Why I Became a Nurse

Testimonials from real, working Nurses

I started out wanting to be a horse trainer, but I realized that I wasn't going to make the big bucks at that job. Then, I decided to become a high school teacher, but that didn't pan out. I finally decided on becoming a Nurse. I’m so glad I did. I would have never been able to do and see the things that I have all these years.

I have been a Nurse for 21 years, and have been working in Corrections for 16. I am glad that I am doing this. I love my job. I wake up wanting to go to work and each day I feel like this is where I am supposed to be; taking care of these guys, and making their lives just a little better by letting them know there are at least a few people that care.

---

I've always found the human body fascinating, and enjoyed biology and anatomy. While in Jr. high school, one of my best friend’s moms was a Nurse, and the idea of being a Nurse intrigued me. I also knew a flight paramedic, and his stories peaked my interest as well. While in high school, I made my mind up that I wanted to be an ER Nurse and eventually become a Flight Nurse.

I went to Nursing school, started out in Geriatrics, and became very interested in Nursing Informatics, which at the time was fairly new. I was amazed at how little the Nursing Home and Hospitals used technology, and I loved using computers to save time. I never did anything with my interest in Informatics directly. I then moved to the hospital, I worked Telemetry, and then I went to work in CCU for several years. While I never became an ER Nurse or a flight Nurse, I am very happy where my Nursing career has taken me.

---

The funny thing is that I started college as an English major. I'd never even considered Nursing because the sciences weren't my strong point in High School. I've always loved to watch what my husband calls the "bloody shows" like Trauma: life in the ER and Maternity Ward. One night I had the TV on TLC; while I was trying to write a paper for my Foundations of American Education class, (I thought I would be an English teacher). The paper was to be about why I wanted to teach. I had mixed feelings because I didn't really want to teach, but what else are you going to do with an English degree? Then it hit me. I looked at my then fiancée and said, "You're going to think I'm crazy, but I want to be a Nurse." I never looked back. I dropped my education classes and started my pre-reqs for Nursing. The rest is history.

---

Several years ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I took care of her for over 3 year…10 different chemo's, recurrences, so much radiation she practically glowed in the dark, and finally hospice care. She lived in a rather rural area, and was only in hospice a short time, so I was her main caregiver. The Nurses told me how to take care of her, medicate her, and keep her comfortable. With their guidance, I was able to do that on my own. I really appreciated the support her Nurses (especially her chemo Nurses) gave both of us, and I loved taking care of her. My mom died alone with me, in my arms. I was with her to her last breath, keeping her at home and comforted. I made her a deathbed promise that I would continue with my education and become an RN, no matter what it took. I knew at that moment, the promise I made was going to be a promise I would keep.

---

Growing up as a child, my house was full of Nursing books and Nursing materials that my mom collected. It took me awhile to realize I was destined to become a Nurse, after thinking I wanted to become a teacher/actress/singer/writer. As a child, I would play Nurse on my sister and brothers by giving them pixie sticks as pretend thermometers or Sweet Tarts for medicine. I would pop my wrist like the local Nurse at the clinic, shaking down an old mercury thermometer. It never dawned on me - until the day of graduation - my mom hugged me with tears in her eyes and said, "I quit Nursing school and chose to have you over my career as a Nurse. You have made me very proud by becoming a Nurse."

---

I was in the Army and trained as a medic, and after I came back home, I started working as a CNA and EMT in a hospital. I was still in the Army reserves and they offered me an opportunity to go to LPN school. I worked as an LPN for 6 years then, I went back to RN school. It just seemed like the natural progression of things, and I think the driving force was that I knew I was smart enough and tough enough to be a Nurse.

---

I was in undergrad at a huge university with an undeclared major for 2 years. Then, my son was born. That forced me to get serious and finish school. I wanted to have a strong career when I got out. So, Nursing seemed like a smart option. Plus, I love science, like math, and genuinely like people. The fact that you can have a life-long career and make a good salary was a big draw.

---

I initially had no desire or thoughts about being a Nurse in HS, but at 25 yrs. old, I decided it was silly not to try Nursing, and I have been at it now for 24 years. I tell all the new Nurses that Nursing is very hard: whether in an ICU or on a floor. The long hours and lack of respect you get from the public are all a part of it. But, I am proud that my daughter is a freshman in a BSN program, and I am proud that I am an RN as well. I have the bad back of 20+ years of nightshifts to prove it! The job is truly rewarding in ways only a Nurse can understand.

---

Are you ready to get started?

To begin your career in Nursing, give us a call today at (866) 544-1789. We will help you prepare for a job in this meaningful and important field, where you can make a difference in someone’s life - everyday.

Some other options:
I’m ready to apply to Rasmussen College’s School of Nursing!
I’d like to request more information online