Why did you take up nursing? What's your story?

Every nurse has their own story to tell about how or why they chose to enter the nursing profession. Some may have been inspired by a personal experience with healthcare, while others may have been drawn to the idea of caring for others. Some may have stumbled upon nursing by chance, while others knew from a young age that it was their calling. Whatever the reason, each nurse has a unique narrative that led them to become a caregiver. These stories are a testament to the diversity and passion within the nursing community and the profound impact that healthcare can have on our lives.

Please be as detailed or as short as you wish. It'll be interesting to hear everyone's stories.

Orange50 replies:

Why did I become a nurse:

I was 12 and really sick in the hospital. I had a riproaring infection and was in and out of the hospital for 31/2 weeks. I had the meanest pediatric nurse ever. She felt that since I was 12 and old for the unit, I shouldn't regress or cry. Well get lost I was going to grow up and be better than she was!

Then there was my Mom saying you have to have a job because you don't know if your husband will always be able to support you. Well I wasn't going to be a secretary like she was, and I liked science. So I became a nurse.

I went to nursing as my last resort to make my way thru University. Now i find myself going to school and having to work weekends only to pay my high tuitions. Nursing school was worth it to make lots of money, work little, study a lot to become a Nurse practitioner

My mom was a nurse...

I have always been in LTC from activity assistant to Billing department..

I decided to become a nurse become I was tired of being called an aide and also lazy nurses, I am in nursing school now and my mom said the save the na campaign will end soon once I become licensed but, I still feel that way

Specializes in too many to remember.

I was in the Army and trained as a medic, came back home and started working as a CNA and EMT in a hospital. I was still in the Army reserves and they offered me an opportunity to go to LPN school, so I did, worked as an LPN for 6 years then went back to RN school. Just seemed the natural progression of things and I think the driving force was that I knew I was smart enough and tough enough to be a nurse. If I had to do it all over again (which I don't) I would have gone through LPN and RN school without taking time off in between. I just couldn't do it at the time (trying to raise three boys and pay the mortgage). But I think I would have still chosen nursing.

I was in undergrad at a huge university....undeclared major for 2 years...then my son was born.....my beautiful child, the blessing that she is, forced me to get serious and 1.finish school 2.have a strong career when i got out. So, nursing seemed like a smart option; my friends with english degrees are always moving from office job to office job. Plus, I love science, like math, and generally like people. The fact that you can have a life-long career and make a good salary was also a big draw.

Specializes in ER, NICU.

To just be around the medical field, clinically.

To have flexible hours.

To make decent money.

Because dh's company gone bankrupt after he's worked there 27 years; they hosed his retirement fund. He's 57.

:o

=

I wanted to be a nurse since I was a child. Not sure how young I was, but it was the only thing I ever considered doing. My dad's older sister, Mary, was a nurse, and I adored her! LOL

Almost didn't get into nursing school, due to bad grades in high school, but I waited a year and put everything I had into my education. I'm a diploma grad and I am glad I went that route. I do wish I'd gone on to college after graduating, but I never regret going to a hospital-based RN program.

Currently I work in computer software, but looking to get back into Case Management. I can't due patient care due to back problems. But I love working with patients. Elders, are my favorite! LOL

Specializes in Telemetry, Pediatrics, Emergency Dept..

i was going to transfer and had to pick a major, "undecided" wouldn't work anymore. i decided i would sign up for the first page i opened to in the course schedule book, so i closed my eyes and flipped the pages . . .

and BAMMMM! Yours Truly. Thus, my 10yr waitressing career of kissing butt has transformed into a nursing career of wiping it. :rolleyes:

Specializes in long term care, med-surg, PACU, Pre-Op.

Always was fascinated with the whole medical aspect of things. Probably because my Mom is a nurse (tried to talk me out of being a nurse) and I have always looked up to her and was fascinated by her nursing stories when I was growing up. Maybe its because when I played dress up when I was little she let us dress up in her old nursing uniforms from the sixties. Those micromini nursing uniforms wow, that would be a feat in itself to work in those. Never was really sure thought about doing physical therapy or nursing. I got in the nursing program in college and just kind of stuck with it. The further I got in the program, the more sure I became that I liked nursing. As any job it has its ups and downs, but I like that there are may different areas of nursing to practice in.

always wanted to be one, had a chance took it never looked back glad i did but some ddays a tuffer then others

Hi, my name is Kim and I will be 34 on Monday, 1-2-2006. I have always wanted to be a nurse since I was old enough to know what a nurse was. When I was 6 I remembered my mom and dad getting me a stethoscope and a plastic needle for christmas along with some pill bottles filled with candy meds. In my early twenties I started at a community college, but I never finished, I was eager to get married and start a family and that was the dream I followed. I moved back to North Carolina with my then 92yr old grandmother in 2001 and the job market sucked, so it was a perfect opportunity for me to go back to school. I love to help people especially the elderly they are a window of wisdom. Sitting and talking with them gives them a reassurance that someone is listening and I am here for them.

+ Join the Discussion