What to you like about being a nurse?

Juwon · Mar 21, 2011

Sorry nursing has become a very hard job and is a politically hot potatoe and is very negative right now, with little positives (if any) and very little rewards.
I cannot think of any positives right at this minute. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I would not encourage anyone to go into nursing as a first career, especially if they're young.

wow, im 18, and im done with my pre-reqs for the LPN program, and almost done with my pre-reqs for RN school at the community college just need to take microbiology and chemistry, but yes im going into the field young, and i sometimes wonder if i can handle the stress as a New Grad RN. I always think like what if i cant handle the pressure like others? I see how nursing truly has an impact on a persons non-work/social life and how it contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle, such as gaining weight, emotional break downs, etc, compared to other careers. I hope i will be able to cope. I tilt my hat off to all nurses because I will go to my grave saying that nurses have one of the most difficult jobs in the healthcare industry and combined with other industries and are not nearly treated fairly like other fields, and lastly are not compensated enough for what they do.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

I have notice they are not nearly as hot as they used to be,, maybe just me:)

I agree, have found far better looking nurses, emt's and rt. LOL

To be serious though, I am not a nurse yet, (2more months) one thing I love about going into nursing and what I do in clinicals, is the ability to make a positive difference in someones life if even for a day. nursing itself wasn't a calling. Helping others and making a difference in the lives of others was. Yes I understand in reality it's not all peace and happiness. Far from it. doesn't change my driving force though and what I gain from it.

EmergencyNrse · Mar 21, 2011

I like the free coffee......

raincitynurse · Mar 21, 2011

I made a difference today.I changed the direction of someones life for the better.I made a sick baby laugh.I helped someone get the information they needed.I was thanked many times for my help.I got a high five from a doctor.

And that was just today.

Today I changed lives, if only for a moment, and in that changed my own.I saw the bad and worked for the good.

What I love about being a nurse is today I made a difference.

And I'm going to do it again tomorrow!

resumecpr · Mar 21, 2011

I absolutely LOVE the thrill of saving a life, even if it takes an entire 12 hour shift. When I have a patient with every vasopressor known maxed, CHF, and renal failure, on a vent, pressures in the toilet, lungs full of fluid, HR in the high 100's, potassium >6, I am so stressed, but I feel so rewarded a the end of my shift because the patient is still ALIVE.

Even though it sucks at the time, I always leave feeling exhausted and fantastic at the same time. Like I totally kicked butt!

Bezoars · Mar 21, 2011

I haven't been a nurse quite long enough to by cynical yet, so here goes: What I like MOST about being a nurse is getting to work with my little geriatric patients... the over 70 set. They are (for the most part) so sweet, and I love talking to them about their life experiences. They are usually so appreciative to just to have someone talking to them and listening to their needs. I always take joy in knowing that I can make a positive difference in their lives, if only for one day. In general, my favorite part of nursing is being able to do something to leave my pt better off that day then when I came in... that may take the form of a listening ear, a more efficient wound dressing, a new consult, whatever it may be.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

Here's what I like:

1. The free ink pens and occasional free goodies

2. Flexible scheduling

3. The pay

4. Variety of work environments and specialties

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

Seeing people get better

My coworkers. They make me laugh, they give sound advise, and they're helpful.

Appreciative patient families.

Some of the doctors I work with.

The loads of opportunities.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

My setting is a little different as a school nurse, but here's what I enjoy

1) Developing relationships with families and staff and becoming not just the nurse, but "The" nurse.

2) Hanging around with kids all day...they never fail to make me laugh

3) My co-workers (most of them )...we are a family!

4) Wearing comfy clothes and shoes to work every day and never having to don a business suit

5) I'm not gonna lie...the schedule does not suck!

OldNurseEducator · Mar 21, 2011

I agree, have found far better looking nurses, emt's and rt. LOL
To be serious though, I am not a nurse yet, (2more months) one thing I love about going into nursing and what I do in clinicals, is the ability to make a positive difference in someones life if even for a day. nursing itself wasn't a calling. Helping others and making a difference in the lives of others was. Yes I understand in reality it's not all peace and happiness. Far from it. doesn't change my driving force though and what I gain from it.

Oh, to be new again...wait until you have been working a while. It is far too easy to get burned out in nursing. The responsibilities are endless. :clown: The paycheck is good and the few good things you can remember from patient care...are priceless. :) :nurse:

AwayWeGo · Mar 21, 2011

I just finished reading this thread about Mr. John...stories and people like this is why I like being a nurse...

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/goodbye-mr-john-541389.html :heartbeat

TXoncologyRN · Mar 21, 2011

There is good and bad with every job! In nursing it seems like sometimes there is more bad than good and we're all overworked, but then there are those few pt's that make you feel like your job is worthwhile. At least thats how it is for me :)