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 ED, Flight.

Natural progression, I guess.

I spent several years as a combat medic, sometimes solely responsible for my team's medical care. To this day I think it may be the finest thing I ever did.

I had a good career in teaching and community work (religious education), and worked as a medic on the side. Another really good period in my life.

I'm a paramedic and flight medic. I started doing that full time when we moved for my wife's work. At some point I wanted to learn more and broaden my possibilities in patient care without leaving prehospital medicine. One day I just looked at my wife (also a health care worker) and said 'what do you think if I go to nursing school?' She said 'go for it!' I lucked out and got into the local U's second-degree track and here I am. Graduated last December and went to work right away in the ED. So far, I'm quite happy with that. I work part time and still devote some time to community work in the Jewish community.

Next stop? Who knows. Too old for med school and residency and don't want to make the commitment. Maybe ACNP if I get ambitious?

Meanwhile, I'm just trying to learn how to be a good nurse...:D

So much to say so little skin on the fingers:typing.. I was one of those bad kids put my mom and dad through hell. Did alot of stupid things made alot of stupid choices. Woke up one day and realized that I was lucky to be alive. Was befriended by a young blonde nurse that showed me anything was possible. Then got pregnant and married at 17, well I was married he was not.:o I lost my marriage my kids and spun out of control for about 2 years. I became a state tested nurse aide and loved every minute of it:D. I fell one day locking up my back and found out that I had DDD, was told would be lucky to be an stna for another year:bluecry1:. I decided that it was time to do what I had wanted to do it was time to make my girls and my family proud, and not to mention the plus of putting it in the ex mother in laws face. And it was the only way that I could continue to do what I loved helping people:heartbeat. And that is how I got here of course I shortened it but this was the jist of it.:tku::prdnrs:

I do take up nursing because i feel the need to help other people. Since I was a child I wanted to be a nurselike my mother.,

Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

I wanted to be a nurse since I was in my 20s, but wasn't self disciplined enough to work and go to school, so I had to work.

I took care of my ill parent and was in and out of hospitals with this parent. I don't ever recall being treated well by nursing staff at a couple of hospitals in the area. So, I finally decided to pursue a nursing education to make a difference. To be friendly and care, not only about the pt but the families.

Now I realize how stressful and busy nursing is.....I can see why some nursing staff wasn't overall that friendly with me. This is very hard and stressful work, but there are times to where it's very rewarding.

Specializes in MS, LTC, Post Op.

I never wanted to be a nurse, I was going to be a physical therapist (cause they make better money and don't hafta clean poo) well my first day of "volunteer" work at the local PT place, some guy came in and the cracking of his bones in his writst made me SICK SICK SICK and I puked. That was 1995, I was 17.

Fast forward to 2000, I done got married, had a one year old and I needed to find a job, so I went to school to be a PCT. Half way through the program, which was taught by RN's, they told me I was too smart to do this, I needed to apply for the LPN program, which around here is THE BEST and HARDEST class to get into. So I took the entrance exam and passed and started the class thinking, "well its only a year, its a job, if I don't like it I can drop out, I am not smart enough for this..." only to find out that cracking bones may make me sick, buy by golly I LOVE trach care and giving enema's and doing digital checks for impactions and dressing changes...lol.

So here I am, 6 years later with a job that I love, getting ready to go back to school to get my RN this summer :)

Specializes in ER, Peds ER.

When I was just starting college I was convinced I was going to marry and be with the girl I was dating forever. And originally I started out as a pre-med major, but I was in way too much of a hurry to grow up and started looking for something that was quick and paid enough to support a family. So I switched to XRay for a hot minute, before I realized that I had wanted to be a doctor because I'm someone who due to my own childhood issues I have a need to want to rescue and take care of people, and after talking with my step mom, she suggested I look into nursing. So I did and that's where I ended up. My girlfriend at the time was kinda ****** I wasn't going to be a doctor anymore, but we broke up shortly after I finished nursing school anyway, so I'm glad I didn't let her talk me out of it. I guess we all end up on the right path by a combination of chance and choice.

Specializes in all types.

short and sweet response, I have always helped people. My grandmother and mother are nurses. I felt it was my calling.

WOW!! Everyone's post has been awesome! Bravo to you guys!!

My story goes something like this...

I didn't want to have to ask if they wanted fries with that shake and I didn't want to ask did you find everything you needed today...

For the last eight months, I have painstakingly searched for employment with no success. This is my second layoff in 16 months apart, with a degree in Business Administration.

During this summer, my Grandfather became very ill. I spent many long hours visiting with him, caring for him and at some point in this process something changed within me. I came to understand that there is a certain quality of life that is important and oft times overlooked. In interacting and communicating with his nurses and Doctors, I came to realize I wanted to do the things that they were doing. I wanted to help people. I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives.

I felt that an education and subsequent career in nursing will offer me more opportunities for growth both in my personal life and on a more human level than my degree in business ever could. I want to be both self reliant and an asset to my community and family. I will reach what I now know is my purpose in this life...to become a nurse.

Specializes in L&D, Mother/baby.

I took up nursing simply because I had a very sick childhood (up to age 17). as a kid being asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up" the only thing I knew about outside from school was the hospital. if nothing else I felt at home when I was there...simply because it was so frequent. I was not able to be in the band, play sports, or be apart of clubs due to my illness. so by the time I reached middle school I started thinking I wanted to become a doctor, to give back to the world what was given to me. by high school I realized that my aunt was a crnp who specialized in women's health. I looked up to her as a mentor to get where I am today. 

WOW, Isn't it amazing, how life takes us? When I talk to people that will listen, and they feel a little at loose ends I tell them to consider nursing. What other career will allow you to do so many things with the RN. You can sell medical equipment, teach, go techie with bio med., work any hours, full time, part time, be at the bedside or not, do research, have a high adrenaline type job, or work to try to convince people to donate their organs--you get the idea. Even be a liaison person--the list is huge!!!! Congrats, I am proud of you....

Specializes in infection control, peds, home infusion.

Since I was a child, I knew that whatever I chose to do with my life, it would be in service to others. I was always fascinated with medicine and the human body, so nursing just seemed like a good fit. And it is, although some days it really is a bummer.

I was in the military, and when I got out, I thought about nursing because of the diverse growth, and the opportunity to work anywhere. I heard about the nursing corps when I was in the military, and was really interested in the work and benefits. This is why I went to nursing school.

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