Dear Nurse,

Have I ever told you how much I long to be like you? As I sit through countless lectures in my nursing classes, and practice my skills in clinical, all I can think about is the day I am done with school, and working beside you. Nursing school is tough. You would be the first one to tell me that. But you would also be the first one to tell me how much you believe in me. Some days, especially when I get to take care of patients in clinical, I feel like I'm on top of the world. But there are some days where I just feel like giving up. Do you realize, nurse, that you are the one who gives me the strength to keep going on days like this?

The first time I failed a test in one of my nursing classes, I thought my dreams were over, that I would never graduate. Then, I talked to you, and you told me about the first time you failed a test in nursing school. You renewed my hope and confidence in myself, and helped me see that this was all just a part of the process that would eventually lead to me becoming a nurse. When I had a bad day at clinical, I talked to you about it, and you shared your stories about your equally bad day at work. We reminded ourselves that, even though our days might not have been enjoyable, we were still making a difference in our patients' lives, and although they did not always show it, they appreciated it. Well, nurse, just like those patients, sometimes I forget to tell you how much I appreciate you.

You inspire me to do my best in school. You inspire me to learn as much as I can, so that some day, when I, too, become a registered nurse, I am able to take care of my own patients, like you do each day. You inspire me to enjoy the ride, and remind me that I will get through every challenge I encounter along the way. Nurse, I want to thank you for being my role model and inspiration.

I'm sorry that I ask so many questions...I just want to know more. I'm sorry that I watch over your shoulder as you change a bandage or administer medications...I'm just thinking about the day I will get to do this myself. I'm sorry that I follow you around the halls of the hospital when we work on the same day...I'm just trying to see what you do for your patients. Thank you for helping me along my journey to becoming a nurse. I am forever grateful to have you in my life, as my role model, as my inspiration. I can't wait for the day that I become a nurse just like you.

Sincerely,

The Nursing Student Who Looks Up to You