Why I became a nurse

great discussion. I appreciate your insight. I have worked in health care for over 15 years and have seen many unfriendly nurses, as well as caring ones. No, we don't get into the field for money. I actually will graduate and take a job making less than what I am making today. We need good nurses out there that made the choice for the right reason - to make a difference in someone's life.

Hello. I too, am a nurse. As for why I became a nurse, I can't really say, I just know that from the age of three or four forward it was my dream! I used to cut up my dolls and teddybears so that I could bandage them and 'nurse them.' Sadly, nurses often do become the scapegoat for the patient, patient's family, physician, and other health care emplyees. When anything goes wrong, surely the patient can't blame the 'almighty' doctor...so it must have been that nurse! When a patient takes a turn for the worse...it HAD to be that poor nursing care. On and on and on. However, I still wouldn't trade the profession for any other! And, if one is in it for the money...they will burn out. The rewards are seeing people get better, the thank you's (yes, they are infrequent) and the internal joy of knowing that you played a part in someone's healing (physical or mental).

I became a nurse 25 years ago to move out of home! It gets in your blood though and now I can hardly see myself doing anything els. I love thevariety in the job. I have moved from a primary healthcare setting (public and private hospital) to aged care, community care and doctor's surgery work. They all have their advantaged and disadvantages but most of the patients I have worked with have been thankful for the care they are given. Some are not but I think you would find that in any job where you are dealing with the public.

Imagine how the nurses feel, I was one for 20+ years. We catch crap from the nursing assistants the docs our bosses the families and the patients.