What keeps you going as a nurse?

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Specializes in PCCN.

Tell me stories about why you stay in nursing, despite all the craziness that goes on. Sometimes, it feels more like just a way to make money. Just get through the day, whatever it takes, and you will make enough money to get by. We always wish that there was something more, and sometimes there is. What keeps you going, what keeps you motivated to stay in nursing? If you were to lose your job today, what would you miss?

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Specializes in ER.

I love my paycheck and that is what I'd miss the most.

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Specializes in PCCN.

Paychecks can be very motivating, also the flexible schedule. :)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Every other Friday at 0800, my employer direct deposits $$ in my bank account. I need $$ to live- thus I continue to go to work.

I like my job, but I would not do it for free.

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Tell me stories about why you stay in nursing, despite all the craziness that goes on. Sometimes, it feels more like just a way to make money. Just get through the day, whatever it takes, and you will make enough money to get by. We always wish that there was something more, and sometimes there is. What keeps you going, what keeps you motivated to stay in nursing? If you were to lose your job today, what would you miss?

There was this one time in the middle of nowhere I was driving along the road and a car was rolled over on the side. I came up to it and there was a small child inside barely breathing. I ripped open the car door and grabbed the baby and ran with them 100 meters away. The car blew up behind me. After I regained consciousness I realized the child had stopped breathing. EMS was there so I exclaimed I AM A NURSE!!!! and the child started breathing. That is what keeps me alive and doing this job. Or maybe it is the paycheck.

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Specializes in Hospice, ONC, Tele, Med Surg, Endo/Output.

I stay because I have a 19 year old daughter in college. I stayed in a career I've disliked and tried to make work since 1994 for my child's sake. It's stable employment, being an RN. Yes, the money is good; however, money isn't everything. it's 14 long years to go before retirement...I will then downsize so I can enjoy traveling and hobbies. Later, maybe move to Portugal, Spain, or Italy to provide nursing care in villages. Would love to live near a monastery or convent; would love to live in one for a reasonable rent, ride a bike to patient's homes just like on the PBS show, "Call the Midwife."

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The 3 day workweek....and impacting children's lives.

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