Why do you want to be a nurse?

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I was just curious, why do you want to be a nurse?

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Specializes in ER,Cardiac.

I want to help people. I find the human body fascinating, I want benefits, a job that I can do anywhere, and eventually I want to be a CRNA. Making $35 an hour at many hospitals in the state I live is a nice perk too.

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I've had an interest in the medical fields since I was a teenager. I wanted to be a vet for the longest time, but was discouraged by numerous people in my life from actively pursuing schooling for it. Nursing became an early interest as an alternative because of the medical aspect but also because it would really make me feel good to know that I had a part in helping people in some way.

Another attactive reason is the earning potiental I will have. Coming from someone who has never earned over 10.50/hr in her life, going to approximately 20.00/hr is pretty sweet.

At this point in my life (not a young 'un, but not an old fart either) I just want a career where I can earn a decent living, but still feel fullfilled and interested in what I am doing. I believe nursing will do that for me.

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Since I was a child it has been my dream. My parents were missionaries in Kenya, and I lived there between the ages of 7-11. I saw many sick and hurting people. I believe that is where my desire for nursing came. Also, my grandpa had a few strokes, was bound to his wheelchair, and was in a vegetative state. When I would go to his home I would help my grandma take care of him. I knew that nursing was for me. However, I allowed life's problems to take precedence. On my 33rd birthday I applied to nursing school, and I am currently taking my pre-reqs. I am soo excited to finally be pursuing my calling.

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JoeyDog said:
I was just curious, why do you want to be a nurse?

I had a terrible illness which almost killed me in 2001, followed by a number of opereations. I had my share of good and not so good experiences during that difficult time. I am much better now and feel great thanks to the wonders of modern medicine. It's time to give back.

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Specializes in Rehab/Post Acute.

I really need a job where I'm helping people. I was a high school teacher for 6 years and loved it. Then, 5 years ago, I started having children, and left my job to be home with them. Now I really want to go back to work, but want something more flexible in hours, but still feel like I'm really helping people. My husband works from 7am-3pm (same hours as a teacher, except I got home a little later). I really wanted something where I could be home with my kids in the early morning, and give them breakfast and get them to school.Teachers usually have to be at work well before the students arrive-- I was always at work by 6:45/7:15 at the latest. But now, working night shifts and weekends is actually very appealing to me. I thought about being a realtor- and went to real estate school. Though I enjoyed the school part (that was fun) I told my husband that it wasn't what I wanted to do with my life, but I would do it so we could start saving for the kids' college. He told me I had a few years to figure out what would make me happy-- whether it's going back to school to keep my teaching certificate valid, or going back to school for something else. I need to feel like I'm doing something good. My oldest has asthma, and between delivering my babies and being in the hospital with him-- the nurses have always been a godsend to me. Between helping me nurse my children (which never came easy for me), to educating me on asthma treatments for my son-- the nurses were just wonderful to us. I started thinking about being a nurse a few years ago, and realize that's really what I want to do (though I'll always miss teaching). I just found out yesterday that I was accepted into the nursing program I wanted (and luckily I got the evening/weekend program so I won't have to put my youngest in daycare). I'm thrilled!!! I can't believe in 2 years, I may be a nurse!!!

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The funny thing for me is that I never had the slightest interest at all, whatsoever, in being a nurse when I was growing up. After I had my first child, I started becoming more interested in healthcare, however I still did not want to become a nurse. I went to school and earned my certification as a Medical Assistant and have been working as an MA for the past 12 years and finally figured out a few years back that healthcare is what I'm good at and I should move forward with it.

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Specializes in Rehab/Post Acute.
Monica D said:
The funny thing for me is that I never had the slightest interest at all, whatsoever, in being a nurse when I was growing up. After I had my first child, I started becoming more interested in healthcare, however I still did not want to become a nurse. I went to school and earned my certification as a Medical Assistant and have been working as an MA for the past 12 years and finally figured out a few years back that healthcare is what I'm good at and I should move forward with it.

I also didn't have much interest in being a nurse, while I was growing up. I didn't give it much thought until I spent alot of time in the hospital with my grandfather-- and then thought about it much more seriously after having my first child. It's funny the way things work out.

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My mom was a nurse, she hated it always complained and was miserable her whole life. I never even gave nursing a thought.

Someone else posted having children got them interested this happened to me too, not my hospital stay but doing research while pregnant, loving all the medical terms, learning what can go wrong and how what a miracle the amount of times it actually doesn't. Eventually I got a job at a hospital just because the hours meshed with me being a stay at home mom, I didn't think much about why I was working there. I ended up working as the unit clerk for ICU, after 2 months of clercking it I realized I wanted to be more hands on, I worked their for 2 years but boy everyday i wanted to jump in there with the patients and nurses, whenever I had the oppurtunity I did, they were often short handed and welcomed any hands I could give them, I knew then and there that was what I wanted. That was 6 years ago been working toward that goal every since.

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There are so many reasons!

I think first and foremost would be the challenge. I think the human body is just an absolutely fascinating system and I know that I will be seeing such a variety of amazing recoveries, unforseen losses, and all that will come between. It just gives me a chill!!

Also, depending on where I work, I will always see something new and different. To have a job where I do the exact same thing day in and day out would drive me nuts! (I do realize that the basics will be the same day-in-out--paperwork, politics, etc. but the patients and the issues they are facing will be different)

Nursing is also very flexible. My DH has a job which may mean moving around. I will almost always be able to find a job as a nurse. It may not be exactly where I would prefer to be but a job none-the-less. Also the flexibilty in hours. With two young kids, I can work relief and not put anyone out if the kids get sick or something comes up or I can work nights, the possibilities are endless-which is what I love!

Finally, the money. For a relatively short learning curve (two-year ADN for me), I will make good money. With two young DD's, that means I can help my husband with college, weddings, etc. and hopefully squeeze in a few family vacations since we have only had one since we were married and we both love to travel.

I am sure I could come up with more, but I think these are the most important to me.

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Lots of reasons, but the ones most important are: helping people and being in a challenging career, learning the body systems/diseases and medicines that can help, earning potential, and flexibility. My MIL retired as an LPN and she kept talking so postively about her job and the way the nurses would chip in and switch shifts if something came up. Now my MIL volunteers at the Red Cross answering phones; which she loves, so she's still doing good work.

I even plan on applying to 3 different nursing schools bettering my chances of getting in. All within an hour drive. I want it that bad!

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the reason what got me to decide to become a nurse was getting to see my nephew being born. i thought that was the most awesome and most beautiful thing to see. so i want to work in the nursery and maybe help in delivering.

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