Having a Rough Day? Start Here. (Remembering Why You’re a Nurse)

Once you’ve been in the field for a while, you can sometimes lose sight of things. Difficult situations, unappreciative patients and stubborn coworkers can lead you to dread going to work each day. Remembering why you had originally decided to become a nurse can be a huge source of motivation during such difficult times.

We’ve complied a list of things that might remind you of why you chose the career path of nursing. Keep these things in mind when you’re having a hard day.

Nurses have the potential to make a difference.

Nursing is a career that allows you to make obvious differences in the world around you. Nurses are a vital component to the health and happiness of patients.

Anna from Scrubs Magazine became a nurse after the death of her father. “For me, it was a profession to go into to really LIVE life. As a nurse I knew I would see the moments in between the moments. A privilege to see the shared glances at a loved one when the other was looking away.”₁

Nursing allows for a versatile career.

There are so many options within the field of nursing. With a nursing career you will never get bored, and you can truly find your niche.

Tina from HIMSS says nursing allows for a multi-faceted career. “The beauty of a career in nursing is that there are so many options that even folks who are not drawn to nursing for altruistic reasons or a deep caring nature find a place to succeed.”₂

A nursing degree also gives you the option to change careers within nursing – also a plus!

Nurses provide life-changing care to those who need it.

As we said earlier, nurses are a vital component to the health of patients. They provide the hands-on care and empathy needed to help heal patients.

Steve from Scrubs Magazine says “for me, it has always been a heartfelt service, helping others who are vulnerable, that has brought me joy in profession.”₃

There is nothing quite like helping and watching the healing process of a patient.

Nursing allows you to build lasting connections.

Steve describes the emotional connections nursing has allowed him to build. “By working in emergency rooms, ICUs and then various specialty units, I have had the privilege of sharing my patients’ joys and sorrows in their situations with healthcare.”₃

A career in nursing means you’ll build meaningful connections with your coworkers, patients and their families. Such relationships are valuable and make your work worthwhile.

These are just a few reasons why nurses chose the professions they do. When you’re having a hard day or dealing with a difficult patient, try to remember why you became a nurse in the first place.

Why did you decide to become a nurse? Tell us in the comments below!

SOURCES:

1. http://scrubsmag.com/why-i-became-a-nurse-annas-story/ 
2. http://www.himss.org/ResourceLibrary/GenResourceDetailReg.aspx?ItemNumber=41907
3. http://scrubsmag.com/why-i-became-a-nurse-steves-story/