Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

I chose to go into nursing as a second career. I was always interested in nursing but went into business instead. I will graduate in May with a BSN. I like nursing but it is a tough job with a lot of challenges both professionally and politically. I like people and want to make some kind of a diffrence no matter how large or small. I did not have the calling, I dont like that expression because it insinuates that being a nurse is somthing you were ordained to do from birth. Nursing is a tough job, with flexible work hours and a decent salary, plus it can be rewarding and you can do many types of jobs in diffrent departments and specialties and even go into administration if you have the desire.

That is all I have to say about that!

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

Originally Posted by glamgal

Guys-
Just wondering why you decided to become a nurse? I just read a posting on the homepage by a male that said something along the lines of our hospital usually starts new grads off at $20/hour but since I am a male I was hoping on making $25.00/hour. And to be honest with you, it really made me angry.

Well, shoot - it should make you angry! It's making me angry!

Originally Posted by glamgal

(snip)

And I didn't mean to offend anyone, I'm sorry if you take it the wrong way! Can't wait to hear your responses!

The "this is too easy for me" thing...are you guys very far into the program? Are these people doing so well in clinicals? Some people who seemed bored in my program didn't pass NCLEX on the first go-round, sooooo...

Anyway, back to your original question: I didn't think about it until about five years ago, by which point a number of people had mentioned it to me over the years as something they saw as a possibility in me, that I didn't see myself until that point.

So, clearly I wasn't an English major at any point...

I went to school for nursing, and then I was hooked. A combination of the Pathophys stuff and the patient interaction in clinicals just pulled me right in, and I heard a lot of "told ya so"'s soon afterwards! The money's a great plus, I can't lie. Especially since my other career is as a musician, and musicians are criminally underpaid and undersupported here in the States, and not too much better elsewhere.

But there is a lot more drawing me in than the $$, and it's sure enough not "too easy" for me, sister! No offense taken by what you wrote, I'm just kinda scratching my head about those other people you talked about... reminds me of Groucho Marx: "I wouldn't want to join any club that would have me as a member", or something...

-Kevin

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

I was a paramedic for a 911 service in New Orleans and just wanted to provide myself with more opportunities which are almost nonexistent in EMS. Now upward and lateral moves are endless.

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

hey guys, can anyone introduce me with your nurse friend?...

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

Thou I am still in school what attracted me to nursing was the time i spent in the navy. I was apart of a Non Compliant Boarding team where we would board hostile vessels and search for weapons, drugs, terrorist and human traffickers. While in school we had to take a separate combat first aid course were we learned how to treat sucking chest wounds, amputees, treat for shock, insert J tubes, etc... It really fueled my fire to learn to help save a comrade and I was just generally turned on about the whole medical field at that point.

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

Money, I was promised a bonus in the Army, promotion also promised in the Army, an indoor job in the Army and an assignment with women in the Army. That is what got the 23 year old version of me into nursing. No calling or inspiration from a clinician or internal desire to save humanity. I've grown up some since then.

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

Originally Posted by raemon

hey guys, can anyone introduce me with your nurse friend?...

ha ha ha that's funny --- I'm sure someone will be and respond to you....

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

Because I wanted a flexible career. Because I got laid off a lot from construction work. Because body fluids don't bother me. Because I think drugs are cool. Because I enjoy being a teacher...I could go on and on and on. The pay isn't that great in the long run, honestly. Steady work is a nice thing though.

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

Lots of prior influences...but it was my stint in the Army that really kicked my butt into gear to really pursue it.

Re: Guys- what made you want to become a nurse?

More specific in my introductory post to the forums -

But, I was a Psychology student; took a job as a personal care aide (i.e., sitter) in a psychiatric unit and observed nurses. I felt like they were being more helpful, in a basic way, than what I was training to do by shrinking their minds.

I think it's a curious field that has to appeal to you on a personal level outside of pay. I like that appeal to it and it seems to be the best decision for my personality and interests whereas other fields didn't hold my interest as long as this. I like that it's an ever growing field, changing. I like the opportunities and advancements. I like learning about the body, etc. I like doing things that matter even if they aren't appreciated by everyone.

So many reasons really.

And then the pay is a bonus.