This sounds lame, but I can't see myself in any other profession. From the time I was five years old I knew, I would be a nurse. I can remember sitting on my mother's bed and holding her nursing pins and cap and watching her get ready for work and she would say, "Someday you'll have your own nursing pins and hat." My mom has been gone for a long time now, but I still have her graduate nursing picture on my desk (1941) and her pins (Diploma RN and US Army WWII) lie right next to mine (ADN, BS, RN and MS, RN) in my jewelry box. To me, nursing is a gift, and I truly feel lucky to have had the amazing opportunities to serve a variety of populations, from infant to elderly, and especially the dying. Without nursing I would have never been complete.
I don't think that's lame at all. Very cool actually.
My mother is a nurse too, and I always wanted to be a nurse but didn't feel like it was manly enough so I went to school premed, which lasted about a week, then switched over to education before finally giving in.
Nursing is not my first career, but really my true calling. I can understand where Shortbus is coming from regards to not thinking nursing to be "manly enough". That is certainly how I thought in my youth... stupid me [back then]. I entered the USMC at the age of 19 with a guaranteed contract for avionics. After eight years [as a Marine] and three more as a civilian aircraft electrician I decided on a career change.
Learning how something works, then knowing how to "fix it" has always intrigued me. However, I needed the human contact... which an aircraft cannot provide. Learning how the human body works, then being able to take part in making someone get better excited me. So, at the age of 33 I went to college for the first time. The waiting list for nursing school was too long. My first step into the healthcare field was via an AAS in Surgical Technology [aka Scrub Tech, CST]. Then, a year later I was accepted into an ADN program. Then, six years later finished an RN-BSN program.
Being an RN is something I should have gone for back when I was 19. However, I've learned a little wisdom I hope from all my life experiences. So, really I have no regrets with the route I took to my present occupation as an active duty Army Nurse.
I took the long route to nursing in a short time if that makes sense. I started college accepted from high school into Northern IL Univ.'s Nursing Program. After my first year of gen eds I decided to go to community college to save money so that I could afford an apartment instead of having to live in the dorms. I became a CNA and realized the idea of a "Nurse" I had was more the role of the CNA and in a nursing home I was surprised by the amount of paperwork and lack of hands on care nurses had.
While at community college I went into Massage Therapy which I completed, but never used my certificate... spent a semester considering going into Floral Design (which my father reminded me is a hoby, not a career - in his words) then decided I wanted to focus on biology and got my Associate Degree in Science then went back to NIU and got my Bachelor's in Biology. All this while I worked as a CNA and then as a receptionist at the same nursing home.
I got out of school unable to find a way to use my Bachelor's Degree and ended up working in another nursing home as Bookkeeping/Personnel. It was then I realized that no matter how hard I fought, my heart was in Long Term Care and less than 2 years later I'm now a LPN working in a different nursing home. While I think ..."if I'd only stuck on my original course I'd have gotten to nursing sooner"... I also couldn't have imagined having the responsibility of being a nurse a few years ago and I probably needed to follow my path to gain experiences to truely appreciate where I am today.
MagRedC5 wrote:Nursing is not my first career, but really my true calling. I can understand where Shortbus is coming from regards to not thinking nursing to be "manly enough". That is certainly how I thought in my youth... stupid me [back then]. I entered the USMC at the age of 19 with a guaranteed contract for avionics. After eight years [as a Marine] and three more as a civilian aircraft electrician I decided on a career change.
Learning how the human body works, then being able to take part in making someone get better excited me. So, at the age of 33 I went to college for the first time. The waiting list for nursing school was too long. My first step into the healthcare field was via an AAS in Surgical Technology [aka Scrub Tech, CST]. Then, a year later I was accepted into an ADN program. Then, six years later finished an RN-BSN program.
Being an RN is something I should have gone for back when I was 19. However, I've learned a little wisdom I hope from all my life experiences. So, really I have no regrets with the route I took to my present occupation as an active duty Army Nurse.
MagRed your path is very close to mine. If I substitute fire fighting any time you mention the USMC it would be nearly identical. I was a firefighter then became a paramedic when I was in my mid 20's, tried to get into nursing school but the 3 year waiting list was very discouraging. I was able to bypass the waiting list through a fortunate set of circumstances and now here I am.
If I wasn't a nurse I would still be a firefighter/paramedic and I would still be unhappy. Firemedic is a great job for some people but I can't imagine doing it my whole life.
