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 Assisted Living Nurse Manager.

In all honesty I am not sure why I wanted to be a nurse. My mom and 2 aunts were nurses, but I dont think that made much of an impression on me. When I was in my 30's I went to school to become a medical assistant and loved working side by side with other healthcare workers. I also loved the science behind it all. I did well in school with a 4.0, so after many years I finally decided I wanted to put LPN behind my name.

Maybe someday RN.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Threads merged for continuity.

science and math subjects had been my favorite since i was in the primary school...

my greatest dream was to be a doctor, but for some reasons, i was forced to finished b.s. mathematics major in computer science as my first course.. i told myself at that time that perharps i could be better off by studying computer engineering because there's a heavy infusion of math subjects but since the course wasn't offered at that time (1991) i entered computer science instead... after i finished my course, i was supposed to pursue medicine but my life took a blow when my parents discloses the fact and couldn't accept that i am an m-f transsexual... since then i tried to stay afloat by working as a computer programmer/analyst (keeping a decent life and aspiring for a white-collar job at the same time exposing the real you as a transsexual is hard & painful and discriminatory in the philippines)... but after working for 7 years (some of them abroad) i realized that i just couldn't imagine my life getting old in that profession.

...so last 2003 after going back here in the phils, i wasted no time and i enrolled as a 2nd courser nursing student... i think my interest lies in the medical/paramedical field as i'd shown to have good understanding of the subjects (i used to whisper... god at last i am in the field where should i rightfully belong)

.. i forgot how to be a computer programmer as my knowledge on that field is swiftly drifting away.. at this point, i already managed to pass the cgfns and ielts and is now painstakingly waiting for the nclex result from ca bon... i hope i would make it ^^v

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

After the grueling days of work, it only took one event that truly helped the patient that day to remind me of why I am a nurse. And they were few and far between.

Those going for the pay will either develop the compassion and caring as time goes by, or will leave the field. IMO It's a very personal decision to work so hard for a great cause.

I have faith that the newbies will succeed into the profession. It's a heart, soul thing that keeps us here.

And that is why we have a generation of great nurses, putting up with political stuff, and still showing up for work.

It's kind of strange for me because everybody thought I was going architecture... Now when I think about it I don't know why, because not even my parents encouraged me on this. But if you ask me now, maybe it's because I want to help people and make my life useful and interesting ^__^. I guess IMO the feeling sticks.

My mom had me when she was a teenager. One of her close friends worked in a nursing home at night as an aide after they graduated from high school. When my mom needed a babysitter. Her best friend would take me to work with her. I have always been a night owl.

One night I was sitting in what must have been a day room with an elderly gentleman. (I was 4 years old, i remember this so vividly). Some one had cut out silhouettes onto construction paper of the residents side face profile. He and I sat there for what must have been hours. He had me trying to figure out which image was him. I had so much fun. I could tell he really enjoyed my company we stayed up all night he was just a talking and quizzing me on all sorts of things. From that day forward I always wanted to be a nurse.

:bow:Here I am today loving my chosen career and I still really enjoy talking with elderly people and making their day a little brighter when they are not feeling the best.

I actually had a cush cush job when my daughter was born sick, she spent 3 months in the hospital. Hearing all the hospital jargon got me addicted and interested. As soon as she was 2 I started taking pre-reqs. Since I was going to go back to work anyway I just made a change while staying home with her.

Specializes in Home Health, ICU,Rehab,Med-Surg,Hospice.

Being a candy striper at age 16 gave me the opportunity to speak to a 90+ yr old man who thought I was a journalist. Getting to spend time with people in the hospital was cool to me - even though all I did was fill ice pitchers. I loved the smell of the hospital wards. Then I started nursing school (diploma program) right out of high school. I recall one time on a Telemetry floor in 1979 - I saw a cool 'sine' wave on one of the screens. Of course a pt was in Vtach and the code team then ran into the room. Then I knew I wanted to be where the monitors are. I eventually started in critical care by 1984. What I found was that even more than the monitors, I loved learning the pathophysiology of a given disease (and the corresponding protocols). My favorite for years was cardiology. Eventually the physical demands and the lack of proper sleep (most ICUs like to have every one help with night shifts) lead me to clinic work. So I now am learning the cool stuff about dermatology.

I get to have conversations with patients instead of trying to read lips or their scrawled writing (due to being intubated). If I had to do it over again (or if I won the lottery and could have a fantastic nanny for my kids) I'd love to get my PA in either critical care or dermatology. :nurse:

Hi everyone,

I decided to go for nursing because I want to be educated enough to help people. I look around and see how so many people are diagnoised with obesity, diabetes, and other ailments and it worries me. I want to be able to help people help themselves and some how be able to control their diseases. I hope to be a big help. Thank you.:yeah:

Hello All!

i wanted to take on this profession because what nurses do is noble and underrated. I take the NCLEX in a few days. Wish me luck y'all!!

:specs:

Specializes in Pediatric ED.

Though technically not a nurse yet (though I got my acceptance letter today):

When I was 16 I wound up in the ER with abdominal pain (yeah yeah, I know, everyone's favorite vague symptom, but I would up having to have surgery) and somehow I got hooked on the hospital atmosphere. I became an EMT while in college the first time (getting my useless psychology degree) and fell completely head over heels for patient care. A couple of my close friends were nursing students and encouraged me to go after a second degree, and here I am.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health.

It was the years of hippie, vietanam, and walk on the moon. Out of high school for less than year, I lived in Memphis,TN and Jackson, MS playing and having fun. well fun and funds ran out so home this little pig went. After a month or two my mother gave me three options: 1. She would pay for me to go to nursing school 2. I could find a job locally in town and work for factory 3. Or I could work in chicken houses (back then everything was manual not electronic,etc. So guess what my decision was? I have been a nurse for almost 35 years, and have been able to support myself, and a sick husband when needed. I'm glad I went into nursing not because it is rewarding, but because of the security if you do your job correctly,honestly, fairly with loyalty then there will always be a job open some where for you. THANKS MOM (Now in heaven)

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