Why did you go into Nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

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I was asked today why I went into Nursing. It has been a long time since someone has asked me that,let alone my answer. I of course said, "because I wanted to help people." I was also asked if I could do it over, what would I be instead? I couldn't come up with a answer. I love Nursing, even though I do get tired and frustrated with it sometimes. But, I just don't know what else I would want to do. I was just curious how other nurses and even nursing students would answer that question. Look forward to your responses. Tara

I went into nursing because it combines science and technology with with liberal arts, it allows for autonomy yet involves being part of a team, it's important, it pays decently (I know there are those who dispute that!), and most of all, it's very flexible. I have done bedside care, been in administration, developed programs, negotiated contracts, participated in research projects, worked in clinics, homecare, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Depending on my personal life's demands, I have worked evenings, nights, days, and on call. Yes, there have been days when I felt pretty beat up at the end of a shift, but in general, I have felt respected by the other members of the team and appreciated by the patients. To me, nursing is like a good book: it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and it makes you think.

One of the clerical staff where I'm currently working is now in Nursing school, and I told her I've had lots of oppotunities as a nurse, and I felt it's a pretty good gig. She looked at me, surprised, and said " You're the only one who's told me that. Everybody else says to get out while I still can!"

I think that's sad.

I think the answer that everyone gave years ago was "I want to help people!" Isn't that what we all said??? smile.gif I was 13 years old when I decided that I would want to be a nurse, and I don't know why, I just wanted to be one. For me it was the right thing to do. Yeah, I wanted to help people, but if I said that, I don't think that was the real reason. I love what I do, I wouldn't do anything else!!

Someone asked me what I would do if I wasn't a nurse---I think I would either be a mailman( or mailwoman smile.gif) or work in Dunkin Donuts!!!!

I don't remember how old I was but I know I was very young when I decided to be a nurse. I even knew what hospital I would work at and that is where I am now. I dread the craziness of it all but once I am there and people are relying on me and my knowledge and my opinions, I then remember why I do like what I do. Course, sometimes I just want to bag groceries at the grocery store and at least if I break a few eggs no one will drop dead. But after a while I'm sure I would want to come back to the hospital and inflict pain on my back and feet for another 12 hour day. Besides, none of my friends or family are off four days a week like me. Course none of my friends and family have to answer all of the family's medical questions about uncle so and so's prostate and aunt so and so's arthritic knees. (Hee Hee)

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Roach

I feel the same as you, I went into nursing to help people. That to me is the heart and soul of nursing. Hang in there.

I think it's genetic or something. It feels like this is what I was meant to do all my life. I care about my patients. I'ts just something I'm naturally drawn to. To put is in perspective, I am a student nurse with a history as a CNA. I've worked in many other fields including securities (financial) electronics plus many non professional jobs. I'm 48 and wonder what took me so long to do what I've always known was right for me.

I went into nursing to help others as I put others before myself. Yes it can be frustrating, but also challenging. Where can you get a job when each new day maybe different from yesterday? I meet new challenges everyday, it's tiring but well worth saying I love my job. How many people in the world can they love their job without complaining about it.

What a loaded question!!!! The "pat" answer is to help others, and that's the bulk of it; but the heart, the essence of nursing is knowing that you're not just flipping burgers, but that you're playing a key role in people's lives!!! Whether it's helping them be born, helping them die, or all the wonderful, heartbreaking, craziness that's in between, nurses should stand tall and proud...we're not "just a nurse"! And, yes, there are those days when you feel like you don't ever want to come back....but, you do!! Being a nurse, when it's truly what you want to do, is a basic part of you; automatic, like breathing. You can't help but respond to people's needs! So, hang in there!!! Nursing is an art, a science, and a lesson in persistence, dedication....and a good sense of humor!!!! smile.gif smile.gif wink.gif

I guess I am the odd person here, I went into nursing in my late 30s. I had been a farrier then a paramedic who was in a bad marriage and needed a job with an income better than I was making . (had kids to support and I was planning to leave and take them with me)

I liked the medical stuff I did as a paramedic so decided to go to nursing school at a local community college. I worked my way through nursing school and paid as I went. I had to take a year off because of an unexpected pregnancy that ended with a c-section on August 16th, a week before classes and clinical started....

I wouldnt do anything else instead, although I may find another direction someday...being a critical care nurse and a flight nurse has been exciting and rewarding. I actually like my job although new to this compared to a lot, after 8 years I still look forward to work each day.

I went into nursing after teaching for many years. I saw nursing as an opportunity to combine my scientific and health promotion interests with the "art" of nursing.I ended up in critical care. I love the challenge of a critical cardiac patient,but also the challenge of long-term patients we end up with. I have a heart for all nurses and feel so strongly that we need to unite in an organized manner to protect and promote our profession.

We all go into nursing because we care for people. However, we all find our niches and develop our own special reasons for becoming and continuing to be a nurse. I am currently pursuing my FNP. I have many years to go, but it will all be worth it. I feel the need to be as autonomous as possible, while still being able to 'care' and show 'compassion' for my patients.

1. Where else can you fly around the United States or anywhere as if on vacation to be a nurse and have a company pick up the tab for your sightseeing and housing?

2. Where else can you pick and choose what area you want to be in (out of about 100 or so, give or take a few)?

3. Where else is the money able to be doubled just by working agency, doing the same job?

4. Where else can you pick and choose how many days and hours a week you feel like working based on your own demands and needs?

5. Where else are you able to walk into almost any facility and get a job (as my good friend, an RN, says, "When I go on an interview, I just assume I will get the job." Where can you find THOSE statistics when interviewing????!!!

6. Where else can you hold someone's hair back as they puke in a toilet and tell them it will all be ok? Or hold their hand during something they are afraid of? Or cry with them although you hardly know them because they are going through something so terrible? Where else can you really make a difference?

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Irene

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