I've always been interested in Science; chemistry, biology, anthropology, all sorts. I've always felt I was destined to do something in life regarding helping people. I've always been the shoulder, or the rock, or the guiding voice for my friends, family, and even strangers. I take pride in my life knowing I have a gift of making people feel better however I can. The first time I thought I was interested in a Health Care related career was when I was dating somebody who got me very interested in Nutrition, I thought Dietary Aide could be for me, of course I had a job and couldn't really afford to go to school at the time, so I put it off.
A couple of years ago, my father became very ill. I won't go into detail, but when my mother and I finally convinced him to go to the V.A. (he's a Vietnam vet and very stubborn), he got admitted into the hospital and he stayed there for many weeks. My mom was there every day from 9:00 in the morning til sundown or after. Many days I'd go with her when I wasn't looking for another job and it eventually hit me that Nursing was calling to me. Every day I was there with my mom I became more and more comfortable with the hospital. I learned the layout of the hospital, met so many wonderful Nurses, got to experience so much there, and I just knew that Nursing was the path I was going to choose. The Nurses at the V.A. were incredible. They let me help them with my dad, I was allowed to do CNA type care for him (within reason of course), and they even tried to teach me things when they had time. My father had to go back to the hospital for two more major surgeries, and has spent probably a total of six or seven months in the hospital, luckily always the same floor, and I always got to revisit the same nurses that were so good to my father and I. It just felt like home every time I set foot in the V.A., where most people feel anxious or even scared to be in a hospital, it feels so familiar, so right to me.
So I ask the students, working nurses, retired nurses, teachers, and anybody else to share their story when they knew Nursing was going to be their career path. I'd really love to hear them, and I'm sure many of the other forum readers will as well.
