“What? Why do you want to be a nurse? ” My parents, normally kind and loving, spoke to me with disappointment. “You'll just be a doctor's helper.”
I'm reminded of the time I was treated for a cracked backbone during sophomore year. What I remember the most are the nurses who stayed with me through the night, the ones who checked up on me every two hours to check my vitals. They were the ones who talked to me, who held my hand when I was afraid of dying, who made me laugh. One nurse, Jessica, even lended me her personal IPad for two hours so I could watch The Little Mermaid to pass the time in the hospital. It doesn't seem like much, but to me, it was the world. I want to impact others the way they impacted me. Doctors build the treatment plan, but the nurses ensure that it's done. Nurses are like the stage crew of a play. Although you may not always see them working tirelessly, they're the ones who push the world forward. They're always there, making sure every moment of every day is going as smoothly as possible.
I realized a big part of a nurse's job is translation and teaching. They have to turn medical language into common language. They need to explain the why's to children, using any frame of reference needed: a child's favorite TV show, books, sports, anything. A nurse is the link between the doctor and the patient. Many times, kids won't listen to their doctor, but they'll listen to their nurse. To me, nursing isn't just about changing bedpans, sleepless nights, or giving pain medications, it's about caring for the patients and comforting them when needed. I care for others in my own life, by forming relationships with the senior citizens, tutoring kids in my community, and promoting acceptance for every culture and creed at my school. I want to be one of those rare few who can say I genuinely love my job. The long shifts and unpredictable situations will be worth it when I go home, knowing that I made a difference in people's lives.
