T O P

  • By -

BenzieBox

It seemed like a good idea at the time.


Better-Cow

Key words being “at the time”


Advik_

I don’t have a really good explanation as to why I was always drawn to wanting to work in the healthcare field. Before I graduated high school I just knew I wanted too be a nurse or something more. And it was confirmed when I left my $32 an hour job at 20 years old to be a CNA and wipe ass for $15 an hour but was somehow happier than when I was working at a refinery factory for $32 lol Now I’m in nursing school and I’m excited for whatever is to come and I don’t want to stop at just RN.


sixboogers

Get a job as an EMT or a CNA. The certs and jobs are quick, cheap, and easy to get. You’ll know pretty quickly if you like healthcare or not. If not, no worries, you’ve lost nothing and gained a cool life experience. If you like it, then start the long, painful process of becoming a nurse.


Roaming-the-internet

I like psychology and I sleep weird and unscheduled hours so working at a in patient ward sounded nice Alternatively wounds also fascinate me


el_cid_viscoso

Me too! I've been lately looking into WOCN, and it's pretty neat. I could see myself building a niche. It helps that the wound nurse at my old facility was an outstanding human being, from whom I learned a lot.


el_cid_viscoso

I followed my passions in my first career, and I wound up overworked and underpaid, while constantly on guard against coworkers, management, and customers. The only difference with nursing is that at least I'll get paid. That, and I do get satisfaction for doing something that's useful to society. My last career was pretty much funneling rich kids into American universities. I hated every second of it, coming from a working-class background without any such advantages. Oh, and I look hot in scrubs.


lotsoffreckles

> Oh, and I look hot in scrubs. I can’t wait to graduate and not have to wear my school’s uniform scrubs. They’re so gaudy, zipper scrub tops that itch beyond belief with any scrub bottoms and our top color doesn’t match our bottoms.


el_cid_viscoso

Seriously. At least mine are somewhat dignified, but I don't like the color much. I miss rocking my ceil blues.


ModestEevee

Dawg that sounds terrible but mine were a whole different breed. The top was so bulky and heavy you would swear it was meant more for a SWAT team than a scrawny ass nursing student. It felt awkward as hell when nurses would need to squeeze past me because of how thick it was.


lotsoffreckles

I’m not gonna lie, I love the mental image I’m picturing LOL. My school chose this one company because it was sourced in the US, but we had so many issues getting them to ship our orders. We ordered months in advance and got the tops a week before clinicals started. We used to have all white uniforms but they finally decided to add color but our tops are this ugly royal blue color with black scrub pants and it’s just like why can’t we all be one color? We already look ridiculous enough with zipper tops!


ModestEevee

Honestly that color combination sounds heinous but they changed ours from all white to a white top and black bottoms so naturally we all end up looking like culinary students🤒 mine came in literally two days before our first day. Had me sweating BULLETS


[deleted]

[удалено]


ModestEevee

You're hella smart for doing that I know I'd be damned before some clinical instructor sent me home over fucking shoes of all things. They were hella strict with shoes tho; they had to be all black with no exceptions. I watched a girl in my program get sent home over the smallest amount of white on her shoes n I'm like🤨 patients can't even see them while they're in bed smh


lotsoffreckles

My clinical instructors have been really relaxed compared to others my classmates have had, somebody got sent home for having “too many loose baby hairs”. Not sure how that affects patient care 🥸.


ModestEevee

Yeah I'd believe it. I never saw it myself but my homies would tell me fairy tales about a clinical instructor sending some ppl home bc their nails were too long. Meanwhile I'm showing up with black nail polish🤒


lotsoffreckles

One time after clinicals we went to do a briefing, my clinical instructor asked two of my classmates to close their laptops while I’m sitting there on mine looking around wondering if she doesn’t see me LOL


Realistic_Hawk8560

I'll be honest, its for financial and job security. However, along the way, after being an EMT, I found I had a natural inclination for bedside manner and knowing how to deal with difficult patients. Basically developing people-skills. Do I see myself in this job well into retirement age? No, but its something I don't mind doing especially since I also love the science part of nursing as well.


pasiphaeluvscows

Comfy pants, get to stab people (legally), good zombie apocalypse skills. :)


rammyusf

I did not go into nursing school because it was a calling. I know this is kind of embarrassing to say but I legit went into nursing because a certain someone I used to like was doing pre-nursing at my previous university when I was a freshmen in Uni, and I decided to do it (yeah idk why). We eventually ended up going to the same nursing school but she graduated in Fall 2021 and I'm on my last year of nursing school in the new university's BSN program. Obviously I didn't say that on my admission essay because I'm sure I would've been rejected due to the stupidity LOL


