My New-Found Love For Nursing

Five years ago, I never dreamed of becoming a nurse. I wanted nothing to do with the medical world. Partly because my dad wanted me to be a Doctor and I didn't want to. Well, I did attend LPN school somewhat grudgingly because of the job prospects. A few months working in the nursing home and I totally hated the politics, impossible expectations and just plain victimization and lack of support. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

My New-Found Love For Nursing

Five years ago, I never dreamed of becoming a nurse. I wanted nothing to do with the medical world. Partly because my dad wanted me to be a Doctor and I didn't want to. Well, I did attend LPN school somewhat grudgingly because of the job prospects.

A few months working in the nursing home and I totally hated the politics, impossible expectations and just plain victimization and lack of support. I thought, "this was such a huge mistake". When people asked, "when are you going back for your RN?", my answer was an emphatic "Never!".

I did have some bright moments in LPN school though, like when we had OB rotation. I watched a baby being born and thought, "this is it for me!".

I wanted to be a OB nurse but my excited balloon was deflated when I was told the hospital was only hiring RNs in that department. I thought, "Forget about it, I don't plan to be an RN". Then a year later, I watched my nephew being born, but I was bent on not becoming an RN.

After the brief, bad experience working at the nursing home, I got another job working for a different company. The difference was night and day. Yes, I did take a pay cut but I get to keep my sanity and the staff are very supportive. Though some days are really tiring and take a lot out of me physically and emotionally, making a difference in someone's life hasn't been a bad choice after all.

I still have days when I think the job is too demanding and not well compensated, but then I also have days like today when a patient's appreciation is all I need.

Today, a patient came in because her ears had been clogged, her hearing muffled for a couple of weeks. All I did was irrigate her ears and she was the most excited patient I ever saw. You would think she was deaf from birth and all of a sudden, she could hear. She was so excited, she hugged me!

I was surprised but I could see the appreciation in her eyes. She left the clinic humming a song. It was funny but I felt like she just deposited money in my account.

In the last few weeks, the strangest thing happened. I started seeing a future for myself in nursing. I would sleep and wake up, dreaming about being a labor and delivery nurse. Welcoming babies into the world, standing as a pillar of support for a mom-to-be. Believe it or not but I have registered for pre-requisites and well on my way to starting a LPN to RN program!!!

I can think of a number of reasons why having a career in Nursing is not worth it, but then I have found a few reasons why I love been a nurse and that is enough for me. So thankful that I found my place.

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nurse from heaven

About nurse from heaven, BSN, RN

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Thank you for sharing your story. :up:

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

It is good to hear from a young and encouraged nurse! Good luck.

Specializes in retired LTC.

I guess you 'saw the light' too! Good luck.

Specializes in Mental Health, Hospice Care.

I love your story....I too am an LPN on my way to BSN, and I love my nursing life right now....While I was in my LPN program I would constantly be looking for avenues for my career that would allow me to practice outside of a LTC setting, and I found it....I am in Corrections Nursing and truly could not be happier....never in a million years did I think I would end up where I am, but that is exactly what I am doing....for an LPN it is a real diversion from the standard nursing enviroment we would normally see in LTC, in fact I describe it as a mini ER setting....I see everything from bug bites to stab wounds, MI's to Labor....I never know what is next when I am on the floor or in the Medical Triage....Bottom line is that we both found that as an LPN you can get a good start on a long and diverse career that has a world of possibilities....Congrats on you decision to move further with your education, and good luck to you...I hope to be a Psychiatric Nurse once I am thru with mine....life is good, enjoy!

Specializes in Wilderness Medicine, ICU, Adult Ed..

Best wishes NfH. What an adventure you have ahead of you!

Thanks everyone!

Wild Irish LPN, your user name says it all! Corrections Nursing would make me pee in my pants :nailbiting:. I am happy for you that you found something you love. Go get that BSN girl! You can do it!!! :D

Specializes in Mental Health, Hospice Care.
Wild Irish LPN, your user name says it all! Corrections Nursing would make me pee in my pants :nailbiting:. I am happy for you that you found something you love. Go get that BSN girl! You can do it!!! :D

(shhhhh....I'm a boy....:) )

All the best in your future endeavors! :)

I am so glad you shared your story. I relate so much to this. I too never thought I would be a nurse. I did not think I was smart enough and I never thought I had an interest. When my health care related program of choice was delayed due to a backed up petition process I decided to see what nursing school was like. I completely fell in love with the profession and I haven't looked back since. I often times feel guilty when I hear other nurses speak of how they wanted to be a nurse since they were in kindergarten. I was a late bloomer I guess but I am so glad other people have had a similar experience. :)

It's so good to read an encouraging story. Thanks for sharing!