Nursing forum
What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
hooligan
09-08-2007 06:33
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Everyone has his or her own story about how or why they became a nurse. What's your story?
Please be as detailed or as short as you wish. It'll be interesting to hear everyone's stories.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
mike
09-08-2007 06:34
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I was a bad kid. I ran around with the wrong crowd. Got into some things I shouldn't have and saw some things I shouldn't have.The things I saw stuck with me due to the violent nature and the impact and I wished then I could help out in some way.... and vowed to do great things later.
I knew then I wanted to be a nurse.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
keane
09-08-2007 06:39
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I've always found the human body fascinating, enjoyed biology and anatomy. While in Jr. High school, one of my best friend’s mom was a nurse, and the idea of being a nurse intrigued me. I also new a flight paramedic and his stories always peaked my interest as well. While in High School, I made my mind up that I wanted to be an ER nurse and eventually become a flight nurse.
I went to nursing school, started out in Geriatrics, became very interested in Nursing Informatics, which at the time was fairly new. I was amazed at how little the Nursing Home and Hospitals used technology, and I loved using computers to save time. I never did anything with my interest in Informatics directly. I then moved to the hospital, worked Telemetry, and then I went to work in CCU for several years.
Back in 1995, I started a nursing website as a hobby when I was in nursing school back in 95, that hobby became a passion, and then became a business for me. That website is now called allnurses.com (this website ) has grown to significantly since it’s early days. I’ve never for one minute regretted becoming a nurse!
While I never became an ER nurse or a flight nurse, I am very happy where my nursing career has taken me
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
joyride
09-08-2007 06:49
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I was in my back yard one evening with a nice fat possum on the grill. I heard a noise and looked up to see a spacecraft directly above me. In an instant, I was transported into a dimly lit area equipped with strange equipment. Then a 3 ft tall being with a single eye in the center of his neck...or what I though was a neck, kicked me in the shins. As I jerked my leg up out of the way, several of the little critters pushed me back on an exam table. The next few hours were a blur as I went in and out of consciousness. Before I knew what was happening I was graduating from nursing school. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
jedi
09-08-2007 06:58
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In the Australian outback town where I grew up, being a nurse was the only job you could continue working at AFTER you married!
It was a town ruled by the union movement, and married women weren't permitted to hold jobs! The jobs had to be for the single girls only. TRUE! Understand, I'm talking about the 1960's.
Not that my decision to become a nurse was something I really considered or thought out in great detail. I really "sort of" fell into it. I'd actually always wanted to study law! However, circumstances sent me on a different pathway.
I'm always grateful I did become a nurse. I've never been unemployed, other than by choice, and have had an incredible journey along the way. It's a profession whereby you can travel and see other places and always be assurred of obtaining a job. Something I've done over the years. I think the thing that has always held true for me about being a nurse is; it's a REAL job! It has purpose. It has a reason for being. I realise ALL jobs have reason/purpose, so NO need to flame me! But nursing just has that edge and something more/extra, over most other jobs.
Would I do it all over again, given my time over? Hmmm .... the jury's still out on that one.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ivan
09-08-2007 07:01
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Hi! I am a new graduate. I am going to be 26 next week, but I have wanted to be an RN since I was in 8th grade. Funny story? I had a lot of ear infections in 7th and 8th grade, and I went to the doctor... back then, to me, he was about it. The "hunk" of my dreams! ha ha! Ever since then I have been interested in medicine. I had a collection of gloves from different places that I snatched on my way out. (Now I can get all I want!) I graduated high school, went to college for one year for and Art major (my other love), but realized I wouldn't be able to do anything to make money in the area I was, and was not going to move to a big city to make big money. So, I got married (nope, not the doctor!! he he), 3 years later had a son, then after he turned a year I decided to pursue my dream. That was 3 years ago, my son is now 4, and I am now an RN. I have not gotten a job yet, and I have not taken my boards. (I just graduated last Friday!) So I am very anxious and excited to get out there and start in the REAL world!!!
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ciara
09-08-2007 07:05
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My mom was a 2nd grade teacher (now retired.) I decided early on that I would never be a teacher - way too much work. Never thought about being a nurse, I wanted to be a vet.
