What made you go into nursing?

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

the money. :lol2:

stargazer88 · Apr 27, 2012

Wow! These stories are inspiring. Hope to hear more!

To Not.done.yet,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. I could just feel the pain when reading your words. A parents very worst fear is to lose a child. To outlive them.

I admire you, and believe your contribution to nursing is a lasting legacy to your son.

Thank you

Nursingluv101 · Apr 27, 2012

I use to like people....Blah... no really I like working with people even the complainers. I'm a mover and shaker, and I enjoy a fast pace work environment. Sometimes its to fast and to much, but I couldn't picture doing anything else. I like new experiences, and everyday is a new experience!!

IdianaCNA1993 · Apr 27, 2012

Well I myself want to be a nurse so that I can help people. I also feel that I can't be a CNA the rest of my life I would simply go crazy or have to work five jobs just to support myself and I feel that its the only thing that I would be decent at. I wouldnt be doing it for the money because I hear alot of nurses say they made more money waiting tables than they did working currently as a nurse.

rubato, ASN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

I used to be a personal trainer and felt ineffective. I didn't like the career choice at all. Then, I had my son and was a stay at home mom for 12 years.

When I decided to go back to work, I wanted to do something that wasn't in an office, wanted to be on my feet all day (I know, what's wrong with me), wanted it to be fast paced and not the same all the time, wanted to make enough money so that my hubby could quit and be a stay at home dad, wanted something that I could do into my 60s since I'm starting in my early 40s, wanted to work independently but not be alone, and wanted to do something useful, not be a lawyer or something.

I am thinking I chose the perfect profession. I can't wait to start nursing school this fall and find out if I'm right!

Sevastyano, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

I actually know a nurse who quit her job and went to be a waitress.

Sevastyano, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

My story start when I was 15. Me and my friend both wanted to be a teacher In Ukraine. But when time came to go apply to colleges my father said:" We are all in medical field and that is where you will go." Little that I knew then that nursing is a calling. My friend and me applied to nursing school that year. She getting and I did not. So next year I went again and getting. She did drop out of shool year a got in.( As I said it is not for everyone). Nursing school was tough. But my grandparents both got sick and as a nursing student I was talking care of them( EMT would let me even do injections and IV push that was very exciting). When I came to US I had been nurse for 6 years working in m/s. I start to learn language and I went to see what do I need to do to come back to nursing. But then I got sick and doctor suggested to choose more quiet job. I went and got CPA worked for 3 years and hated every minute of sitting behind computer and tracing paperwork. I went back to school and got my nursing degree. Now 20 years ago our proffesor said: " Nursing is who you are and what you do." Just now it made sense. I look in my patient's eyes and see how happy they are when I am there to help them, to hold their hand, to listen to their stories. I am excited when I can see how medication makes them fill better or interventions that we implemented worked. Or symptoms can be traced to labs or procedure. Nursing is amazing.

allnurses Guide · Apr 28, 2012

I fell into nursing by accident.

I was 18 and my best friend called me up and asked me if I wanted to take the CNA class with her. I had nothing better to do so I did it! I didn't have a clue what I was getting into...lol...

I sucked at it, in the beginning (like most newbies do) but within months, I excelled. Many people who have worked with me (even many years ago) will tell me that I was the best CNA they had ever worked with.

I was so very very proud of my work. I came to believe it was my gift and calling... and I'm not prone to religiousosity!

When I was asked how I could stand to do it, I would tell them I was atoning for my sins!

I thrived on it and (at that time) never thought I would get married. My residents (especially my bed-ridden and non-responsive patients) were my babies...

Talk about being needed and a population that is so overlooked.

I did not need my residents to vote for me as Employee of the Month or tell me "thank you". I derived satisfaction just knowing I taken the best care of them that I could... not a wrinkle in the sheets, lotion, combed hair, a "goodnight, sweetie" and, yes, sometimes a kiss on the forehead.

It was with a heavy heart I became a nurse 20+ years later. I miss the hard work and TLC I could give my patients. It's just not the same as a nurse. Too much paperwork.

I became a nurse because I needed to make a living as a divorcee.

But, even though I absolutely hate being a nurse sometimes, I am not too sorry about going into nursing.

I do believe I contribute something valuable and do things that many people could never do.

P.S.

I know this is a somewhat sappy post and, trust me, I'm no saint. But this is one of the very few things (besides the love I have for my children) that brings out the sap in me.

Nursing was an accident, but a very fortunate one.

allnurses Guide · Apr 28, 2012

I actually know a nurse who quit her job and went to be a waitress.

My grandmother was a waitress.

She was darn smart and I adored watching her prepare for work: black uniform with a white ruffled collar, white apron and the cleanest polished white shoes. It actually looked like a black nurse's uniform.

She was beautiful, too.

I have threatened to become a waitress so many darn times... but only if I could wear a uniform like Grandma!

Skips, MSN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

I liked how nursing was about science and working with people! (: Medical and biology subjects have always fascinated me. I also don't mind helping people get better. ^_^ I love nursing! What also drew me was the continuing education within the field...you're never bored!

edit: I will add that I am only a nursing student. (:

Sevastyano, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

My grandmother was a waitress.
She was darn smart and I adored watching her prepare for work: black uniform with a white ruffled collar, white apron and the cleanest polished white shoes. It actually looked like a black nurse's uniform.
She was beautiful, too.
I have threatened to become a waitress so many darn times... but only if I could wear a uniform like Grandma!

There is no shame in being waitress or go to any other profession. I just think it is not for everyone to be in nurse or waitress. I am very clumsy so I would make one bad waitress.

Sevastyano, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

I fell into nursing by accident.
I was 18 and my best friend called me up and asked me if I wanted to take the CNA class with her. I had nothing better to do so I did it! I didn't have a clue what I was getting into...lol...
I sucked at it, in the beginning (like most newbies do) but within months, I excelled. Many people who have worked with me (even many years ago) will tell me that I was the best CNA they had ever worked with.
I was so very very proud of my work. I came to believe it was my gift and calling... and I'm not prone to religiousosity!
When I was asked how I could stand to do it, I would tell them I was atoning for my sins!
I thrived on it and (at that time) never thought I would get married. My residents (especially my bed-ridden and non-responsive patients) were my babies...
Talk about being needed and a population that is so overlooked.
I did not need my residents to vote for me as Employee of the Month or tell me "thank you". I derived satisfaction just knowing I taken the best care of them that I could... not a wrinkle in the sheets, lotion, combed hair, a "goodnight, sweetie" and, yes, sometimes a kiss on the forehead.
It was with a heavy heart I became a nurse 20+ years later. I miss the hard work and TLC I could give my patients. It's just not the same as a nurse. Too much paperwork.
I became a nurse because I needed to make a living as a divorcee.
But, even though I absolutely hate being a nurse sometimes, I am not too sorry about going into nursing.
I do believe I contribute something valuable and do things that many people could never do.
P.S.
I know this is a somewhat sappy post and, trust me, I'm no saint. But this is one of the very few things (besides the love I have for my children) that brings out the sap in me.
Nursing was an accident, but a very fortunate one.

Those accidents brings the best in us. And make you the best nurse. Because you care.