What's making you choose a career in nursing?

[AtACrossRoads]

So this isn't a career that you can start working in overnight. With the commitment and time required, what's making you decide to go into this field? Also, have you already decided on a specialty? If so, what and why?

Like countless others, I want to do this because the pay is decent and from what I've heard, it's suppose to provide a flexible variety of choices in terms of different job options and further education. The 3-4 workday per week is a pretty enticing attribute as well. I guess enjoying science doesn't hurt either. Also, the field seems like a secure career choice compared to other jobs. Sure openings are scarce at the moment but what worthwhile career-field isn't going through a slow rut right now anyway?

So what attracted you to nursing? Any similar reasons? Things I haven't listed? Discuss!

[LuckyinKY]

The birth of my son was what made me decide to go into nursing. I had multiple pregnancy complications resulting in delivering my son at 27 weeks gestation. We spent 3 months in the NICU. The nurses were a huge support for me and I really admired what they did. I still finished my BS in animal sciences but took nursing pre-reqs. I got a nice research job and became pregnant with my second son, so I delayed going into nursing. Now my son is 2 1/2, so I am back in school and hopefully starting nursing in Fall 2010.

As far as specialties, I know I want to do pediatrics, probably neonatal intensive care, possibly pediatric psych since I have been through it with my older son. The goal is to get a DNP.