After my oldest son was born, I had contact with several nurses who made a big impact on me with their kindness, gentleness and concern beyond the immediate problems. Still didn't think about being a nurse, mostly because I had screwed up my life, not graduated HS, and felt I had missed my chance at going to college.
After my last child was born, I decided I had to make something of myself and decided to become a psychologist. I got a community college class book and started thumbing through it. Being a psychologist started to look boring. I looked at all the cool classes nurses got to take - anatomy, chemistry, biology. I decided to do that instead.
So, 18 years later, here I am. It took me from 1991-1999 to earn a 4 year degree - 1 class at a time sometimes. Little kids and life got in the way. Somewhere along the line, I forgot about ever wanting to be anything but a nurse. Now, although some days I feel like running into McDonalds and filling out an application - I can't imagine working in any other field and being satisfied at the end of the day.
It sounds like a cliche, but it's the little things that keep me going back to work, and make me feel good about what I'm doing. Even the patients you work your fingers to the bone for 12 hours on - touch and go the whole way - who don't remember you, but think the nurse who extubated them the next day must be the best nurse in the whole world. I look at them up walking around, going home to be with their families - and I think, well at least I did something right!
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
joyride
09-08-2007 07:09
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Nope. I never sleep.
Just kidding.
Sometimes I'm a night owl. Last night I had a headache so I was up late.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
jedi
09-08-2007 07:18
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I didn't dream of becoming a nurse growing up. I was originally a nuclear medicine major. My older sister became ill with leukemia, and fought an amazing fight. She was the strongest, bravest person I will ever know. She always said that when she recovered, she was going to go back to school to be a nurse. It will be four years next month since she passed away. She was only 30. The care from that she received from her nurses was nothing short of extraordinary. When I returned to school that fall, I switched majors, and just graduated with my BSN last weekend. I am 24 years old, and so glad that switched so young, because I know that I am going to love doing this for the rest of my life.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
tallan
09-08-2007 07:33
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My story; a little boring but I'll share anyway. I come from a family of nurses. I have a mother, two aunts, a cousin, and a sister who are all nurses. Oddly enough, I never considered nursing as an option for me. I was accepted to an excellent education program at a highly rated college in my area. I decided since I was not getting much financial aid (and I was paying for my own school for my first two years) I would attend the community college and then transfer my credits. Well, I started at the CC in a 2+2 program for Elementary Education. My best friend was attending the same college for nursing. I ended up getting married during my second semester, moving out of state, and having children. Meanwhile, my best friend failed two co-requisites and was taken out of the nursing program. I took almost three years off to be a SAHM, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However our family grew exponentially and I hated seeing my husband sacrificing all his days off and working 12-16 hour shifts so that we could make ends meet. I told him that if we moved back to NY I would go back to school since we had family here that could help with the kids. Well, for my third pregnancy I was tended by midwives. They made such an impression on me and it dawned on me that I wanted to be (and was meant to be) a nurse. I applied to the LPN program on the last possible day, interviewed on the last possible day, and somehow was chosen out of 413 qualified applicants. It was God's grace. I graduate this Tuesday, but I've already been pinned. I don't regret making this career choice at all & I absolutely CAN'T WAIT to start my job 6/6/05 and continue towards my RN this August.
PS- I mentioned my best friend to say this. She has gotten her Associates and is working as a paraprofessional- slated to start school this coming January for her teaching certificate.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
danica
09-08-2007 07:41
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I became a nurse because wanting to become a doctor instead didn't pan out.....................for various reasons I won't drudge up.
I never wanted to be a nurse. Now that I'm 53, kids grown and gone, husbands out of my life, I want to become a writer who makes a great living writing books of action/drama/fiction/ and even some nonfiction books that relate to the grey areas of life many people are afraid to talk about.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
estralla
09-08-2007 07:44
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Well I started out wanting to be a horse trainer but I realized that I wasn't going to make the big bucks at that job and I decided to become a high school teacher but that didn't pan out and I am glad that it didn't. I finally decided on becoming an nurse and i am soooooooo glad at what I did. I would have never been able to do and see the things that I have all these years.
