Reasons That Made Me Realize I Wanted To Be A Nurse

Becoming a nurse is something I have dreamed about for years. I remember pretending to be a doctor when playing with my dolls as a little girl, and I have always enjoyed helping others. There are many reasons as to why I have always wanted to be a registered nurse. I want to be able to put my patients first, so they can have access to the best healthcare needed to stay healthy. I also want my patients to receive the same compassion the nursing staff and doctors showed my great grandfather and family when he was suffering with his cancer. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic showed me how all healthcare workers are always needed. 

Growing up, I was surrounded by nurses in my family. My grandmother used to work in the hospital, and I remember going to visit her and watching all the amazing work she did for her patients. She showed them the same compassion and attention that she showed me as a child, and I wanted to be just like her. Now, she and my aunt are both school nurses. I have watched them both over the years put in hours of extra work just to make sure the students at their schools remain healthy and safe. For example, my aunt fought for better accommodations for a child with special needs at a small unit school. Even though she could have lost her job at this school, she continued to fight for what was right for this child. Being around my aunt and grandmother made me become the hardworking person I am today. They taught me how to put others first and fight for what is right. I also want to be able to make a difference in someone’s life and help individuals that are in need just like they have. 

Another reason that made me realize I wanted to be a nurse was when my great grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Even though I was young, I understood that he was in a great deal of pain on most days, especially towards the end. However, I knew he was in great hands while watching the doctors and nurses take care of him. The nurses gave my family and me comfort when visiting him in the hospital and made sure we were doing okay as well. My grandfather did not want to do chemotherapy or surgery to have the cancer removed. He felt that it was his time to leave this world. Of course, being young I did not understand this, but the wonderful nurses that took care of him during his last month’s made it their priority to make sure he was comfortable. When I lost my great grandfather to cancer, I was devastated because he was my hero. However, the compassion and comfort that the nursing staff gave us made me want to do the same for other families that might be undergoing the same difficult time. 

The last reason I want to be a registered nurse is because sometimes nurses are the only people patients have by their side. This COVID-19 pandemic made me realize how important a nurse’s job is because they are frontline workers that are needed so other people can have access to good healthcare. Over the past few months, I have heard multiple stories of people’s loved ones only being surrounded by the nursing staff when they pass. I want to be able to be by my patient’s side if their family could not be there. I want to give people the best healthcare they can receive when I become a registered nurse. This pandemic also showed me that no matter the circumstances nurses will always be needed. I know that I will be able to support my family once I accomplish my nursing degree, which is very important to me.  

To me, nurses are always hardworking, dedicated individuals. I know if I became a nurse, I could show my patients the compassion and attention they need so that they feel comfortable in my care. I would put my patients first and give them the care they deserve. Lastly, I have always wanted to be a registered nurse, and if I was to be accepted into the Martin Methodist nursing program, I would be one step closer to achieving my dream career.