Why do you feel that nursing is for you?

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Just wondering what motivates you guys. Why do you feel that nursing is for you, and what are some reasons that you believe that you will succeed in this field? I appreciate any and all responses.

elaineclairem said:
Hi, I am currently researching, also reasons for why others become nurses. I am an 18 year veteran in the field and currently work in Corrections. I became a nurse because I felt as if I could affect a change in people, coming from the inner city of NY. What are your reasons? All posts will be addressed...and if chosen will be included in a book I am planning targeting the general population to increase awareness of nurses and hopefully increase enrollment nursing programs.

I really don't think nursing programs are hurting where enrollment is concerned...

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I have always wanted to help others in some capacity. My mom is a clinical psychologist so I've always been around mental health professionals. Went to college in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in psychology hoping to go into a clinical psychology program after undergrad. Got to my senior year and decided my heart wasn't in psychology anymore (or more specifically the research required to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology). I completed the pre-med program at my school and finished with a 3.9. BUT everyone I know who has been to med school says it's not worth it. So I've decided to go into a BSN program and the go to NP grad school. Hoping to serve my understaffed rural area of Virginia I grew up in.

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hokiefanatic said:
I have always wanted to help others in some capacity. My mom is a clinical psychologist so I've always been around mental health professionals. Went to college in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in psychology hoping to go into a clinical psychology program after undergrad. Got to my senior year and decided my heart wasn't in psychology anymore (or more specifically the research required to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology). I completed the pre-med program at my school and finished with a 3.9. BUT everyone I know who has been to med school says it's not worth it. So I've decided to go into a BSN program and the go to NP grad school. Hoping to serve my understaffed rural area of Virginia I grew up in.

With the amount of time you're going to put in for all that just go on to medical school. It sucks, but nursing has its drawbacks as well.

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Specializes in emergency, oncology.

Before I went into nursing I got a bachelors in speech pathology/audiology where I found out I liked the more invasive area... Then I got my emt-b and that made me love nursing even more.... Then I worked in a level 2 trauma center for 2 years and that made me fervent I wanted to go above and beyond. There is nothing in the world that will stop me from reaching my goals. ! School blocked me because when I was a computer programming major I didn't have a good grade, another place I ran out of money. So I dropped down to LPN and am doing decently. But no matter what I will get my RN, BS, MS, DNP, FNP-HEENT. If I need to tell others my stories from the er till I get there I will.

I've done 2 geriatric rotations (doesn't excite me but I do well).

1 psych rotation (loved it)

1 ob rotation (was better with the neonates then with the woman)

I hate all the paperwork in nursing and how restrictive it is (if someone is dying I don't want to wait for some tight shirt doctor, I want to be able to do whatever is needed to help that person) but till I get my fnp I will be restricted.

I am not in nursing for the money (after I pay off my student loan debt I care little about money)

I am not in nursing for some self righteous reason (I don't think I can heal the world)

I am in nursing because I love nursing. I've been abused (kicked spat on, cursed at, flipped, beaten, had people try and break every part of me, had my life threatened. I love the abuse. I've dealt wit h the death (while working) of people from every age group.

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I want to go beyond just "being a nurse". Be an example to those who really NEED the care, esp in rural and underdeveloped nations. I am doing this without looking self benifit, but reach out hands for those in need.

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audiothologist said:

Before I went into nursing I got a bachelors in speech pathology/audiology where I found out I liked the more invasive area... Then I got my emt-b and that made me love nursing even more.... Then I worked in a level 2 trauma center for 2 years and that made me fervent I wanted to go above and beyond. There is nothing in the world that will stop me from reaching my goals. ! School blocked me because when I was a computer programming major I didn't have a good grade, another place I ran out of money. So I dropped down to LPN and am doing decently. But no matter what I will get my RN, BS, MS, DNP, FNP-HEENT. If I need to tell others my stories from the er till I get there I will.

I've done 2 geriatric rotations (doesn't excite me but I do well).

1 psych rotation (loved it)

1 ob rotation (was better with the neonates then with the woman)

I hate all the paperwork in nursing and how restrictive it is (if someone is dying I don't want to wait for some tight shirt doctor, I want to be able to do whatever is needed to help that person) but till I get my fnp I will be restricted.

I am not in nursing for the money (after I pay off my student loan debt I care little about money)

I am not in nursing for some self righteous reason (I don't think I can heal the world)

I am in nursing because I love nursing. I've been abused (kicked spat on, cursed at, flipped, beaten, had people try and break every part of me, had my life threatened. I love the abuse. I've dealt wit h the death (while working) of people from every age group.

That is the reason why I will go to grad school.

