Why do you want to become a nurse?

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I just wanted to start a fun thread for us.

I'll go first:D

When I was 13, my 17 year old sister became pregnant with her first child. My sister was something of a hero to me, strong, smart, determined. (even though on the outside I "hated" her:chuckle) So when she went into premature labor I was scared for her. I watched as the nurses/drs kind of ignored her and didn't really talk to her (lowly teen mother).

There were issues with her meds and she ended up in the ICU, on a ventilator with 6 chest tubes pumping the fluid out of her lungs. She stayed in that ICU for 6mths, at times clinging to life, she couldn't talk because of her trach, she lost weight and she had to be taken care of like a baby.

She had this one male nurse who treated her with such care and dignity. After school I would ride the city bus and spend the afternoon in her room. I remember one day she needed to use the bed pan, but I couldn't get it to her in time and she went all over herself and the bed. The smell was horrible.

Her male nurse came into the room smooth as you please didn't even bat an eye. He cleaned her real gentle like a newborn. I was so amazed by him. I was there so much some days he would allow me to help just a little.

Those six months changed my life. It made me want to help people. To treat them with respect no matter what. I took a long road to get here but I'm here now!:redpinkhe

My sister is fine went on to get married and have another baby years later. My nephew is now over six feet tall and healthy.

So what is your story...please share:D

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My determination to be a nurse came, when I was in labor with my first child, and the nurse I had was rude and arrogant. I was having a diffucult and scary labor :bluecry1:, because at the time we didn't know that I was unable to have children lady partslly(pelvic will not open wide enough) but we soon found out. Just the way she treated me, she would not do anything I asked, at a point I got so frustated and angry :angryfirewith her I told her to leave and get me a new nurse because of her attitude. Once I had my son, he had to go to the NICU for 7 days and the nurses in the NICU were amazing, the way the care for every baby like they were their own children. I realized at that point in my life I wanted to do the same and make people feel what I felt that week my son was in the hospital.

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Well, I am only 17 and a HS senior this year. I am set on my future as a PICU nurse (its my dream). I had brain surgery done 2 years ago, Ben Carson was my neurosurgeon; it was a condition called Chiari type 1 malformation. In short, the stem of my brain that is outside of the skull, was under so much pressure because of slight skull malformation. I was having a horrible time through school- sick every other day with these neuro-migraine head aches and loss of sight etc. Now, after being through all of that, I am inspired to give back! The only thing left wrong with me, neurologically that is, is that I have permanent hearing damage and hearing aids in each ear. But I am not paralyzed or blind or dead like the other people with my condition! And I praise God for it everyday! I also have some issues with my heart, mitrovalve prolapse, mild arrythmia (spelling check?) and a history of conditions...needless to say, I have a fond, homelike feeling for Johns Hopkins Med center- so why not work there!

God has given me a few extra chances at life (I have counted 3 so far :) and I do not intend to 'waste' it doing something that doesn't make a difference in someone elses life.

And I guess thats my story...:loveya:.

-gab.rielle

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My determination to be a nurse came, when I was in labor with my first child, and the nurse I had was rude and arrogant. I was having a diffucult and scary labor :bluecry1:, because at the time we didn't know that I was unable to have children lady partslly(pelvic will not open wide enough) but we soon found out. Just the way she treated me, she would not do anything I asked, at a point I got so frustated and angry :angryfirewith her I told her to leave and get me a new nurse because of her attitude. Once I had my son, he had to go to the NICU for 7 days and the nurses in the NICU were amazing, the way the care for every baby like they were their own children. I realized at that point in my life I wanted to do the same and make people feel what I felt that week my son was in the hospital.

I have heard so many horror stories like yours; some nurses out there are awful. I can't tell you how many medicine mix-ups in hospitals I have had. Allergic to them too! And blown veins! Those are inevitable!

I am glad to see you want to make a difference! :) And that everything went well with your son! NICU has to be nice! Babies are too precious to make people grouchy and mad!

-gab.rielle

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I just wanted to start a fun thread for us.

I'll go first:D

When I was 13, my 17 year old sister became pregnant with her first child. My sister was something of a hero to me, strong, smart, determined. (even though on the outside I "hated" her:chuckle) So when she went into premature labor I was scared for her. I watched as the nurses/drs kind of ignored her and didn't really talk to her (lowly teen mother).

