Why I Want to Be a Nurse: Skills, Values, and Purpose

Introduction: The Call to Nursing

I want to be a nurse because nursing is a deeply gratifying career. What other profession allows you to be a leader, a team player, a caregiver, a mother figure, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a listener, a learner, an educator, an advocate, a representative, and at times even an artist — all within a single 12-hour shift? By becoming a nurse, I will have the privilege of working with people from all walks of life and providing care that leaves a lasting impression. Each day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives, and possibly even to save a life. For me, there is no greater reward than that. As a nurse, I will witness people at their most vulnerable and, at times, at their very best.

To be an effective nurse, I will need to be caring, understanding, and non-judgmental, with a strong capacity for empathy toward patients from every background. Strong communication and active listening skills are essential qualities for any nurse. I will need to communicate clearly with doctors, patients, and coworkers in a fast-paced environment, follow physicians' orders precisely, and take accurate notes when required.

Core Personal and Interpersonal Skills

As a nurse, I will also need a sharp eye for anything out of the ordinary — whether that involves unusual wounds, changes in behavior, or anything that simply does not seem right. Patients may not always be able to identify or describe where a problem lies, so it will be my responsibility to observe, assess, and act accordingly.