I've been a practicing nurse for 37 years mostly public health and school based nursing. Now working in an elementary school with 625 kids and every day find humor in the little folks I work with. Watching classes of kids walk past my clinic door as they go through the school keeps me chuckling. They twirl around, jump, dance, tiptoe, walk backwards. . . then the teacher looks back and reminds them they are supposed to "be in a straight line". Wish I'd started a journal way back when to remember the gems. Most of the time, though, I feel lucky to remember my own name.
I also work per diem at an assisted living facility to keep perspective.
By the way. . . there is no such thing as a "retired" nurse. People will always say "you're a nurse, should I . . . " or "will you look at my (fill in the body part). . ." or "my doctor told me to ____, what do you think about that advice".
You're right. We never really retire. I have a certificate from the State of California saying I'm retired and thanking me for my years of service. In real life, though, I'm asked about health, illness, anatomy & physiology, dying process, sick animals.... the skills are still there, just not the license. It must be great to work with children like that. You could probably write a book... when you retire!
It's an awesome profession for those of you just starting out. there is definitely something for everyone.
