How Nursing Has Changed Me

[RNinICU]

As nurses we often complain about our careers. We vent about the long hours and lack of respect. One thing we don't seem to talk about is the differences nursing has made in us. I have changed a great deal over the years. I have grown wiser, and more patient. Some of the changes I have experienced can be attributed to the natural processes we all go through as we mature, but nursing has also changed me.

Some of the changes could be seen as negative. Before I became a nurse, I was quieter, and more refined. I never uttered a four letter word, or found crude humor amusing. And I am certianly less tolerant of lazy, self absorbed people. I am less sympathetic than I could be with people with minor complaints.

But more of the changes have been positive. Seeing others who suffer with chronic illness has made me more a more compassionate person. I realize how precious my health is, and am grateful that my family is healthy. Dealing with families who are in conflict has made me more appreciative of my own loving family. I have continued to learn and grow throughout my career. I am wiser, and have a broader perspective thanks to nursing. Nursing has given me a sense of accomplishment and pride, and boosted my self esteem. Being content with myself makes it easier for my family to love me too.

Nursing is a big part of my identity, and I do love what I do. Nursing is not just a job or career to me. It has helped shape who I am.

[Wuiteroz]

wow that's so amazing that you say that :)

You know, I always thought that if I'll go into nursing, this job will teach me how to do it and really will bring out the best in me, teach me how to be more compassionate, and more patient.

We really need a thread called: why I love nursing

lol or do we have many of those already?

[sixes]

WOW what a beautiful thread. I think there is a little of me in everyone's replies.

I was 31 when I graduated. Until I started Nursing I felt worthless. 2 failed marriages and 5 little ones. Nursing made me appreciate every moment of my life.

I think the most important change Nursing made in my life was that I learned to LISTEN not just hear.

The most important thing it taught my children was good study habits and to go for it, no matter what your calling is.

Thanks for the wonderful thread.

I can't wait to get back to work.

[ceecel.dee, MSN, RN]

I am more cynical, more analytical, more objective, more empathetic (but less sympathetic)...I am less of a push over. I know when you are trying to manipulate me.

I am more appreciative, more likely to tell you "I love you" or "I really respect you", more likely to worry about your basic knowledge, concerned about your living conditions and unused services you may be eligable for to ease your load (as a "right-winger" no less!), and increasingly understanding of your need to be "listened to".

I want, and will advocate for, what you want for yourself.

[Sammysue]

These statments make me feel good about wanting to be a nurse. I hope that i can say things like this about myself in a few years.

[KMLWA2003]

sammysue,

just keep striving for your goals and the rest will fall into place

nursing has made me more patient, understanding, and tolerant of other people's views

i have learned so much and i will continue to do so.

nursing is the perfect opporunity for continuing education

[Disablednurse]

Nursing has given me more patience and more compassionate. It has made be more aware of all of my blessings and to not take my family and friends for granted. It has given me the ability to be able to verbalize more in a way that others understand. I also agree with all the above posts.

[FutureNurse2005]

Reading this thread really makes me sad!! Only because I still have such a long road to go:o

Thanks for sharing:) Your thoughts are invaluable to me:)

[NancyRN]

Anyone else notice how nitpicky you've become? I constantly find myself wanting DETAILS. If someone tells me they work in marketing, I'll ask, "Marketing what to whom? When? How? Where?" Just a habit from nursing! It drives my family crazy!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

How nursing has changed me . . . hmmmm.

Well, I feel competent at something. I like that feeling. The sense of accomplishment.

I used to be afraid of death too. I didn't go to my step-father's funeral when I was in the 8th grade. Now I consider it a privilege to do the post-mortum care.

I'm more empathetic . . . not very sympathetic. :)

I don't have alot of patience when it comes to people who don't want to work as a team. Who gripe about stuff and don't contribute to the solution. I stand up for myself now . . .used to be pretty wimpy.

I'm grateful for being able to help someone. And for making money for the first time in my life . . . becoming a nurse has changed our financial picture in a huge way.

[mattsmom81]

Attitude toward death...yes that is a biggie. And attitudes about quality of life. We see so much, it really changes us...doesn't it.

[sbic56, BSN, RN]

OK...some of my changes...

I've learned to not sweat the small stuff in my own life so much anymore, as I always know of someone who has it worse than me.

Authority figures don't intimidate me like they once did. Probably because I am often the "authority figure" now. Also, I've realized doctors, managers, CEO's, etc (authority figures) shouldn't intimidate anyone as the are only people, too, same as me.

I am way more self confident than I was as a younger adult.

I'm way better at multi-tasking, because I am a nurse.

And, on the lighter side...

My bladder is larger, because I am a nurse.

My vericose veins are worse than they might have been, because I am a nurse.

My butt is smaller than it might have been, because I am a nurse.

[Teacher Sue]

After reading the threads about those people who hate nursing and feel hardened, I went looking for some threads by those who love their jobs. I found this particular thread to be quite uplifting. I looked for more posts by some of the posters and found that several of them have not been active on this site for many years. That is indeed a shame, as I have enjoyed some of their other posts as well.

To get back to the original subject of this thread, it is difficult for me to identify ways that nursing has changed me. I feel like I have been a nurse for all of my life. It is an integral part of my identity. I do know that I still love nursing, and cannot imagine doing anything else.