I feel nursing is more of a calling than anything else

Tarrus Eliuds · Nov 24, 2015

Stressors struggle to find their way into us despite having enough yet we stand firm,we walk and work in and out of the ward restlessly and tirelessly to monitor our clients! We offer ourselves more to the clients as we try and balance with our families as well as other field.sacrificing and perseverance are no longer a topic rather a routine, doing good is our guide while God is the provider dont get tired of promoting well being and restoring health.its a calling only the chosen ones can understand and go through challenges without hesitation

klone, MSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

I don't think nursing is a calling, and I think it's detrimental to our profession to consider it one.

I enjoy my job because I'm well paid, I like what I do, and I'm good at it. Nobody "called" me to nursing.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 24, 2015

Those who think a calling is required are usually the ones who burn out the fastest. Reality is that nursing is a profession, just like all the others. Yes, an interest and perhaps enjoyment in the work help, but why people go into nursing varies- those who seem to make it are those who have more than a "calling" for why they went into nursing.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 24, 2015

It's not a calling, it's my job. I don't believe anyone's god has anything to do with it.

flying_ace2 · Nov 24, 2015

It definitely was NOT a "calling" for me - it was a way to get paid more, get out of the typical office 9-5, and have a variety of job opportunities that allow me to live my life the way I want to. Fortunately, I was always interested in science and medicine, and even though I've ended back up in the office, there is huge professional growth potential here, the work is interesting, and eventually I will be able to work from home (which suits this hermit just fine:up:).

God didn't tell me to do it, my husband and family didn't tell me to do it, the media propaganda of the "nursing shortage" didn't tell me to do it, and it was absolutely not something I "dreamed" about since I was a child.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

I agree. Nursing is definitely my calling. For others it's a job. It doesn't make me a better of a nurse.

I've been in nursing for 10 years. Have not burnt out yet and still look forward to going to work. I know nurse's who feel they have been called to be a nurse and have been doing it 25 plus years and have not burnt out. God definitely has sustained me. I've has my good days and bad day but the good out weighs the bad.

25 pages, I think 30 pages after I get totally flamed for my post.

Everline · Nov 24, 2015

I'm not even sure what a calling is, tbh. Is a calling related to God? Can one have other kinds of "callings" from more earthly forces? Not trying to be dim. I never seriously thought I could be a nurse, nor did I pursue it until later in life. Certain things happened to create the motivation and drive necessary to get through school and etc. But I remember those first thoughts and they seemed pretty strong.

I don't particularly like being a nurse right now, but I feel like it's right for me and that there is a reason I have taken this "path". Still, on a day to day basis, it feels like a job and that's how I approach it.

sjalv · Nov 25, 2015

Nurses work round the clock during their shifts

'round the clock' - 'during their shifts', which one is it? We work longer shifts than what is normal but also fewer days than most people.

to make sure that their patients meet the desired outcomes

Yeah, that's kind of our job

patients with different disease conditions that demand our intervention failure to which their lives are in danger

Again, that is our job. Not sure what the problem is here.

people criticize our minor mistake yet they don't appreciate our efforts

Sounds like a poor work environment, not unique to nursing

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Nov 25, 2015

I definitely consider being a midwife as central to my identity, so I understand the idea of feeling "called" to a certain line of work. But the work of women is culturally devalued, and "caring" professions are historically underpaid compared with other jobs that require similar education/skills.

Being dedicated to midwifery does NOT mean I am willing to work terrible hours in an unsupportive work environment with crappy wages. I have two kids that I am solely financially responsible for, plus student loans, a mortgage, etc etc etc. Compensation matters. That being said, I did choose a lower paying position in public health instead of a more lucrative private practice, and hope to one day be in a financial position to volunteer my services, so i guess you should take my opinion with a grain or two of salt :)

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

I have not felt called to do anything in life. Like others, I was interested in medicine and have always had an inclination to help people. Luckily nursing fits that pretty well.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

Ah, you're new here and don't know how to use the "search" function, I see. MANY regular posters here feel exactly the opposite. I for one, was not "called" into nursing and it's wholly irresponsible of you to proclaim that nursing IS a calling. I'm good at what I do, but in the end it is just a job, nothing more.

Nurses work round the clock during their shifts to make sure that their patients meet the desired outcomes,patients with different disease conditions that demand our intervention failure to which their lives are in danger,people criticize our minor mistake yet they don't appreciate our efforts