I have been a nurse for 30 years and in corrections for 16 and I am glad that I am doing this. I love my job and I wake up wanting to go to work and each day I feel like this is where I am supposed to be, taking care of these guys and making their life just a little better and making them feel like there are a few people that care.... I only have 6 more years and then I can retire, but I don't think that I would ever completely quit working, I will find something to do in my spare time when I can.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ava
09-08-2007 07:53
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Delusions of grandure?? I thought at one time, I could make a difference. Like I said-delusional plain and simple
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
mike
09-08-2007 08:01
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When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being a nurse. Most children say they want to be a doctor but for some reason I didn't. At the age of 20, I had my first son. He had to have surgery for Pyloric Stenosis (runs in my family), when he was a few weeks old. After he had his surgery, he was put back into his room.Unfortuantly, there was only one nurse for half of the floor. She was running around like made. I tried to help as much as possible but there was only so much I could do. When it came time for his pain medication, I just sat and waited and waited and waited. Finally, I went and found her and very nicely , reminded her that he was due to have his pain medication a half an hour ago. She said she would be right there. So, I went back to his room and again, waited and waited. Well, if you are a parent, I sure you can imagine that I was begining to get upset , especialy b/c he was becoming very irriatable due to pain. So, I went to find her again and this time, I was very forceful. Needless to say, he did receive his med an hour and 25 minutes late. Of course, the mother in me was extremely upset, but I really could not blame her b/c she was just entirely too overwelmed with patients. Once my son was released, we had a visiting nurse come to the house for about 2 weeks to make sure his stitches were healing properly. In that time I talked to the nurse about what had happened at the hospital and that when I was younger I dreamed of becoming a nurse. That was when she suggested that I still could become a nurse and gave me the information of how to get started . Well, once my son was almost 2y/o (2001) I started part-time at the local college and even though it has taken me awhile, I will be starting clinical this fall(05). In all honesty, after I got married and had my first son I didn't thik I could work, go to college, and be there for my new family. However, I am very proud to say, I have made accademic Recognition every semester but one, and that was the semester that I had my second son(2003) , and while studying my @** off, I still am able to make time to be with my family and work a few days out of the week. Now, I am fully aware that when clinical starts things will change. I have tried to prepare my husband and children for this. Even though, I am going to miss my family dearly when I'm in clinicals, I know that it will pay off in the end. I am one of those fortunate people who will be able to get up every morning and know that even if I have a bad day, I am doing a job that I love. Someday, I will be a Nurse Practioner. As of right now I am working towards my ADN.
Thank you for this uplifting thread and giving me a chance to post my story!!
Sorry for such a long post and all the icons. I couldn't resist
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
keane
10-08-2007 01:47
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Winter, 2 weeks before Christmas and I got laid off from my manager position at a convenience store. Most of my life I had been in food service, sous chef, baker, cake decorator, fast food, slow food, massive quantities of food...other times I had cashiered for a living, usually making my way up to a manager position. I get bored easily and like challenges.
Anyway, there were no jobs available (small town) but, if I was willing to put in two weeks of learning, without pay, and two weeks with pay, the local nursing home was willing to train me as a CNA. After my training was over I spent my first month on the job saying, "I'm NOT going back tomorrow." Then my nurse asked if I would be willing to work the "locked unit," the Alzheimer Ward, for just one weekend. After that they couldn't get me out of there, I fell in love with my Alzheimer residents.
3 years later...I was driving our new graduate RN nuts, I kept asking her questions about different diseases, etc. listed on our residents. Finally in exasperation she hollered at me..."For goodness sakes, you know more about these people than I do, why don't you go to nursing school?" So I did, a new challenge.
The vo-tech had a 2 year waiting list and I knew that I would soon forget about it if I had to wait that long, so I enrolled in the BSN program. I started college at the age of 35, graduated before I turned 40.
I got my first, and only, nursing job in a nursing home. I couldn't get on the Alzheimer unit, so I took the End-Of-Life care unit posting. One and a half years there and I had to stop, I had hardened my heart so much, so I wouldn't get hurt, that death was becoming a "non-event" to me. I firmly believe each death deserves a tear, heartfelt sadness. A posting had just opened on the Rehab unit, which I took. I am still there, working medicare rehab, nightshift, weekends.
