That question all nursing students get: why do you want to be a nurse?

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Many nursing students I know have a very specific reason why they want to be a nurse. For example, a girl I know told me that she had taken care of her grandmother with osteoporosis and for her that sparked an interest in this field. I developed an interest in this field only a year ago, and I feel like I do not have a good enough reason. I guess my reason is: I have always been interested in anything medical-related. I like the idea of being able to help patients and to work as a team with other health care professionals to contribute to patients' well-being. Are there any other ways I could elobarate on this to make it sound better? If I get an acceptance letter, I will interview in 3 months, and I want to be as prepared as I can. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be most helpful. Thanks :)

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I think your reason is fine. It's better than mine! When I was applying for University I chose nursing because I like helping people and I didn't want a desk job. Your answer shows you are interested in the science, the patients and working in a multidisciplinary team. I don't think you need to have a life story to be interested in nursing :)

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Specializes in L&D.

I think your answer is fine.

My reason: I worked in child protection for 5 years. I dealt with a lot of medical cases(neglect, abuse, substance abuse, drug addicted babies, children with HIV, parents with HIV, Cystic Fibrosis, the list goes on and on). I always wanted to be a nurse before being a social worker, but only recently had the opportunity to go back to school. Since starting clinicals 9 months ago, I realized I had chosen the right choise and that was the right choice for me...It's a calling.

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My reason: I want to give back...

Not only is it a dream of mine to be a nurse, but I want to give back to others for the excellent patient care I have received in the past. I am not only doing this for myself but for others. I want to be able to care for my mom and dad when they are in need. I want a job and title I can be proud of. I want a job I can look forward to going to everyday. I want to enjoy what I'm doing and make decent money at it. I want a career and not a dead end job. I want an education with continuous learning after graduation. I want to work in healthcare because that is what interests me the most.

My list of reasons is long and many. I know I will be a fine nurse oneday. Nursing is my passion, dream, and calling. There is nothing else.

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I want to be able to care for my mom and dad when they are in need. I want a job and title I can be proud of. I want a job I can look forward to going to everyday. I want to enjoy what I'm doing and make decent money at it. I want a career and not a dead end job. I want an education with continuous learning after graduation..

I feel the same way.

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I feel the same way.

Yep. I think many do. I'm glad I'm not alone in my thinking. :)

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Thanks everyone.

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For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. Then, my mom became sick with cancer and I saw how caring, supportive, understanding and amazing the nurses were and how they did (most of) the hard work and I changed my mind. Nurses inspire me and I want to be a part of it!

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For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a nurse. I watched my grandmother put her self through school when I was little. Unfortunately she got sick and passed away before taking her NCLEX. Finally after marriage and the birth of my son I made the decision to go back to school. Unfortunately going back to school was not embraced by my now ex-husband. I was determined to keep trucking along and this past April I received my acceptance letter. My dream was becoming a reality and I know my grandmother was sitting there with me and smiling.

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Specializes in Oncology.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with your answer. As long as you don't say "the pay and job security" (lol these days) then you will be fine. Most institutions are going toward multi-disciplinary care, so I think that it's great that you enjoy being part of a team. I would expand on your own reasons to cite examples of participating in team work, helping others out, and maybe mention classes you have taken that sparked the interest in medical topics.

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the pay and job security.....

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I hate those sort of behavioral questions in interviews.

Not only should you prepare for "why nursing" but "why nursing at our facility."

My reason: Because I have more respect for the mentally ill than I do the CEO of any company.

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