Why nursing?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2006

Please keep in mind that many of us vent only the bad, frustating stuff when we visit online websites. It might present a lopsided picture of nursing. Very few nurses actually visit these types of sites to discuss how wonderful of a day they had at work.

My point is this: we tend to focus on the bad stuff far more than the joys of nursing.

sassiebaz · Mar 13, 2008

What is it about nursing that interests you? I'm just curious what everyone's reasons are for getting into this profession...or being in this profession already?

DogCrazy · Mar 13, 2008

I wanted to be in a caregiving type position, and also make enough to support myself comfortably. I need a job where I feel like I'm doing good, helping people. I also want to make decent money.

litaphoenix · Mar 14, 2008

my mom, my brother and his wife, and my mother-in-law. they are all nurses. genetic factor?? :confused:

i'm 28 and finally back in school (my daughter is 6 now).

if i wanna become a doctor, i need roughly 10 more years of schooling and lots of loans before i start making decent money. so its not realistic for me.

like someone said in other thread, with just 2-year degree (which actually taking most of us about 4 years:bluecry1:), you can make somewhat good money and to be respected socially. and of course you can help others :wink2:

I've always been interested in physiology in human bodies so Im loving any minute of Bio201 im taking now. but at the same time im getting bored with psy101... :sniff:

sassiebaz · Mar 14, 2008

[ but at the same time im getting bored with psy101... :sniff:

I thought I would love Psych.....nope, was bord to tears!!

Calzonan RN · Mar 27, 2008

When I initially started my pre-req's for nursing school my motivation was completely different than it is now. I was nearing the end of my GI bill money and was looking to go back to school for my masters degree. I couldn't figure out what area I wanted to get my master's in (MBA? etc). My husband worked with a guy whose wife was an US tech. She was working part time and making over $72K a year. I'd always been interested in how the human body works so I thought what the heck, I'll become an US tech. Two year program and I'm making $72K working part time, sign me up!! Well as I researched I found out that in AZ you need to be either an RN, X-ray tech, nuclear med specialist or two other specialties to even get into the US school and I decided RN had the most flexible schedule for school (part-time options, night options etc). So I began this long journey to become an US tech and along the way I found out that I really enjoyed helping people. In CNA school I found out I could help people in the most vulnerable times of their lives and give them dignity, comfort and in return I felt a sense of accomplishment. I found I really AM fascinated by the human body and how everything works to balance itself. In block two I had a taste of L&D and found I wanted more, to learn more, see more etc. so I became an extern in L&D and found out that I could help people have the most memorable experience of their lives and I get to participate in a miracle almost everyday!!

So my reason for starting nursing school was not technically a calling, as most people have, but more of a stumbling down the path of where I needed to end up.

MsBruiser · Mar 27, 2008

Always wanted to be a nurse. Used to work EMS in NYC and nursing interested me. Fast paced. Help people. Decent money. Great opportunities for overtime to make good money. Now that I am in it - I am not dissapointed. Work is intellectually engaging. Sometimes it is frustrating because poop always seems to run downhill on to the nurse. Such is life. But the biggest benefit for me now is the flexibility/lifestyle. Where else can you earn $50k++ and work 3 days a week. I'm always off...my neighbors think I don't work. As a former business business guy, I was always, always on the road. Now I am home every night. It is nearly the best lifestyle available if you like to help people - except maybe if you are on the FD. If caring were my only motivation, I'd be burned out though...

MsBruiser · Mar 27, 2008

BTW, I'm a guy. Just today one of the experienced MD(s) said to me "you know, nursing is the best kept secret for men." I'd have to agree with him...and I hope more men don't catch on!

MsBruiser · Mar 27, 2008

Ok - one last comment. Get on the right unit and the comraderie is awesome. I just love when someone is crashing and 4 experienced RNs jump into the mix. It is a sight to behold.

Glina · Mar 27, 2008

Calzonan, your story is similar to mine. I also wanted to be US tech.

Calzonan RN · Mar 29, 2008

Glina said:
Calzonan, your story is similar to mine. I also wanted to be US tech.

I'm still sort of looking into it. Luckily in the area I'm in it's easy to get some training in US and I'll be able to tell if it's what I'm looking for. Luckily, as I was going through nursing school I found I really enjoy nursing so I may just go back for my Masters and become a midwife or FNP. Right now I'm just trying to get as much training as I can, and learn as much about L&D as I possibly can. The great thing about nursing is there are so many options!!

missrisa77 · Mar 29, 2008

I've never really thought of nursing as a career, until now. I was getting ready to go back to school to get my Master's in Education, but then thought "I don't want a M.Ed. I don't even want to be a schoolteacher the rest of my life!". So then I started thinking about what I could do for a career. My sister, a tele RN, helped make the decision for me. I love science, education, medicine, anatomy, and caring for others. Nursing is a profession where I will be challenged to think on my feet, teach others, work with new advances in technology, and help people get through what could be the worst time in their lives. Plus the schedule and pay are great. I cannot wait to graduate and really start being a nurse (but clinicals are fun too!). :nurse: