On difficult days at the hospital, it is easy to question if nursing is the right career. Doubt creeps in as I start to remember all of the things I could have done, should have done, or should have known. There are days when nothing may seem to go right and the whole unit is an organized chaos. On both the good days and the bad days, it is important to remember the answer to “Why nursing?” Here is my story.
I never really had a single event or day that I decided to be a nurse- nursing chose me. Growing up in LA, I dreamed of acting in films. I loved (and still love) the stage. I love communicating, speaking, and working with people of all backgrounds. I realized that becoming an actress realistically needed a plan B and so I began volunteering at a local hospital.
Many of the aspects that I love in acting were actually present in nursing. Long story short, my decision to choose nursing was solidified when I was placed in a recovery center my Junior year of High School. I was sick myself, however I was told how I made such an impact on the other patients in the facility. I decided to use this gift and make it a career.
Now, going on two years from becoming a registered nurse, I remind myself “why nursing?”
I chose nursing because:
- I can literally change someone’s life in 12 hours
- I learn something new every day
- I get to talk with people from all different backgrounds
- I see all aspects of health care- doctors, PT, nutrition, case management, social work
- I am a teacher
- I am always on the move
- It encourages me to stay healthy and to inspire others for the same
- Small acts of kindness go a long way
- I see what really matters at the end of life
- I witness God’s miracles
- I get to see the goodness of humanity
- I can experience genuine emotion
- I can change positions when I want
- I have a flexible schedule
Why nursing?
A nurse may be the only voice a person has.
Until next shift,
Shania