A bruja In nursing school

February 3, 2026

I really tried to think of a better title.. I really did. Maybe it’s a creative block, or too much critical thinking, either way, it’s more important I write this story than think of the perfect, sophisticated title.

As I did my 5 min yoga practice by the light of the full moon in my casita this morning, praying my toddler would not wake up too early again, I had a burst of inspiration and direction from the spirit of creativity… “write about this moment in your life”.

I began studying women’s health and herbal medicine at the age of 17, under a true witch’s mentorship. Then found a curandera to study with for 5 years when I moved to New Mexico. In between these two I’ve had countless teachers - from midwives, to medicine men in the jungle, to Native American herbalists, yogis, massage therapists, and so on.

14 years working, learning, living and understanding the world of traditional, earth-based, ancestral healing and medicine… and here I am in Nursing school.

This is the beginning of my first semester. And as I entered it, I shared with my community with hesitation - them knowing who I am and what I do. I kept hearing the same thing, over and over again: “Don’t let them break you”.

It was exactly encouraging. But I do like a challenge.

“And for my next trick, I will graduate Nursing school, become an RN, and maintain a connection with my spirit and the spirit living in all things.”

I can already see it now… the urgency, the pressure, the conformity… to hustle and stress and get bogged down. Little do my teachers know that I have a natural rebellious streak about me. And now, my mission is to do EXCEPTIONALLY well in school, and keep my peace, my sanity and my connection to the TRUTH intaked.

How?

Moments of stillness.

Moments of appreciation and joy.

Designated time for myself and my daughter.

Deep breathes, conscious action, support, love, and time management.

Not big vacations where I forget about the world and fuck it all.

Not taking up a new vice or addiction to feel in control.

And certainly not just getting by.

No. I want to thrive. Even as a bruja in nursing school. Maybe even BECAUSE I am a bruja in nursing school.

What if I was successful BECAUSE I know what I know. Because I have a solid grasp on myself, and the ways of nature, and how to hear my heart, and how to be mindful.

Many folks are driven out of nursing or the medical profession, and into the world of “alternative medicine”, like yoga or herbalism or TCM, etc. And for good reason, I might add.

But what if my knowledge and foundation in the “alternative” world is what makes me a success as a nurse.

A true infiltration… the ultimate act of rebellion.

I wouldn’t be the first, so I know it’s possible.

Along with folks urging me to not let the Western Medical Complex break my spirit, I also hear, “We need someone like you in the field”. I don’t mean to sound dramatic (though it is far too late for that), but in all sincerity, I feel an obligation to the people. Not to suffer or drag myself through school, but to keep excelling in my calling because it is needed. Truly needed.

If I needed a purpose in life, on top of raising a strong woman, I’ve got another one right in front of me.