Why did you decide to become a nurse?

Published

I personally chose it because I love the medical/hospital environment, and I really enjoy helping others.

I was living in Miami doing a job that I saw no real point in doing but still making a lot of money at it. I had a sweet condo in a downtown highrise overlooking Biscayne Bay where several Miami Heat players also lived and one day I realized, I could lose all of this tomorrow and I wouldn't even care or miss it. Whether a person feels a calling for their job or not, there's a lot to be said for feeling like your job has value, or as I put it, purpose. You can be ambivalent towards your job as a nurse, but there's no denying that it has a purpose. A job with no purpose can leave a big void in your life.

I've wanted to work in the overseas humanitarian arena for a while, but I could never figure out what exactly I would DO in that sector. I saw an ad for Mercy Ships and it dawned on me that nursing is both something I could see myself capable of doing and something that is critical in NGO organizations. I never wanted to be a nurse, per se, but it seems a logical path to where I ultimately want to get to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Because my favorite tv show is MASH and Margaret hot lips Houlihan rocks! (when she's not with Frank...)

My English teacher in high school wouldn't let me put this in my "Why do you want to be a nurse" college admissions essay. So I had to write something altruistic and fluffy. Bleh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vascular Access.

I started my professional career in medical logistics in the Air Force at 19 years old. I went through my 4 years, discharged, and had a crisis as to how I would provide for my family. Having been hired in the same job in the civilian world I observed nursing and talked with them over the years. I figured out that the career is very flexible with many options and a solid means to provide. This and nursing allows to acquire new skills and deal with challenges. I enjoy using my brain and my body to do my work. Prior to my nursing career I basically used neither.

My wife and I are both RN's and I'm thankful that we have a decent income and a purposeful career. We can also see eye-to-eye on the many issues and challenges in Nursing. We are in two VERY different specialties... but we get it. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Because it was the best paying, easiest degree, and I have a natural talent for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My aunt did that home health nursing thing and I remembered it had snowed and I picked her up from her patients house this house look like a plantation big with a lot of land and trees and when I picked her up she was leaving the and all I could hear her say was yesum ma'am yesum sir yesum yesum. So I could see how it drained her now she is in a nursing home the cycle does not end.... I don't think

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion