Many people ask me “Why did you choose Nursing?” Well I usually give the common response of “Because I love to help people.” But to be completely honest with you, that’s just the lazy and generic answer that people could tell you about several occupations. Wanting to become a nurse has to do with so much more than just wanting to help people.

I want to do more than just “help” someone. And I am sure if you ask more aspiring or current nurses, they will tell you that they want to do more than that too. You see, helping people simply will just not be enough for me. I want to make a difference in their lives.

Now you might say “Wow, okay, that seems a little ambitious and over the top doesn’t it?” Well as a matter of fact, I don’t really think so. It doesn’t make sense why you would give your patients anything less than the best that you have. I want to make a big difference in the life of every patient that I meet. Sure it may seem a little bold, but that’s a good thing. Of course, I want to help my patients, but that is just a small piece of the puzzle I want to do for them. I want to build relationships and memories. I want to push them towards their goals. I want to assist physicians in healing them. I want to build trust and be their go-to. I want to give them the best possible care I can give them and then some.

When I think about myself as a nurse, I become instantly excited. My heart feels full and I am eager. I want to learn and better myself already for my future patients. As I work as a nursing assistant, my love for the career continues to grow. I have met so many inspiring nurses that I hope that I look up to. They deserve so much credit and truly are amazing people.

One of my first patients I had passed away after a short while of being diagnosed and staying on the Oncology unit. I got to know the family and patient and did the best I could for him every shift I could. He had eventually passed after a short time and I never got to say goodbye to the family. Then, one day a couple of months later, as I was walking out of the elevator I ran into his wife. She looked at me and gave me a hug. She thanked me for all I did and we parted ways. That moment filled my heart so much I can’t begin to explain. I had made a difference in the patient’s life and the lives of the family.

So why nursing you ask? Because I am ready to make a difference in my patients’ lives. I want to give them everything I have. I want to go above and beyond for people and offer them guidance and care in their time of need.

Kudos to the current and future nurses of America.