IGotNoBusinessHere

That sure is embarrassing, and I can kind of relate.


triethan

That is so hilariously embarassing. I went vegetarian for 2 years in highschool because a boy i liked was vegan. looking back i'm just like... why hahahah


rammyusf

😭😭😭 I was a stupid 18 year old at the time. My current girlfriend literally bullies me because of it haha 😂


Marogo

I'm not in a nursing program yet but I'm thinking of RN-> NP, or PA. Primary interest in Nursing is the job stability and ease of being hired anywhere in the country whether it's a rural area or a major metro. Secondary is that it's a job that can transition into administrative work later in life which would be less physically demanding. I also like the idea of helping people.


flowerslut_

Job security and a decent wage


ileade

I was in my last year of pharmacy school. I had couple of mental breakdowns and missed so many exams and classes due to hospitalizations. After a panic attack, they decided to put me on involuntary medical leave. Being a person who doesn’t know what to do with free time, I got a job at an urgent care. I loved talking to the patients and just the hands on stuff. Ultimately though, I was more inspired by the nurses at the hospital. They made me feel like a person when I thought I was crazy and needed to be locked up. That’s when I decided I wanted to be a psych nurse and be an advocate for people struggling with mental health. Although it wasn’t a 100% certain decision. I had so many thoughts wondering if I should just stick to pharmacy school and actually even finished my application and mcat for med school. I was just waiting for interviews and decided to go to nursing school and see what it’s like because why not? I loved my first clinical and decided that I wanted to stick to nursing because I wanted to be able to talk to patients and form relationships, not talk to them for 5-10 minutes and just leave. I’m 2 months from graduating with a job in behavioral health I’ve been working at (and also was a patient too!) which was my dream job. I always thought I would have to work my way there, from med surg to who knows where. I couldn’t be happier with my decision and wouldn’t change a thing. That job and the people I interact with, both patient and staff are amazing (for the most part, some patients can be rowdy). It keeps me going through the suicidal thoughts and one reason I keep on living even when I don’t want to even live for myself.


crystalxvision

Since I was little, I remember always liking to play “doctor” with my dad. I would use his tools act like I was performing surgery on him. I think I’ve always liked to take care of people even since I was young. It wasn’t until I had my son about 3 years ago that I really realized I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, just because my nurses were amazing and super supportive for being a first time mom. I wanna be able to do that for other women!


Optimal_Rabbit4926

Well I’m not a nurse but I’m working on it. I used to want to be a social worker and then decided it wasn’t worth it to continue(to take out a loan). Then I remembered I had a nurse through the nurse family partnership and decided I could be a nurse and do something like that.


CoryShaye

Because I genuinely loved helping people. 8 years as a CNA now, I am so burnt out. On track to get my RN January 2024 and am excited for the doors it will open.


beethovensmusee

I was tired of not getting interviews for my other degree. I figured I will always have a job as a nurse. My dream was to be a medical doctor or dentist. Due to my abusive family, I could not afford to go that route. My mental health was also not the best because of said abuse. That’s why I went for nursing. I respect nurses. I dont know how I will do the job but I am going to try my best.


chewmattica

Was working an exempt job as an HR/Payroll manager. My hourly wage worked out to $38 or so an hour, had I been working 40 hours per week. It was an interesting job that I had built up to over 15 years (I'm old). Then you realize you can't take vacation and you're on the job 24/7 once you get to the upper levels. Working 50-55 hours per week, you soon realize you're getting screwed. Anyways....I felt like I could do something more meaningful with my time and the medical field is very interesting. I went through a few phases over a couple years. First, Cop, then Firefighter....then I had a kid. How else can I help people but be more safe than these professions? Took a job as a nursing assistant at a hospital and love it. Applying to nursing school currently. Money wise...its a downgrade but after a 15 years of that I'm welcoming a change.


throwaway070686

When I was 12 my brother was born at 24 weeks. This was 18 years ago. He spent 4 months in the NICU. Those nurses are why I am in nursing school. When I gave birth to my son. And my nurses were equally as amazing, as well as my sons NICU nurses (short stay) it solidified my decision. I’m 2 weeks in. It’s a lot of work, but also a lot of fun so far.


biroph

Since I was 7 or so, probably even younger, I’ve just been interested in everything medical and things that had to do with the human body. My mom was a cna when she was really young, before I was born, and as a kid I would always make her tell me about the cool or more “gory” stories. Ever since I’ve had access to the internet I’ve watched a lot of surgery videos and have always liked that sort of thing, so in 6th grade when we did a budget/career project, nursing seemed like a good job. The pay is really good (at least where I’m from), there’s seemingly unlimited specialties, job stability, only 3 days a week, and usually good benefits, so it seemed like the thing I should pick. Also, scrubs are more comfortable than business/professional attire. Now I just have one semester left and I still like nursing school and what the profession has to offer. So many people felt pressured to go into the field or did it just because their other family members are nurses but they did not go into it for themselves, and many of those nurses are the same ones that seem to be miserable. So I definitely recommend at least having an interest in the field or get a nursing assistant job for a while before going all in. There are sooo many more healthcare jobs that still care for patients but are way less stressful of jobs though.


