WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?

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This post was originally published on May 6, 2013 and updated on May 7, 2019.

At many of my keynote addresses, I talk about the choice we all made when deciding to become a nurse.

I will ask my audience, “Why did you become a nurse?”

And almost immediately…

The responses to my questions begin filling up space.

I really love hearing all the reasons and want to share some of my favorites with you today.

Why did you make the decision to become a nurse?

“I always admired the white cap and I wanted to become a nurse so that I could wear one too.”

“My Grandmother was a nurse; so were her sisters, my mother, my mother’s sisters and cousins. It was the expectation that I became a nurse too. I’m so glad I did!”

“My parents told me that I could be a teacher or a nurse – I chose to become a nurse because I could teach as a nurse but couldn’t nurse as a teacher!”

“I watched how the nurses cared for my Grandmother when she was dying. I was so inspired by how smart and kind they were – how they treated everyone like we were family. I knew I wanted to become a nurse so that I could be like them.”

“When I was a kid, I was in a bad car accident and spent a lot of time in the hospital. Not only did the nurses take care of my physical needs – dressed my wounds, gave me medications, and took away my pain – but they read to me, played games with me and comforted me when I was scared. I wanted to grow up to be like those nurses! And now I’m a pediatric nurse!”

….and my personal favorite from a young, new male nurse:

“I became a nurse to meet chicks.” When I asked if he’d met any, he replied…” Nope. Still waiting.”

Whatever the reason, I’m glad you choose to become a nurse. Being a nurse isn’t easy – actually, sometimes it feels like it’s humanly impossible to meet the demands placed on us!

However, somehow, we manage to rise above and find a way to make a difference no matter how big those demands are.

Never forget that…

  • It’s a privilege to care for the sick
  • It’s an honor to be present when a human is brought into this life and when that human leaves
  • It’s a choice we make every day to put the needs of strangers before our own.

Most nurses I know are in the PEOPLE business…who happen to be nurses.

We’d love to hear why you made the decision to become a nurse.  Let us know in the comments below.  I can’t wait to learn your reasons!

Take care and stay connected

 


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13 thoughts on “WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?”

  1. Happy Nurses Week, Renee!
    I love this post. I actually am doing a bit of research on nursing and loved reading the reasons why folks became nurses. Why did you? I became one because I was graduating from college… I was in my living room my senior year moving into my apartment… my two roommates were in nursing school (one of whose mom's was a professor there)… my mom and the three of them were standing around talking about what "I" was going to do when I graduated! They all came up with the great idea that I finish up my undergrad and then go back to the accelerated nursing program and do psych nursing (because my first degree was in psychology and to them it made perfect sense). LOL. I didn't like the schooling and didn't want to do it- but am glad I did now!
    Elizabeth

  2. Thanks for the comment Liz! I'm always fascinated by the reasons why someone chooses nursing. Love your story!

    I became a nurse for two reasons: 1) I wanted to have a career where I had the OPPORTUNITY to make a difference in someone's life, and 2) I love science. Think about it….the pH of your blood is 7.35-7.45. Only 0.10 range! Anything above or below and we're dead!!! I'm always fascinated by the body and how we manage to keep ourselves alive :-). Nurses play a big role.

    Love being a nurses and I know YOU do too.
    Hugs
    Renee

  3. Sallie Russell

    I first became an EMT when our local squad was in need of help. I live in a small community and frequently knew my patients. So many of them told me how glad they were to see me there to help them and remarked on what a great nurse I would make. I decided to give it a try and am so glad that I did. I still hear patients or their families in the ER remark on how glad they were to see me there. I retired a couple of years back but still work at least one day a week, because I just can’t stop doing what I love to do.

    1. Renee Thompson

      I love this Sallie! I was also encouraged to become a nurse when I was working as a medical assistant in a clinic. It was the nurses who told me over and over again – “Girl…you need to be a nurse!” And I did. Best decision. I’ll be like you too – will never actually retire. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  4. I am actually a CMA that was introduced to your site through my manager for part of my goals. I find your site very interesting. I became a CMA because I always wanted to work in the Medical Field from a child up. I find it the most awarding job. Patient believe I’m a nurse and when I tell them I am just a CMA they are shocked. I love taking care of people and helping them feel better and more comfortable when they come to the office. When I get a big smile out of them it is the most rewarding part of my day.

  5. Donna Pearson CMA

    I am actually a CMA that was introduced to your site through my manager for part of my goals. I find your site very interesting. I became a CMA because I always wanted to work in the Medical Field from a child up. I find it the most awarding job. Patient believe I’m a nurse and when I tell them I am just a CMA they are shocked. I love taking care of people and helping them feel better and more comfortable when they come to the office. When I get a big smile out of them it is the most rewarding part of my day.

    1. I worked as a CMA many years ago. It was my gateway into nursing. Loved the role. So glad you found me. You are welcome here 🙂

  6. I love this post. I actually provide nursing services. And I’m also doing some research on this. The reason is that people like to know about the reasons for being a nurse. And many curiously want to come to the nursing profession. The importance of this article is immense so that they can know the right thing.

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