What do you say to that?

[Mnstn]

Recently people have been asking me what I am going to do in life and I obviously reply with "I am going/studying to be a nurse." The next sentence out of their mouth is usually, "Why a nurse? Why not a doctor?" I am getting very frustrated by that question and sometimes its hard to make people understand why I don't want to be a doctor. What or Have you said to others when asked this question or something similar?

[EmmaG, RN]

Here ya go, take your pick:

Top ten reasons to become a nurse:

10. Pays better than McDonald's (though the hours aren't as good.)

9. Fashionable shoes and sexy uniforms.

8. Needles: 'tis better to give than to receive.

7. Confidence in reassuring patients that all bleeding stops ... eventually.

6. Opportunity to expose yourself to rare, exotic, and exciting new diseases.

5. Interesting aromas.

4. Courteous and infallible doctors who always leave clear orders in perfectly clear handwriting.

2. Celebration of holidays with all your friends ... at work.

1. Comfort in the knowledge that most of your patients survive no matter what you do to them.