From Doctor's Aspirations to the Heart of Nursing

As a child, many dream of becoming a doctor or a nurse. However, for me, the path of nursing became a source of fulfillment and a form of prayer. I never imagined I would be a nurse, but I am so glad I chose this career. My decision to become a nurse was rooted in a deep desire to help people and feel indispensable. While being a doctor is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, I chose nursing because I find the social and emotional aspects of caring for patients deeply rewarding.

Nurses and Their Unique Role

Nurses spend more time with patients than doctors do. This prolonged interaction allows us to provide a level of social care that is often absent in medical settings. Patients frequently seek us out when they need explanations and support, especially after receiving difficult news. For instance, if a patient is told they have a serious illness, they might ask a nurse to explain the situation in simpler terms. We are often the first to see patients at their most vulnerable, providing both physical and emotional support.

The Dignified Farewell

A particularly touching and challenging aspect of our job is caring for patients when they pass away. We are responsible for laying out the bodies with dignity, giving the final rites, and often preparing the bodies for viewing. This task is emotionally taxing, but it allows us to show our final acts of care and respect. For example, a patient passed away on her 21st birthday, just before going to her party. Despite her early return due to ill health, we were able to perform her laying out with care and respect. A student nurse was sent to get flowers to make the farewell more meaningful.

Later, when I heard that the family thanked my colleague and I for our efforts, it was a moment of profound gratitude and pride. Such public recognition of our work can be overwhelming, yet it is a clear testament to the importance of our role. Our dedication to providing the best care possible, even in the most challenging circumstances, is deeply fulfilling.

The Hands-On Touch

While I initially believed that doctors treated the disease and nurses treated the patient, working as a nurse has shown me the value of a multidisciplinary approach. We work closely with doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, each contributing to the patient’s treatment and care. Often, our roles overlap, with nurses taking on tasks that were once considered a doctor’s responsibility, and vice versa.

Influences and Aspirations

The person who most influenced my decision to become a nurse was my mother. She worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs, including as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Her determination to become a nurse inspired me to fulfill both her and my shared dreams. Observing her hard work and resilience motivated me to pursue a career that would make a difference in people's lives. My mother's journey has been a profound inspiration, showing me the value of perseverance and the impact we can have through our work.

My journey from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a nurse has been a fulfilling one. While both careers are rewarding, nursing has provided me with a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The social and emotional aspects of patient care are central to my role, and the support and dedication of my colleagues have been invaluable in this journey.