Why did you become a Nurse?

Posts: 27 · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 27 Location: Texas

Why did you become a Nurse?
Was it your lifelong dream? or did you think you would make a lot of money?

Posts: 77 · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 77

My mother and grandmother were nurses. They inspired me to pursue nursing, definitly not the money!

Posts: 2 · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Kansas city MO

My family didn't want me to be a nurse. Sister is a teacher

Posts: 7 · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 7 Location: OH

Ever since I can remember I always wanted to do something in the medical field. I never really decided on exactly what until high school. My mom thinks it was my AWESOME Pediatrician who influenced me. And it just so happens I have a lot of medical professionals in my family on both sides. That did not influence me it was just a coincidence and my mom has a lot of medical issues and that did not influence me either, people always think that when they learn of my mothers' illnesses then that is why I'm an RN, but it isn't. It's just something I've always wanted to do.

Posts: 1 · Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Ma

I got hooked on nursing in the military, I am a medic and was deployed to Kosovo in 00-01, after working in the ER in a combat support hospital I fell in love with the pace and the challenge of nursing, after that it just seemed like a logical fit to become a RN when I got home. Besides there is something about sticking medal and plastic into people that just does it for me Very Happy

Posts: 1 · Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: ohio

when i was working as a aide i helped a patient who was staing in his doorway holding his oxygen cannula and gasping for air. i took him into his room set him down applied his o2 then held his hand to reassure him that he would be ok. later he thanked me and said thank god you were here! i left that day having recieved the best pay of my life within the year i obtained my license Very Happy

Posts: 4 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

I've wanted to be an RN since I was a small child. I tried to get into a nursing program after graduation, in my early 20s & again in my 30s. Each time, things happened that just seemed to keep it from happening. There was a nursing shortage by the time I reached my 40s and everything fell into place. I took prereqs. while working, took entrance exams & applied to the nsg. program. I was accepted & began the program sooner than I expected. Seeing the counselor at the college really helped me keep on track and focused. She mapped out a schedule of classes to take.

I was the oldest in my nursing class & I have been an RN for over a year now. I am glad I pursued and realized my dream. I am still working out the kinks, but I know it will grow into a wonderful career in time. There are so many areas to go into!!

The biggest obstacle I have discovered in nursing is the hateful backbighting & clicks amonst many nurses. Although there are many wonderful nurses out there (latch onto one as a new grad), there are many who are not. As unfortunate as it is, many nurses DO EAT THEIR YOUNG! especially if you are kind and reserved or if you go into an ICU area. I have learned to not respect those nurses and move on. Keep going; it gets much better as you reach the year mark!!!

AND do yourself a favor, go into nursing for the right reasons. Don't go into it just for the money. The money is good, but you will not provide good patient care. Sick people do not need to be met with attitude and unkindness when they are in need of just the opposite. Always look at how you would feel if you were in their shoes. You will be old and ill someday yourself and in need of nursing care.

Good luck to any of you who pursue this awesome career.

Posts: 56 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 56 Location: Missouri

well said !!

I'm graduating in December and cannot wait !! I know there is money to be made and plenty of opportunity, but its the patient care that can be the most rewarding.
I'll keep in mind what you said about the backbiting and try not to fall prey as a GN. Wink

Posts: 5 · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Davao, Philippines

my grandmother is a nurse in Illinois! she is the one who is supporting me in my studies. I am already second year by this time... I am really determined to push-through and pass the board exam. I am doing this to support my family and give them a wonderful life. Rolling Eyes

Posts: 84 · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 84 Location: ohio

i got a job building ambulences with the "guys" and did that for 7 years. I did the job of housekeeping supervisor for 9months. oversaw the whole cleaning part.
then my teenager, 16, got a form of testicular cancer. my childrens hospital had never seen it before. the cancer doctor had to converse often with a doctor in texas. he fought extremely hard for 7 weeks. I almost never left his side. i watched him fight and go through sooo much. I observed doctors whom cared and nurses that cared. And saw the staff up close......in 7 weeks, i only had trouble with one nurse. someone in ICU was stationed 12 hour shifts, and this one nurse showed up--for a total of 20 minutes a shift. yes, i was there but i was afraid i wouldnt know what to do when/if something happened.
well, shawn died 3 years ago. And after I got my mind back a little bit. I entered college. I want to take my experiences, remember my pain only to help someone else. i have struggled financially for years. no, i am not doing it for the money really. I think i would do it even if you didnt pay me. I want to help some kids get well. personally, it would help me to see that. But I can help, i hope, some parents survive when their kids dont make it.
I want to learn my limits so I dont over step them but I want to be available to have empathy, compassion, and an encouraging word for that type of painful experience in the lives of others.
I get to apply for the program june of 06. i look forward to offering love to others while they are in pain.
rascal

Posts: 26 · Joined: 16 Sep 2005 Posts: 26 Location: Ohio

I'm sorry about your son rascal. You will bring so much to the nursing field.

I became a nurse after working quality control for 9 years and wanting a career change. I started working MR/DD as direct care support, but wanted to go further with it b/c I enjoyed taking care of our clients (most have some physical disabilities too, as well as other mental health issues). Plus, I enjoy the pace and that it's a field where everyone can bring something to the facility b/c of past experience.

And, honestly, it IS a secure field. Maybe not tons of money in it for all that you do, but there are always jobs.

Posts: 31 · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 31 Location: Hollywood, CA

... because I love to give injections and I look good in white!

Seriously, when I realized that I didn't want to pursue biology, nursing was the only field that took all of my credits. After all, my parents money was terrible thing to waste!