Why do you feel that nursing is for you?

EarthhAngel2013 · Jun 4, 2012

Sorry guys I didn't mean to do a sob story, just meant to indicate there are several reasons for me choosing nursing and that I never EVER know what to say. You all have helped tremendously. Thanks!

grownuprosie · Jun 4, 2012

I think you should focus on a positive aspect. You don't want them feeling sorry for you. It will only make them associate the feeling you give them with your interview. You want them to walk out of that interview with a positive feeling.

There must be some experience you had with your mom or yourself during a hospitalization that can be inspiring. Write it out and practice telling it. Here is mine:

I was in the hospital for a month when I was 10. I have stories about things one nurse did which make me want to be a nurse so that I will never make a child feel as badly as they did. However, the story that I tell for scholarships and interviews is about the nurse that put an andes mint on my pillow every morning. One day, I was being a brat and told her that, "This hotel is horrible because I did not even have a mint on my pillow when I arrived". She even had aids do it when she was not working. My parents could not make it there every day because of work. In their absence, she made me feel cared for and safe. I want to share the feeling she gave me with others. Of course there are hundreds of other reasons that i want to be a nurse, but this one gets me the scholarships and hopefully one day, a job.

NCRNMDM, ASN, RN · Jun 4, 2012

You could say something like, "My mom was a nurse for 48 years, and hearing her talk about caring for others really laid the groundwork for me at a young age. When I was born, I was in the NICU, and this experience also helped me appreciate just how important nurses are. When I was 14, my mother had severe complications from back surgery, and lost a lot of blood. I basically cared for her by myself after she was discharged from the hospital. Through all of my experiences, I've been deeply impacted by the compassion and kindness that nurses give to their patients, and I want to give that back to my patients. I want to return the blessings that nurses have bestowed upon me and my family."

EarthhAngel2013 · Jun 5, 2012

@Matt. I really like that one thanks. I just thought of another reason though again I need help putting it on paper, and or getting it out at the right time. Okay, so I was a NICU baby. I was born at 24 weeks, and weighed 1lb 8oz. That NICU team saved my life, and enhanced my ability to survive. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't even be here, let alone able to help other patients achieve the same goals. How about that one? Should it be longer? Or shorter? IDK, I just have so many reason, and I don't know which ones are the best ones, or which ones I shouldn't mention because their just too personal? Also, does anyone have multiple areas of nursing they want to go into? I want to do ER, NICU, Fornesic Nursing, I'll probably find more. I do know I am going to be in this field a LONG time, should I mention all those different pathways I want to take, or should I just stick with one? I need so much help. Thanks again guys.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2012

I would try to avoid mentioning that you were in and out of hospitals yourself as a child. It might lead the interviewer to form a bias as to whether or not you are able to perform the duties of the job. Is this right, of course not, but in this hiring climate, you haave to use extra care to not give someone a subconscience reason not to hire you. I don't see any harm in mentioning the premie aspect, but I would avoid the asthma.

EarthhAngel2013 · Jun 5, 2012

Didn't think of that one. That's a really good point...Thanks!