Before You Walk Away: A Veteran Nurse on How to Survive Without Losing Yourself

In this heartfelt conversation, Jan sits down with Christina, a veteran labor & delivery nurse, to talk about the realities no one warns you about in nursing, especially in L&D. Christina pulls back the curtain on the emotional weight of caring for moms and babies, navigating high-stakes decisions, workplace bullying, and the moments that nearly made her walk away from the profession altogether. Together, they explore what it really takes to stay: anchoring back to your "why," protecting your mental health, setting boundaries so the job doesn't consume your life, and finding ways to unload the stories nurses carry long after a shift ends. Christina also shares wisdom from her personal life, including rediscovering herself as an empty nester, prioritizing self-care, and choosing family and joy alongside a demanding career. This episode is an honest, grounding reminder for nurses who feel stretched thin that you don't have to quit to breathe, and you don't have to carry it all alone.   CONNECT WITH JAN DATU:  https://www.instagram.com/jan.datu1738/  https://www.facebook.com/JanDatuPhoto/  www.JanDatu.com    TAKEAWAYS Nursing is like riding roller coasters, full of ups and downs. Experience in different nursing fields enriches perspective. Labor and delivery nursing is not just about joy; it involves significant challenges. Most mothers today are dealing with health complications during pregnancy. Lifestyle factors, including diet and stress, contribute to maternal health issues. Complications like preeclampsia are becoming more common in pregnancies. Emotional resilience is crucial for nurses dealing with difficult situations. Support systems at home are vital for managing the emotional toll of nursing. New nurses should approach their roles with humility and a willingness to learn. The future of nursing may involve more integrated care models for mothers and babies. Many early career nurses struggle with perseverance. Having a support system in healthcare is crucial. Passion for nursing can inspire the next generation. Travel nursing can be a fulfilling career choice. Balancing family life with a nursing career is challenging but possible. Support from partners is essential for traveling nurses. Travel nursing can offer more family time than staff nursing. Night shifts require adjustment and self-care strategies. Burnout is a common concern among nurses. Cultural practices can significantly influence childbirth experiences. Continuous learning is vital in the nursing profession. Experiences with multiple births can be both challenging and rewarding. Mental health support is necessary for healthcare workers. Creating a community for nurses can help alleviate stress. Open communication about mistakes can improve healthcare culture. Rediscovering oneself after children leave home is a journey.   CHAPTERS 00:00Introduction and Context of Nursing Experience 02:54The Journey into Labor and Delivery Nursing 06:02Challenges and Realities of Labor and Delivery 08:51Understanding Patient Health Trends 12:02The Impact of Lifestyle on Maternal Health 14:59High-Risk Pregnancies and Complications 18:01Navigating Difficult Situations in Labor and Delivery 20:47The Emotional Toll of Nursing in High-Stakes Situations 25:55Navigating Emotional Challenges in Nursing 28:36Compartmentalization: Balancing Work and Home Life 31:34Learning from Experience: What Not to Do 33:55Transitioning into Labor and Delivery Nursing 36:50The Evolution of Labor and Delivery Practices 40:18Family Dynamics in Nursing Careers 45:47The Passion Behind Nursing: A Personal Journey 48:37Travel Nursing: Balancing Family and Career 56:02Surviving Night Shifts: Tips and Tricks 58:42Understanding Burnout in Nursing 01:00:34The Influence of Celestial Events on Labor and Delivery 01:02:44Cultural Practices in Childbirth 01:04:50Learning from Experience in a Teaching Hospital 01:06:11Challenges of Multiple Birth Deliveries 01:08:56Supporting Nurses' Mental Health 01:10:54The Importance of Peer Support in Healthcare 01:12:47Creating Community for Healthcare Workers 01:15:10The Need for Self-Care in Nursing 01:17:45Rediscovering Identity After Parenthood 01:19:57The Journey of Personal Transformation 01:30:44Legacy of Love and Compassion