I often get asked, "Why nursing?" And to that, I sometimes want to reply, "Why not?" but I don't. I simply explain that I want to do something with my life that will help change the world while benefiting the lives around me. That's deep, isn't it? But it's true and there is so much more to that answer than I can put into words.
When I was 16, I was just like everyone else that had no idea what they wanted to do with their lives, except this was the age when I decided that I wanted to make an evident difference in the world. The only problem was that I had no idea how exactly to do that at the time. So, I began volunteering in the community. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed lifting the spirits of those around me and seeing that I was making a notable impact in others' lives. Soon after getting into the college of my choice, I made the arbitrary decision to major in nursing with the hope of being a registered nurse four years later.
Nursing school teaches you a million important life-saving concepts, but one is especially significance; the concept of being a nurse is heavy. Maya Angelou once said, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel.” She is exactly right; it isn't just about the medicine and science. Instead, it is about comfort and care. Not only are nurses resilient, but they must also be full of empathy and compassion for everyone around them.
They are forced to experience life and death, love and loss, and joy and pain at any given time of the day. Their shifts are long and tiring and some patient cases can become extremely strenuous, yet you will never hear a nurse complain. They help to bring life into the world, and they also help it to leave the world in peace. Nurses comfort the sick and cheer on the strong. They are the ones that you will see at your bedside when you might not even know you need them.
I want that. I want all of that. I want to be there for everyone who needs me, to celebrate the successes and comfort the despair, and to make a difference in this harsh world. I can't think of any greater joy than knowing that I have the ability to help save a person's life.
“Let me dedicate my life today to the care of those who come my way. Let me touch each one with a healing hand and the gentle art for which I stand. And then tonight when the day is done, let me rest in peace if I’ve helped just one.” - Unknown
