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The past month has been another roller coaster on my cancer journey. As has happened in the past, my treatments work for a while, and then I run into complications. After lab tests, a PET scan, another biopsy, and visits with my oncologist, I started yet another new medication regimen last Friday.
Because of the ups and downs of my cancer and the related treatments, I haven’t been able to work since March 2021. (For those of you who are new to my blog, I’m an RN by trade, and I also love to serve as a volunteer at nursing homes. My diagnosis has put both roles on hold.)
I’m so grateful that I could start receiving Social Security benefits last year when I turned 62. But my plan was always to return to nursing part-time in the future. Now I’m not so sure that’s realistic.
I’m at the point where I think it might be time to let my RN license go when it comes up for renewal in December. And I’m finding that decision very difficult to make. Here’s why.
My desire to become a nurse began at age eight, when my aunt gave me a book about Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. Throughout high school, I worked hard as a CNA to earn money for nursing school. College was challenging, but I gave it my all to fulfill my dream of becoming an RN. That was 41 years ago.
I won’t say working as a nurse is easy; it’s really hard at times, as any nurse will tell you. There are moments of feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, heartbroken, and sometimes even scared. But overall, I love being a nurse, and I find a great deal of fulfillment in my career.
I always planned to work as a nurse in one capacity or another for the rest of my life. But I never expected cancer to intrude on my decisions.
I considered continuing to renew my license even if I can’t actually work as an RN any longer. But keeping up a nursing license costs money. There are registration fees, continuing education classes, and malpractice insurance. I’m not so sure it’s worth the money simply to keep the letters “RN” behind my name.
Another nurse recently told me, “You can give up your RN license, but you’ll always be a nurse. You’ll always have your bachelor’s degree in nursing.” That’s so true!
What I’m thinking I might do is keep track of what I would normally spend on keeping up a nursing license, and instead use that money to do something special for myself, or with my friends or family each year. (I’ll keep you posted if that’s my decision.)
Of course, when I’m able, I would like to return to volunteering at the nursing home. Even though this doesn’t involve serving as an RN, I look forward to spending more time with the elders whom I love.
I would like to hear from any of my readers who have faced a similar dilemma. What advice would you offer?
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