[Texas25]

To NursingstudentK:
When I started nursing school I invested in a LittmanII stethoscope. It is a little expensive but is a very nice stethoscope. Addtl books that I found helpful were Nursing care plan books and the "made incredibly easy" books, especially for the fluid and electrolytes portion of school. These books made it easy to understand. Best tip.... study hard and do not get behind. It is really hard to catch up of you fall behind. Pay close attention to meds when you are clinicals and ask for your clinical nurses advice when doing your clinicals. It helps build report with the experienced nurses.

[Icare4u2]

Why did I become a nurse? I have always wanted to help others, especially those who cannot help themselves. I was the kid who would hang out with the kids no one else wanted to hang out with, like the "differently abled" kids. (who knew I would one day have a special needs kid of my own) I always felt I needed to be a voice for those who couldn't speak up for themselves. I think that is one of the reasons I wanted to become a nurse. I really enjoy being a patient advocate, even if I have to take an unpopular stand. In my current postition, ( I work in a clinic where we take all patients, regardless of ability to pay) I have the opportunity every day to help someone who otherwise would have no one else to help them, or no one else to CARE. I care about what happens to others. Don't you think the world would be a better place if everyone did? (time to sit around the campfire and sing Kumbaya while hand holding)

Kim

[jace7m3]

I am not a nurse yet. But more than anything I want to become one and I'm starting the journey next month with CNA classes. If you were to tell me a couple of years ago that I would be persuing a career in nursing, I would have thought you were crazy. My dream was criminal justice. I am disgusted by what people are capable of doing to one another and I wanted to do something about it.

But then... well what changed my mind and my goals was my cousin's accident. She is a small fragile thing (weighs about 100lbs soaking wet) and was in pieces when her designated driver blew a stop sign. She was in ICU for 3 weeks. While she was a difficult patient... I noticed how attentive and nurturing the nurses were. They would smile and speak softly to her even when she'd swear at them or scream "you're hurting me! you're doing it wrong!" They knew she was in pain and was just taking it out on them simply because they were there. They didn't let it affect how they treated her. They still wore their warm smiles and spoke to her with gentle, soothing voices. They made her feel as at home as one could in such a miserable situation. They would be encouraging when she had to blow in the machine to test her lung strength "you can do it. take your time"

It got me thinking... bad things happen even when bad people aren't involved. Instead of hunting what's evil, I can nurture what's good. I was pleased to discover SANE and Forensic Nursing exist and now I have the opportunity to merge both dreams with what I think will be a more fulfilling and challenging journey.

I may not know what I'm in for, but I can't wait to find out. If I can do for anyone what those nurses did for my cousin... well I think I can see that as worth getting out of bed for.

[cardiaccancer29]

me i choose nursing, first because my parents want it and also for practical reason second this can be my stepping stone in achieving my dream because i really wanted to be a doctor with specialization in neurology since nursing is closer to medicine i choose this course. also we don't have enough financial resources.

[dalvnjjh]

I was 18 and was going to be a mechanical drafter, and when I went to school it wasn't all I thought it would be. So I came back home and in order to stay at home I had to go to school. I took general ed classess and passed with C's, some D's, withdrawls and some ditching. I then took a health class and thought it was interesting. After finishing that class I took the emergency medical technician course and fell in love with the medical field. I did some medical assisting and then landed a job as an emergency room technician at a local rural hospital. One night we had a patient that had to be choppered out. It was the first chopper I had seen. Watching the Flight Nurses come out of the chopper, as I stood there, listening to the rotors and jet sound. I got these huge goosebumps. As I lead them to the ER trauma room, I watched in amazement as these Flight Nurses worked fast and efficiently. They took over the patient as the MD gave them report. I have never seen any nurse or MD do such awesome work as these nurses did. At that moment, I new I wanted to be a Registered Nurse, a FLIGHT NURSE.

[maureenmo2]

Need advice, worked in Finance and Health care for past ten years and have decided I want to be a Nurse Practioner. Live in San Francisco, Any programs or steps people recommend? Still new to SF area, but now in Chicago they have program at Rush where pay for your school, then you work their for 2 years after graduate, Love SF...anyone know of programs like that in SF area?
Thanks so much for any advice
Maureen

[maureenmo2]

Need advice, worked in Finance and Health care for past ten years and have decided I want to be a Nurse Practioner. Live in San Francisco, Any programs or steps people recommend? Still new to SF area, but now in Chicago they have program at Rush where pay for your school, then you work their for 2 years after graduate, Love SF...anyone know of programs like that in SF area?
Thanks so much for any advice
Maureen

[ilstu99]

A lot of reasons, I guess. I used to work for child protective services, and many of my clients were medical neglect cases. I really felt like they lacked some basic education, and were overlooked within the healthcare system. Providers have a way of forgetting that they speak another language. So....I suppose I set out to learn that language, and got hooked.

And....because my son was diagnosed with ALL. I didn't know anything about medical terms and needs. In the process, I watched lots of people wander around lost, without a friendly face to help them. I felt like I could be that person.

And....because I love education, which accounts for so much of nursing. Some day I would like to teach full-time, but for a more reasonable wage than k-12.

And....because I've met some really great nurses, and some really lousy nurses. I work hard every day to be one of the great ones. Maybe some day we'll overtake the lousy ones!

[BearyPrivate]

I was born with several problems especially with my kidneys. I basically grew up thinking going to the hospital was part of life. I thought the nurses were my family the way they treated my parents and I. Well, I gave up on even attempting nursing school d/t my low grades in math and science during highschool. One of my good friends sat me down when I was 33 yrs old and told me if I didn't try I would literally miss out on the best career in life. So,, I took the entrance exam didn't do bad to my surprise. Ended up getting the most improved student award and the rest is history.

[Courtney1202]

I am not a nurse yet but in a month I will graduate and take the NCLEX and then will be a so I am going to post too!

I have a HUGE port wine stain birthmark that covers the ENTIRE right side of my face and eye. I have Glaucoma because of it and it's also in my throat. When I was 18 months old I had surgery because of my Glaucoma. Following that until about 2 years ago I had NUMEROUS (like 20-30) laser surgeries throughout my life to try to have it removed. Growing up I was always in and out of surgery and was scared to death most of the time. Without the WONDERFUL nurses that took care of my (including my Mom who has been a nurse for 30 years), I would not be the person I am today. They cared for me, they hugged me, held my hand, dried my tears, and brought me a great comfort in my times of extreme terror. I thought that if I could just do that for one person, my life would have a great puropse. After conquoring my fear of surgery and becoming a surgical tech (for the last 8 years) I have already reached my goal and am continuing on to become an RN....who CARES about people!!!

Don't ever forget that it only takes a minute to change someones life! When you are tired and ready to go home, don't forget to stay positive because someone may be depending on you when they are scared to death.

Thank all of you for the wonderful job you do!