Why I want to be a Nurse

I heard the familiar sound of the front door closing gently. My father was returning from work as a barber. Although he begins his day at 5:00 a.m. every morning, he usually returns at around 7:00 p.m. I never really questioned his schedule when I was a child, but as I entered high school I wondered how my dad could work so hard every day of the week and still enjoy what he does. The uncertainties of barbering are so great and so challenging. It never ceases to amaze me when my father wakes up every morning to start work, that he does so with gusto. The life of a barber can be laborious and stressful, yet my father continues to do his work with passionate enthusiasm. His dedication and pride mystified me throughout high school. Only after I entered college in my late 20's, did I start to understand how he could persevere and face the challenges of raising a family and running his business.

I entered college like a small child wandering through a park. Never in my life had I been exposed to anything so grandiose and dominating. Born and raised in a rural town, I wasn't ready for the fast-paced life and crowds. I eventually grew into its lifestyle and learned to adapt to my new environment. I found my communication class, in which we discussed major issues in health care, especially interesting. The nurse's dilemma particularly intrigued me: Doing everything to provide the best health care possible, but constrained by limited resources when the funds just are not available.

These frustrating situations place a huge strain on nurses, and yet they persevere and continue to work long hours in hospitals, and clinics providing the best care they can. While thoroughly aware of the long hours...