Being a nurse is how I started my farm...

April 18, 2019

Yep, working as a nurse is how I came to have a farm. I grew up with animals. I have always had animals. I always wanted a farm. But...to have a farm, you need seed money. When we moved to California, I saw a flyer about 4-H at my son's school. We went to one meeting and then we were hooked. I saw so many opportunities. Yes, I was just excited about it as my kid was. It gave me the excuse to start my farm full of animals.

Working as a nurse 12-hour shifts, 3 days a week gave me the flexibility of additional time. And as I progressed in my field, it also gave me the luxury of seed money to obtain and maintain my farm.

Do I love being a nurse? Is being a nurse rewarding?  My answer, Most times.

The schooling was hard. I made it. Jobs were once slim, now plentiful. Job security, yes and no. Work at the right place and you are secure in your job. The good thing about being a nurse is if one place is not a right fit for you, there are dozens of others just waiting for you. I love meeting new people every day in my job. Each person is someone's mom, dad, son, or daughter. A nurse should treat each patient like family, like they would want to be treated. A nurse sees people in a vulnerable point in their life, when they are sick or injured, and we are remembered for how we made them feel, not necessarily what we did for them during that tough time. I have been working in the same place for going on 19 years and I still going strong. I appreciate the security my profession has provided me.

Nursing skills on the farm...my knowledge is priceless on the farm. I understand how illnesses and injuries work. I have some understanding of homemade remedies that can help my animals heal. Basic household ingredients like sugar, salt, honey, baking soda, and more can be used. My training in wound care has also proved very useful. Husbandry, also another nursing skill that has proven very useful on the farm. I have assisted in more births than I can count. Of course, natural birth is best, but when your mommy needs help because the babies are turned the wrong way or won't come out, my nursing knowledge from attending human high-risk deliveries has been helpful.  

So, in summary, being a nurse has helped me be a good farmer : )

to learn more about my farming adventures, click here

to learn more about my nursing journey, click here