Abstract
This article is a personal reflection on a long career in cardiovascular nursing. The author focuses on some of the lessons learned and on individuals pivotal to her learning. Major lessons relate to managing stress by maintaining a sense of perspective in the face of minor frustrations, creating significance from seemingly insignificant interactions and situations, and making career decisions that are based on personal as well as monetary rewards. She also discusses the satisfaction of developing expertise in a health care specialty and the importance of finding clinical mentors. Finally, she reflects on the challenges and rewards of teaching.