Every year, National Nurses Week kicks off on May 6 to celebrate the efforts of all nurses in the US. In honor of the celebration, we asked all our team members with a nursing degree what inspired them to become nurses. We hope that their answers inspire you as much as they did us!
Melissa Fischer LVN, Chief Operations Officer
IN THIS ARTICLE
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I was at a time in my life when a lot of challenging things were happening. I had just lost my mother, I had recently had a miscarriage and was pregnant again with my first son. The nurses who I encountered were not only concerned with providing physical care, but they also were a tremendous source of comfort to me. I wanted to be that comfort for other people. Before that, I had viewed healthcare as simply caring for one’s physical self. However, the amount of nurturing support I received surrounding issues of life and birth, death and loss, all changed my perspective entirely.
What has nursing taught you?
Nursing has taught me gratitude and humility. There are thousands of ways that our health can go sideways each and every day. The fact that we wake each morning able to tackle the day’s challenges is nothing short of amazing. Everyday I’m thankful not only for my own health but the health and wellbeing of everyone I love.
If someone is considering becoming a nurse, what would you tell them?
Do it. The healthcare field is so wide and varied, there are options for everyone. Whatever you think you know about career opportunities in nursing is only the tip of the iceberg. You can have the action of the Emergency Department or the quiet of a private family practice clinic. You can care for patients in a facility or in their own homes. You can work on contract travel assignments or stay put and be your own boss. You can provide hands on patient care or take an administrative role working with insurance claims, quality review or case management. The choices are virtually limitless. And whatever your role, at the end of your day you know you’re actively impacting the lives of patients and their families. What could be more rewarding?
Grant Walker LVN, Intake Manager
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My family has a broad history as healthcare professionals. I remember sitting around the dinner table as a child, listening to them talk about patients they’d seen, diseases they’d encountered, and the evolving face of medicine. I remember clearly thinking at one point, ‘My mom saves lives.’ It was an even bigger realization when I understood that she also helped people to die, with as much grace and kindness as possible.
What has nursing taught you?
To be kind, to be considerate, to pay attention. That everyone defines their own health and lives, and that all sorts of people may be suffering or succeeding, and I never had any idea until I stopped talking and started to listen.
If someone is considering becoming a nurse, what would you tell them?
I’ve had lots of jobs where I’ve been paid well, or been a part of a team. But until nursing I’ve never had a job where I actually felt useful to other people. Where it really seemed to me that the more effort I put into my performance, the more it directly affected someone else. If you want to work hard and see someone else thrive because of it, nursing is for you.
Karla Flores RN, Client Care Coordinator
What inspired you to become a nurse?
What inspired me to become a nurse is my dad. I am a nurse because I want to help people and make a difference in their lives.
What has nursing taught you?
To have more patience with people and understand that everyone is different and going through a different situation.
If someone is considering becoming a nurse, what would you tell them?
Do it! It’s both challenging and rewarding at the same time. The smallest thing that you do for a person can mean the world the them. To be a part of that difference is a great feeling!
Joe Supan LVN, Client Care Coordinator
What inspired you to become a nurse?
When I was younger, a family member was going through cancer treatments and I became interested in becoming a nurse and taking care of patients while watching the nurses do their job while visiting at the hospital. As I got a little older, I kept hearing stories from both people I knew personally and in the media about bad experiences in medical situations. I wanted to be that nurse that was openminded, non-judgmental, and welcomed everyone no matter what. No one should face discrimination while receiving medical care. I am a nurse because I want to provide that respect patient’s deserve while in a medical environment.
What has nursing taught you?
Nursing has taught me how to be more patient with others and how diverse our community really is. I have learned a lot about different cultures, religions, lifestyles, medical conditions, and the various ways to treat different medical conditions. I have learned how important it is for most patients to have someone that actually listens to them and responds in a way that is therapeutic and supportive.
If someone is considering becoming a nurse, what would you tell them?
Some of my advice are things I did not do but later wished I did. To someone considering being a nurse, I suggest doing some research in what sort of nursing you would like to do. While in school, start volunteering at places you may want to work at once you graduate and get your license. This way you may be able to form a relationship that may help you be offered a position there. Nursing can be a tough job but it is rewarding. If you end up a job that is too much, remember there are so many different sorts of nursing jobs out there, don’t get stuck at one you don’t like!
Suzanne Franciosi LVN, Recruiter
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I’ve always loved helping and taking care of people. Everyone deserves someone that has patience and takes time to go that extra mile for them especially when they require medical care, I wanted to be that nurse.
What has nursing taught you?
Nursing has taught me that when people are scared, like family members of patients, they get angry and lash out. They need to vent their frustrations and afterwards they’ll be open to what you have to teach them but in that moment they’re venting and it’s not necessarily because of something you did.
If someone is considering becoming a nurse, what would you tell them?
Nursing school is long but a nursing career is longer. If you’re interested in nursing because of a paycheck it’s not going to be a good fit, nurses have to care about their patients to provide quality nursing care and also to feel fulfilled in their job. I’ve seen the work of nurses who care about their patients versus nurses who care about their paycheck and the work is drastically different, the patients of the first kind of nurse are always happier.
Join our team! If you are an RN or LVN interested in opportunities with NurseRegistry, call (650) 462-1001 to speak with a Recruiter, or apply online at NurseRegistry.com/Applicants.