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I am a male starting at MCON in Illinois in the ABSN program.

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Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

So I have had two interviews where this question comes up and I honestly never know what to say. The question is: Why Nursing, Or What Made You Want to Become a Nurse? I always get stuck on this question...Always! I don't think I have one clear motivating factor on why I want to become a nurse. I have several factors, and I honestly would need to take some time to answer this question. I'll start at the beginning and maybe you guys can help me whittle down this massively long answer, with multiple variables into something that doesn't cause me to choke at interviews.

Now for me to even get started on answering this question I have to go back to the beginning. And then you will know why I need help to answer this question.

"My mom has been a nurse for about 48 years. Before she had me she had three other drug addicted children. I was born when the youngest of those children was 18. My mom was 48 with a 24 week preemie. I spent the first 4 months of my life in the NICU. Growing up I was in and out of Hospitals til I was around 9 for Severe Asthma. Around age 9, my mom's family, her mom, dad, and sister turned their backs on us saying that "I was just too much to handle". My siblings have been MIA since I was 14. They call about once a year saying that they have no use for a mother that is old and sick.

At the age of 14, my mom had major back surgery. She almost bled to death on the table. I had to deal with that by myself, well me and my step father, which is the same thing as doing it myself.

I always had this idea in my mind that I was going to become a nurse so that I could take care of my mother once I graduated. That has been our game plan for the last 7 years at least. I am now 21, and I have one more year of nursing school left. I went for my ADN, because I have to be able to make money and help take care of my mom, who officially retired at the age of 68, when the doctor told her if she kept practicing nursing, she would injure her back to the point of severe nerve damage, throughout the entire spine. That was earlier this year, and we have been struggling to make it on my step dad's salary. My mom refuses to let me work until I'm through with school.

Now I know that it seems like I am only doing this for the money and to care for my mom. I love nursing I love caring for patients. I love being able to make a difference in people's lives even if it is only for 12 hours (sometimes less). I've volunteered at hospitals, in the L&D Unit where my mom worked and I loved it. I am not going to do L&D, but just helping the patients was amazing.

I am sorry I'm starting to ramble but I just never know what to say. My main reason for choosing nursing is monetary, and to be able to care for my aging mother in "the manner she has become accustomed too". But somehow I don't seem to be able to convey enough passion in that statement. I though maybe you guys could help me.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

The only part of that that truly answers the question is you wanting to care for patients and caring for your mother which are great reasons. The story is interesting but in an interview is way too long. You can say your mom is an L&D nurse and you were a 24 weeker (what a miracle you are :) ). The part about your mom having surgery and almost bleeding to death "on the table" is questionable. I'm an OR nurse so I assume intraoperatively but that is too much info. Others may assume the kitchen table and this makes your answer less concise. I know this is weird but answer questions as if you are charting.. Take out fluff,include pertinent info, and be clear. Best of luck!

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My reason started about 10 years ago when I helped a family friend's nana pass on in life. From that day on my main focus was getting my credentials upgraded to just get into nursing school and 10 years later (after many illnesses and attempts) I am in nursing school. That's my story and i stick to it

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Specializes in ER.
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Growing up I was in and out of Hospitals til I was around 9 for Severe Asthma.

Was there a nurse who left an impression on you? If so, mention that.

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I love caring for patients. I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives even if it is only for 12 hours (sometimes less). I’ve volunteered at hospitals, in the L&D Unit where my mom worked and I loved it.

I would stick with those parts. You were a preemie who spent lots of time around nurses, mention any who left an impression, and then explain that you have some experience volunteering in a hospital and know that nursing is for you. That pretty much sums up why I personally want to be a nurse, and that is what I would say. Good luck in your future interviews!

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Although your story is very moving, it's way too personal for an interview. That's not to say that you shouldn't mention how your personal life has lead to your decision, you just need to present it in a more precise, professional way. Something like:

"As someone who was in and out of the hospital quite frequently as a child, I remember the positive impact nurses had in my life and I've been inspired to care for people the way that wonderful group of people once cared for me. Additionally, my mother is an inspiration to me and has been a nurse for over 48 years. I've been fortunate enough to have her support and insight to guide me towards this profession, and I know it will be a good fit for me.

Those are of course personal reasons, but practically speaking, nursing is also a solid profession that I can be proud of and will provide me the opportunity to support myself and my family in the years to come."

You're addressing a lot of the same things (your personal experience, your experiences with your mother, and your desire to support your family) just in a more professional, concise, and vague way. I hope that helps a little. Best of luck to you and your family. You can't pick the cards you're dealt, you just have to play your hand the best you can.

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