Thought I'd take some time to get to know some of you. So here is my story...
I initially didn't want to be a nurse. That was my sisters thing and I remember joking with her about it. Told her that I didn't want to be the one rubbing powder under boobs, cleaning poop, and such things. So I thought I was cool and went to an engineering school. Thought I wanted to be a genetic engineer. Boy was I wrong. I struggled in general bio, and was scared of organic chemistry. I should have looked into the career more and the classes required before I chose it. I then quickly changed my major to psychology. Until I had my high school psych teacher tell me I was making a huge mistake because the job market in psychology sucks. Well, dang it lol.
So I came home and started taking classes at the local community college and started considering different career choices. Decided on OTA...then heard horror stories, again changed my mind. See a pattern? Then I though "hey! PA sounds great!" But then I realized you need health care experience (duh). I always knew I wanted to help people and I knew I belonged in the health care field, but didn't know just what.
Finally one day, I had a eureka moment. Went into the living room and said to my mom "I know. I'm gonna be a nurse." Finished in two years and a couple years later, here I am.
I tell this story for a couple reasons. One, to get to know some of you. Two, because when I was in nursing school and they had us present why we wanted to become nurses..everyone had such great stories about the excellent care a family member received. And that's what drove them. And I always felt bad telling my story because I didn't have some kind of "special story". But now I realize...I don't need a special story to be a good nurse and I don't need a "reason" I became a nurse.
Lastly, I read a thread saying nursing is a calling. It surely was not a calling for me. If it was, I don't think I would have gone through so many majors or considered so many other careers if it had been a calling.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
So, why are you a nurse?
I grew up as the only child of parents who were positioned on a lower economic rung. My early and middle childhood years were spent existing from paycheck-to-paycheck. The chronic lack of money was partly due to gross mismanagement, and partly due to my parents' inability to find better jobs. For the past 30 years, the workforce has been brutal on those who have only high school diplomas or GEDs.
I became a nurse due to the steady income, flexibility, career mobility, educational advancement, and the potential for a secure economic future. After nearly a decade as a nurse, my income is steady, my schedule is flexible, I have career mobility, my educational attainment has progressed, and my economic future is secure.
I worked in dentistry for MANY years, was also an EMT for just short of 20 years. Nursing seemed to be the next practical step. Certainly not a "calling", no matter who tries to tell you that nurses are CALLED into the career--complete hogwash in many cases
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I think I was hardwired from birth to be a nurse. I was that kid that was always bringing home sick strays to tend and care for. On the farm I put myself between the runt of the litter and my dad's axe handle. I was a Candy Striper at 10 and drove an ambulance after high school. I had planned on a military career - still wish I'd done that and after several false starts at various careers and a a marriage that was doomed from the first I do. I came back to nursing. From my first day in the classroom I knew I was home. I may not be the best nurse out there but I work hard to give competent, knowledgeable, sensitive care to my patients. Plus let's not forget the fun of waking up a cranky Dr. at 2 am to tell him his Pt hasn't had a bowel movement in 2 days.
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
I became a nurse for a few reasons, but two of the biggest were my sister and the author Echo Heron. My sister graduated from RN school about the time Ms. Heron released her 1st book. And between both of their stories, I was hooked on nursing. It also didn't hurt that all of this was happening as I was graduating High School and looking for my path in life.
I have planned to pursue nursing for as long as I can remember. There was no single incident that drew me in, however my mother work for a home health staffing agency which likely encouraged it. I knew without a doubt that I wanted to work in healthcare when I started volunteering at a local hospital during my pre-nursing years. I just absolutely loved being in the hospital, talking to patients, interacting with the nurses, aides, techs, etc. Also, last year I was in the hospital and had a fantastic nurse who helped confirm to me that I am on the right path. I am starting nursing school next month and couldn't be more thrilled. :) Great thread!
I tell this story for a couple reasons. One, to get to know some of you. Two, because when I was in nursing school and they had us present why we wanted to become nurses..everyone had such great stories about the excellent care a family member received. And that's what drove them. And I always felt bad telling my story because I didn't have some kind of "special story". But now I realize...I don't need a special story to be a good nurse and I don't need a "reason" I became a nurse.
Lastly, I read a thread saying nursing is a calling. It surely was not a calling for me. If it was, I don't think I would have gone through so many majors or considered so many other careers if it had been a calling.
So, why are you a nurse?
We share the same experience. I never thought I would ever be a nurse. In the Philippines, I grew up knowing that everyone in the country wants to be a nurse! I swore to myself that I won't follow the crowd. I tried different types of jobs to get me started. None really interested me. I accidentally became a nurse in the long run. I realized that I will never work anywhere else but the healthcare field.
I knew i love SCIENCE but we couldn't afford medical school. I also love PEOPLE but I knew I didn't want to be an actress, social worker, or a cop. Those jobs just won't match my personality ;-)
The good thing about nursing is that there are many types and you can always change gears in the health care field.
I am future second-career nurse. I'm a rising senior in nursing school after having spent 20 years as a journalist and communications specialist for government contractors and higher education. About three years ago it was time for a change. My wife suggested nursing since I was an EMT and firefighter at one time. I wanted a career that I could feel good about. We did the research and talked with family and friends who were nurses. We got the good, the bad, and the ugly from them and it helped.
Once we started looking into nursing, I started thinking about all the nurses I know. About 13 years ago, I hit my rock bottom. I was close to ending it all. A nurse, however, saved me. I've never forgotten her and what she did for me. It wasn't a doctor and it wasn't a psychologist or psychiatrist, it was a nurse. Were it not for her, I'm not sure I'd be here today. She's still a nurse and I'm looking forward to sending her a graduation announcement next spring. She made a difference for me and I want to do the same for others.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
I grew up as the only child of parents who were positioned on a lower economic rung. My early and middle childhood years were spent existing from paycheck-to-paycheck. The chronic lack of money was partly due to gross mismanagement, and partly due to my parents' inability to find better jobs. For the past 30 years, the workforce has been brutal on those who have only high school diplomas or GEDs.
I became a nurse due to the steady income, flexibility, career mobility, educational advancement, and the potential for a secure economic future. After nearly a decade as a nurse, my income is steady, my schedule is flexible, I have career mobility, my educational attainment has progressed, and my economic future is secure.