Real Nursferatu
banner
realnurseferatu.bsky.social
Real Nursferatu
@realnurseferatu.bsky.social
Retired/Former Nurse Practitioner, Army Combat Veteran, Black Rock Ranger, Dog Lover, thinker, dude
I Got Stuck (But I’m Still Here)

Healing, Fallout, holidays, trauma, sobriety, and the slow work of learning how to exist after abuse. This is what being “functional” looks like right now.
I Got Stuck (But I’m Still Here)
Healing, Fallout, holidays, trauma, sobriety, and the slow work of learning how to exist after abuse. This is what being “functional” looks like right now.
nurseferatu.net
December 25, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Silence, Stigma, and Sobriety

A candid reflection on substance use, stigma, sobriety, and the quiet losses that come with recovery—and why silence can hurt more than judgment.
Silence, Stigma, and Sobriety
A candid reflection on substance use, stigma, sobriety, and the quiet losses that come with recovery—and why silence can hurt more than judgment.
nurseferatu.net
December 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
What’s the Obsession With Gay People?

Why do some people hear “gay” and immediately imagine sex? Here’s a blunt look at the obsession, the ignorance, and the humanity they keep missing.
What’s the Obsession With Gay People?
Why do some people hear “gay” and immediately imagine sex? Here’s a blunt look at the obsession, the ignorance, and the humanity they keep missing.
nurseferatu.net
December 8, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Leaving Nursing Behind (But Taking the Stories With Me)

A reflective look back at the unglamorous, unseen work of nursing — and the quiet pride of walking away with dignity, humor, and a lifetime of stories.
Leaving Nursing Behind (But Taking the Stories With Me)
A reflective look back at the unglamorous, unseen work of nursing — and the quiet pride of walking away with dignity, humor, and a lifetime of stories.
nurseferatu.net
December 8, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Optional in the Season of Togetherness

A quiet Thanksgiving weekend leads to reflections on loneliness, the feeling of being “optional,” and why the wasteland of Fallout sometimes feels more comforting than real life. Surgery recovery, complicated emotions, and a glitchy new update all blend into…
Optional in the Season of Togetherness
A quiet Thanksgiving weekend leads to reflections on loneliness, the feeling of being “optional,” and why the wasteland of Fallout sometimes feels more comforting than real life. Surgery recovery, complicated emotions, and a glitchy new update all blend into one simple truth: even in chaos, we find who stands by us.
nurseferatu.net
December 5, 2025 at 4:09 AM
FUBAR: How America Is Deliberately Destroying Its Own Healthcare

A frustrated, profanity-tinged rant about the deliberate dismantling of American healthcare, the rise of medical conspiracy theories, and the dangerous political decisions putting millions at risk.
FUBAR: How America Is Deliberately Destroying Its Own Healthcare
A frustrated, profanity-tinged rant about the deliberate dismantling of American healthcare, the rise of medical conspiracy theories, and the dangerous political decisions putting millions at risk.
nurseferatu.net
November 22, 2025 at 9:57 PM
When the Heart Falls: Grief, Memory, and the Strange Ways Love Stays With Us

A reflective piece about grief, memory, and the strange comfort of feeling a loved one’s presence long after they’re gone—told through a weekend of reflection, a glowing acrylic heart, and the quiet ways a mother’s love…
When the Heart Falls: Grief, Memory, and the Strange Ways Love Stays With Us
A reflective piece about grief, memory, and the strange comfort of feeling a loved one’s presence long after they’re gone—told through a weekend of reflection, a glowing acrylic heart, and the quiet ways a mother’s love lingers.
nurseferatu.net
November 21, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Fallout: A Game That Saved My Life

A weekend trip to a Fallout gathering in Goodsprings, Nevada turned into a reminder of why the game has been my refuge, my metaphor, and sometimes my lifeline.
Fallout: A Game That Saved My Life
A weekend trip to a Fallout gathering in Goodsprings, Nevada turned into a reminder of why the game has been my refuge, my metaphor, and sometimes my lifeline.
nurseferatu.net
November 19, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Empathy, Pain, and a Midnight Scorched Attack

