[minnib]

This career is mental, physical, emotional, just like a good relationship
you are always learning and will never know it all... which sometimes can be a little overwhelming...I am amazed at how much my nursing career has helped me grow as a person is so many areas of my life...it forces you to think of problems in an analytical way...and the choice in nursing is endless...so many areas to specialize in....one can never be bored ......I LOVE NURSING!!!!:danc e:

[nyapa]

Watching and having a part in the progression of people from an acute state of illness to a state where they are free to leave the ward.

Being able to help someone gain control over their lives, no matter what their state of health.

The people that 'prove the doctors wrong'.

The 'thankyous' from ppl from whom you'd least expect it.

I live in a region where there is a very strong Aboriginal culture; many of these ppl speak English as a second language, and nonverbal communication is very different. It is really lovely when you gain their trust.

Cameraderie from your colleagues. In some ways, we can speak a different language to the general public. And our experiences can often only be shared by other nurses.

Believe it or not - the shift work!

[presuppose]

Being able to bring comfort, information, any sort of help where needed. This includes patients, docs, other nurses, receptionists, students. It's also fun when neighbors say, "You're a nurse, you would know about this" and then of course, I have never seen that sort of icky wierdo rash or lump or something and I say, " get thee to an ER". But it's still fun to try to help the neighbors.

[AlabamaRN(ER)]

What I love?
The fact that I see the people at their best and at their worst every day that I work.

The fact that I've held slippery new babies and the withered hands of the old and dying within days of each other.

The fact that I am blessed to work with a group of educated professionals that can, with God's help, heal, save lives, change lives, and touch lives on a daily basis.

The fact that my life will count for something. I will not have just taken up space on this planet for X number of years. I will have done something for the greater good.

[sleepyhead1]

I have been a nurse for 17 years and have done a little of everything. If you get tired of one type of nursing you can change to another type without a major change in your education. My favorite is cardiac nursing. It's a little easier on your back, fast paced, requires a lot of thinking, and most of your patients are in better health when they leave than when they came in. It's nice to be a part of that. I also enjoy the job security.

[bsn2b09]

The feeling of appreciation you get when someone says, "thank you" whether if it's a patient, family member, etc. It makes me feel my job is so rewarding knowing that I have made a difference.

[MUTYA_RN]

The ability to touch other people's lives, not only the patients but their

relatives who share the pain and suffering of their patients...

To render attention, care and love...

[valkyria]

There is nothing I can say that has not already been said. We have the most respected career there is. Nurses are perceived by the public to be honorable and honest. No matter if we get tired of one specialty and change or change completely from bedside to teaching or administration, we can still: A) always have a good paying job and B) always make a difference. It is not just a job, it is an adventure. It is true, from day to day, there is rarely a dull moment for long.

[hup143]

Child you were there when I need you:

You visited me when I am sick

You cloth me when I am bare

You feed me when I am hungry

You give me water when I am thirsty

So...God gives a special place for NURSES...and that's why I love nursing.

[lfulton2002]

OPTIONS.

I have three children. My youngest, an infant, is at a daycare I am not happy with. The only childcare facilities I am even slightly interested in have waiting lists at least a year long. SO, I changed jobs - will soon only be working weekends and will keep my baby at home with me during the week.

Being able to do this for my family has lifted a huge weight of worry from my husband and myself. What a blessing it is to have a career with so many possibilities. I feel for parents out there who are at the mercy of their daycare and do not have the options that my career in nursing has given me.

The best of both worlds: I am making a full-time income, staying home with kids during the week, and on top of it all - I am saving over $1000 a month on daycare costs!! Not only that - I LOVE MY NEW JOB!!!