What is your opinion of people who go into nursing for the money?

[Seohyun]

Hi everyone, what is your opinion about people who go into nursing, medicine or other prestigious health care profession for the money?

For me personally, I used to think it was really wrong of people to go into medicine or nursing mainly for money. That opinion has changed significantly when I see other people around me get accepted into nursing or medicine. I think I used to judge others for doing so, but the answer can be more complicated than that. Competency and intentions are not necessarily align to a moral ideal...and I don't think it will ever need to be, unless I am proven wrong. I personally don't think it matters if you go into nursing for the money or the "right reasons". But really, what matters, despite your intentions, is how well you are able to do your job and act in your job. Competency is the number one concern (soft skills included). The other aspects of what other people's intentions are....do not matter in the long run.

Especially in areas of terrible economic shape, being able to earn decent money and security is definitely a good thing. I used to be in nursing school, and I know a couple of people who are in it and not for "right reasons". One person was in it, because after applying for jobs, he was unable to acquire one in his previous field after immigrating. Another one is doing it because all her other family members are in medical field, though she genuinely likes the study of health science....And unfortunately, one other classmate is in it because she wanted to meet a doctor to pursue romantically (no idea if this was a joke or not, but she was having issues with her current partner and living arrangements).

For me, when I entered... I seriously thought it was something I would like. I liked many aspects of it, but I didn't like it enough to re-apply again. Many people say I am caring (though it feels like a death sentence because people perceive "very caring" = "naive, easily persuaded and worst of all, stupid"). And while the money was an appeal, if I am honest with you, I will admit having decent money is also a drive. I don't ever want to be a person who has to rely on another person for money (ie. women who are in abusive situations and are afraid to opt out because of lack of financial resources). Socioeconomic class and health status do have correlations.

I don't think I would have attempt nursing if I felt like I wouldn't care about others at all. But there is also another driving factor, and a reason why I still want to make really good money. Money is important to me, so I am able to pay for my brother's college education. But also, my parents are insanely neglectful of their health. Both of them are diabetics and require tools for management. I need to know that I am able to pay for their tools, if for whatever reason, they don't have enough money to support themselves. I need to know I am able to provide for them, as they have for me.

When someone's life is in your hands, their ability to preserve life is more important than their intentions. I don't think clients truly care why nurse x is a nurse. They just care if they are able to meet their needs.

So, what is your opinion?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I think you have outlined the issue very well. Our 'value' to our profession & society as a whole is determined by the outcomes we produce. Our reasons for entering nursing should not have any impact on our patients. However, with very few exceptions, some level of emotional engagement with one's patients is usually necessary to establish an effective therapeutic relationship. There is even more pressure these days, ecause reimbursement is now affected by patient satisfaction (HCAHPS scores), including their perception of whether a nurse is sufficiently 'caring'. This may be very difficult and stressful for a nurse who entered the profession purely for financial reasons.

BTW, thanks for including us as a "prestigious health care profession" - LOL.

[Seohyun]

BTW, thanks for including us as a "prestigious health care profession" - LOL.

I have always thought that nursing today, has been more prestigious today, than it has been in the best. Your response made me laugh.

[elkpark]

I don't get involved in passing judgment on the reasons people go into nursing (or any other healthcare occupation) -- my only concern, if I'm working with them, is how well they do their jobs.