Why is it worth it to you to devote your career to nursing? I've read so many negative things, I'd like to see the other side....what has made all the sacrifices, the lack of sleep, the aches and pains worth it to you? Why are you truly happy as a nurse? thanks! :)

It's worth it when you catch something that no one else did.

It's worth it when your pt's face lights up when you walk in their door after being off for a few days.

It's worth it when they come in with a terminal prognosis and they end up walking out.

It's worth it to be a part of a team that works good together.

There is so much more...

-R

I think this poem by Melodie Chenevert sums is up nicely:

Being a Nurse Means...

You will never be bored. You will always be frustrated. You will be surrounded by challenges. So much to do so little time. You will carry immense responsibility and very little authority. You will step into people's lives and you will make a difference. Some will bless you. Some will curse you. You will see people at their worst--and at their best. You will never cease to be amazed at people's capacity for love, courage, and endurance. You will see life begin--and end. You will experience resounding triumphs and devastating failures. You will cry a lot. You will laugh a lot. You will know what it is to be human and to be humane. :)

If you think that matters and you seek to give not only receive in this life and to truley live up to the command to love your neighbor...I think devoting your life to the care and wellbeing of the sick, aged, and vulnerable is beyond worth it. Yes it's true there's crap to deal with, but there's politics to every job. Nurses however are demanding better compensation, work environments and respect as the new generation of nurses emerge. But hey, that's just my two cents.

Pokey

Read the thread "For the family and the patient (long)" on the general discussion board.

it's worth it for me cause I really do love what I do. yes there are annoyances...yes you will see folks vent here. It's appropriate and healthy. Just dont' take it all as all there is to nursing. There ARE positives, believe me.

it's worth it for me cause I really do love what I do. yes there are annoyances...yes you will see folks vent here. It's appropriate and healthy. Just dont' take it all as all there is to nursing. There ARE positives, believe me.

Good! I'm getting sooo nervous, but excited at the same time. I want to work in some area of OB, can't wait!!!

I've always answered that with nursing isn't always happy, but it is always meaningful. I really can't imagine doing anything else. A desk job? No thank you!

Welcome to the wonderfulll world of nursing

Last night giving my 40 something year old lung cancer patient who couldn't breathe a shoulder rub and being there for him in the lonely wee hours of the morning while he was having a severe respiratory crisis brought on by exertion and an anxiety attack. He's going to die soon, realizing that I still have that compassionate edge after all these years. That's why. :)

I agree with all the above. Its the little things that make nursing what it is today. The little thank you's the you were the best nurse i have ever had. When you go the extra mile to help a pt or family member they really apprectiate that cup of coffee or the little hug, when their family member has passed away or is in grave conditon. Had a little old lady 90 yrs old first time in hospital didn't know about her insurance benefits how she would care for herself, called her insurance company etc found out her benefits regarding home nursing. She was afraid she wouldn't eat since she had so many scripts to fill. When she was d/c found she had an aarp prescription card etc. I advised her to take them all into pharmacy etc. She got into friends car to leave and i gave her a hug and she said "I love you, thank for caring about me, no one else does" That's what nursing is all about.

weezieRN