Your Motivation

augurey · Dec 2, 2015

For me, it was something I was interested when I was 11 (because I wanted to help people). I struggled in high school with depression (from parent's divorce). I entered a medical assisting program my junior year of high school at a vocational school. My instructors were nurses, so I heard a lot from them about what nursing is like. It scared me. If I couldn't be responsible and take care of myself then I had no business becoming a nurse.

Went to college (which I think was a mistake) and didn't know what I wanted to do. I decided to pursue a psychology major. I was still battling issues unresolved from before and withdrew during the spring semester of my freshman year (I didn't even complete all classes my first semester - I only completed 2 classes and earned a C (Communications) and B (Psychology). After I had been working full time for a couple of years, I had decided to go back (different school). Made it through first semester with decent grades. I couldn't juggle school and work full time and ended up quitting school again. I figured it was my last chance so I never gave it another thought.

I don't really know what draws me to nursing now, but I know it's what I want to do. I feel happy at the thought of making a difference in people's lives, no matter how small. I've been in the hospital a handful of times and had my mix of nurses. There were a few who really stood out and really made a difference during my hospital stay. I've not forgotten those nurses. I've also not forgotten the not so nice ones.

I worked in medical billing for 8.5 years. For almost a year I worked in patient advocacy, and I loved it. I loved how I felt knowing that our efforts were going to make a difference for many people. There were many heartbreaking calls (when you'd call a patient to get some information for their insurance only to find out that they had passed). It was the only time during my time with the company that I felt like I was doing something worthwhile.

Move forward to 2014. Married with an infant. My husband was at a dead end job - he'd never move forward and he'd never see a raise again (the business is his aunt's and she ran it into the ground, therefore, throwing out any opportunities he could have had there). We knew his job wouldn't last forever. He'd been searching for years, but he never had any luck. Once he was out of a job, we'd be screwed. I was growing tired of my medical billing job (different department due to transferring to another city to be closer to my husband - then boyfriend). Since it was a small office, I was at a dead end in my job. I knew I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life. Plus I'd eventually cap out, most likely, on my hourly rate at some point.

I knew if my husband was laid off and couldn't find a job, it'd be really hard to support my family on my income alone for the rest of our lives. I had gone on several interviews. Despite my experience, they wanted to hire in at minimum wage. I was beginning to get very frustrated at my job to the point I'd feel physically sick and wanted to cry every morning before work. We flirted with the idea of me being a stay at home mom to save on daycare. Then I thought that if my husband lost his job, we'd be even more screwed, so I decided to quit my job and go back to school - which I already knew what I wanted to do (I was just then finally ready to do it).

I'm not necessarily going into nursing for the money because I know I'm not going to be rolling in the dough, but it at least provides my family with some financial security and gives a little more room for my husband to search for a job if he got laid off. We were since surprised with #2, so now I have two major reasons to get through it. My husband did just get a new job, but it's a $5 pay cut (ouch!) so we're going to really struggle for the next year and a half. Once I get through it, get a job, etc, he should be doing well at his job (where there's opportunity for promotions and raises). We should be financially comfortable and be able to provide the kind of life we want for our kids (plus maybe have one or two more!).

Cliff Notes: Wanted to be a nurse since 11 because I wanted to help people, but by 18 I was too scared of having that kind of responsibility and was worried I'd make a mistake and kill someone. Had some awesome nurses, some not so awesome. They made an impact on me as far as how they can inspire and change lives or just really lift someone's mood up (or the opposite). Screwed up school years ago. Settled into a job. Got married, started a family. Became frustrated with my job, and decided to take the plunge and quit to go to nursing school as I finally realized I was ready. I have two munchkins that push me when I lose hope or am overwhelmed, etc. I know I won't make a lot of money, but it'll still allow me to provide a comfortable life for my family while doing something I feel that I'll enjoy.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Dec 3, 2015

I'm a mewbie to nursing. LVN/LPN for a year. Now in RN school.

"curious as to what motivated you guys to get into nursing school (as well as those not yet in). This came to mind as I was reading a Medscape article"

As a HS grad, I wanted to become a doctor. I did premed a few terms. It proved too challenging for me as a single parent. (I was a young parent who entered the University with a 2 yr old)

When that child was 14 and my youngest was 4 and I was 30, I decided to pursue my dream. [emoji3]

I felt that nursing would allow me to pursue both the science of medicine/nursing plus be able to care for pts compassionately.

I truly enjoy my current vocation. Pts are my joy. To me, they are just regular people with some problems.

I truly enjoy caring for them, talking to them, explaining the meds I'm administering to them.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2015

In 2004, I was a 23-year-old factory worker at a paper products plant that had been my workplace for three years. My work had become sloppy, and as a result, my manager and supervisor had placed a bulls-eye on my back. Once they initiated the paper trail of progressive discipline, I knew my days there were numbered.

However, my options in the labor market were limited since I had no education beyond a high school diploma. I quit the factory job, enrolled in a 12-month fast track LVN program, and had a new career pathway a little more than a year later.

I have since earned my ASN degree, RN licensure, and BSN degree. I am now enrolled in a MSN degree program. Nursing was never a childhood dream for me; rather, I entered it for the steady paycheck and educational advancement opportunities. I have found both in nursing.

sara567 · Dec 4, 2015

I'm not a nurse, yet. I graduate my program in 2 weeks.

My reasons might be unpopular, but they are mine.

I've worked since 2003 in the medical field. I love medicine and patients and can't imagine doing anything else. In 12 years, I've seen a lot of really horrible, lacking knowledge and compassion nurses during this time. Some patients die, or be close to dying, strictly due to an incompetent nurse. To be fair, I've obviously seen lots of great nurses too.

No one should have a bad nurse. So I am becoming a nurse to be an example. To show others how you need to keep up on research, critically think, be caring and responsive to patients.

In my current role I am very much known for the above. I hope, in time, I can be a leader and role model for nurses too.

maria1315, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2017

I've always loved medicine because I've grown up struggling with depression and anxiety and been taken care of by nurses and the way they interact with patients, their work ethic, their responsabilities just called to me. There's nothing in the world that I'm more passionate about. It gives me hope. I also believe that nursing will constantly challenge me mentally, emotionally, and cognitively and that's something I believe is important in a career. I want to constantly be learning. This might be cliche but I love helping people and as a hospital volunteer, I see the way patients confide and trust their nurses. They feel safe with them. No other career, besides being a doctor, will give you that. Nursing is an extraordinary field. I hope that I'll be an incredible nurse who gives hope to patients every day.