Nurses who love what they do

[newbie12]

Going through high school, I was the student who probably had potential, though never really made a huge effort academically. I would always give up before I made an attempt, thinking I couldn't do it anyway. I can be a very indecisive person, however nursing had always been at the back of my mind. Even before I had been accepted into uni, I already knew I wanted to become a paeds nurse, working at a particular childrens hospital in my state. And here I am now, doing my new grad year as a paeds nurse, working in that very hospital I had my heart set on.

I'm proud to be a nurse, and really cannot imagine doing anything else. The unit which I'm on at the moment challenges me very much, keeps me on my toes, and while I do feel that I don't know anywhere near enough, I know I just have to keep at it, study in my free time, and that it will get better with further practice and experience. It's too bad that some people just look down on us, thinking all we do is wipe bums - not my problem though!

[LisalaRN99, BSN, RN]

Going through high school, I was the student who probably had potential, though never really made a huge effort academically. I would always give up before I made an attempt, thinking I couldn't do it anyway. I can be a very indecisive person, however nursing had always been at the back of my mind. Even before I had been accepted into uni, I already knew I wanted to become a paeds nurse, working at a particular childrens hospital in my state. And here I am now, doing my new grad year as a paeds nurse, working in that very hospital I had my heart set on.

I'm proud to be a nurse, and really cannot imagine doing anything else. The unit which I'm on at the moment challenges me very much, keeps me on my toes, and while I do feel that I don't know anywhere near enough, I know I just have to keep at it, study in my free time, and that it will get better with further practice and experience. It's too bad that some people just look down on us, thinking all we do is wipe bums - not my problem though!

I, too, was what we call a "late-bloomer". A classic under-achiever, who kicked around without really having a direction; settled on a degree and career because I couldn't get into nursing school when I did decide that is what I wanted! Then in middle-age, got the opportunity to realize the dream of becoming a nurse and once I decided...I could see clear into my future without hesitation! I never was able to do that before in anything else I ever did! I, too, don't care what other people think about what I do. I know what I do, and the impact my work has on my patients and that's all for me. I did leave med/surg nursing after cardiac telemetry and ICU for psych nursing, which was my first love. Still, I'm not opposed to helping a patient into the shower and have cleaned my share of poo! Now I am embarking on my Master's degree in Nursing Education and hope to be able to teach others to have a passion for nursing! Congratulations for realizing your dream!

[loriangel14, RN]

Oh I LOVE what I do! I didn't go back to school until I was 38 and it's the best thing I ever did. I love where I work and I love my coworkers. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

[newbie12]

I, too, was what we call a "late-bloomer". A classic under-achiever, who kicked around without really having a direction; settled on a degree and career because I couldn't get into nursing school when I did decide that is what I wanted! Then in middle-age, got the opportunity to realize the dream of becoming a nurse and once I decided...I could see clear into my future without hesitation! I never was able to do that before in anything else I ever did! I, too, don't care what other people think about what I do. I know what I do, and the impact my work has on my patients and that's all for me. I did leave med/surg nursing after cardiac telemetry and ICU for psych nursing, which was my first love. Still, I'm not opposed to helping a patient into the shower and have cleaned my share of poo! Now I am embarking on my Master's degree in Nursing Education and hope to be able to teach others to have a passion for nursing! Congratulations for realizing your dream!

Thank you! :) best of luck with your postgrad studies ! I always looked up to my tutors and lecturers at uni - I miss uni!

[gigglestarsRN]

I came to nursing as a second career at age 40. I wouldn't change a thing and as another posted, wish I had started sooner! I love what I do and hear from my patients regularly how much they appreciate me and just knowing I've done my job well, made a difference in someone's life while they are in compromised health, well, it's very satisfying! Even on my hard days I feel I've learned something new and grown not only as nurse, but as a person. Good luck and hope you, too, find a great unit!