please help us in our thesis (reasons for taking nursing)

- I grew up around nurses (both my parents are RNs). I have enjoyed their stories about working in various hospitals, as well as watching them *not* dread going to work everyday.

- My sister, a 2nd semester ADN nursing student, was killed in a car collision three months ago. I want to be able to finish many of the things she started. We were planning on working in the same hospital. I know now that someone has to create the conclusion to my/her/our dreams, and that person can only be me.

- I have an aptitude for science, and I love to help people. I can't think of many other occupations that would suit me.

- Less significant; decent income, job availability, as well as the many opportunities within the field (home health, travel nursing, etc).

I had never thought about being a nurse before my mom died of cancer in September. I am taking pre-requisites now and I know I have found my calling. I quit my job to help take care of her. I only got two weeks to do that, but I guess that was enough. At the moment, I am planning to get my BSN and specialize in Oncology. I have a desire to do something to help others who are going through what mom did.

I will end it there. Just the basic story, but I hope it will help you out. Good luck on that paper.

- I grew up around nurses (both my parents are RNs). I have enjoyed their stories about working in various hospitals, as well as watching them *not* dread going to work everyday.

- My sister, a 2nd semester ADN nursing student, was killed in a car collision three months ago. I want to be able to finish many of the things she started. We were planning on working in the same hospital. I know now that someone has to create the conclusion to my/her/our dreams, and that person can only be me.

- I have an aptitude for science, and I love to help people. I can't think of many other occupations that would suit me.

- Less significant; decent income, job availability, as well as the many opportunities within the field (home health, travel nursing, etc).

I am so sorry about your sister. I wish you the very best in your nursing career.

I was struck with a deadly illness in 2001 but lived through it. I later was in and out of the hospital for 18 months and had 5 surgeries during that time. Most nursies and doctors were good but I also encountered the not so good.

I'd like to help people recover after surgery.

Good luck with your project :)

-I have been interested in medicine since I was very young. Wanted to be a "dog nurse" when I was 4 or 5. Found out there was no such thing.

-Absolutely fell in love with biological science in high school, mainly because of dissection.

-Decided I wanted to be a surgeon when I was 16. My mom told me I couldn't go to med school. I backed down easily back then.

-Gave birth twice (natural both times) and was fascinated with everything the nurse did. Drove them crazy with questions, I'm sure, but I just had to know everything.

-Was seriously ill with an abdominal abcess requiring emergency surgery and again was enthralled with all that I saw in the hospital. Asked more questions, drove some more nurses crazy.

-Had many life experiences that have equipped me to deal with people who are upset and scared. Found that God has "trained" me to know how to calm down people who are about to lose it and discern when emotional/spritual comfort is needed.

-Hubby finished his Master's and said I could start school, but I didn't get the opportunity to do so.

-A friend started Nursing School. Another friend got her RN. Felt a twinge of envy and remembered my chidlhood dreams, but didn't think school was possible for me. And besides, I was too old. Could I even learn anymore?

-Daughter dropped out of college. Son did not start college. Realized that it was finally my turn, but what to study?

-Suddenly a light went on. My mind replayed the childhood dreams, the love of all things medical, the wistfulness I felt when my friends went to NS and suddenly, it dawned on me. I still wanted to do what I had wanted when I was a little girl (well, not the "dog" part. I very much like being a human being!)

-Fast forward to today: I am in school and love it. I can learn. I am 43 years old and at the top of my class and setting the curve. I am assisting my A & P instructor in lab because I have already worked so far ahead. I got a 31 on my ACT (WOOHOO). And I will start Nursing School this Fall (I hope).

-I really believe that I'm reclaiming a part of myself that I put away because so many people told me there were other things I should be doing. I sense a calling on my life and know that Nursing is my purpose for being here.

thank you very much for those who replied. Applebed, TexasAngel, stpauligirl, missjen.

* to help people who are sick

* to make good money and be able to get a job almost anywhere

* the variety in the job.. never know what's gonna happen

* to help make up for some of the bad nurses out there (I was in and out of hospitals as a child, and my mom was in them frequently in the last few years of her life, and there are PLENTY of nurses who really need to take a break from nursing)

* to have a career, not just a job, that I can be proud of

* mainly though, I'm in it to help people

*I like to be busy at work

*love human A&P!

*love biology in general

*satisfaction of helping people through some of their worst times

*range of specialties and options

*job security and decent salary and benefits

*and like nurse-to-be-joy said, to have a career to be proud of

thank you very much for those who replied. Applebed, TexasAngel, stpauligirl, missjen.

You are quite welcome and good luck with your project