Nursing student lacking passion?

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I'm about to start my 2nd term of nursing school and there has been a question constantly being asked which I'm seeking insight on.

Are you passionate?

My answer is: not really. I'm looking for opinions on why this is a completely acceptable response because people generally are thrown off after I say that.

I have always had a great passion for science, though. I very much enjoy learning/research and applying my scientific knowledge, but passion in the sense of general nursing isn't really there. I chose the career path because: job security, flexibility, able to travel, the science aspect, pay/benefits and that my schooling was paid for in full if I chose nursing.

I see many of my classmates are obviously passionate about what they are doing and I see others that may be in the same boat as me but would never denounce their lack of passion. We are by no means cold/uncaring, but we don't seem as "into it" as the others.

I would love to hear from current nurses who lack passion (I know there are many) but still love their job and do well. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Are you passionate?
Nope. I'm not passionate about nursing, but I am a competent nurse.

My choice to become a nurse was not prompted by a divine higher calling from above, as it was for some other individuals. Rather, it was a calculated business decision prompted by a desire to secure stable paid employment that instilled a greater sense of purpose.

I've been in the profession for almost a decade. It's been an interesting ride with a myriad of ups and downs, but it's also been well worth it.

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Specializes in ICU.

You mean a passion to care for the sick and dying and cleaning up smelly, bodily fluids? No, I don't. I also love the science and medical part of nursing. I'm passionate about pathophysiology and pharmacology. Love it. I'm hoping to maybe be a NP someday so I can diagnose. But I'm 38 so I don't know if I can make that dream come true. Don't let anyone question why you are doing this. As long as you are doing well in the program and feel you can practice nursing safely, don't worry about it. Many people romanticisize what nursing should be. As if we are back in the civil war on the battlefields caring for the sick and dying. It's much different now. And your reasons for being a nurse sound good to me. Also since I'm a single mom, working 3 twelve hour shifts a week, is an added bonus for me!!

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

I did not go into nursing because of passion. I did it as a smart career move considering where I was in my life. I think the lack of passion has helped me move around in nursing because I don't really put up with BS. If a job is not working out or has reached the point where I have become a machine and I am no longer learning, I'm out.

I am passionate about knowledge and science and as a result I am often the best nurse on the floor. Not bragging, it's just a fact. I need to know why things are happening so I am always reading, learning, and as a result teaching others.

I am passionate about treating human beings with respect, so patients love me. But do I LOVE nursing? Nope.

And it is totally Ok ;)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

I think work ethic is under-rated in nursing compared to a passion for nursing. If you're committed to doing a good job--and everything that phrase entails, from critical-thinking to advocacy to hand-holding--you can be a competent nurse.

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You have passion, but not in the context of the question, or perhaps characteristics typically associated with passion. Even a strategic choice to enter the medical field with completely self serving ambitions can be passionate, just not what society is use to. Keep on keeping on!!

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Before I was a nursing student, I worked as a unit secretary. Let me tell you, the ones who go into the nursing for the purpose of answering a divine higher calling bounce out within 2 years once they realize all the political mess that happens (cause they thought they could avoid that by not going the suit-and-tie route), the unreciprocated love (they honestly expected patients to be thankful and grateful to them for their service), the actual cruel nature of the system (no insurance? bye) and the constant threat of losing your license for every offense you didn't even know you committed, not to mention the money-hungry public who will lawyer up no matter how sincere and honest you were in trying to help them. If you look at it objectively as just a career you will fare better. Anyone who claims passion for it will be the one that ends up running away from the profession with his/her tail between the legs.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I feel like the passion is under the surface. I know it's there, but nursing school does not bring it out in me. I don't know what's going to happen when I graduate and begin working, but I believe I will find my place and be happy as a nurse. Right now, I'm learning to be competent and build my skills. But most of the time, during clinicals, "passionate" would not be a word I would use to describe my feelings or state of being. I do feel determined. I hope that is enough.

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I put off pursuing nursing as a career for over 3 years because I was worried i was not passionate enough to make it my career. I was a hairstylist and I swear to you, out of my graduating class less than a third of people ever went on to even TEST for their license. (I was the only one who did out of my group of friends!!) Why? Because they had no passion about it and so it was pointless for them. Cosmetology school had drained them of their initial passion and interest in the career. I realized I wanted to become a nurse after having my son, but as I said I put it off for a long time because at first I was worried my interest in doing so was too limited (I'm very interested in maternity). I thought there's NO WAY I'll make it through nursing school and all that goes with it if my interest is so limited. Because you have to admit to stick with something and go on with it you have to have some kind of passion for it even a slight one. I understand what you mean, some people have always known they wanted to do nursing and they have such a passion for it while others see it as a stable career (we always need nurses!). But nonetheless, I'd have to say that deep down all nurses are passionate about what they are doing in some way or another.

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I feel like the passion is under the surface. I know it's there, but nursing school does not bring it out in me. I don't know what's going to happen when I graduate and begin working, but I believe I will find my place and be happy as a nurse. Right now, I'm learning to be competent and build my skills. But most of the time, during clinicals, "passionate" would not be a word I would use to describe my feelings or state of being. I do feel determined. I hope that is enough.

This is exactly how I feel, and you worded it so well, Everline.

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So many great responses. I feel so much better. Really. Rock on guys :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Was I passionate at first? NO WAY! Did I realize eventually that this was really my niche? yes.....((HUGS)) Don't let all this calling and passion stuff get under your skin.

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