LTC LPN 2006 wrote:I took the long route to nursing in a short time if that makes sense. I started college accepted from high school into Northern IL Univ.'s Nursing Program. After my first year of gen eds I decided to go to community college to save money so that I could afford an apartment instead of having to live in the dorms. I became a CNA and realized the idea of a "Nurse" I had was more the role of the CNA and in a nursing home I was surprised by the amount of paperwork and lack of hands on care nurses had.
While at community college I went into Massage Therapy which I completed, but never used my certificate... spent a semester considering going into Floral Design (which my father reminded me is a hoby, not a career - in his words) then decided I wanted to focus on biology and got my Associate Degree in Science then went back to NIU and got my Bachelor's in Biology. All this while I worked as a CNA and then as a receptionist at the same nursing home.
I got out of school unable to find a way to use my Bachelor's Degree and ended up working in another nursing home as Bookkeeping/Personnel. It was then I realized that no matter how hard I fought, my heart was in Long Term Care and less than 2 years later I'm now a LPN working in a different nursing home. While I think ..."if I'd only stuck on my original course I'd have gotten to nursing sooner"... I also couldn't have imagined having the responsibility of being a nurse a few years ago and I probably needed to follow my path to gain experiences to truely appreciate where I am today.
Yep, your destiny was to be a nurse. BTW, I agree that the paths we take in life may seem the long way around, but once the destination was reached it was the correct path.
MagRedC5 wrote:Cammer, have you ever thought about flight nursing? Just curious ;)
Hell yes! I was all set to go a few years back at the urging of a good friend of mine. I had my application in to a local trauma center and things looked good. Unfortunately my good friend was killed when he was responding to a call and the pilot flew the chopper into some wires. All three crewmembers were killed - the pilot, the flight nurse and the medic. The medic was the friend who had encouraged me to fly. His name was Erik Hangartner and was one of the best people I have ever known. The helicopter was Bayflite 3. After that happened my wife got scared and made me promise not to do it. I have two kids as well so I decided to keep my feet on the ground. I've been approached a few times since but I'm not going to do it. I may do some fixed wing transport at some point but while I'm in school I need a regular schedule.
Cammer, I can respect your consideration of your wife's wishes & your need for a regular set schedule with having little kids. I can appreciate you setting your family as a #1 priority. My Marine Corps career was cut short back in 1988 D/T becoming a single parent with no one available to care for my two son's if I were to get deployed OCONUS on an unaccompanied tour.
You will make an outstanding male nurse! Yes, a nurse is a nurse, but I like it when we males proudly represent the nursing profession, too. Yes, a fixed wing Care Flight type career may be possible for you in the future.
My heart goes out to the family members of Erik Hangartner & may he rest in peace. Thank you for sharing the link, too. Erik was truly a hero, IMHO. This may be the year I'm tasked with going to Iraq with a Combat Support Hospital. I don't fear for my life in the Sandbox as much as I regret causing worry to my wife, or perhaps missing out on my son's college graduation, commission to 2LT, and marriage... all in the same week this coming December, LOL. Maybe the AMEDD will grant me stateside leave if I happen to be in Iraq this December.
MagRedC5 wrote:You will make an outstanding male nurse! Yes, a nurse is a nurse, but I like it when we males proudly represent the nursing profession, too. Yes, a fixed wing Care Flight type career may be possible for you in the future.
I've actually been practicing as an RN for a few years now. I'm just finishing up my BSN so I can go on to grad school. I'm currently working full time+ as an ICU nurse.
My heart goes out to the family members of Erik Hangartner & may he rest in peace. Thank you for sharing the link, too. Erik was truly a hero, IMHO. This may be the year I'm tasked with going to Iraq with a Combat Support Hospital. I don't fear for my life in the Sandbox as much as I regret causing worry to my wife, or perhaps missing out on my son's college graduation, commission to 2LT, and marriage... all in the same week this coming December, LOL. Maybe the AMEDD will grant me stateside leave if I happen to be in Iraq this December.
Yes, Erik was really a great guy. Losing him was a blow to our local EMS community because he was well known by all and dedicated to the medical profession. It's been a few years since he was killed but folks still mention him once in a while. He was soft spoken and humble but still a great educator. I was blessed and inspired to have known him.
I came close to joining the military myself. When I was 18 I met up with a recruiter but he told me to forget it. I was told that because of a medical history of asthma I would not be accepted. That kinda ticked me off a bit so I proved them wrong by going through the fire academy. It was tough keeping the asthma under control during extreme exercise but I managed it and I never let it slow me down. I did well during the combat challenge, etc. Perhaps the recruiter was right though. The medication that I needed would not always be available in the field.
I still regret not being able to get into the military. I was raised to know that I had a duty to serve and felt a bit shortchanged that I wasn't able to do so. I envy you guys who have been able to join up and serve the country.
