Why do some people choose to help others in need?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2013

I suppose some people have altruistic personalities which leads them to want to help others. Some people place the needs of others above their own needs, wants, and desires.

I initially entered nursing because I wanted a career with a real sense of purpose that came from doing good things for others. Now that I've been in nursing for a while, my goals have shifted. I now try to stay employed in this sluggish economy, lay low, fly under the radar, and carefully filter my interactions with patients and visitors to avoid receiving complaints.

After all, the results of the patient satisfaction surveys are more important to upper management than the actual quality of care rendered these days. The state of bedside nursing is slowly crumbling...

egglady, LPN · Jan 29, 2013

I became a LTC nurse because I wanted to care for people the way I would want my parents to be cared for... I try to do that each and every day I am at work, bad day or not. I love my job for the most part, but some days are better than others!! As for the money, when I started, I made 10$ an hour. I am now just a hair over 25. So,yup, realistically, we all got a mortgage, kids in college, and bills to pay. The money is good too. And, at 45 years old, just what in the heck would I do otherwise!! I still dont know what I want to be when I grow up!! :)

BrandonLPN, LPN · Jan 29, 2013

Part of the reason I like being a nurse is because, at the end of the day, it's at least something I can feel good about. Even if all I accomplished at the end of my shift is keeping everyone medicated and alive, well, that's more than most people out there can say.

But, like The Commuter said, the bulk of my reason for being a nurse lies in the fact that it's a stable, well paying job in a terrible economy. And there's nothing wrong with feeling that way.

Blackcat99 · Jan 29, 2013

It was my mother's idea for me to become a nurse not mine. I am grateful though to have a full time job in this economy.

allnurses Guide · Jan 29, 2013

I became a nurse because my son died of cancer very young. It was something I could do to carry him forward with me. Doing for others heals me.

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 29, 2013

Both. You get to help people AND make the money. It doesn't get much better than that.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2013

I wanted a job where i didnt have to work every day, paid well, not too much school (have a bsn), not be confined to any geographical area and easy to get (it was before i graduated) and couldnt think of anything else.

mappers · Jan 29, 2013

I have a strong desire to do something that makes a difference and reflects my beliefs in charity and helping others. When I was younger, I kind of wanted to join the Peace Corps, but never really felt like that was something I could do. I've always regretted not having more courage of my convictions when I was younger and had fewer responsibilities.

I wanted a career where I felt like I was putting more good karma out there than just lining corporate pockets. I felt like if I was spending the majority of my waking ours doing something, I wanted it to align with my values.

I was very good at my previous job, my employers liked me, and I made good money. The industry was very unstable, lots of layoffs, then hiring, then layoffs, every time a client changed and this was when the economy was good. It was very stressful and I never felt like I really helped a person or made a difference in anyone's life. I worked with large employers helping them manage their benefit plans. So I guess down the line, some person was able to get medical treatment or disability or dental work in some small part because of me, but I just didn't get personal satisfaction from that.

So, I ended up as a nurse and now work oncology. I do feel like I make more of a difference in individual people's lives.

MedChica · Jan 29, 2013

Why do some people choose to help others in need? What made you want to become a nurse? Was it to help others? Or just for the money? I'm just curious to hear what different people have to say....

I wanted a job where I could help others in need. Healthcare is all that I've ever done. I wanted to do something that mattered.

At this time, well - I'm still proud to be a nurse but the reality of the job has tempered my 'new nurse bliss'. The day-to-day just burned it right out of me.

I work w/end doubles with an occasional 8 in the week.

I would never make it working a standard shift as a nurse. My morale would drop through the floor.

At this time, I'm just content to have a steady job that pays well.

In an ideal world, I'd nurse for free.

In the real world? I won't work for pennies. For all the hoops that we (in my facility) are required to jump - they'd damned well BETTER us pay well for our trouble!

I'm a new nurse/second careerist. Took a pay-cut to be a nurse.

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Jan 30, 2013

(DORK ALERT! skip this post if you hate sentimentalists!)

All of the jobs I've had were "help others" kinds of jobs. In high school I volunteered at the veteran's Hospital. I was an aide for autistic children for minimum wage, a teacher's aide after college, and I worked up into kindergarten for several years. Now I am a nurse. It's just built into me, I guess.

dah doh, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2013

I was tired of "desk jobs" Monday - Friday 9 - 5. It was time for a career change! My sister reminded me that I'd wanted to be a nurse all childhood until our father convinced me in high school to try for medical school which was fine until I found out how much school was involved. After trying multiple majors and different schools and multiple non-medical jobs, I listened to my sister and followed my childhood dream! Nursing has so many options so when my feet get tired or my back goes out, maybe I'll do that desk job again. But until then, I'm enjoying my 3 days a week full time gig saving lives!