Why I Wanted to Become a Nurse

Patient Care Prompts

For over three decades, I have dedicated myself to patient care, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and ClinTech. For me, it has always been a passion: my commitment to caring for patients stems from desire to help others, a desire that has defined my professional path and my personal identity. My life has been the life of a nurse: showing compassion, supporting people in their hour of need, giving them hope and comfort, and helping them to feel empowered at times when they felt anything but. Ultimately, I have been motivated by a sense of being able to just make difference in people’s lives.

My interest in nursing was ignited early in life, as some of the people I admired most were nurses and dedicated their lives to the art and science of the field. Once I became old enough to make a decision about a career path, it was an easy choice: nursing was the only thing I wanted to do. 30+ years later I can truly say I have no regrets. I have so many personal and professional experiences in patient care that have helped to confirm dedication to this field over the years. I can’t select just one experience, for every patient interaction taught me the importance of having empathy, showing patience, listening, hearing, understanding, and simply being there with the patient in the moment. Sometimes that idea of just being there makes all the difference in the patient’s sense of receiving quality care. I have seen firsthand the immeasurable impact of providing comfort in times of vulnerability. These experiences have helped me in many different ways: I have honed my skills and deepened my understanding of the difference compassionate care can make.

Choosing to pursue a nursing program at Notre Dame of Maryland University is a decision inspired by the institution's commitment to excellence, innovation, and, importantly, its core values that resonate deeply with my own. The university's philosophy of promoting holistic care and of emphasizing the dignity and worth of every individual aligns with my personal and professional ideals. I am drawn to Notre Dame's focus on preparing nurses who are clinically proficient, compassionate leaders who advocate for their patients. This holistic approach to nursing education is something believe will further refine my skills, deepen my knowledge, and prepare me to make an even greater impact in the lives of those I serve.

Caring for others has always provided me with a profound sense of personal fulfillment. There is an indescribable reward in witnessing the positive impact of your care on someone's health and well-being. This sense of fulfillment is magnified by the realization that through every act of care, I am not only helping someone heal physically but am also offering emotional support and comfort during their most challenging moments. My core values of empathy, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in patient care are in perfect harmony with the School of Nursing's philosophy. These values have always motivated me in my career. I have turned to them for guidance even in the most challenging situations and they have never let me down.