A 3:30 a.m. flare-up turns into an unexpected lesson in empathy, pain management, and the strange parallels between real-life recovery and surviving the Wasteland. Sometimes even nurses need a refresher in giving a damn.
Empathy, Pain, and a Midnight Scorched Attack
A 3:30 a.m. flare-up turns into an unexpected lesson in empathy, pain management, and the strange parallels between real-life recovery and surviving the Wasteland. Sometimes even nurses need a refresher in giving a damn.
nurseferatu.net
November 13, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Toddlers, Tantrums, and the Temptation of the Wasteland

Even in the Fallout universe, the monsters are easier to deal with than the ones outside your front door. A veteran’s reflection on civility, escapism, and the urge to leave the nursery behind.
Toddlers, Tantrums, and the Temptation of the Wasteland
Even in the Fallout universe, the monsters are easier to deal with than the ones outside your front door. A veteran’s reflection on civility, escapism, and the urge to leave the nursery behind.
nurseferatu.net
November 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Well, Hell—Someone Said It Better

A shared post worth stealing: a veteran’s reflection that captures everything from bad coffee to unbreakable bonds. Sometimes the words that hit hardest aren’t your own—they just remind you who you are.
Well, Hell—Someone Said It Better
A shared post worth stealing: a veteran’s reflection that captures everything from bad coffee to unbreakable bonds. Sometimes the words that hit hardest aren’t your own—they just remind you who you are.
nurseferatu.net
November 11, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Silent Service and Shared Bonds

A reflection on service, pride, and brotherhood—from silent years of hiding who I was to finding strength in the bond that veterans share. This Veteran’s Day, I remember why we served, why we still stand, and why it still matters.
Silent Service and Shared Bonds
A reflection on service, pride, and brotherhood—from silent years of hiding who I was to finding strength in the bond that veterans share. This Veteran’s Day, I remember why we served, why we still stand, and why it still matters.
nurseferatu.net
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Shoulder to Shoulder With Mortality

Getting older means realizing death is no longer something that happens to “other people.” After surgery and reflection, I find myself thinking about mortality, regret, and the strange comfort of finally being honest about what hurts — and what doesn’t.
Shoulder to Shoulder With Mortality
Getting older means realizing death is no longer something that happens to “other people.” After surgery and reflection, I find myself thinking about mortality, regret, and the strange comfort of finally being honest about what hurts — and what doesn’t.
nurseferatu.net
November 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The Weight That Never Leaves

Even after bariatric surgery, the hardest weight to lose isn’t physical—it’s the one that lives in your head. This reflection explores the lingering scars of body image, the echoes of past criticism, and the lifelong work of learning to see yourself with kindness.
The Weight That Never Leaves
Even after bariatric surgery, the hardest weight to lose isn’t physical—it’s the one that lives in your head. This reflection explores the lingering scars of body image, the echoes of past criticism, and the lifelong work of learning to see yourself with kindness.
nurseferatu.net
November 2, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Prepping for the Knife

Facing an upcoming shoulder replacement, I reflect on my Army days, the scars—both physical and emotional—and the strange peace that comes with surviving. I may be a little battered, but I’m still here, still writing, and still grateful for the second (or third) chances.
Prepping for the Knife
Facing an upcoming shoulder replacement, I reflect on my Army days, the scars—both physical and emotional—and the strange peace that comes with surviving. I may be a little battered, but I’m still here, still writing, and still grateful for the second (or third) chances.
nurseferatu.net
November 1, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Small Victories in the Wasteland

Learning to celebrate the small victories — in the Wasteland and in life — has become my quiet mantra. Between streaming, teaching again, and finding moments of peace through PTSD, I’m beginning to see that even small steps can feel monumental.
Small Victories in the Wasteland
Learning to celebrate the small victories — in the Wasteland and in life — has become my quiet mantra. Between streaming, teaching again, and finding moments of peace through PTSD, I’m beginning to see that even small steps can feel monumental.
nurseferatu.net
October 28, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Reflections from the Opera

