Many of us who are nursing majors are asked daily "why nursing?" For each of us, there is a different reason, a different story that persuaded us towards choosing such a major and perhaps later to become a profession. We nursing students are bound by the moral and principles of human caring—the wellbeing of others is the principle for which we stand. However, we all have that story within us that persuades us to choose a carry of becoming a nurse, some might be more polemic then others, but for myself, that persuasion came from my aunt, a woman who is very close to my heart.
During my middle school years, my "favorite" aunt had been diagnosed with cancer in late December. Ever since seeing her in the hospital and watching different nurses work with her, I decided that I wanted to become a nurse one day. Nursing takes a lot of work and dedication, but watching nurses help put a smile on the faces of others was one thing I knew I would enjoy doing. Nursing isn't just getting a patient what they need, when they did. A nurse interacts more with the patient and makes them feel like they're not so far away from home.
Since, I've decided to be a nursing major, whenever someone asks me what my major is and I say nursing, some will say "That takes a lot of work," "That's not an easy profession," "It takes a special person to be a nurse" and lastly, the most dreaded one: "If you can decide to become a nurse, why not be a doctor?" I wouldn't imagine becoming a doctor. And besides, when you are a doctor there isn't as much interaction with the patient. Sure, doctors are amazing at what they do, but a nurse gets more interaction with the patient—the patient will tell a nurse many different stories and sometimes those stories will make you breakdown. I wouldn't want to be a doctor, and I don't care that I will make more money if I became one. Many of you have seen Miss Colorado and the story she shared how her patient told her she was not just a nurse.
Many might think that we're just nurses, but we're more than that. Nurses see you when you're first born and when you take your last breath. Nurses are there to make sure that you're comfortable, and that you're getting what you need. Nurses will sit with you and listen to you, and hold your hand when you're scared. Nurses stay strong, even when faced with the toughest battles. Sure, doctors do as well, but most of the time nurses face the heartbreaks of the patient they have grown so close to. Nurses always have a passion to continue to learn, and nurses learn something new every day.
Nursing is about caring on a personal level, being all about the patients and their families. So, if you ask me why I didn't chose to become a doctor, that's easy to answer. I have a passion to become a nurse and care for those who need me, whenever they need me.
"When a person decides to become a nurse, they make the most important decision of their lives. They choose to dedicate themselves to the care for others." - Margaret Harvey
