I immersed myself in the medical field as early as I could. I began by working as a patient financial representative in an emergency room. Although my intention was to gain medical knowledge, I left that environment having learned a lot more than can be put into words. It was a great testament of my ability to connect with people and a much needed lesson in patience. However, it was not until I began working at the Center for Research & Grants that my passion for nursing developed.
Knowing what I do now, I can safely say that I did not fully understand the role until I began to research it. It happened quickly and indirectly as I performed literature searches on retention and the holistic practice of healing touch. The more I read, the more I learned and in turn recognized nursing as my calling.
After I was accepted to my program of choice, I began to worry about how I would finance my education. I had been very fortunate as an undergraduate and was able to graduate without any student loans. But I soon realized that my situation would be very different the second time around. Receiving a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing scholarship has put some of my worries at ease and further justified a feeling that I am on the right track.
I want to be a nurse because I want to heal people, not just help the sick feel better. I want to advocate, care for and have a relationship with my patients and their families. Although I am just one person, I want to make a difference – even if it is to only one person. I have learned that nursing is not for everyone because I feel that you cannot truly embody what it means to be a nurse unless you are compassionate, caring and empathetic.
I would not be where I am today if it were not for the amazing nurses I have been working with. Their enthusiasm and passion for what they do and for what their RN title really means is contagious. They inspire me to be the best nurse I can be – to go against the norm if it means having a better outcome, to constantly challenge myself, and to ask why. They are the reason that I was inspired to follow this career path and not fear what may lie ahead. I know that it will not be easy and I am reminded of that daily. But they never fail in reminding me how rewarding it all is even on the worst of days.
