Why I Chose Nursing

I firmly believe that nursing is a calling. Throughout my clinical experience I have been able to work with nurses who are absolutely in love with their job, while others show up to work to pay the bills and have lost their passion in the profession. Being able to see both sides to the relationship one has with their nursing career, I can say with confidence that I believe that a nurse with passion and commitment is one that does the profession justice. 

I believe that one of the very first steps into falling in love with nursing is having a proper reason as to why you are studying or practicing nursing. My reason is simple: inspiration and personality.

Personality Traits:

I am a very nurturing person. I genuinely care about the well being of those who are not at their best. I am also very gentle and caring. These are all qualities that allow for proper bedside manner when dealing with a patient that has a difficult diagnosis. Although nursing requires sternness and strength during many moments, it is always beneficial to express empathy when needed. Put yourself in the shoes of a patient who has barely slept, is being poked and prodded, unsure of their condition prognosis, and only wants to be left alone in their own bed. This patient should initially be treated with great empathy and compassion to ease fear and frustration, while sternness and professionalism remains in tact.

My Story:

As stated in my previous Facts About Me post, I was born three months premature. I weighed one pound, ten ounces at birth and could fit from end to end in the palm of an adult. My lungs were not fully developed so I had to have a tracheotomy, so an oxygen tube could be placed down my throat and into my lungs. I was in the NICU for a total of three months, and had a home oxygen tank for an additional three months after I was released. A plethora of problems could have occurred during my struggles, treatment, and development. There are many details of my prematurity - the every day changes in the NICU - that I do not know intimately. However, hearing the tales that I have, is what inspired me to pursue nursing. 

I made the choice to become a nurse my sophomore year of high school, and have completely fallen in love with the profession during my time in nursing school. Yes, nursing school is difficult, stressful and emotional - but being able to wake up and practice your knowledge to try and improve the condition of those in need is the ultimate reward. When I think about my future life as a nurse, working on a floor in a hospital, learning the ropes of the job - I get extremely excited. I cannot wait to try and make a difference in my patient's lives by providing safe patient care, and sharing my knowledge. Becoming an integral part of the care team on shift, and making friends with my fellow nurses. Being confident calling a physician, or making suggestions based on experience. I cannot wait for my journey to start.

So, really, Why Nursing?

It is my opinion that nursing is a profession of endless opportunities that possesses great job security. I think that it is meant for someone that loves interacting with people, daily challenges in learning, critical thinking, and sharing in the lives of others at their most difficult times. With the vast array of nursing specialties to chose from, changes are always possible and growth can create extremely rewarding careers. Research is required for each individual to find their true niche with nursing - but once that match made in heaven is found, there is no going back.

#BSNbabe