I love my job, I wouldn't give it up for anything. I passed my five year mark in January. Sometimes I miss cashiering or cooking...but not TOO much.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ava
10-08-2007 02:12
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I will be starting nursing school this Fall at Deaconess in St. Louis. I have most of my gen eds out of the way (bio, chem, microbio), so I will be concentrating on my nursing classes. I had recently been hired for a job in the emergency department here at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, in preparation for my move to St. Louis. Initially, I had been planning on becoming a radiation therapist. But in working with the good people here in the E.D., I decided that I liked the role of the nurse better. I had already thought about becoming an RN several times before, but my parents didn't want me to because it isn't a "guy's field." But in seeing all the male nurses around the hospital, I no longer think it is an issue.
I am a registrar in the E.D. currently, but there is nothing more rewarding than covering a patient with warm blankets, helping someone down the corridor, or even just taking a minute to listen to what the patient has to say. And the nurses here say that there is nothing more rewarding than receiving a thank you card from a family who appreciated the care that was given to a patient. I can only imagine what it's like, but it'll become a reality for me soon enough.
And that's my story. :-)
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
jedi
10-08-2007 02:17
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Everyone's stories are so very interesting! Mine is very boring. I have always to go into nursing, my mother is a nurse. My ex always told me that I was too stupid to become a nurse and moved me out of state each time I applied (and was accepted) to the nursing programs in that area. With his job, he was able to transfer anywhere there was an airport. When our son graduated high school and went to college, I divorced my ex, the day after the divorce was final, I applied for the LVN program and started classes that August, stayed on the president's list, won several academic awards and graduated with high honors. Yes, I worked hard for those grades and I'm very proud of them.
Met the love of my life during LVN school, we were married one week after graduation, I've been taking my pre-req's over the past two years and on the 6th of June, I start the LVN to RN transition program. I do love my job, yes, there are times I wonder why in the world do I want to abuse myself like this? But, like another poster said, when that one patient improves, or the family member (from hell) thanks you, then you know you have to go back.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ciara
10-08-2007 02:39
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Several things came together all at once to make me decide I wanted to be a nurse, some logical, and some emotional:
Logical:
1. I am retiring from the Air Force, and want to keep a steady paycheck.
2. I am a computer tech and can appreciate the value of working in a career where you are needed.
3. I like helping people.
4. Over the years, I have mentally shifted from being an INTJ to an INFJ. I guess I have moved to a more complex and interesting system by moving to people.
5. I always wanted to save a life.
Emotional:
1. I found faith in God
2. A few years ago my stepfater passed away after an extremely long illness. When my mother couldn't lift him anymore hospice was called in. When the nurse came she was always a relief to us all. She was a visiting angel. She laughed when she could, and she listened all the time, and when things got too sad she went out on the porch and cried a little.
I was so impressed with her...humanity...that I decided I wanted to be a nurse.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
jedi
10-08-2007 02:47
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I've always been interested in all things medical. This comes from the fact that my dad was sick all of my life until he died when I was 19. He had Lupus which brought on ESRD. He then had a kidney transplant and a CABG on top of his other recurring co-morbid conditions, so needless to say we spent a lot of time in hospitals. Even when my dad was in the hospital, I would be excited to go there. The environment is just thrilling to me... so many doors with so many cool things behind them!
The funny thing is that I started college as an English major. I'd never even considered nursing because the sciences weren't my strong poing in High School. I've always loved to watch what my husband calls the "bloody shows" like Trauma: life in the ER and Maternity Ward. One night I had the t.v. on TLC while I was trying to write a paper for my Foundations of American Education class (I thought I would be an English teacher). The paper was to be about why I wanted to teach. I was conflicted because I didn't really want to teach, but what else are you going to do with an English degree? Then it hit me. I looked at my then fiancee and said, "you're going to think I'm crazy, but I want to be a nurse." I never looked back. I dropped my education classes and started my pre-reqs for nursing. The rest is history
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
emerson
10-08-2007 02:55
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Hi There.
