavier weighted pen, which makes it more comfortable to write with for more extended periods
- Durable pen with a steel metal barrel so that it doesn’t fall apart like other cheap pens in the hospital
In the nursing profession, where I wear the same scrub uniform as everyone else, there are very few ways that I can distinguish myself as an individual. So, I show it with my zany compression socks, my nifty coffee mug, and my stylish Zebra Pens! Check out more information here to see how you can Choose Different.
The Zebra Pen: A lifelong learning tool for nurses
Working nurses will tell you that nursing school will be the hardest thing you ever do. But by preparing yourself with the right tools to succeed and studying as efficiently as possible, you will tackle your knowledge base with the esteem of a seasoned nurse.
Just remember to keep your laptop close, but your pen closer.
by Sarah Jividen | Jan 24, 2020 | Nurse Career
Nurses are in demand more than ever. So if you’re looking to change careers, here’s why you should consider a career in nursing.
Right now, there are over 4 million nurses in the US. However, due to the current healthcare environment and the fact that people are living longer lifespans, more nurses are still needed. The number of nurse jobs are expected to explode in the next decade, with some statistics showing that over 400,000 new nurses will be needed by 2024!
The dynamic growth of the nursing profession
One of the reasons for the nursing care demand is that both the general population and the nurse population are aging. Therefore, we need a lot of newer nurses to care for patients. Nurse Educators and Nurse Administrators are two of the most in-demand careers at this time.
More information about nursing education and salaries
At the moment (as you can see in the below infographic), the cost of getting a master’s degree in nursing can range from $20,000 to over $60,000 depending on the school and the field chosen. However, many nurses are making a great living with the salaries they earn after graduation.
According to the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics, these are average nurse salaries in the US.
- RNs $69,110
- Nurse Educators $73,150
- Nurse Administrators $94,500
For more information on the dynamic growth of the nursing profession, take a look at the infographic below.
Infographic Design By Norwich University
by Sarah Jividen | Sep 25, 2018 | Blogging, Nurse Blogger, Nurse Life
In 2015 I became a nurse blogger. This venture was born out of my frustration with burnout as a registered nurse and my desire to create a more flexible work-life balance.
For clarity, my niche (or at least the niche I am striving to create) is: “nurse mom lifestyle blogger with an emphasis on self-care and wellness.” My goal has always been to write about things that interest me in regards to nurse lifestyle and living a healthier, more purposeful life (with a little mom stuff thrown in).
I have been chipping away on my nurse blogging journey for about a year, and my (self-proclaimed) title has evolved a bit. I’m sure it will continue to change as I work to find my “voice.”
To explain how I became a nurse blogger, I have to take you back in time a bit…
Once upon a time, I studied journalism.
Way, way back in the day, before I ever even considered becoming a registered nurse, I was a striving college student at California State University, Chico. As a journalism major with a minor in women’s studies, I wrote for our student newspaper, The Orion, and I loved it. Each week I met with other writers to discuss ideas and topics that were going to write about that week. I enjoyed the teamwork and even though I felt way in over my head a lot of the time I absolutely loved the challenge.
Each week I met new and interesting people I would have otherwise crossed paths with. I interviewed athletes, a magician, doctors from the student health center, professors, and lots and lots of students. One time I interviewed a woman who made and sold her own essential oils and she gave me a few samples to take home with me. My 21-year-old brain was fascinated with the people I met.
The internet was in its earlier stages and many people still read the newspaper in print form. So, each Thursday I looked forward to walking on campus and picking up a copy of The Orion to find my name listed above my article.
A bad internship altered my career path.
I loved journalism. But my emphasis was in public relations, which I disliked immensely.
One summer break, I did a 3-month internship at a celebrity public relations firm in Los Angeles. I worked as an assistant to the president of the firm. He had me ghostwriting about how he was like Abraham Lincoln. If that sounds weird, it is because it was. I hated it. I felt used.
At the end of my 3-month internship, I left Los Angeles feeling like I wanted to go in a completely different direction. As I drove back up to Chico to complete my senior year, I considered new career options.
