I myself became a nurse at the suggestion of my mother, “You like science and people, and it’s a good profession if you want to have kids.”
I practiced nursing for over 13 years and taught at Yale University as an adjunct professor. There is always something to learn, you never get bored as a nurse. You learn a base of knowledge that you can always apply to yourself and others. Most of all, while we think that nurses help patients, and they do, the lessons learned about life from the patients that we care for are the best rewards.
In my debut novel, I Know You’re There, Jill Bradley, the nurse protagonist asks herself why she became a nurse when she is in a fatal accident after volunteering to work an extra shift at the community hospital she works at outside New York City. Her mother, Helen, knows exactly why and when Jill decided to become a nurse, but has been reluctant to share the information with her. Not knowing, could threaten Jill’s life. The story digs into the past, while Jill struggles to go forward hoping to find the answer.
I would like to know why other nurses chose the profession of nursing. When did you first know this was your calling? Was there an event that inspired you to go into the profession? If you’re a nurse and would like to share your story, please email me at [email protected]. If I choose your submission, with your permission, I will feature it on my blog and give you a $50 gift card to your favorite bookstore.
In an era where jobs can be hard to find, nursing is a worthwhile profession to look into. It offers a plethora of opportunities. And as I like to say, “Once you’ve been a nurse, you can do anything.”