Why I Want to Be a Nurse

Why do I want to be a nurse? The desire to become a nurse came natural to me. I have always had the desire to want to help and care for people who do not have the ability to do so for themselves. I know it sounds cliché, but it is the truth. I became a nurse’s aide first so I could get my foot in the door and get a feel as to how I may like it. Since that day I have absolutely loved it. I love all the residents that I care for currently and in the past. I feel as if they make me a better person. From the stories they tell, to all the compliments they give, it really is an amazing job to have.

Several years ago, a few family members of mine were seriously ill with cancer. Their nurses were extraordinary in their treatment and comfort measures. While visiting them in the hospital, the nurses inspired me by their ability to mediate for their patients by understanding their needs, making them feel comfortable and give care when needed. This is one of the reasons why I want to be a nurse. I would feel absolutely honored to do the same for other families who need a caretaker with the same qualities. Like it is said “I want people in my care to feel heard-to know that I am listening. By listening, I mean active listening. I want to understand their desires and concerns. I want to read the feelings behind their words”. I completely agree with this statement. I put myself in the patient’s shoes or in the family’s perspective. I would not want someone who is rude or abusive taking care of myself or a relative. It takes a special person to take care of people and some are not meant to do it.

The needed skills to become a nurse include but are not limited to, being compassionate, cultural awareness, professionalism, attention to detail, critical thinking, time management, and communication. As for educational requirements, in New York State, it is required that you get your Bachelor of Science degree within 10 years of receiving your Registered Nurse license. After obtaining these skills and successfully completing a 2-year RN program, you would start in the profession that you have dreamed about. The average salary for an RN in the Capital district starts at $60,405 (Registered Nurse Salaries in Albany, NY Area, 2019). I believe that nurses are extremely under paid for the work that they do. They literally can and possibly will save your life and some point. Between working 16-hour days, to being spit, hit and peed on, nurses are superheroes on scrubs.

To conclude the essay, I want to say that nursing is a tough profession to take on, but I believe with hard work and determination you can succeed. It takes time and patience to be able to do what they do. You cannot be yelling at the patients or their families because they are either being ridiculous or unaware of what they are doing. This profession is all about being companionate to others and helping them in a time of need. Nursing to me, resembles the air we take in. We need it to endure and our patient needs us and relies upon us for comfort, sympathy and love with a nonjudgmental perspective. Somebody who will go well beyond to give the best quality care possible.