As graduation etched closer, I also started wondering how I was going to survive financially out in the world. The thought of paying my own way in the world and paying off my student loans filled me with worry.
I went from inspired writer to salesperson.
After graduation, I excepted a position selling medical equipment to hospital operating rooms. I thought it was best to follow the path that I thought lead to faster money. Frankly, it did.
Soon I became enveloped in the business of medical equipment sales. And unfortunately, I didn’t write again for another 9 years.
Medical device sales is an extremely competitive and stressful industry. But I continued to work hard. In fact, I was actually very good at my job. I consistently exceeded my yearly quotas. As a result, I made more money every year, which made it harder and harder to move into other more clinical roles.
I wanted to grow clinically and help my patients directly.
Those who know me, know that I’m not even the “salesy” type. However, I did enjoy talking about medical equipment that could improve the quality of life for our patients or even be life-saving in some circumstances. I didn’t realize it at the time, but what I really wanted was to be an actual healthcare professional who worked with patients directly.
(On reflection, I am so am grateful for my time in medical sales and I want to go back to work on the business side of healthcare at some point. My experiences have given me a much different perspective than many of my nurse peers. Working in the medical sales industry gave me valuable business and communication skills. I met a lot of great friends with whom I still have close relationships with. My organizational and time management skills are much more fine-tuned and I learned how to be a professional in the workplace. I just think of myself as being a little more well-rounded now!)
Just for fun, I toyed around with so many career ideas.
I took an amazing photography class in Venice (I’ll be a professional photographer! Yay!). I love practicing yoga so I thought becoming an instructor would be a great fit (I’ll become the next big yoga guru!). I even considered becoming a professional dog walker at one point and started writing a business plan! (Dogs are awesome, what can I say?).
After years of thinking about my professional future (and having several near mental breakdowns about it), I jokingly told my husband that maybe I should go back to nursing school. He responded with something like “you can do anything you want, but please do something because you might lose your mind!”
So, I did. And I have been working as a nurse at a major teaching facility for the last 6 years.
I went back to college for a second time.
After three years of nursing school, I graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing and I had a whole new journey ahead of me. I began my career specializing on a neuroscience and stroke unit and earned certifications as a Stroke Certified Registered Nurse and Public Health Nurse. In 2017, I began a new phase in my nursing career as an emergency room RN.
I also complimented my practice by becoming an Urban Zen Integrative Therapist. My intention was to help treat my patients with a more holistic approach using yoga and in-bed movements, guided meditation, Reiki, and essential oils. (I didn’t know at the time, but these were topics that I would write about frequently as a nurse blogger!).
An itch to write came back again.
A few years into my nursing career I had an urge to write again. I missed the creatively I had when writing back in my early college days. In addition, I wanted to create a more flexible career path for myself now that I am a busy mom with two great kiddos.
I also really do have a passion for nursing. I love that I help others for a living and I enjoy the mental stimulation I get at work during my 12-hour shifts. Becoming a nurse has even helped me deal with the craziness of motherhood in some ways because it helps me distinguish things that I should be concerned with things that are not a big deal. (I have my time on a neuroscience floor and as an ER nurse to thank for that!)
Becoming a nurse blogger was a logical next step. I am having so much fun learning how to make and manage a website. However, since I am already a busy ER nurse with two small babies I am very limited on time. I only have 5-6 hours a week to spend on the blog. But as my kids grow older and go to school the time will be there. Until then, I will just keep chipping away at it after the kids go to bed in the evenings.
A nursing practice can take many forms.
As I grow older (and hopefully wiser!) I am discovering that there are so many paths that nurses can take. The sky really is the limit as long as you work hard and are open to continually learning new skills.
My goal is to create a career for myself were I can combine my journalism degree with my nursing knowledge and motherly experience. This is the first “career” I have ever had where I didn’t have to fill out an extensive application and interview for the position. For the very first time, I am warming to the idea of being my OWN boss. And I really like it!
Never in a million years would my 21-year-old college-newspaper-writing- self would have guessed that I would be a nurse blogger. But every experience I have had up until now has been an important stepping stone to this place. And I have goosebumps just thinking about what I can make happen next. Stay tuned for more…
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