There were issues with her meds and she ended up in the ICU, on a ventilator with 6 chest tubes pumping the fluid out of her lungs. She stayed in that ICU for 6mths, at times clinging to life, she couldn't talk because of her trach, she lost weight and she had to be taken care of like a baby.

She had this one male nurse who treated her with such care and dignity. After school I would ride the city bus and spend the afternoon in her room. I remember one day she needed to use the bed pan, but I couldn't get it to her in time and she went all over herself and the bed. The smell was horrible.

Her male nurse came into the room smooth as you please didn't even bat an eye. He cleaned her real gentle like a newborn. I was so amazed by him. I was there so much some days he would allow me to help just a little.

Those six months changed my life. It made me want to help people. To treat them with respect no matter what. I took a long road to get here but I'm here now!:redpinkhe

My sister is fine went on to get married and have another baby years later. My nephew is now over six feet tall and healthy.

So what is your story...please share:D

Your story has changed my morning! :loveya:Thanks for posting it!

I am so glad to hear your sister and her children are doing so well! The world needs more caring and wise nurses!

-gab.rielle

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Well, I am only 17 and a HS senior this year. I am set on my future as a PICU nurse (its my dream). I had brain surgery done 2 years ago, Ben Carson was my neurosurgeon; it was a condition called Chiari type 1 malformation. In short, the stem of my brain that is outside of the skull, was under so much pressure because of slight skull malformation. I was having a horrible time through school- sick every other day with these neuro-migraine head aches and loss of sight etc. Now, after being through all of that, I am inspired to give back! The only thing left wrong with me, neurologically that is, is that I have permanent hearing damage and hearing aids in each ear. But I am not paralyzed or blind or dead like the other people with my condition! And I praise God for it everyday! I also have some issues with my heart, mitrovalve prolapse, mild arrythmia (spelling check?) and a history of conditions...needless to say, I have a fond, homelike feeling for Johns Hopkins Med center- so why not work there!

God has given me a few extra chances at life (I have counted 3 so far :) and I do not intend to 'waste' it doing something that doesn't make a difference in someone elses life.

And I guess thats my story...:loveya:.

-gab.rielle

What a touching story. I had watched a program on Discovery Health Channel about the malformation you had. Very interesting. I'm glad things have worked out for you and I pray that God will continue to guide you.

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When I was 13 months old, I contracted meningococcal meningitis. Somehow, I came through with nothing but scars. Back in 1980 doctors really didn't know what that was, so I am very thankful I am here today. I have all my limbs, eyesight, and hearing. I figured I was given another chance at life and I better make something of it. What better way than to help out other people.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I lost my oldest son to AML a little over a year ago. I have always wanted to be a nurse, but seeing and feeling the difference they made for us in that harrowing, heartbreaking journey as we watched Joseph rally, relapse and die at the age of 13 made me realize I was given a very unique gift...the ability to understand what the loved ones of a person with serious illnesses go through, and that I have unique perspective on how to help both the patient and them get through it. I've been working in medicine since I was 19 (I am 37 now) and I pick it up like a sponge. After Joseph's death I just decided to stop doubting myself and go for it. He's not coming back but this is a way I can carry him forward.

peach.jpg

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Thank you for sharing your story...wow...I can't imagine what you went through. I'm sure your experience will help you become a GREAT RN!

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I had brain surgery done 2 years ago, Ben Carson was my neurosurgeon; it was a condition called Chiari type 1 malformation. -gab.rielle

Hiya gab.rielle, I am also a Chiarian.

I am 5 1/2 post op and still pain free.

I wish you the best on your carreer in the nursing field.

Sandy

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Wow, some truly touching stories here.

Gentlywind, what a Handsome Young Man.....you can feel the love and emotion in your post as well as the others. Huggs to you all!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Well, honestly I don't see where I would fit in other than in nursing.

I can't really explain it but I just know this is what I was meant to do. When I was a toddler my mom said I was always playing nurse and taking care of my "sick" cabbage patch dolls (patients!).

I like science, learning about how the body functions, and I like helping people.

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