Reasons for nursing always epic?

[esunada]

I'll be applying to nursing school soon and a lot of times the schools ask, why nursing? From what I've read, a lot of people have epic stories. (i.e. they were in the hospital as a child and then...their mother was in the hospital and then...I saw people in poverty who didn't get healthcare in my last job and then it made me decide to go into nursing...etc.)

I don't really have any of those touching stories. I researched online and found nursing seemed like the right fit because of HOW they help people, and the variety of opportunities, flexibility, and interest in science etc. I volunteered, did informationals, shadowed, will become a CNA, and this is all leading me towards my goal and solidifying my interest. This sounds very boring compared to everyone else's story. This is the honest truth but not sure I can really stand out this way.

Is anyone in the same boat or have advice?

[rwright15]

I was a hairstylist and needed a dependable form of income... No glamour there. I did however, fall in love with it once I started. I feel now that it is my true calling. My love for it is what drives me to excel at it!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

no epic reasons here, either. i suspect that your thoughtful, logical and analytical approach will be more impressive than all the epic stories from people who "just want to help people" but have no idea what that really means.

[meadow85]

Honestly I was in my final year of high school and decided to apply to nursing school after my best friend did. Boring, right? But I tell ya it was one of the best things I ever did :) I know its pretty cheesy, but I truly think it is a calling. I love my job (along with all the craziness it brings) and can't imagine doing anything else!

I think you should just be honest. You wont be the only one with a "boring" reason. I wouldn't hold it against you, not everyone has a defining moment that drew them to nursing.

[Jackoswald]

I never had a reason. I'm asked why I got into nursing quite often, and my response is always "I couldn't tell you if I wanted."

Mostly: because I don't remember. I think I made a decision one night while falling asleep, and true to my stubborn nature, followed up on it.

I must admit, I'm extremely happy I made that decision =)

[esunada]

Thanks all! That makes me feel better and puts things into perspective of how I will answer the big why.

[Clorae]

i have to agree that you just need to be honest. i have always found that when i am truly honest, it can only be taken as that; simply honest. personally, i can tell when someone is being disingenuous and that turns me off right away.

we had to write a paper in school about why we wanted to become a nurse, and the opening line in my paper was "i wish i could say that i have always wanted to be a nurse, but i cannot, yet my reasons for becoming a nurse are no less valid or true," i then went on to explain my technical, intellectual and emotional reasons. and that is just what nursing is; technical, intellectual and emotional. if you feel confident in your decision to become a nurse, then simply explain your reasoning and it will be the right answer. don't try to form you answer into something that you think it "should be."