Is nursing a "calling"

Nurses Career Support

Published

I really want to get philosophical here! I have pondered this many times during my 20+ nursing career, but have never come to a full understanding of it. Seeing nursing as a calling is like seeing it as some sort of divine mission. Has God called us to this profession? Is there some spiritual influence in our decisions to become nurses?Is it like joining a nunnery? A nursing hat is somewhat like the hats that the old nuns use to wear. Are we angels of mercy?

Or is all this just Patriarchal bu--s--t!

A way to keep us in our places? Is this part of the reason why we feel guilt at asking for more money or better working conditions? Are we suppose to suffer because we are doing God's work?

I thought this should go to the top and hopefully get revived.

Is nursing a calling?......

I am not sure, the last 2 weeks have been very tough at work. Emotionally and mentally and always physically.....I have been asking myself ..

Do I do this RN thing because I am really good at it and it is where I am "suppose to be?" or do I do this because it is always what I have done,,,

(take care of others) Or is it because I really didn't type well and wanted to wear comfortable shoes......

I have gone back and forth on this many times, have slept on it and still am wondering.

Are we suppose to keep on working when we are not seemingly getting a valued response from our administrators? Is it enough that I know I am good and my patients would tell me if they could only remember their ICU stay? I just am not sure, how much should a person or profession take before making a change?

Is staying and hanging in there good or should I too "jump ship" and be a "free agent" like so many of my co-workers are doing, going with agency work or now going prn at my hosp. and makes much, much more........hummmmmmmmmmmm

Or should I just get on antidepressants like most of my co-workers and not even think about it!

I sure don't have an answer only more questions....hope I can figure it out soon............imaRN:confused:

Well, this has certainly been an incredible discussion. The next time that someone throws-out that "nursing is a calling" statement to me, I am going to have a much broader understanding of what that really means for nurses.

ImaRN, you sound like me about 6-7 years ago. Your statement about not being able to type and wanting to wear comfortable shoes really cracked me up. I can't believe how funny some of you are! And "prnenrs", what can I say? LOL

The comment about many nurses being on anti-depressants really saddened me. Obviously something is terribly wrong when we have so many in our profession depressed, angry, and burnt-out. We really have to remember to be there for each other. That's why I love this BB and am glad that I found it. By the way, I was one of those nurses on anti-depressants. I don't know why I feel so much shame in saying that. I am much better now, but mostly because I had so many fellow nurses to help me.

It all depends on how my day at work has gone. If it's been a hectic day with lots of paper work, borrowing equipment, managing resources I'd have to say it's a job like any other were your training and skill see you through the day. But on another day were the day is emotional, dealing with grief, tragic circumstances than why would I subject myself to that for the poor wages? I believe it is a handfull of both.

+ Add a Comment