Wow, you must be incredibly proud of your son. Officer, college grad, getting married all in less than a year from now. My own son is 10 y/o but he is showing great promise. He's intelligent, hardworking and is showing aptitude is several areas. I hope I can guide him well through his teenage years. Any advice?
Cammer wrote:I've actually been practicing as an RN for a few years now. I'm just finishing up my BSN so I can go on to grad school. I'm currently working full time+ as an ICU nurse.
I still regret not being able to get into the military. I was raised to know that I had a duty to serve and felt a bit shortchanged that I wasn't able to do so. I envy you guys who have been able to join up and serve the country.
Wow, you must be incredibly proud of your son. Officer, college grad, getting married all in less than a year from now. My own son is 10 y/o but he is showing great promise. He's intelligent, hardworking and is showing aptitude is several areas. I hope I can guide him well through his teenage years. Any advice?
Okay, I'm sure your already an outstanding example for other male nurses to follow. ;)
Please, no regrets! Your contributions in the EMS community, as well as in ICU nursing stateside are definitely appreciated.
LOL, I was a single parent Dad with two teenagers, which was worse than Marine Corps Boot Camp. Advice? Remember, they will respect you ... once they are past there teen years. Until then, don't let them know your bark is louder than your bite, but always let them know you love them greatly. Sorry, it is a right a passage you must travel to truly experience. The best years were when the kids were between 4-12 yrs old when they followed directions without hesitation & trusted your intentions. Once your kids are past 21 yrs old they ain't monsters, anymore, LOL.
If I had it to do over again, I would be a highschool guidance counselor and ADD/HD coach. Additionally, I would requalify as a Personal Trainer and offer a physical education program that would be an alternative to team sports. While I do enjoy working in the nursing field, I frequently feel as though I could offer something more meaningful to the world if I worked more in health promotion and disease prevention. To do this more directly, one should really interface with the young people, directly, and try to impact their physical and emotional health, coping mechanisms, educational focus and so on.
I did go to school for accounting which is what I'd planned to do out of high school (then worked in a factory for 9 years) I probably wouldn't have liked accounting for long though. I might have been some kind of teacher who knows probably something to do with kids (I have 4 of them).
Im thinking a pirate...... really like the eye patch and flag, or maybe a merchant marine.... cool coats, perhaps a crab fisherman in Alaska! Kinda seeing a marine pattern here......hmmmmm then there is always the big game hunter ya know Africa....
Was a CPA (actually still am) and became a nurse because that is my calling. Would love to be a MD but dont have the time to devote to the education at this point. Give me a mulligan and I think ER MD, sounds fun!
I can't think of anything else I'd rather be. Isn't that a wonderful thing to be able to say. How many people go to work each day to a job and say, I love what I do? We truly are lucky.
hsieh wrote:i would be a - goat whisperer. no i'm just kidding. i would be a life coach.
I think I'd be starving in NY trying to sell my art! I'd definately be famous after I was dead, for my terrific paintings of course!
I love your dog pic, I tried to download mine in my avatar but I have to work on that some more! My Raven will definately replace Flo in the near future!
I have read through each post, and as I ponder.... I guess I would say that I am suited to nursing. I have had a few other jobs... but it seems that I have been called to nursing. That sounds so silly, but it is true. Even in my recent "slump" when I decided I should have gone to college and majored in music, I know that I wouldn't be really good. (as when I practice my flute; my cats not only leave the room but offer comments in the form of loud screeches and low moans. I keep telling them that I have only been playing for two years--and am a late bloomer.) Nursing just seems to come naturally, and I do get satisfaction from helping my patients understand their illness, become proactive and try to focus on wellness. I am now trying my hand at private duty nursing... I am also am interested in learning more about legal consulting. :houra:
I too have a similar background as MagRed. I was a Crew Chief (aircraft mechanic) before entering the nursing field. I also went the long way...starting out as a CNA, then LPN, now RN. Wouldn't change it for anything right now. This allows me so much freedom in the path I want. There are so many avenues in nursing that if you get to the point of burnout, there is something else out there to try in the field....
I got my first degree in Social Work, realized it wasn't for me and then went back for nursing. I love nursing and I feel it is what I was meant to do, but if I were to pick something else I think I'd be a high school English teacher. Actually all through school that's what I was going to be, and then when I got to college I changed my mind. I'd probably just change it back again. :39: Hmmmm.....maybe someday I even will consider it, but not right now.
I would have went to school to be a doctor. I originally wanted to do that, but didn't want all the schooling and by the time I get through my MSN program it will have taken me almost the same amount of time as it would have to become a doctor. I am kicking myself now.