I Wanted To Be A Nurse Or A Teacher Then Later On I Wanted To Be A Doctor
I Took Nursing At Uh But Did Not Do Good So I Decided To Take Medical Secretary And Work As A Secretary To A Doctor While Going To School To Become A Nurse
I Got My Lvn Though Back In 84 And Worked In A Retirement Community In The Health Center Night Shift
I Was Alone And I Did Not Know How To Be Productive Yet -- He He He He What Would I Do Without My Pc -- My Very Best Friend
When The Health Center Is Full Of Patient Like Sometime Up To 5 I Think I Like It Though To I Get To Be Busy
I Doubled Check Every 2 Hours
I Made Sure They Got Their Medications
I Get Them Up I Think In The Morning
I Made Sure They Had Fresh Pitcher Of Water With Ice And I Always Encouraged Them To Drink Water
But Not If They Are On Npo
But Encouraged Them Especialy When They Were On Ip/op
I Never Got To Be A Doctor But One Day I Know I Will
I Will Take One Step At A Time
I Need To Get Better And Healed First
But Before That I Need To Shine Somemore
Many Thanks
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
jedi
10-08-2007 03:02
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I was a wild child, getting in trouble and causing my mother grief when I was growing up. I was graduating high school and I really did not want to go back to school. I craved excitement in life and adventure was calling me. I was bored with my life in suburbia, and so I enlisted in the military. I chose to join the Marines to prove to myself that I am capable of becoming one of the few and the proud. Needless to say, I got my share of adventure and excitement, I even celebrated my 24th birthday in the desert during a war.
After the war, there was no promotions and they were trying to shrink the military. They gave us veterans free tuition and so I had to decide on what to do with the rest of my life. What will I major in now that I am faced with so many choices? My family have always worked in the health field as nurses, med techs, phys. therapists, and cna's. I did my research and nursing came up on top, it being the one where one can always find a job anywhere one ends up. I considered becoming a male stripper but I can't dance. My body was good but not that good.
It has been 8 years since I have been working as a nurse and I have always loved the job. I found that I was very well suited for the job and having been a soldier first gave me an advantage. I was not one to back down from a challenge and I love the action in Telemetry and the Rehab patients make me proud to see that I have made a contribution to help these people get better. Yeah, I do work 3 jobs! I am still a member of the Reserves. I have yet to travel as a nurse but someday the kids will grow up and leave the house. How I long for that day to come. So there it is! I am also sticking to this version of my story.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
tallan
10-08-2007 03:27
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well, my story stretches out over several years. I was a paramedic in Pasco county, FL., met a nurse there (we went on to get engaged some years later, but the engagement failed (as with all things, not for one single reason, but the culmination was her demanding my quit riding motorcycles after a major accident that landed me in a (thanfully brief) coma) but anyway, I'm married to a fine woman who likes to ride (has her own, now) and things are much better. Anyway, I digress... Back then, I burned out, went to a few classes and became a long-haul truck driver. After a couple of years driving cross-country, my girl told me that she noticed I didn't look very happy with my new vocation. While I liked driving, and enjoyed seeing our beautiful country, I missed working in the medical field -but had no interest in ever being a medic on an ambulance again. She suggested nursing. Part of the problem I had with being a paramedic was that after 4 years, I'd advanced as far as I could, and the field was so over-glutted (still is) that there were no jobs available, pay wasn't what I would have liked (its better now, however) and I hated the idea that in another 16 yrs, I'd still be working in the same capacity (in Pasco, the average age of the officers above me was MY age -in short, unless they quit or died, I would never advance, and I still had the competition of all my 'compadres' who were my age or younger, and had my dreams of advancement. The prospects weren't very good. )
She showed me that RNs are in demand pretty much everywhere, in Florida or outside of it. Pay was better, and the hours were too, (imagine, work just three 12 hr shifts in a row, and have the rest of the week off. OR set it up so you could work six back to back, and end up with an effective week off, depending on how you set your schedule up), and if I got bored with one facet of nursing, I could take a few classes and get into another aspect of the field (more or less) -i.e., cardiac as opposed to med-surg, or same-day, or whatever.
