For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a nurse. I believe that I am meant to have a career in nursing. I have a strong desire to help others, especially those who have health problems. I know that I don’t have the power to heal the world, but I do hope to make a difference in the lives of others who are suffering with health problems.
I believe it takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. One must have a kind heart, compassion, and lots of patience. These are personality traits that I possess, and I know that nursing is a part of who I am supposed to be. It is my purpose, my calling. Society seems to look at nurses as if they are somehow less than doctors, but I know that nurses are equally important. Without nurses, doctors would be less effective. Nurses connect with the patients and spend time caring for them in a way that many doctors will never experience. Some nurses may even have the tasks of bathing and feeding patients in the same manner as they would members of their own families. In my opinion, this type of service is not provided in any other profession.
Nursing is a helping profession, and nurses must also have specialized training and skills, and be able to determine which helping method is most appropriate for a given situation. According to Orem (2001), “A helping method from a nursing perspective is a sequential series of actions, which, if performed, will overcome or compensate for the health-associated limitations of persons to engage in actions to regulate their own functioning and development or that of their dependents,” (p.55)
I enjoy helping others, and wish to do this through the field of nursing. I know that nursing is challenging and may be stressful at times. On the other hand, I’m sure it is rewarding as well. Just imagine someone on her deathbed thanking you for having made the last days of her life comfortable, for treating her with kindness and respect, and allowing her to die with dignity. Is there a greater feeling than knowing that you made that kind of difference?
The field of nursing is broad enough that nurses have to opportunity to specialize in various areas of interest. For example, a pediatric nurse may develop an interest in working with senior citizens, and switch to geriatric nursing. There are many opportunities for those who wish to help others by working in the health professions. I choose to help through nursing.
Reference
- Orem, D.E. (2001). Nursing Concepts of Practice, 6th edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby, Inc.