This reflective essay explores one student's personal motivations for entering the nursing profession, rooted in a background of family, community, and a lifelong commitment to caring for others. The paper examines the growing demand for nurses in the United States, drawing on current research about the nursing shortage driven by an aging population. It also introduces Jean Watson's Theory of Caring as a guiding academic framework, emphasizing the mind, body, and spiritual dimensions of patient care. The essay concludes by highlighting the personal and professional fulfillment that a nursing career can offer.
The profession of nursing offers many different things to many different people. For me, caring for and helping people heal has always been a deep interest and has made me feel that I am on the right path in life. The purpose of this essay is to explain my perspectives on nursing and why I feel that this profession is not only of great importance to me and my family, but also positively affects my community and environment. This essay will first demonstrate the need for nurses in today's society and how well-trained nurses can make a significant impact on the overall quality of life for everyone involved. It will also address Jean Watson's Theory of Caring as a central academic influence on my approach to nursing.
I was born in a relatively poor part of the world — Jamaica — where many things that are taken for granted elsewhere are difficult to find. Growing up in a large family with twelve brothers and sisters provided me with a unique background and demonstrated, at an early age, the necessity of cooperation and sharing. This attitude was instilled in me by my parents, who taught us to be respectful to others and to help those who need and ask for assistance.
Now, many years later, I realize that family is still very important to me. With my own family and children, I want to do the very best for them, just as my parents did for me. This caring attitude flows naturally into my career aspirations and into how I have become involved in the nursing profession. I derive great pleasure from helping those who need help the most.
There is a great demand for nurses in today's society, and the continued growth of the medical field has provided an opportunity for me and others who are looking to contribute to healing. Courchane (2011) suggested that a significant increase in nurses is needed to keep America running. She wrote: "The need for more nurses in the coming years stems mainly from an aging baby boomer population as well as a generation of aging nurses who will retire. Although the nursing shortage of the early 21st century has been helped temporarily by the economy, many are predicting a shortage in the next several years." This documented need confirmed for me that there is a meaningful place where I can apply my talents and commitment to a career in registered nursing.
Regardless of the nursing shortage, I would still pursue this career because of my inherent nature to care for others. In researching the profession, Jean Watson's Theory of Caring became something that interested me greatly and inspired me to further dedicate myself to nursing. Watson's theory describes the importance of nursing and a nurse's ability to care for and inspire patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Watson included spiritual and emotional techniques within her framework. She conceptualized nursing as a total mind, body, and spiritual experience that combines scientific problem-solving with rational and caring methods — an approach that brings out the best in both the nurse and the patient (Current Nursing, 2012). Learning about Watson's caring science reinforced my belief that nursing is both a scientific and a deeply human calling.
Ultimately, my perspective on nursing is shaped by my past and current experiences within the field. I have found that this profession can not only fulfill me emotionally and spiritually, but the practical benefits of the career are appealing as well. The wide range of job opportunities available to nurses means that there is considerable variety in this field. Nurses are needed in many different settings, and this career allows its members to choose from a broad array of options and environments.
The nursing workday is another positive aspect that has drawn me toward this profession. I appreciate the flexibility to work long or short shifts, on weekends or weekdays. Nursing shifts are often long and demanding, but that is precisely the type of workplace environment in which I am most comfortable. Because people need healthcare wherever there are people, I know that my skills will always be needed somewhere. Hospitals are just one setting where nursing takes place; all around the world, caring and healing are desperately needed.
I am very grateful for the educational and professional opportunities that have been presented to me throughout my life. I feel that nursing is the right path for me and that it will benefit not only my family, but my community as well.
"Career flexibility and professional fulfillment"
Rowe, J. (2012). Why nurses need more authority. The Atlantic, 7 May 2012. Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/05/why-nurses-need-more-authority/256798/
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