When we look up the word "nurse" in the dictionary, we will read something like "somebody who cares for a sick person." Thinking about it seems easy; however, I believe that there is more into nursing than that simple definition. Being a nurse is a very influential and rewarding profession. Nurses care for people through illness, injury, pain, loss, dying, grieving, birth, growth, aging and health. They not only care for people through illness, but they also promote health, prevent diseases and educate the public.
We all know that nursing is a field that is concerned with helping people, yet I believe that in becoming a nurse, a person needs more than that desire to succeed. It is essential for a nurse to be open, strong, determined, thoughtful and caring. These qualities would reflect on the nurse and would make caring for the patient easier.
I believe that I belong to this field because ever since a child I always wanted to make a positive influence in peoples lives. I always felt the need to care for someone since I know that I have the power and the choice to do so. Growing up in the Philippines has greatly influenced my desire to care for people. All throughout my life, I see all different kinds of people in poverty, may it be infants, children, elderly people and even disabled people. Every day I would see them on the streets begging others for money just so they could treat their ailing relatives. Whenever I see them, I felt so weak. I wanted to help them, yet I didn't know how since I was just a child. It wasn't until I moved here in the United States that I realized that nursing is truly the right profession for me. Moving here made me realize how other countries like the Philippines are in great need of health care. It made me more aware of the situation and now that I am more mature, I know that I could my part to help the situation. Becoming a nurse wouldn't get rid of poverty; however, it would at least help some people who are suffering. Another reason for my decision to become a nurse is my sister, who is a nursing assistant. She suggested that I become one. Her stories from the hospital just inspired me and made me realize that nursing is truly for me. She says that the feeling of giving yourself to a complete stranger in their greatest time of need is like no other feeling on earth.
I truly believe that I am suited to become a nurse. I am honest and open to communication, and these are also important traits that a nurse needs. Nurses are the main communication link between the patient and the doctor. They also often interact with family members by being empathetic to their loved one's illness. Personally, having the opportunity to impact someone every day is very powerful. The words I use, my actions, and my attitude can help another human being to heal and that is something that I will remember all throughout my life. Nursing is one of the few careers that does not only help others but it also helps yourself. It is a profession that is exciting, ever-changing, diverse, and allows an opportunity for learning something new every day. The work is tough but in the end of the day, I will say that this is that path that I chose and I am proud of it, then I will remember that feeling of helping a complete stranger and at that moment, I will feel rewarded.
