I did not become a nurse because I was inspired by the care of an ailing family member received by a nurse.
I did not become a nurse to fix the nursing home my grandmother lived in.
I did not become a nurse to accomodate a person's passage into the afterlife.
I did not become a nurse to share in all of these wonderful private moments.
I did not become a nurse to motivate people to get through "the hard times".
I became a nurse because I love blood, guts, and gore. I love working weekends and holidays for extra money. I love working only 2 days a week and being paid for 3 for weekend option. I love the mobility and respect that comes with being a nurse. I love saving lives and cheating death. I love all the overtime I could want!
This is why I became a nurse and I'm very good at my job! Treat 'em and street 'em. If you are sick or concerned, come to me and if I can't help you, by George, I will find someone who will. I especially love poking people with needles and watching the first splash of blood splatter inside the test tube.
I love seeing the disease process. I love looking at a person and thinking, "I can't believe they survived that." Then I love looking at the same person 3 months later and then thinking, "I can't believe they're actually back to normal!!"
AMAAAAZZZINGG!!!
I really love all the stupid people that come through. They are the highlights of my day. I love to educate them. I love hearing their outrageous stories of self-entitlement. This may sound sarcastic, but it gives the best and most funny stories to laugh about at home with your husband or wife at dinner. It allows a plethora of communication and a way to bond. Without the stupid people coming to the ED, my love life may not even exist because it opens the way to such therapeutic laughter.
After graduation, I grew to love the special moments shared by myself and the patients. I enjoyed being that person people thanked for helping them. I enjoyed being rewarded for doing a job well-done. I enjoyed upping my income from prenursing by over $40,000 more per year
Nursing isn't just a job for me, its my livelihood. I treat my job with respect and dignity. I try my best to cut out the drama get straight to the point.
Sure, I didnt get into for all those sentimental reasons, but I know this is what I was meant to do. I know I will succeed in this profession and I kick major butt because I LOVE my job and enjoy every day I go to work.
As an aspiring ED nurse I love this post. Everyone has a different reason for wanting to be a nurse, and as long as we perform our jobs safely, competently and respectfully no one reason is better than another!
Its like you put my thoughts into words so I could read them directly. Everyday when people I work with in ER ask me how I'm doing - I say "living the dream"
Very few people fully understand me - you my friend, are one of them
Oh man, it's such a relief to hear I'm not the only person to do this NOT by way of heart-wrenching personal events or a "calling." I'm a rubbernecker who loves science, gross stuff, excitement and the weird/wacky aspects of nursing. As time goes on, I discover more about it that I love, but being a morbid adrenaline junkie is where I started!
I became a nurse because I love blood, guts, and gore.
I especially love poking people with needles and watching the first splash of blood splatter inside the test tube.
I love seeing the disease process.
That's exactly why, after 20 years of teaching, I quit and started nursing school! I never felt "the calling" like so many say they have. From the time I was a little girl, I was intrigued by diseases and surgeries. I did have some experiences with the nurses when my grandmother was in the hospital during her final days but honestly.....I want the gore.
When I sat down at my kitchen table filling out college applications and having to pick a major, I just thought hmmm nursing. I never thought about it before that. Ahhh being young and stupid:) Sometimes you make the best decisions when you don't over think it and just go with your gut!
When I sat down at my kitchen table filling out college applications and having to pick a major, I just thought hmmm nursing. I never thought about it before that. Ahhh being young and stupid:) Sometimes you make the best decisions when you don't over think it and just go with your gut!
Hate to go all "Bill Clinton" on this, but it all boils down to your definition of "calling". To me, it means that something meets your needs on a intensely personal level... but not necessarily religious or spiritual in any way. Something about the job 'calls to' your psyche and fills a gap like nothing else could.
In my case (and many other ICU nurses, whether they admit it or not - LOL) it fulfills my need for control. Yes, I am a control enthusiast. There is no greater control than the means to determine basic physiologic functions -- mechanical ventilation, managing hemodynamics, regulating fluid balance, etc. And the fact that I understand (or can find out) exactly what is going on with my patient.... no need for guesswork. Maybe that's why OB terrifies me - being responsible for that tiny hidden patient... shudder.
So - I would still argue that that 'thing' that makes nursing so satisfying for you is a 'Calling'.
Hate to go all "Bill Clinton" on this, but it all boils down to your definition of "calling". To me, it means that something meets your needs on a intensely personal level... but not necessarily religious or spiritual in any way.
(snip)
So - I would still argue that that 'thing' that makes nursing so satisfying for you is a 'Calling'.
Well, yes, if you ignore culturally established meanings, you can make words fit your needs. I did not feel like I was brought to nursing by divine inspiration seeking me out and leading me to it. I made a choice and luckily it was a good one for me.
D-Nurse
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As an aspiring ED nurse I love this post. Everyone has a different reason for wanting to be a nurse, and as long as we perform our jobs safely, competently and respectfully no one reason is better than another!