The ONLY thing I really miss from being on the ambulance was intubating (ET tubes) -its great fun, and a good challenge -one I'm proud to say I was quite good at. However, I enjoy nursing and all the prospects it has open to someone willing to work. I may yet decide to become a travel-nurse for a while, or just move to somewhere else, and work there. Thankfully, almost everywhere I've looked, I've found openings, and in truth, the shortage is going to get worse -which SHOULD mean more flexibility in most respects for those of us working in this field -especially as the hospitals (larger ones for the most part) start fighting to retain their work force. We shall see, but I'm doing a job I'd never considdered, and I enjoy it. It isn't as dramatic or glamorous as my old paramedic/firefighter position, but it has far more depth to it, and I'm doing things I never knew I could do, working with people and equipment that has a far bigger effect on the health of my patients, and I don't just shut the door on them and look to the next call -now I see them progress (or not), and sometimes see the difference I make in a single shift. I've long-since let my medic license lapse, and have no intention of getting out of nursing.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
danica
10-08-2007 03:36
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I was going to be a veterinarian, but my parents got divorced and a lot of creepy things happened while I was a teen. I went to farrier school instead of Cornell. I still don't know if that was a bad choice but I was so burned out with life and wanted to do something else than what my now hated parents had lined up for me. I had already trained horses so I had lots of contacts to start my business. Well when I got out lots of people thought a 5'2"woman could not possibly know how to shoe a horse..lol. I got a part time job as a nurse aid.
My business thrived in my opinion, I paid my bills and had money to put in savings. I did a lot of barter work too, I had horses to feed and some of my customers could not pay for the foot work so we traded.
I got married and after a while found he wasn't the man I married, he had been laid off in the steel industry and was very bitter and angry. I could not even talk to him so I decided to go to nursing school after becoming a paramedic. I had some acute care experience, ran a working farm so knew some genetic stuff and had a few employees at times so learned to manage people. Put in a lot of time with cooperative extension service in my county as a 4-H leader, I helped develop and establish a school enrichment program for sciences in Pittsburgh PA.
I had 2 children at the time and he raped me during my first year of nursing school,( I was living in my daughters room at the time) and I became pregnant with my 3rd child during nursing school.
I finished my first year of school, had a c-section in august so had to take off a year until I could go back and get my associate degree.
I finished nursing school and heck I couldnt find a job, slow time for nursing.
I finally got a job at a city hospital ( they filmed part of 'silence of the lambs' on their loading dock...talk about scary....lol)
I worked in med-surg was in charge as a GN and then pissed off my manager and transferred to ICU/CCU. Two years there and off to specialty flight team for 6 years. I am now in LTC and love it for now. Spent some time in CCU and TRAUMA in between and have supervised a lot lately.
Oh yeh, I left him, took the kids when I graduated. I NOW make more than twice what he does. I feel good about who I am, he is still angry.
  
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
estralla
10-08-2007 03:40
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I wish that there was an icon of a tear because I have a few in my eyes after reading your story! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU SWEETHEART!!!! You will make a wonderful nurse! Lasting peace to you ----
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ava
10-08-2007 03:43
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If I tell my story, a few of you ladies are going to be upset:
I was in the NAVY. When I went in, I decided that if I liked it, I'd stay, but if the only reason for staying was that I had nothing better to do, then it would be time to find something better to do.
Flash forward 2.5 yrs into a 4 yr hitch. I remember thinking, "I need to re-enlist so I can do another 2 yr OUTUS (outside cont. US) tour, but it's OK, I have nothing better to do. . ." And I can remember the alarms going off with that thought.
Went to career counselor's office and found an article about 'the best college bang for your buck is ADN program'. Didn't think much about it, but I told a friend of mine about it.
Flash forward 6 months - we're both back in the states, taking basic classes cause in my case, I didn't know what I want to be. My friend says to me, 'Hey, you remember that ADN program you were talking about, I applied and got accepted, you should too'. So I applied in Feb and was accepted 2 weeks later for fall (I had already taken soc/psych and several of the pre-reqs and the rest I could take in summer session and A&P I/II were co-reqs at that time).