A quiet afternoon at the opera turns into a reflection on grief, rumination, and the long shadow of regret. Sometimes, healing looks less like triumph and more like showing up for yourself one small outing at a time.
Reflections from the Opera
A quiet afternoon at the opera turns into a reflection on grief, rumination, and the long shadow of regret. Sometimes, healing looks less like triumph and more like showing up for yourself one small outing at a time.
nurseferatu.net
October 22, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Nala Goes to Wendover

A short trip to Wendover turned into a lesson in patience, service-dog etiquette, and why “no, you can’t pet her” isn’t up for debate.
Nala Goes to Wendover
A short trip to Wendover turned into a lesson in patience, service-dog etiquette, and why “no, you can’t pet her” isn’t up for debate.
nurseferatu.net
October 15, 2025 at 3:14 AM
It’s a favorite time of year here in the wasteland: Halloween.

It’s Halloween in the wasteland, and mischief is back on the menu. Between Fallout events, mental health reflections, and a quick trip to the Nevada border, I’m reminded that sometimes the safest bet isn’t on a slot machine — it’s on…
It’s a favorite time of year here in the wasteland: Halloween.
It’s Halloween in the wasteland, and mischief is back on the menu. Between Fallout events, mental health reflections, and a quick trip to the Nevada border, I’m reminded that sometimes the safest bet isn’t on a slot machine — it’s on showing up for yourself.
nurseferatu.net
October 13, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Fading Out

Aging and recovery have stripped away my illusions about friendship, loyalty, and judgment. Maybe that’s what getting older really means — realizing who walks beside you, and who was only ever there for the show.
Fading Out
Aging and recovery have stripped away my illusions about friendship, loyalty, and judgment. Maybe that’s what getting older really means — realizing who walks beside you, and who was only ever there for the show.
nurseferatu.net
October 9, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Let’s Talk About Dad, Shall We?

A reflection on fathers, family, and how love — like the mail — always finds its way, even through decades, distance, and the occasional super mutant.
Let’s Talk About Dad, Shall We?
A reflection on fathers, family, and how love — like the mail — always finds its way, even through decades, distance, and the occasional super mutant.
nurseferatu.net
October 7, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Finding Focus, Salsa, and Connection in the Wasteland

A quiet Sunday of canning salsa, streaming from the wasteland, and reflecting on attention, grief, and connection. Sometimes the simplest days are the ones that reveal the most.
Finding Focus, Salsa, and Connection in the Wasteland
A quiet Sunday of canning salsa, streaming from the wasteland, and reflecting on attention, grief, and connection. Sometimes the simplest days are the ones that reveal the most.
nurseferatu.net
October 6, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Lessons from the 2×4 School of Therapy

A few days in the wasteland, a few sessions in therapy, and one more reminder that grief doesn’t end—it just shifts shape. Sometimes the only way to learn grace is with a 2x4 to the head.
Lessons from the 2×4 School of Therapy
A few days in the wasteland, a few sessions in therapy, and one more reminder that grief doesn’t end—it just shifts shape. Sometimes the only way to learn grace is with a 2x4 to the head.
nurseferatu.net
October 5, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Autocorrect, the Wasteland, and Ghost Messages

Autocorrect may be funny in memes, but for me, it sometimes reopens a scar from the night everything changed. How a single misplaced word became a lasting reminder — and how I’ve learned to live with those strange, silent triggers.
Autocorrect, the Wasteland, and Ghost Messages
Autocorrect may be funny in memes, but for me, it sometimes reopens a scar from the night everything changed. How a single misplaced word became a lasting reminder — and how I’ve learned to live with those strange, silent triggers.
nurseferatu.net
September 30, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Escape to the Wasteland

Escaping into Fallout feels safer than reality these days. Between anti-science nonsense, political buffoonery, and déjà vu pandemics, the wasteland offers a strange kind of refuge
Escape to the Wasteland
Escaping into Fallout feels safer than reality these days. Between anti-science nonsense, political buffoonery, and déjà vu pandemics, the wasteland offers a strange kind of refuge
nurseferatu.net
September 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM