"The calling."

Published

I'm about to embark on my first year of pre-req's before I can apply to a nursing program. I've struggled with whether this is the right fit for me, as I've never had the all out calling of being a nurse like some people have. I haven't really had that with anything, to be honest. :) I know I like to work with people and help them, I have a lot of love and empathy for folks, love hearing stories, and have thought about what kind of nursing I'd like to maybe get into - hospice being something that I think I'd like.

I guess my question is, do you ever have doubts about all this? Is it for you, etc? Just wanted to make sure I'm not the only one out there that's feeling a little unsure. I'm hoping it's common!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is very common to have doubts. From nursing school to being an RN we all have/had our doubts. You will have your ups and your downs. Welcome aboard this crazy but awesome journey and Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Not everyone has a "calling" to be a nurse, actually, no one has to have a "calling", rather the ability to have a good work ethic, interested in the way nursing as a career plays a role in society, what nurses ACTUALLY do in order to think that nursing would be a fit for them...it's certainly not for everybody, but for those that do it and do so successfully, one can get very far in this business. :yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I didn't have a calling. I went into the nursing program when my husband lost his job. I had been a stay at home mom for twelve years. I did have a background in health sciences and at one time, was going to school for DVM. I looked at the nursing program and it seemed to be a good fit with where I am in my life right now. So far, I really enjoy it :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Like you I chose nursing because I really like to take care of people. I also was an extrovert but besides that it was really a practical decision. There are many fields in nursing and if I am successful there will always be a job somewhere for me, even if it isn't the job I really want. I never had second thoughts but I understand having some doubts.

It is a big commitment and a big decision. But being on the other side, graduated and working, it is the best thing for me. I have a great job and enjoy getting up for work each day. So if you can see past the doubts I tell you that the other side is very nice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Just starting out in a Nursing Home..

No, your not the only one who feels that way. I am going thu the same thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hey guys - that deep-down feeling of "wanting to help people" .... that's a 'calling'. In modern speak, a calling is something that connects to your own internal value system. It's not a religious experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.
Hey guys - that deep-down feeling of "wanting to help people" .... that's a 'calling'. In modern speak, a calling is something that connects to your own internal value system. It's not a religious experience.

Word.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

As you will learn in your nursing fundamentals course, "a calling" is just a myth. Everyone has their own reasons for choosing nursing. Feeling as if you have "a calling" for it doesn't make you a better nurse than another :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

No Calling here.

I felt the need to enter a helping profession, with good opportunities,

After a lot of research, involving looking at just about health professions, my rational decision was that nursing would be the best fit for me.

Actually...when I was in school I don't refer to anyone talking about a calling

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

No Florence Nightingale or Mother Theresa here!!! No calling either.

Back in 1972 when I started nsg school (back in the dark ages), I decided on nsg. At the time, it was considered a well-respected profession, having a nice decent income, and would always be needed.

Over the years, things have changed immensely, but for the most part, nsg met those standards. I never regretted going into nsg, but If I knew then what I know now back eons ago, I would have made some different choices along the way.

But that's the same for everyone, I believe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hey guys - that deep-down feeling of "wanting to help people" .... that's a 'calling'. In modern speak, a calling is something that connects to your own internal value system. It's not a religious experience.

Well.....I'd have to respectfully disagree. If someone has a deep-down feeling of wanting to design bridges, does that mean they are have "a calling" to be an engineer? Or do we say that they just really want to be an engineer?

The phrase "to have a calling" does indicate a spiritual draw to something. After all, WHO is doing the "calling"? People use that phrase for clergy, as it makes the most sense. A divine 'calling'.

Beyond that, I think people choose nursing because of a wide array of reasons: they want to help people, yes, but they also are interested in medicine, medical treatments, health and healthcare promotion, quality of life enhancement. They also choose it because they feel they'd be good at it, and would allow them the kind of career flexibility they seek (to match with their family needs).

I happen to be some of the former, and some of the latter :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion