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 cariothoracic surgery.

It was the late 80's in Ireland and all I had to look forward to was a lifetime on the dole. An aunt (a retired nurse living in London) phoned one day and suggested I gave nursing a go. To be honest....my initial reaction was to laugh. I just didn't think it was for me. There was the obvious stigma attached to being a male nurse and that scared me. However, the chance of a move to London and its social scene was very appealing so I gave it ago. Hands up...I was naive and never gave the nursing side much thought. But glad I took the plunge. It's been very rewarding and made me a much better person and I've been able to use nursing as a means to travel as I've spent 3 yrs in Aussie and NZ.

Snice I was once a law enforcement mojosr and stop going to school because i didnt know what i wanted to do or so . Took some time off and decided not to do that and go for nursing .I am starting in winter and cant be happier.

Katie

my story short.my dad was an ER doctor in ukraine. back then doctors were riding ambulance to a location where help needed. i rode ambulance with him also: first as a dauther and then as a "cna"(i started working with him when i was 14, i worked during summer vacation). i like it very much. i saw how passionate my dad was to his job and his patients. there weren't any questions who i wana be after high school graduation. i finished medical colege-became a nurse. after moving to usa, i decided pursue my carrier again. i went in college here because i knew there is difference in medical systems, documentations,responsibilities, and medications. so i did it .and i very glad i did finished college here, it opened my eyes on many things i did not notice, did not do in my previous carrier in ukraine, and also i reviewed many things i forgot.

thank you for reading my post. and thank you brian for asking this question. :balloons:

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Congratulations and welcome to America!

Specializes in Medical Surical Issues.

In fact i don't love nursing , but decided to study nursing then medicine good luck for all

I was about 12 yr. old when I care for my first pt.-Home care. I immigrated to USA and attended HS. After I graduated I dreamed of caring and educating people to prevent illnesses. I finally graduated in 2006 with an Associates in Nursing. Now I am facing a dilemma. I will not be able to renew my RN license if fail to obtain a SSN, according to the current laws it would be about 12-14 yrs. to change my legal status. I have been volunteering for a clinic and I love what I do. Does anyone have a suggestion.

Specializes in Volunterr in A&E.

Well I havent even become a student yet but I am trying (i'm told very!), I always liked science stuff when I was little and when I left school went to college to do health studies but then life sucked. I went on to the second term when my old school teacher died and we were very close it was very sad because she was 29. I was in an abusive relationship during this time and suffered domestic violence having decided to move in with him against my parents wishe at 16. I then ended up being raped by him and decided to leave, at which point he tried to commit suicide and ended up in our local mental health unit.

And what you ask does this have to do with nursing well, I'll tell you...... since that time in my life I had tried to distance myself from anyone and everything related to that dark time including any courses I was taking at the time. After 10 years or so I have realised one thing, you can run away for ever but all you get are tired legs and broad shoulders, it's only when you accept who you are that you can become who you want to be. Besides I often ask myself could I have made a difference to the x who needed metal health support and understanding,orto the teacher who died of a heart attack if I had the training then. The answer I know is NO you can't think what if all you can do is stand up and be true to yourself, so this is me standing up andI'll do whatever it takes to become a nurse cos I want my son to be proud of me.

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

LazyDaisey,

I wish you the best in your future endeavors in nursing and life with your son.

I was about 12 yr. old when I care for my first pt.-Home care. I immigrated to USA and attended HS. After I graduated I dreamed of caring and educating people to prevent illnesses. I finally graduated in 2006 with an Associates in Nursing. Now I am facing a dilemma. I will not be able to renew my RN license if fail to obtain a SSN, according to the current laws it would be about 12-14 yrs. to change my legal status. I have been volunteering for a clinic and I love what I do. Does anyone have a suggestion.

Hmmm....apply for SSN then. Also, try applying for citizenship. I don't know, ask the Nursing Board on what state you in and ask them what you should do, I bet they can help you.

Jomarkk - VN Graduate 2007/RN Student ISU

i forgot something.....

Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

I was forced into nursing by God. I was a Biology pre-vet major and was constantly having scheduling issues, $ issues, mediocre grades, I switched to an A.D. in Surgical Assisting for better job security and a bit better pay but couldn't get into the clinical rotation for almost 2 years. With 2 yrs Biology, and 1 1/2 years A.D. in an allied health major the only thing my courses fit was nursing. I applied with an iffy GPA, long hair and a track record of changing majors and got in first time. Once I was in the Col. of Nursing I couldn't get kicked out. Instructors went out of thier way to cut me slack, I could get into classes at the last minute without even trying. My GPA went up, my job improved- it was as if a rocky road became smooth and straight.

When I get up there I intend to have a little chat about why I wouldn't have made a good millionaire philanthropist- I job I've always wanted to have.

Specializes in LTC.

I was an accident prone kid, stitches, broken arm, concussion...The nurses were always so kind to me. I started reading Clara Barton books in 4th grade, have known since then I wanted to be a nurse. Have been a nurse in Geriatrics for 15 yrs. now and not sure I want to be a nurse anymore, very disallusioned.

End Of Shift Report

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