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.

Specializes in ortho...kneesnhipsrus.

i never even thought of becoming a nurse when i was younger. i was afraid of needles, and got whoozy at the sighit of blood. my dream was to become a teacher, get my masters in special ed and then teach deaf students on the college level. somewhere along the line i lost site of that vision and ended up in the aerospace and defense industry buying parts for the external tank on the space shuttle. as the years went by, i relocated back to the northeast and a short time later the cold war ended. there were few government contracts, the industry went dry and i was laid off. so i became a head-hunter, a job that i truly sucked at!! but, i was recruiting nurses and everyone that i spoke too was dedicated to the profession. that's when the light bulb went on. here was a very noble profession that paid well and, if i got my bsn, i could take with me anywhere. so i went home and told my wife i was going back to school to become a nurse. she didn't talk to me for days...how were we going to pay the bills if i was in school? but i was determined to have that RN after my name. there wasn't an obstacle that got in my way that i didn't go around, through, under or over. i worked full time at night and went to school during the day. the marriage fell apart while i was in school as so many do for nursing students. but that was a good thing too! 6 years later i got my nursing pin along with my BSN and i've never looked back or regretted it. that was 8 years ago. what an incredible journey since then!

Hi to everyone, I'm very new to this site (just registering today, I was a lurker)....I am a student just getting into my pre-req courses. My original major was mortuary science. I love the human body and it has always intrigued me to learn every single function, the magnificent organs, etc. My mentor is my oldest sister. She is a lawyer...and we always had wonderful discussions about autopsies, embalming etc....since I was 8 years old. Over the years she continued to encourage my educational path and I decided that once my children were mature enough, I would embark on my career. Well here I am about to nose dive into my studies and my sister fell ill. She had an aortic dissection on July 31 2006...and has been in a non responsive state since August 8th 2006...resulting from a code. Between my travels visiting her in the ICU, in the LTCF, and the Brain Injury Center, out of state...I have fallen in love nursing...the compassion, the nurturing and the overall work has left an impression on my heart ....I miss my sister terribly...and I have decided to go full speed ahead for my BSN....to honor her....

Specializes in LTC/rehab, ED, med-surg.

Your story made me cry. What you are doing to honor your sister is a beautiful thing! You, your family, and your sister are in my thoughts; it's going to be a difficult journey through school for you with a sick family member, but you CAN do it! You sound like a beautiful, nurturing soul and the nursing profession will be lucky to have you. Best of luck! :welcome:

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

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