What Called Me to Nursing.

There are many things that drive people to become a nurse, my personal experience led me to a passion for helping. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

What Called Me to Nursing.

Hi, I am an aspiring nursing student. I'm so excited! I cannot do enough research on what I want to do within nursing. Sitting for hours reading your experiences and opinions is how I've been filling my downtime since I've created my account. I wish I could say the reason I chose to pursue a career in nursing was the pay, or the fact there'd always be a job for me. But no, a lack of understanding, a series of poor experiences at the local hospital, and the health issues that run rampant in my family drive my desire to care for people.

My mother for years went undiagnosed while dealing with the brutal side effects of metastatic breast cancer in her liver because no doctor decided to do a CAT scan at one of her many Emergency Room visits or hospital stays. There never was a 'right' answer. As a middle and even high school student, this scared me to death. I couldn't imagine losing my mom that young. Little did I know I'd lose her very suddenly and tragically at 19 when a cancer treatment center went along with a misdiagnosis of arthritis when in reality cancer had spread to her bones. I've been told I managed well, but if they could get inside my head they'd be able to see the rough waters that are my thought. All the questions that remain, and guilt I feel stir constantly. If there is any way I can help someone understand what their family, member, friend or love is living with or what caused them to suddenly leave this world, like I wish someone did for me, I feel I would be at peace.

A few months after my mom passing, my grandfather's health rapidly declined. I was awakened at four am every morning to help my dad help get my grandfather up from the floor of the bathroom, where you could smell the illness in his bowel movements. I lost ten pounds in less than a week because of the anxiety that something terrible would happen if I weren't there to help, but I also felt I didn't matter.

My mom still died with my dad and I giving CPR, why would it be different with him? I wish I was able to recognize the signs. While my dad and I cared for him the best we could while looking into assisted living option he had a mini stroke, which led to a fall. He cut his hand and bled so bad it prompted my dad to call an ambulance. When he arrived at the hospital his blood pressure was dangerously low and hospice was the first suggested option. He was diagnosed with sepsis among other issues. If I could help someone be comfortable and to help the family understand why trying to help someone live with no quality of life might not be the best option, I feel as though I would be at peace.

Among all the craziness I realized I wanted to be a nurse while helping my dad recover from knee replacement surgery. Emptying the drain, redoing the bandages, and helping with physical therapy gave me a much-needed purpose after my mom passed away. That's when I decided I wanted to spend my life taking care of people, helping them understand, and providing them with the care I wish I had been shown.

I understand not all days will be good days, but if I can help people that were lost in a river of stress and confusion like I was, I feel as though I will finally be at peace.

26 Posts

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Chronic Care Coordinator

spotangel, DNP, RN, NP

24 Articles; 518 Posts

Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

You will marisa.m, help people because you have been in those shoes. Maybe someday you will inspire someone else to be a great nurse by your compassion and critical thinking skills. Best of luck with school! Go for it!

marisa.m

26 Posts

You will marisa.m, help people because you have been in those shoes. Maybe someday you will inspire someone else to be a great nurse by your compassion and critical thinking skills. Best of luck with school! Go for it!

Thank you so much! (: I really hope i am able to inspire someone else!

moreoreo

218 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing.

With that kind of heart and motivation you will surely succeed in meeting your goals. As you said, there will be tough days, and days when you may question whether you can sustain this career, but I truly believe you can with your past and your compassion guiding you. Your patients will be so blessed. I think you are also blessed in being able to find a positive purpose for the suffering you have been through. I think it is so beautiful and inspirational that in digging deep to provide care for your family, you found even more capacity to care for and help others. When many would have run dry and even become cynical you found even more strength and potential! Best luck and wishes to you!

marisa.m

26 Posts

With that kind of heart and motivation you will surely succeed in meeting your goals. As you said, there will be tough days, and days when you may question whether you can sustain this career, but I truly believe you can with your past and your compassion guiding you. Your patients will be so blessed. I think you are also blessed in being able to find a positive purpose for the suffering you have been through. I think it is so beautiful and inspirational that in digging deep to provide care for your family, you found even more capacity to care for and help others. When many would have run dry and even become cynical you found even more strength and potential! Best luck and wishes to you!

Thank you (:

Guest1025459

65 Posts

Wow! You're a tough lady! A fighter for sure.

My story is almost the same. Mine has been dragged out since 2010 though. I went from many choices to auto mechanic to fuel truck driver to RN. I finished high school wanting to become a psychologist. RN is what has jumped out at me, like fare screaming in my ear.

It'll be getting over my own hurdles that'll be tough and I'll be ready for the program.

Best of wishes!

Volley88

107 Posts

I originally wanted to become a dentist. Pre-reqs were similar. My parents wanted nursing for me. We agreed that if I get into the competitive program, i'll pursue nursing. That was 5 years ago. Now I am a 2 year MedSurg RN. Love it.