Got out of the military Aug 28 and started Nsg school Sep 5, 1991.
Now the kicker - there was a 2 yr waiting list for the program but they accepted all male and minority applications that qualified first. No wonder the lady at the front office was always rude to me, how was I supposed to know that I kicked some white woman back a year because I applied on a lark?!
(If you had to wait till 1992 to start nursing school, and you were at the top of the alternate list, ummm, well, that was my fault. I wish I could say that I'm sorry, but the thing is, I'm not.)
Now for the rest of the story: I'm a believer. Things happen for a reason. When I see things line up in my life, I try not to question them! Learned that lesson a few times the hard way.
I'm good at what I do. I wouldn't say it's a calling, cause I was never really 'called'. But I was led to it. And the wonderful thing about nursing is I never have to wonder why I was led here: it's something I can see every day.
~faith.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ciara
10-08-2007 03:45
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Dawn follow your dreams you can do it. God Bless
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
mike
10-08-2007 03:47
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We all get wrapped up in our own problems and life but this week i come across one real meaning of wanting to be a nurse. Im not a poet and havent finished my poem but i would like to share with you a rough draft of one of my many experiences so far.
Skin cool, labored breath, so alone
No family here from the past
Waiting waiting for the last,
Someone talk to me, no one thinks i hear,
The nurse sits quietly holding hands to say
Lois i am near
The Lord is calling, no reason to be scared
Im here to see you off,
With dignity and care
goodbay heart waves goodbye to you
Teary eyes of happiness
To know that you are there
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
mike
10-08-2007 03:49
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I am a new Nursing Graduate from the Philippines. I was supposed to take the Nurse Licensure Examination in the Philippines last week but due to some requirement delays I was not able to join the said examination instead I would be taking the exam this December 2005. But anway, I would like to share some of my thoughts about this thread.
I am 25 years old, and in the Philippines at that age and as a fresh graduate seems to be old. Everyone would thing that you have been bad as a student that's why you were not able to graduate by the age 21 or you are a working student etc. I am a BS Computer Engineering graduate prior to earning a degree in nursing. After graduating high school, my dad didn't want me to take up nursing instead he wanted me to take up engineering. Such Parental intervention is common in our culture that most parents would tell you what course to take up in college. I followed his advice but I never tried looking for a job after graduating. While in the college of engineering, I always envy student nurses having their clinical rotations. I never found happiness and satisfaction in my course. That after graduation, though i have job offers, I never accepted them instead I went to a college of nursing seeking admission of which the dean has never doubted my capacity and interests. My dad had seen difference in me, I have been learning a lot in nursing rather than those things learned in Computer Engineering. I am so happy that last April 23, 2005, I finally marched during the graduation ceremony and got my Diploma for BS in Nursing degree and having my Nursing pin placed on my Nursing Uniform. It was indeed a good day for me and I am looking forward for the time that I'll be taking oath as a registered Nurses here in the Philippines and hopefully in the United States with God's Help!!!
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
jedi
10-08-2007 03:55
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Would you believe it was because my parents would not allow me to remain, in California, when they moved back to NYS? I was offered a scholarship, for 62 credits, at a NYS DMH School of Nursing. The scholarship was towards 62 credits at a ocal university. I took it. I dropped out seven months before my graduation-that is another story. I got an LPN license on wavier, worked for 18 months, changed jobs, went to an associate program,graduated, went for a BSN. Then went on for a Masters in Hospital Administration. I have enjoyed working as a nurse and have had a varied career. I am currently going back to be an FNP, after being permanently disabled.
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
estralla
10-08-2007 04:04
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don't have a really good story. I started college 4 years ago.. I had always intended on being a doctor, because I wanted to make my parents proud (I'm the first person in my entire extended family to ever attend and graduate from college!!) but I quickly realized that it wasn't what I wanted to do.. and they really could not have cared less than I didn't want to do it. They just wanted me to be happy! (duh..) I've always known I loved the health field, so I took my nursing pre-reqs, got accepted into my school's college of nursing.. and graduated in April! Took my NCLEX yesterday, and now it's all just crossing my fingers until I find out
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ava
10-08-2007 04:08
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The long and the short of it is: the "dreamkillers" made me do it! We're talking the early 60's here, right out of high school of course. I grew up in a family where you NEVER dared "question" the wisdom and counsel of dear old dad.