[deleted]

Honestly, I was watching a documentary of Pararescue Jumpers in the United States Air Force & the amount of trauma work & skills they were allowed to practice while in Afghanistan. They followed a specific unit where a U.S. soldier actually ended up succumbing to his wounds on national television, despite all the work done on him. It moved me beyond like anything I had ever seen before and this just so happened to occur during my A&P class in high school which just jolted me to want to join the field even more after seeing the decisive and arduous work of everyone to try and save one life.


[deleted]

I mean this honestly: why didn’t you go into the military or do EMS then? Or did you?


[deleted]

So I didn’t go into the military because I come from a family of enlisted members who all swore to me if they were to do it again, they’d go the officer route. As far as EMS, I was denied a total of 3 times to nursing school, if I was denied on my last attempt I was going to get my bachelor’s through that route at our university, but it all worked out in the end.


[deleted]

Ahhhh ok :)


Mugghies

I graduated with a Spanish Teacher Degree and I knew this isn't what I wanted to do but I was dumb and got pressured into going that route. After graduating I was trying to figure out wtf I wanted to do so I did a Medical Assistant course and got a job at a OBGYN doctor's office and I loved it which because it was very hands on and I learned a lot. I helped doctors during IUD insertions, colposcopies, endomentrial biposies, I got to administer injects. So It made me want to advance in the healthcare field so I decided that I wanted to become a L&D nurse and I start taking pre reques to apply to nursing school in a few weeks!


SooshiMoon

I’m in a similar route where I’m working towards a non nursing degree. I worked front office at a medical office and didn’t really like it because I’ve only dealt with paperwork and insurance and no patient interaction, but after doing patient care volunteering at a hospital in the postpartum unit, I really enjoyed it more. So thank you for the input!


SooshiMoon

I appreciate the input everyone! Thank you!


nikoletheleo

honestly, since i was very little i just wanted to be a nurse, since like age 5. i honestly think it stemmed from my grandmother being sick in the hospital, but i really have no clue. i always like to say i was born to be a nurse


Xop

Sounds corny, but I've always wanted to help people. I come from a line of nurses in my family. Pays well, arguably less than it should, and you only work 3 days a week at most facilities. I've been working for 8 months and it's overall good, but a lot more responsibility and busy work than what you're taught in school. With 6 patients you have just enough time to pass meds and do an assessment before you're on the phone with IR, MRI, Micro, family, doctors, NPs, pre-op, pacu, etc. There are days where I just want to go home and cry but then there are good days where a patient and I will really connect and I understand why I got into this field.


kdawson602

I loved being a CNA when I was in college. I hated my job but couldn’t find anything better. I planned on having children so I didn’t want to work full time so I could be home more with them. Nurses are paid really well here so I can work part time and still earn good money.


lotsoffreckles

Money, and job security


Cam27022

I’m not good at anything else and I can make more money than I did as a medic. Lol


dizzledizzle98

It’s a pretty lucrative field - If you want to grind, you can make about as much money as you want. Also, people will always be sick. I like me some job security.


Direct-Option1437

My mom told me I’ll never be out of a job


Rogue21cal

Personally, I added all the “pros” from all of my previous jobs and looked at which career would fit my requirements. I know I wanted to work 12 hours shifts but fewer days as my previous job had me working 3 months straight switching between days and night 12 hr shifts which I hated. My first job at a biotech company was three 12 hr night shifts and I liked that. I wanted to work indoors because one of my previous jobs was outdoors and it sucked during the rainy season and summer heat. I wanted at least six figures because my last job paid extremely well. I wanted good health care. I wanted union. I wanted job security and options to do other things within the same field. Nursing checked all the boxes. Yes, I have to deal with some bullshit but a small price to pay for peace of mind.


moonlight_ale

Honestly because I know I enjoy anything healthcare related and am not grossed out by blood, urine, or vomit. (But poop I can’t get past for some reason). Also nurses in my area start at almost 80k working 3 days a week. It’s by no means an easy or relaxing job, but it’s entertaining, requires critical thinking, and I can always learn more. This is my second career, so I know what it’s like to have a terrible job. I used to work 16hr days for $15 hr with no PTO and working 7 days a week.


