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.

Thank u so much...this has to be the hardest sorrow and pain I have ever experienced. My other sister is in fact an RN but we have never been as close....I am just so thankful to have the opp. to say everynight after midnight, that my sister was still here with us...she has moments of communicating, by blinking 2xs for yes...and once for no...squeezing my hand...but how much of a reflex is that? Am I being overly hopeful? I pray for a miracle...she cries when we sing to her...it's often times too much to bear...but whatever the plan is for her, I will continue to advocate for her and love her....our favorite movie is the Wizard of Oz..(now I am def. rambling, sorry) and she sent me a snowglobe in the mail just a few days prior to her surgery...of the Tin Man (my man lol)...and the note attached said "I will love u until the end of time...you're always in my heart. Now I'm crying...

Thank you again so much for listening....

Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

That is a beautiful story, if also sad. I know the pain of losing a close family member; while it never completely goes away it does recede, and can leave behind a reserve of strength and wisdom. I think this will serve you well as a nurse.

Welcome to the board.

I was sick and pathetic with my routine as a microbiologist at that time, I was employed in a water utility. Hmmm...don't get me wrong though, I love being a microbiologist what I hate is the system that I was in. I always wanted to become a doctor like my mom...due to financial constraints, nursing is the nearest job I can get. I graduated...fortunately passed my NLE and now reviewing for NCLEX. I took a teaching job 1st to back me up in my review...besides the pay is always better...(hmmm...I guess not true to all institutions). Can't wait to enter the real world of nurses soon.

Specializes in ICU, ER, PACU, LTAC,.

Im an lpn getting ready to take my clinical through EC. Basically I became a nurse because the military gave me 2 options, Infantry or nursing. I wanted to be employable when I got out, so here I am 11 years later.

Specializes in Pediatrics OB Nursery.

I always knew since I was in High School that I wanted to be a nurse. I recieved my CNA certificate as a junior in High School. I worked for 8 years as a CNA and a ward secretary in the hospital and nursing homes. I then went to school and recieved my LPN license. I was an LPN for 4 years. I have just recently recieved my RN this year. I'm glad I worked my way up, it make me much more appreciative of every one else in the nursing team.

Specializes in Pediatrics OB Nursery.

I knew when I was still in high school that I wasnted to be a nurse. I started out as a CNA, which I recieved my junior year in high school. I worked as a CNA and a Ward Sec for 8 years in the Hospital and nursing home. I then went and got my LPN license and worked as an LPN for 4 years. I have just recently recieved my RN. I'm glad I worked my way up, it sure makes me more appreciative of every one else on the health care team.

Specializes in telemetry, med-surg and hospice.

My daughter was going into junior high school and I started asking her what she wanted to study in college. I knew that unless I set an example and went to college myself, she probably would not. I had always been a waitress. I was 30, I wanted a fast education and one that would make a decent buck. Thus an ADN and four years later a nurse was born. I love being a nurse|!!

Specializes in The receiving end..

Hi everyone. As this is my first post, I guess the topic is rather appropriate. I decided to become a nurse for a number of reasons. I've been a stay at home dad for the past 4 years (I work nights as an account manager for a professional cleaning company) and have raised two wonderful little boys. During the birth of my second son, the midwife actually stepped aside and had ME deliver my son. It was remarkably moving - and messy. I loved it. Anyway, I have come to the conclusion at the age of 37 that I'm at heart a caregiver, and now I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.

Took long enough.

Plus the scope of opportunities and growth potential in the field is fantastic. Anyway, I start with my first prerequisite courses at the local community college and then I should be officially in the program by Fall. My BS is from FSU and in computers so... I have 5 classes to knock out before I can focus exclusively on nursing courses. I'm really excited about this and am glad I found this site.

Dave

Specializes in ER,OR.

I was very much in to extreme sports, and in the last couple years i got injured quite many times and needed the ambulance to get me to the hospital. Me calling to 911 became a common joke with my friends, and someone sayd that i could get money of it as well, since i spend as much time in ambulance as the paramedics.

At first it really was a joke, but today, 3 years later, not a joke anymore and soon i`ll be an RN :)

Sorry my english

I like this thread a lot. I became a nurse after working in technology for a while. Originally I got a degree in comp sci because I liked solving problems-had always been drawn to puzzles and word games since I was a kid. I could not stand sitting behind a computer and making my employers more money wasn't very fulfilling. I took the plunge one day and there was one spot left in the three classes I needed to take. I was 27 and decided I'd do a second BSN since it was only another year for me than the associates. I worked on a trauma floor in a level I hospital during my junior-senior years. I thought about staying but hospital was under investigation for fraud. Don't want to say which one but if you are familar with NJ it was in all of the papers.

Interviewed for a couple of different things. Wound up in peds because I had loved taking care of the adolescent pts on the trauma floor. Found that I was really interested in the family dynamics as well as the more complicated cases. I decided I'd go to grad school and do my APN in psych. I applied thinking I wouldn't get in to my first choice but did. Had a minor freak out but I start Sept 5th. Luckily my charge nurse is awesome and I will work Sun-Tues and have classes Thurs and Fri. No more Fri or Sat nights but I'm sure studying will take it all up. My goal is to be in a private practice working with adolescents and families. I'd love to work one day a week at my current job once I get my masters because it's an environment where I feel supported and actually have a mentor. I didn't go for the offer that paid the most but one that felt right. Some of my friends make more but I have to say I'm the happiest of all of them. There are days I feel scared (lots of them) but I never feel like I'm alone in things. It's the strangest floor-we hang out together, celebrate birthdays, etc. Just went to NYC with a few of them on Friday.

I'd like to tell other new nurses not to pick a place only on what they will pay you. The environment and what I've learned have been worth more than the few dollars more I'd make at another hospital. I've made it through my first year! School and working on the trauma floor didn't prepare me for how I'd feel. There are days where I feel like I'm doing a great job and days where nothing goes right-kid is a hard stick, pharmacy is backed up, admissions come back to back etc. I can't imagine doing anything else. Working three days a week isn't too shabby either!

Anna

Specializes in M/S, Pediatric Nursing.

i took up nursing because i hated math subject the most, does it makes sense?:uhoh3:LOL! nursing is the only course that doesnt have math subject, for in fact it has many subjects related to numbers itself:), anyway im glad i made it to graduation, what a relief though!

ana

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in kindergarten. It was in Stage 3. She always felt tired and having difficulty of breathing. Sometimes I went with her in the hospital or clinic to visit her doctor and for check-ups. Then she was admitted in the hospital for at least 3 times. She went to St. Luke's Medical Center for chemotherapy twice. I know that she's suffering from pain but still she manages to keep it and not showing it to us. She always finds time for us like going to the beach or going out for dinner, for she thought her time is running out. Having time alone with her, she told me that if I were going to be a nurse, she would not worry anymore because I will be the one who will take care of her. I was touched for that day I didn't know how to care because I'm still young. Now, even she's gone, I still want to be a nurse. I will give my undying care for patients who needs it especially mothers. I'm in my 4th year in nursing college and I'm doing my best to pursue her dream for me to be a nurse.

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