A new way of thinking

Well, Orientation has begun...and the nerves are mounting. I haven't even had my official PhD intro day yet, where I'm sure I'll hear all the nitty-gritty and panic even more. But even having lunch with a 4th-year PhD student was enlightening. I am starting to realize I will have to embrace a new way of thinking. I suppose there was some mental adjustment, if I remember, when I was learning how to practice as a nurse practitioner from bedside nursing. But this change in thinking seems even more dramatic to me. To this point, all of my training and experience in nursing is in a clinical context. But now I feel I am leaving the clinician in me behind, and have to cultivate the researcher in me. As excited as I am about learning how to be a researcher, prolific publisher, and professional expert on my topic, I realize the task is daunting. Nonetheless, I hate to completely give up clinical practice 100%; it feels weird. I asked the 4th-year PhD student her opinion on working clinically at least one day a week. She did not recommend it due to the rigors of the program. She said I will be so busy and overwhelmed that I should avoid it, if possible. While I realize she is probably right, it is a bit sad. Yet, since I can see I am in for a big change, I will certainly heed any cautionary tales at this point.