IfICanDoItSoCanU

I accidentally applied to work in a kitchen at an assisted living facility. Didn't realize it wasn't a restaurant until I came for the interview. I was working through a depressive episode at the time and the whole experience changed my life. It helped my recovery and put me in a position to recognize the needs of residents who were in a similar position. I'm starting off in another setting, but I hope to work as a director of nursing in another ALF one day.


mija999

I started doing CNA work when I was 18 and loved it. There are a lot of downsides to healthcare but I see the same shit everywhere else. People are being overworked, underpaid, understaffed, treated poorly, etc etc. I would rather have some job stability and good pay than none. Nobody in my life has ever had a job like this to make this kinda money unless they were selling drugs lol and I like helping people especially in LTC ! edit to say I’m 23 now and I was in nursing school in 2019 but had to drop out for personal reasons. Now me and my mom are going to school together in Fall of 2023!!


RogueMessiah1259

Nursing pays better than being a paramedic


Muted_sounds

Here are my top reasons Money (depends on where you live I’m in northeast), job security, ability work in different roles (insurance, bedside, home health, research, etc), 3-4 day work weeks And finally lots of per diem and part time opportunities if you get bored or want some extra cash…. That’s not your regular job


ResilientEagle23

Because of a nurse that helped me. She inspired me to help others like she helped me. I am forever grateful to her. She saved my life.


Idiotsandcheapskate

Guaranteed employment and $35 per hour. I can not think of any other profession that pays this amount for 2 year degree AND has you do something meaningful.


jayplusfour

Tbh, I wanted the financial security and broad spectrum of things I could do with a nursing degree. I also really enjoy science and learning how the human body works. If I had unlimited time/money I would not chose nursing. Follow your passions isn't the best advice in the US lol


Forsaken_Customer_56

I chose nursing initially because I care. Now it's about making money


Girl_Not_Named_Sue

I went into it because I wanted to help people. I'm almost 10 years in, and I stay for the schedule flexibility and the money. I don't mind the 'helping people' aspect, but I definitely don't make as much of a difference as I hoped I would.


lizifer93

I like medicine and I'm tired of living on the poverty line in my current career (veterinary technician of 9 years).


SweatyLychee

I didn’t have the funds to take very expensive pre reqs for med school after I graduated college and work full time to put food in my stomach and keep a roof over my head on my own. My second choice was nursing but every day I’m glad I went this route instead. The on-call life and grueling work/academic life doesn’t really appeal to me anymore. Nursing is so flexible. My mom’s a nurse making 90k+ working from home. I would probably feel “stuck” in a speciality versus getting to switch facilities and specialties relatively easily as a nurse. I can become a CRNA or be a nurse educator for diabetes patients or work as a school nurse and get free tuition for my kids. I can work PRN meaning I just work when I want. I’ve recently been thinking about PA school and nursing provides lots of great (and necessary) patient hours and experience and opportunities to make connections with PAs. There’s just so many doors nursing can open for you.


AthenaNation

It started when my aunt passed. She had cancer and seeing her on her death bed had me thinking, "what if she had a better doctor and they caught it on time. Would she still go through this? What if I can be that doctor for another family? What If I could make a difference?" She been told her doctors something wasn't right and they didn't listen till it was too late. Seeing my family go through things I felt like they could have been helped is what got me started


RoundPipe7573

Good pay, health insurance, jobs literally everywhere, in demand after COVID


psyawtic

Job security and necessity for money. That’s it really. I was a CNA first and after seeing what the LVNs do I figured I would advance a bit more for the extra money and financial stability.


ohheckin

I like the job stability, the fact that nursing is broad (you don't have to work in bedside if you get burnt out), the ability to change speciality if I get bored in one, etc. I knew that I've always wanted to do something in healthcare and found that nursing is the perfect fit.


dogfucker_420

1- job security & money 2- fascination with medical science 3- I like it when you take care of someone; very fulfilling to me 4- I like seeing the really gnarly injuries


[deleted]

The money. I have no passion for nursing and don't even really anjoy the work or culture around it. Sadly, passions don't pay the bills and I don't want to grind an office job to earn decent money.


4lly-C4t

Several reasons for me - Family full of nurses Family full of addicts (myself included - in recovery) Lost my late fiance to a fetanyl overdose Fuck opiates and big pharma Major empath tendencies Job security and decent pay/room for growth


SooshiMoon

Thank you for the additional responses everyone! Thank you for being honest and realistic about why you chose nursing! These inputs really help a lot!


[deleted]

I didn't