What Inspired Me to be a Nurse
“Why do you want to be a nurse?” We have heard this question for about a hundred of times already, from nursing school to job interviews. Some say that nursing is their calling, that all their lives, they’ve always dreamed of being a nurse, so when the opportunity to become one knocked on their door, they did not think twice about answering. While some only entered the nursing profession because they were forced by their parents to do so.
Varied reasons, different motivations, but still we’re on the same path. We are warriors fighting in the war against diseases. But of course, in this battle of life and death, it would also be nice to know what your comrades are fighting for. It would help to know the reasons why others choose to put up with a profession as critical and toxic as ours. Let us listen to what nurses have to say.
“It’s enough to hear my patients say ‘THANK YOU’”
In all honesty, I never really planned on being a nurse nor can I even say that being one was my ambition. Back then, I enrolled in nursing school only because it was the ‘trend’ at that time. I did not even imagine nursing would/could be this challenging. Sure, there would be days when everything is going nicely and calmly all thorough out the shift, and there would be days when all I want is to end the shift even if I only started the shift. Perhaps, my reasons now of loving this profession are that I already got used to the everyday routines, the rush I get during emergencies and codes, the familiar and unfamiliar faces I get to see every day and the countless lives we touch and care for everyday regardless of blood relations. Those 8-hour, 12-hour or 16-hour shifts we dreadfully endure every day, that empty-stomach-full-bladder state nurses have, that peculiar inside jokes and humor only us nurses understand, and even our acquired ability to put up an angelic smiling face despite the undeniable stress this job causes us.
Currently, I am working overseas and now, I love that I am able to provide for myself and family while doing what I love and while caring for my patients. Nursing isn’t a garden full of roses and butterflies, it’s a war of blood, urine, feces, yelling doctors, irritating co-workers, demanding relatives, and annoying paperwork. But I think my reason for loving this job goes down to that simple two-word line I always hear from my patients: that after a day of aching back and feet, dry hands (from chronic hand-washing), stained uniforms, and unkempt hair, it’s enough to hear my patients say ‘THANK YOU.” It’s enough reason for me to keep going and despite all my complaints of low pay and toxic shifts, I would still be waking up early the next day, and report for my shift. “THANK YOU” is as easy as counting from 1 to 10 but personally, for me, it is all worth the hard work. –Jelli Ann Bolivar, RN
Nursing is my calling
I decided to become a nurse when I was still in preschool. Back then, I always saw my aunts and uncles wearing their white uniform and heard stories that being a nurse is fun while helping others. I used to have first aid kit toys given to me by my family. With those, I pretended to be a nurse and my dolls, playmates and even my aunts were my patients. I never considered other professions and so when got into nursing school, I realized that it’s my calling. It was not just because I like to wear the white uniform and the cap, it was the self-fulfillment I feel when I’m able to help others through caring, helping, assisting them in their sickness and even sometimes in the loss of a loved one. –Alyanna Samantha Avelino, RN
“I feel both good and grateful when I care for my patient”
Actually, until now I still find working in the nursing profession quite difficult. It’s not exactly easy especially if you’re working in the hospital. But there are instances that appreciate my job as a nurse. I find myself appreciating and embracing my profession every time I’m at my lowest point especially since I am an overseas Filipino nurse. I feel both good and grateful every time I care for my patient. Not because I am inspired or what, but it’s because I know so well the feeling of being sick and having no one but yourself. –Camille Talabucon, RN
“I wanted to witness the magic of life”
I thought I would look cute wearing that white uniform nurses wear. Kidding aside, I wanted to witness the magic of life and do my best since for me, when you are a nurse, you are considered as a blessing to someone else’s life. I was really curious about what it’s like to be a nurse, how to do injections and what it’s like watching someone give birth. –Evaray Joy Artates, RN
To care for family and friends
I wanted to be a nurse because when you are one, you can use your skills to care for your family and friends and at the same time empower them to take charge of their health and enhance the quality of their lives. –Tacky Fantilaga, RN
“I want to go abroad”
The main reason why I wanted to be a nurse was that I want to go abroad. But then as time went by, I realized that nursing is not just about earning a high salary. It is not only a profession but a vocation. It is about being passionate about what you are doing and caring without asking for something in return. –Rowelyn Delatina, RN
To be aware of health related activities
I decided to become a nurse because I wanted to be confidently aware of the activities pertaining to health. I wanted to gain knowledge about health care procedures/medication that I can perform at home first with the family members. –Carmel Adricula, RN
“I have always been fascinated by the miracle of human body”
For me, I would have to say it was a calling. I have always been fascinated by the miracle of human body. Even if at times it would drain you off not just physically but mentally and emotionally, it is still worth it because you are able to help preserve human life. You have a career that you can be proud of and make a difference in the lives of so many people. We are angels in disguise as what others could say. –Armie Arcangeles, RN
Each person has his own reason for performing certain actions. Big or small, those reasons are what urge us to get something done no matter how difficult it gets. As for us, nurses, our reasons for entering this profession may not be the same with others. We may have different motivations, but we must always remember that in this journey, we do have a common goal and that is to provide high-quality and the best nursing care to our patients. So, what about you? What pushed you to become a nurse?
Liane Clores, RN MAN
Currently an Intensive Care Unit nurse, pursuing a degree in Master of Arts in Nursing Major in Nursing Service Administration. Has been a contributor of Student Nurses Quarterly, Vox Populi, The Hillside Echo and the Voice of Nightingale publications. Other experience include: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Obstetric, Emergency and Recovery Room Nursing.
