[Tinuviel]

Just a general question...Why did you become a nurse, or want to be a nurse?

Ive had a couple RN's tell me that now it NOT the time to become a nurse, and if you work as a nurse, you will get sued!
Can you believe it>?
Well...Im interested to know WHY some of you became nurses?

[Lovenursinganyx]

I became a nurse because when I was younger I didnt take the time to care for someone close to me because I was so selfish. They ended up passing away, and I swore to myself that I would devote my life caring for people less fortunate than myself. No matter what may come at me in the future...I couldnt see myself doing anything differently!

[Hellllllo Nurse]

I became a nurse becasue I was young, idealistic and wanted to do noble work. If I had known how nurses were treated, and what working conditions are generally like, I would not have become a nurse.

[lisasmom]

My mother was very ill with cancer and I watched how the nurses cared for her. I wanted to be just like them. Hopefull I have made a difference in the lives I have touched in my life.

[nursebedlam]

My flat mate years ago was a student nurse and stated to me once that l wassn't smart enough to be a nurse, so l went to unversity and did it just to see if l could do it, unfortuanatly the flat mate never graduated.

[Baby Catcher]

I was born to be a nurse. Ever since I can remember that's all I've ever wanted to do. I had a baby in high school so I stayed home and raised kids until I was in my late twenties then I went to nursing school. I've been a nurse for 11 years now and I still love it. I still have days at work that I think, "I can't believe I'm really a nurse." I feel very fortunate to have fulfilled my dream. Even on the worst day at work I can't imagine doing anything else.

[NICUbabyRN]

Why did I become a nurse? Well, I can't claim that it was a life long dream. All I wanted to be was a stay at home mom. I got that off to an early start. I had my first child in high school. I married a few years later and had 3 more children along the way. Once I decided that 4 children were enough I had to face the fact that some day they would all be in school. One day it just hit me. I could be a nurse! I had been talking with a friend about the different experiences I had when having my children. I had two bad experiences and two wonderful ones. Do you know who made the difference? The nurses. So, I decided I wanted to make a difference like that. So, here I am today. I am 30 years old, I have four great girls, a husband, and I graduated nursing school in Dec. 03. I couldn't be more happy.

[Soonstudent]

Originally Posted by Lovenursinganyx

I became a nurse because when I was younger I didnt take the time to care for someone close to me because I was so selfish. They ended up passing away, and I swore to myself that I would devote my life caring for people less fortunate than myself. No matter what may come at me in the future...I couldnt see myself doing anything differently!

You know, I didn't really fully understand why I finally made the decision to change careers and take a pay cut to become a nurse. (Other than to generally help people and make a contribution in life) Although the closer I've gotten to that day when I can quit my current job. The more I realize my reason is a lot like yours Lovenursing. If I could make the difference in just one person, I feel like it would be worth it.

[kyutnurse]

- my true story- When my family fell apart, no one wanted to take care of me ( I was 4 years old, the youngest of six children) One of my great aunt, who's a retired RN of Philippine General Hospital, took me in and took care of me with great care, she was my inspiration and she devoted herself in nursing. When, I was in nursing school (LVN school), I realized that I can make a difference in the patients lives physically, and emotionally and other aspects that are involved while taking care of a patient. The growth in nursing is unbelievable, it will open doors in so many opportunities, in a variety of setting...the impact that I can contribute to the society is quite satisfying.
A smile, a hug, even a small thank you means alot. The responses from the patients are over whelming, they really appreciate the care that you give. The legacy of nursing is strong...and it's getting stronger. When I went back for the LVN to RN program, it strengthened me....the knowledge, skills and preparation is tough, especially for a self supporting individual like me. The nursing profession is for people who are willing to serve humanity. Self-less individuals that works long hours during
nights/weekends/holidays and anything in between. Nursing they say is a culture within itself. As for me, someday when I am old, I would like to reminisce that I made a difference in other peoples lives, and that my actions and words are useful for another person other than myself. GO NURSING!!!
kyutnurse@yahoo.com

[NICUbabyRN]

kyutnurse,

That was a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your inspiring words.