Long and often unsocial hours. A pay scale that is derogatory in comparison with may other jobs. Sometimes abused and insulted by those that they aim to serve. All these, and many more, are conditions that attach to the nursing profession. So why become a nurse?

There are several important reasons for joining the nursing profession, all of which far outweigh the negative aspects that have been mentioned previously. For example, those who are already nurses will tell you that, in many respects, it is a profession with positive rewards that other career roles outside of the medical profession cannot compare with, even if these rewards are not monetary.

The first and most important reason for becoming a nurse is because you care about your fellow man or woman and want to make a positive contribution. Inside you there will be a desire and drive to do something with your life that will improve the life of others. That will include a desire to help to take away the pain and suffering of others, and where will you find a better workplace to fulfil this desire than in the nursing profession?

The second reason for becoming a nurse is because you have the skills that this profession is crying out for. You will have the ability to communicate and build relationships with people. Furthermore, you can instil trust and confidence in other people. Patients will relate to you as a result of seeing these qualities and the unselfish help that you extend to them. They will instinctively know that, even when times are hard for them, you will be there to help, comfort and give them the strength they need to pull through. In essence you will be their

Thirdly, and perhaps most important, is dedication. Nursing is not a job of work that you take on just to earn a living. It is certainly not a job you take on if you want a regular social life. If that were the case there are far easier and less demanding jobs that you could do that will pay far more and require less hours. No! Nursing is a calling, a vocation. It is in your blood, this desire to dedicate your life to helping others. From the time you start to think about your future role in life and what contribution you can make to society, nursing will be amongst the roles that you see yourself dedicating your life to.

I started this article with some of the reason that could deter people from entering the nursing profession. Let me end it with some of the reasons why many chose the nursing path. The miracles of seeing someone rise from his or her sick bed after being returned to good health, cured by the loving care you have extended to them in your nursing role. The smiles and tears of thanks from the patient and their loved ones for the help you have given. Seeing a sick child place their hand in yours and give you their trust as you help them through their illness. All these and many, many more are the reasons to become a nurse. It is the satisfaction of changing people's lives that drives the unsung heroes of our nursing teams.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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