Work Wear Wednesday | Blush Pink & Heather Gray

Hey y'all!  Just wanted to share a typical outfit I wore to work on last week.  I've briefly mentioned my daily occupation of being a school nurse.  I've been a Registered Nurse for over a decade now, with the majority of my career working on a Medical Surgical floor in a hospital setting.  I have "paid my dues", gained a plethora of experience and am confident in using my knowledge in helping others to heal physically, psychologically, holistically...in whatever way I can.

While working in the hospital I had strict policies of what comprised my work uniform.  Scrubs, Dansko shoes, lab coat, minimal jewelry and by the time I left the hospital environment we were no longer allowed to wear artificial nails.  I've never really been a fan of artificial nails anyway.  Just not my cup of tea.  I did however secretly loathe the fact that I couldn't showcase my personality through my choice of clothing.  And for good reason mind you.  I didn't want blood, vomit, or any other secretions on my wardrobe so scrubs it was for me.  

After many years in the hospital, I caught a bad case of what I call "burn-out syndrome".  This is when you feel you've done all you can (and then some) but it never seems to be enough.  And then life just happened.  I began a family and the long 12 hour shifts became burdensome.  I longed for time to read my kids a bed time story, tuck them in, kiss them good night.  While I did earn a larger salary than I do at present, I love having the peace of mind that I'm on the same schedule of my children.  Snow day? I'm off with the kiddos building snow men and making snow angels.  That would never happen when working at the hospital as it never closes.  There will always be someone in need of being nursed back to health.

So today, I cherish those moments I can spend the evening helping with homework, fixing dinner, bath time and story time.  My kids will only be young once and granted my income is modest, nothing compares to the tender and precious years that they need to be shaped and molded into young adults.  Do I feel I'm short changing my career potential as a nurse? Of course not.  I had a different plan to further my career and earn a master's degree.  But right now I owe my children, my family that much to help them become who they want to be.

Enough of my ramblings...lol.  I said all that to say this, I am sooooo happy to be able to wear all the lovely things hanging in my closet!  I absolutely love my job as a school nurse.  The children love me and I love them.  Some love me a little too much because I've noticed a trend and have encountered some "regular patients" throughout the school year.  Those are my babies too...lol.  They come in and say, "Nurse Heaggans I scraped my finger on the corner of my cubby."  I look and see nothing...lol.  I always happily bandage their "scraped finger" and send them on their way back to class with a smile.  I love that part of my job.  Being that I'm on a tighter budget than ever before, I shop a LOT of thrift and clearance items.  Both my blouse and slacks were purchased secondhand.  The pumps and handbag are new but were on clearance.

Blouse:  Cato Fashions via The Clothes Mentor $4

Slacks:  Thrifted from Goodwill $4

Kitten Heels:  Payless Shoes

Handbag:  Cato Fashions

And let's talk about this fabulous statement necklace!  I found this lucite neck piece from...wait for it...Wal-Mart!  Wal-Mart has really upped the ante with their jewelry line.  I love the pale pink stones in this piece, not too gaudy.  Just the right conversation starter annnnd it was marked down for just $3 *gasps*!  I couldn't believe it.  I snatched this one and a couple more.  You shall see those featured soon on the blog as well. Until next time....

Peace and love,

xo Kishina xo

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