I used to want to be a doctor. I dreamed about wearing that white lab coat and Littman stethoscope while walking around a hospital delivering babies left and right.

I confidently knew that I belonged in the medical field. I knew I wanted to help people and make hard times easier for them. I couldn't see myself doing anything else down the road. I knew I wanted to be the person the patient is so glad to see when I walked in the door. I knew I wanted to be a nurse.

I want to be that nurse that forms a connection with their patient. A connection that consists of trust and comfort, no matter how uncomfortable the patient may be in that hospital bed. A connection so full of trust, the patient actually trusts the nurse to check her cervix. A connection so full of trust, the patient trusts the nurse to hold the baby, care for the baby, care for the mom and family.

It is worth it even if nurses do not get the respect they deserve because they did not go through four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, additional residencies, and possible fellowships. It is worth it if people see me as "just a nurse." It is worth it if bodily fluids constantly get splattered on me. It is worth it if I am the person who can hold someone's hand and tell them not to give up. To tell them one more push and you will see your beautiful baby that you've been waiting for. To tell them they did it after they thought they thought they weren't strong enough.

Aside from that, being a nurse will give me more time to have a family of my own. Of course, doctors are fully capable of having a family and kudos to those who do. I will be able to have a more flexible schedule to be available for my children. Also, with being in the medical field, more knowledge to be able to care for them.

Just because I won't be able to prescribe medicine, perform procedures and wear a fancy lab coat, does not mean I cannot be helpful, providing, and make a difference in the lives of others. In this situation, less is more.