I knew I harbored this passion for writing ,but I was also smart enough to figure out that "dear ole dad" would never support me in terms of it becoming a "career" of any description. It was only after I had worked as a "candy striper" in the local hospital, and began hearing from significant adults around me that "you would make such a wonderful nurse"....it became a possibility in my own mind. Such feedback was not lost on my parents' ears either. It even filtered through to my high school guidance counselor's ears and he beat me over the head with the idea for two solid years.
Frankly, to shut everybody up (the dreamkillers) - I became a nurse. Have I loved it - you bet. Has it only enriched my passion for writing - you bet. Would I do it the same way again - NO!
And Brian.......where are you in Minnesota? I'm near St. Cloud.
Bonnie, Freelance Writer, retired from the frontlines of nursing
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
ciara
10-08-2007 04:17
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From the time I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. Then, in high school, having never even been in a hospital. I realized that I wanted to "take care" of people..
Nursing is an art. I think it is a calling. I love all of the aspects. I used to be so disgusted when a doctor would say to me "but you're so smart, you could be a doctor"...like I would rather do that than be a nurse. Doctors make big decisions and walk out of the room, they break terrible news and the nurse is there to help pick up the pieces. We are the ones who put it all together. If it wasn't for the nurses there would be no hospitals
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tallan
10-08-2007 04:34
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They got to you, too? I thought it was just me!
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
emerson
10-08-2007 04:45
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I went to college, got a B.A. in Communications Disorders, discovered I needed a Masters Degree to be a Speech Pathologist or Audiologist. Decided I wanted to go into Deaf education instead, volunteered at a couple of schools for the deaf while working as a secretary in the government with every plan to return to school to get a Masters in deaf education. I met my husband while working as a secretary in the government and got my "MRS." instead of my Masters, became a full time homemaker for about 13 years, raising our five children, looked around and realized they were about to leave the nest in a few years, told my husband nurses were "cool" and besides I'd counted 150 jobs for RNs in the newspaper that day and that I should have studied nursing. He encouraged me to go back to school. I did in 2001 and graduated in 2004 with a BSN.....have been a nurse almost a year now and most days I actually enjoy it Strange thing is....seems like nursing fits me just fine... Some people say its a "calling"....I'm inclined to believe that is true......
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Re: What's your story? Why did you become a nurse? |
joyride
10-08-2007 04:49
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Well I guess i cant ever remember wanting anything else. Except for maybe a lion tamer Oh how I loved Lions!. I was in an awful situation in my early years and was removed from there to a foster home at the age of 5 along with my 3 year old brother.He is developmentally delayed from the repeated trauma to head from being beat. I really remember very little of those first few years except for that night that children services took us away and to the hopital. They were the nicest people I had ever seen. Luckily for me I was not kept and was taken to the foster home, have been told that thy felt that I had escaped most of the phyical abuse because I wuld always go and get under the bed.Now WHY would chldren services go ito any home 11 times before removing children is beyond me but I guess thats a whole different story. Anyway, bythe time I wa 7 I wa adopted by a wonderful family andtold them from the very beginning that I was going to be Julia the black nurse( anyone remember that show?), or the flying Nun. Well I have never learned to fly and of course was never going to be able to get that Nun thing down either LOL. So I did the nurse thing, however I still cant figure out the black part either. I guess some things are just out of our control. I did my LPN my Jr/Sr year of high school, thenlater went o for my RN. Not sure how or why but know that I was given the gift of insight and just knew that this was the profession for me. I often look back ov my life and choices Ive mae and the onethat I have EVER regretted is the nursing one. I gaduated from LPN school in 1980 and have had a very rearding career. Have worked ICU, Medsurg, travel nursing, several years in surgeryand also oncology. My problem is I cant say no to a jo offer and at ties am fiding myself in 3 jobs at once. Thats RAZY! But thats a part of nursing that is so wonderful, thre are sooo many options if you truly love what you do.
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