Nursing is a passion?

%D#2 · Jan 30, 2016

Maybe it doesn't take passion to be a good nurse but yes nursing is my passion. I can't picture myself not being a nurse. It's who I am.

allnurses Guide · Jan 30, 2016

Never had a passion or a calling, not that I would be against it in theory-- the concept baffles me perhaps because my early Catholic education describes visitations by spirit beings, usually as very intense and dramatic. I mean no offense whatsoever toward anyone's faith or passion when I say that. I don't think it's in the hard-wiring of my brain.

I know this will sound schmaltzy but I do have a passion for constantly striving to be my best, and know that there's something to learn in every situation.

Nursing has provided enough stability and income that I have pursued my avocations, and when I found myself suddenly a single mother, I was able to survive on more than a minimum wage job. Thank God I didn't let my license lapse!

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 30, 2016

Game of Thrones is a bigger passion for me than nursing. Along with my family, friends, food, music and shaking what my momma gave me.
I may be working with you, and "your" patients may also be "my" patients. I'm not going to "get out". I'm a good nurse.
Whatcha gonna do about that?

To those who say that nursing must be a calling, I say, "You know nothing, Jon Snow."

Bbrown36 · Jan 30, 2016

Hmmmmm-for me Nursing is not only a Passion but a ministry as well. Yes I "had the calling" from the time I was a little girl. If you think that nursing is just a job....get out.

I feel the exact same way, I remember being 5 yrs old telling my mother & father I want to be a nurse, it's been my passion for (My Whole Life). I love it ! I can't imagine not doing anything but nursing as my career.

anilos81 · Jan 30, 2016

For me it definitely feels like my passion although I am a senior nursing students I have an actually entered the workforce yet. I can definitely tell the difference between the others in my class who feel it is just a job or a paycheck and those who feel very passionate about it. I can also tell the difference between those two in the hospital. As long as patients are kept safe and treated with the proper care it doesn't really matter which category you fall into the problem I see is when those who feel it is just a paycheck or a job to provide a substandard care.my hope is that I have able to remain passionate about nursing once I actually get a job!

%D#2 · Jan 30, 2016

I do know a lot of good nurses who are not like me.. I did feel it was a calling.. But I don't think that other people should stop being nurses just because they aren't as passionate. I do think one should like their job of course but some may not see it as a passion, but still be beyond competent. I have worked with nurses who were SOOO very good but didn't have that passion that I do.

Libby1987 · Jan 30, 2016

Perhaps we are defining passion differently.

I define it as liking or being drawn to the work itself, enough that the other things that go with it have a different impact. I can't imagine enduring nursing even on a good day just for the paycheck, I have to actually like the work I do. I might be able to do some non clinical work whether I like it or not, but not direct patient care. I think that's what many are getting at when they say it's better to actually want to do nursing tasks and responsibilities.

I romanticized the excitement of working in the ED as much as anyone, it had nothing to do with a "calling" but just something I thought would be really cool to do. It didn't turn out to be what I expected (senior focus) but there was more to choosing nursing than just a logical financial decision.

anc9513 · Jan 30, 2016

I am actually very very surprised at how many people are saying nursing is not a passion to them. Nursing is one of my biggest passions. I'm really shocked by the number of nurses who say it is not a passion of theirs...

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 30, 2016

I am actually very very surprised at how many people are saying nursing is not a passion to them. Nursing is one of my biggest passions. I'm really shocked by the number of nurses who say it is not a passion of theirs...

You haven't been here very long -- every so often there are long threads about the necessity for having a "calling" or a "passion" for nursing. You'll see posts from those of us who do not believe that to be true alternating with posts from people who say that they are terrific nurses even though they have not yet managed to pass the NCLEX after double-digit tries and people who say they'll be the best dang nurse in the state despite the fact that they cannot understand anatomy -- because they have more compassion in their hearts than anyone else does. Do a search for some of the "calling" threads . . . it will be entertaining at the very least.

Farawyn · Jan 30, 2016

To those who say that nursing must be a calling, I say, "You know nothing, Jon Snow."

Too soon. Waaaaaaay too soon.

Accolay · Jan 30, 2016

I think nursing is an alright job- it pays ok most of the time, I can work almost as few or as many hours as I'd like, it provides opportunity to learn new things and go just about anywhere if I wanted to and occasionally I am able to help someone and they appreciate it. It feels good to help someone if I can. But in no way would I attribute the word "passion" in context with anything I've ever done for money.

My latest passion is in making a creamy carbonara. With bacon.

wolf9653 · Jan 30, 2016

It helps. I don't know if it's necessary, since like everybody else I have an off day once in awhile and have to settle for compassion and empathy, and both I and the patients got by OK.