Why do you want to be a nurse?

[klmorrison]

Hello everyone!

I am literally at the very beginning. Recently, I've felt a calling to nursing--now, I have no idea what I'm getting into or how well I'll do. So, why do you want to be a nurse?

I took some medical ethics and health administration classes at the graduate level, and did some volunteering at a community health center as a management intern. Fell in love with health care. Every aspect of it. My dad is a physician, so I've had a lot of exposure to the health care community. The nurses I've known have been very wonderful and hardworking people. I'm blown away by the good you can do and the impact you can have for the community. The apparent job security looks nice too--or it couldn't hurt.

Now, I have very few of the pre-reqs for nursing school. My BA is in poli sci and humanities, while my MA will be in philosophy with a medical ethics emphasis. Am I crazy for looking at nursing now? I'd like to knock out some prereqs and start from scratch on a BSN or AAS program. Eventually, get an MN or MSN and practice in psychiatry like my dad.

What brought you current nurses or students into nursing? I'd appreciate your honest thoughts on the profession. Thanks.

[Infinisynth]

I want to be a nurse for the pay and future job security which is probably why most people choose this career. I also genuinely care about people and I think that you must in order to be a good nurse.

[osagarese]

I wanted to become a nurse the day my daughter was diagnosed with SVT and had the surgery. From then I was amazed at all the things the nurses were doing for my daughter and that's what set me on my way. And after having my fifth child I decided that I would love to be one of those nurses in the nursery or delivery room. Just to witness the birth of a child is amazing and I won't be doing the pushing LOL, or feeling the pain. I might feel some pain because I know what it's like, but all in all I believe it would be fun.

The pay scale is not that bad either.

[Benk]

For the ladies.

(I enjoy helping people of all walks of life, and what better way to enjoy that by making a career out of it?)

[nursingstudent221]

I always wanted to be a nurse...i really dont know why its something i always said i wanted to be.... I mean i like helping people when there sick and also to get to meet all drifferent types of people too. Everything about nursing draws me to it!!!

[frnzy]

I finished all my prereqs 12 years ago the first time I went to college. I knew I had the brains and motivation to be a successful nurse, but my people skills and empathy were truly lacking. And I'm glad I recognized that then and decided that it wasn't for me at the time.

But when my recent cancer scare made me face what was important to me and my life, I realized that I now did have the personality and compassion necessary to be great at it.

Moneywise, I just hope to be able to pay back my loans!