Best thing about being a nurse?

silentRN · Sep 23, 2009

Working in the Trauma ICU knowing that sometimes, your in situations where that person is alive because of your nursing implications such as titrating a vasopressor or choosing which vasopressor that keeps that patient alive at that very second. And what's scary about that, that it's just you and no one else around who is keeping that patient alive, except for God himself.

I also love the camaraderie when a new patient comes to the floor and you see your coworkers flood the room, everyone doing their part, each bringing their bit of knowledge to the scene.

Getting respect from Residents while working in the ICU is always a great feeling, because you know one day that these Residents, some will become great physicians, and they are actually speaking to you as a human being, and not some subservient.

I know that we vent a lot on this page, but nursing is really a great career. I would of never done it differently if I had a choice. We vent a lot because of the stresses we endure, but at the end of the day, I go home fulfilled. What other job can you say that about. So you're making a right decision by choosing this career.

Lindsay2228 · Sep 23, 2009

Thank you!!

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

My favorite thing about being a nurse (and at the same time, my most-feared thing) is the fact that most of the people in your life (friends, relatives, and patients alike) have a deep respect for your knowledge and depend on your advice. It is a rewarding and sacred thing to be able to guide someone through a medical crisis and be the support that they lean on, whether they be patient or family member.

It's terrifying because you may not always be able to be all that they want/need/expect you to be. It can be a huge responsibility. Never be afraid to say "I don't know tthe answer to that, but I'll help you figure it out."

soulofme · Sep 23, 2009

Going home at the end of the day with patients and co-workers all intact!

springfieldrn · Sep 24, 2009

You can save a life and ease someone's transition to death on the same day at times multiple times a day and sometimes on the same patient. You will touch patients and families lives in a way that is hard to articulate. You become intimatley involved in their lives at times of deep despair and surging hope of recovery. You can hold your patients hand while he is dying and the family isn't here yet. You make a difference in the quality of life of your coworkers and your patients and families. Your job options are vast and oppurtunity for growth is almost unlimited. It will change you, make you stronger and more compassionate than you think possible. You will always be able to find a job, maybe not the shift,specaility or location you choose but there is always something somewhere.

EmergencyNrse · Sep 24, 2009

Thank you!!

Where YOU work maybe...

For me it's the free coffee.

chicookie, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2009

For me its knowing that for a day I was needed in someone's life. I made a difference.

But usually its all the free medical supplies. I never run out of band aids!

jaspinder.bhullar · Sep 24, 2009

serving people, for me... it gives me intense satisfaction...

patients share their pains wid u..

dis is more than anything else...

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Sep 24, 2009

The best part for me is seeing a smile on their face after I've given them care. I love to serve and I love to give compassion. I love being a nurse.

spacecitygroover · Sep 24, 2009

My favorite thing about being a nurse (and at the same time, my most-feared thing) is the fact that most of the people in your life (friends, relatives, and patients alike) have a deep respect for your knowledge and depend on your advice. It is a rewarding and sacred thing to be able to guide someone through a medical crisis and be the support that they lean on, whether they be patient or family member.
It's terrifying because you may not always be able to be all that they want/need/expect you to be. It can be a huge responsibility. Never be afraid to say "I don't know tthe answer to that, but I'll help you figure it out."

I really really like this response. Im a pre nursing student taking my pre reqs

kkluczynski · Sep 25, 2009

Feeling like you are making a difference in a patient/resident because of your care. I had a residents wife make me potholders because she said I'm so nice and helpful. Awww, wasn't that sweet.. made me feel like Im really doing something at work even if its just fulfilling a small request or educating the patient and family.