[blacksheep]

I'm not a nurse yet but should be by the middle of May. The draw to nursing for me is the flexibility and opportunity to choose where I want to live and work. Three twelves and your done, not to mention that work stays and work and doesn't follow you home at night.

[Rabid Badger]

I love the fast pace, the unpredictability of the ward, nothing is the same from day to day.

I love learning everyday, I love bringng comfort and reassurance to someone who is dying or ill.

I love being the one to advocate on their behalf, to ensure they receive the best possible care.

I love teaching new students, and helping them learn to be the best nurses they can be.

[lvs2nrs3535]

Little explanation first, I was telling my mom about having to do a male cath, which I need signed off on during my orientation. Set out all the sterile equipment, undressed the pt, and was confronted with a 2-3 inch penis with about 5 inches of foreskin. I did a great job with this, peeling and prepping with one hand, (you all know what I mean!). My mom said, why in the world would you enjoy this? My answer was, well, he was miserable, uncomfortable with 440 mls in his bladder, I did a great job, straight cathed him with minimal discomfort, got 420mls out, and the pt was soo much more comfortable and happy. So, yep the job is hard, peeling penises one handed isnt a thrill, but the result, well, that is the satisfying part. a comfortable, happy pt, who can now go on to do his OT and PT without feeling so miserable. The hugs, (dc'ed a cath on a pt who kept c/o pain in his nether regions, investigated and found not just a fissure but an eraser sized wound due to his cath being strapped to tight to his leg. After the procedure, went back in to check on the funny, delightful older man, and he took my hand, spread out my palm and kissed it, and said "Bless you, I feel so much better." Its the little things. I also love the fast pace, there is no such thing as looking at the clock and going, OH God, I still have 4 more hours to work. My coworkers, supportive, caring, willing to share their knowledge with me, patient with my newness, and just awesome all the way around. Learning something new everyday. Feeling like you make a difference.
Yup, I love it!

[ertravelrn]

Where to begin...

I love being able to make a difference in a persons life.....we can make a difference even if we cannot improve a persons situation. I enjoy visiting with all kinds of people.
I appreciate the quiet times with families as a love one leaves this earth.
I enjoy encouraging students, as I remember the encouragement I needed myself when I was in schoo.
and most recently, I enjoy only working three days a week......have two new grandkids to play with.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

I like knowing I helped make someone get better or feel more comfortable.

I like teaching people things about health so that they can have more control over their state of being.

I like the fast pace and the variety.

I like being able to work as much or as little, whatever hours I want, depending on my needs and abilities.

I like the breadth of the nursing specialties and being able to change environments if I choose.

I like the way nurses are taught to think critically about a situation. It's helped me weed the chaff from my personal life as well as helped me be a better nurse for my patients.

I love seeing miracles happen. Every now and then, I know there's no other explanation than that. It keeps me grounded in spiritual reality and keeps me connected to my God and my patients.

[ann945n]

the pts

[green_angel]

the pressure.

[allantiques4me]

Originally Posted by RNKittyKat

The hugs. I get and give lots of them.
Nursing is not a static career. It grows and changes with you.
The autonomy that comes with working in the field.
My coworkers. They are an awesome caring bunch of professionals.
My patients. They are treasure troves of history and knowledge. When they make me part of their families, it's such an honor.

I also love the variety of personalities we meet.

[dmwRNpa]

I love the way it gives me gratification--helping another person in need.
I love the way they thank me for going out of my way to make their day.
I love the way the family appreciates the staff for doing a job well done.
I love the way it is so different day to day, its never the same thing twice.
I love the way I can go anywhere and still have a job.
I love the way it makes me feel when I have had a good--or bad--day, like I made a difference in someones life, even if its on the miniscule side.
I love my job, thru thick and think

[queen47]

It's so awesome seeing that I helped somebody get better even as a student