Why did you become a nurse?

cinrn68 · Apr 7, 2004

I became a nurse after being in a car accident and having the experience of being a patient. I vowed that none of my patients would ever suffer the way that I had. After my terrible ordeal, I went back to college and completed my 3rd diploma (first one in social sciences, second one in Office Systems Technology) and started my nursing career. I have really enjoyed my nursing career so far and hope to continue alleviating my patients' suffering for a long long time.

Hopegirl · Apr 7, 2004

Lovenusringanyx, that is exactly the way I feel. The other night, I was asking myself why I want to become a nurse and it was odd that I stumbled unto this forum especially to this thread. I am currently taking my pre-reqs and hopefully transfer to S.D.S.U. in 2005. There are times I question my bachelors degree in business but like my family has said, "dont look back, just keep moving forward." I am grateful for all of you and this website, because I know that I am not the only one going through trials and tribulations. I am also grateful to the loving mother that I miss everyday for raising me and loving me with all my faults as a man and as a son.
X-Man

Hi X-Man,

So you live in San Diego? I'm assuming that is the SDSU that you are talking about? I have a degree as well, but want my nursing degree, so have looked into that program as well. Just curious!

-j

LisaRNinarkansas · Apr 18, 2004

to be honest...i wanted to help ppl...i remember being a patient in the hospital when i was 9yrs old. I was just mesmerized by the nurses coming in and helping me. I decided then and there thats what i wanted to do...ive never wanted to be anything else.

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Apr 18, 2004

I thought it was a god way to be of help to others. The pay seemed pretty good. It also seemed a lot less boring to me than many other jobs.

gamichrn · Apr 20, 2004

Your friend is wrong. Of course nurses can get sued today. So can grocery store owners, roller-rink operators, and licensed drivers. If you give good care and document everything, your odds of being SUCCESSFULLY sued go way down.

I became a nurse for non-altruistic reasons. I wanted to have a baby, but didn't want to get married. Nursing was one of the few occupations I could see that would pay me enough to support a child. Of course, I met my husband during the last quarter of nursing school and now, 14 years later, I have still have him and 3 children. In addition, I have a career that I am proud of and can't dream of giving up. I am proud to be a member of my profession. Any time is a good time to go into something like that.

Wolfpax · Apr 20, 2004

Because I liked being told I looked like a celebrity, in my whites...I look just like The Pilsbury Doughboy (alright...his sister)

resqrider · Apr 20, 2004

navy i guess i am becoming a nurse, because i can't stand to see people suffer. i particularly dislike those in the healthcare profession, (and you know who you are :angryfire), who leavea patient to lie in there own feces. while this is disgusting in it's own right, it puts a burden on the next shift. the next shift has to evaluate the patients skin integrity, and note any possible breakdown.

but the real reason i am becoming a nurse is for the patient. i believe the patient needs those who are dedicated to the profession and not just giving it lip-service.

i hope i can always keep this zeal in nursing.

kar212 · Apr 24, 2004

I decided to become a nurse in high school. I didn't know what a nurse really did at all. I just knew they took care of sick people. I just knew that I loved helping people and I loved learning about health and the human body. I was pretty naive. Good thing I enjoy being a nurse!

HealinghandsRN · Apr 29, 2004

Although these days is not an "ideal" time for Nurses, I will tell u that I think if u become a nurse and stay in the profession it was a "true Calling" I don't even think most people would survive nursing school if it weren't a true innate calling to that profession. We all know the negative sides of nursing but there are also a whole lot of Positive sides to it too......"Your Patients" and the feeling of fulfillness with the care u give them, the desire we have to help others. As much as I complain about the politics in nursing.......My priority are my patients...and since I became a RN I cannot see myself doing anything else. :uhoh3: Did I just say that? lol

SchoolNurseLisa · Apr 29, 2004

:) I love being a nurse, I was one of those kids who put bandages on all of her dolls.:)

- my true story- When my family fell apart, no one wanted to take care of me ( I was 4 years old, the youngest of six children) One of my great aunt, who's a retired RN of Philippine General Hospital, took me in and took care of me with great care, she was my inspiration and she devoted herself in nursing. When, I was in nursing school (LVN school), I realized that I can make a difference in the patients lives physically, and emotionally and other aspects that are involved while taking care of a patient. The growth in nursing is unbelievable, it will open doors in so many opportunities, in a variety of setting...the impact that I can contribute to the society is quite satisfying.
A smile, a hug, even a small thank you means alot. The responses from the patients are over whelming, they really appreciate the care that you give. The legacy of nursing is strong...and it's getting stronger. When I went back for the LVN to RN program, it strengthened me....the knowledge, skills and preparation is tough, especially for a self supporting individual like me. The nursing profession is for people who are willing to serve humanity. Self-less individuals that works long hours during
nights/weekends/holidays and anything in between. Nursing they say is a culture within itself. As for me, someday when I am old, I would like to reminisce that I made a difference in other peoples lives, and that my actions and words are useful for another person other than myself. GO NURSING!!!
[email protected]

BeachNurse · Apr 29, 2004

Just a general question...Why did you become a nurse, or want to be a nurse?
Ive had a couple RN's tell me that now it NOT the time to become a nurse, and if you work as a nurse, you will get sued!
Can you believe it>?
Well...Im interested to know WHY some of you became nurses?

Ok, I am at work and kinda busy..so I have copied and pasted this from another post I did before.

I became a nurse because of "my own son, who against huge odds survived surgery for biliary atresia at 11 weeks of age, sepsis, a liver transplant at 11 months, followed by PCP pneumonia, CMV colitis and, finally Burkitt's lymphoma at the age of 3. In most of the instances, especially with the sepsis, PCP and lymphoma his doctors at Johns Hopkins did not believe he would live. He is turning 11 years old in May."

I wanted to give back..I had huge admiration for my son's nurses and wanted to help other children the way my son had been helped.

Haven't given a thought to being sued...

jmrac97 · Jun 28, 2004

I suffered severe burnout 10 years ago and never looked back. Now my husband has lost his job and I may have to return to nursing. Is there any chance that the flame and passion I once had to be a nurse can ever return? I was an excellent nurse and I guess I just couldn't accomplish everything the way I wanted it and the reality of the real work world was just too much, so I left.