Personal Statement: A Career As A Nurse

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Toileting patients all day long, giving bed baths and performing guaiac stool tests, to name a few, can make me feel as though I am an inconsequential member of the healthcare system. I am a nursing assistant. Working as a nursing assistant presents me with ample challenges and strenuous situations each day. However, after a regular twelve hour shift at the hospital observing the interactions of doctors, nurses, patients and family members, I feel as though I have the advantage. I am the face that is seen the most by each of my patients. I get to know who they are as a person, not just as another body in a hospital bed. I learn about their interests, their families, their strengths and their weaknesses. I quickly gather what makes them anxious, …show more content…

I always knew that my life would be centered on service and at the time, I thought I was going to fulfill that through clinical psychology. However, the vision of my future was blurry. Even though this career choice reflected my personality well, I realized it was not my passion. I decided to enroll in a nursing course called Death and Dying. It was one of the best decisions I had made in all four years. The class was taught by a retired Nurse Practitioner. Her passion for nursing was inspiring and influential. I always looked forward to her class and was eager to listen to all of the wonderful stories of her career as a nurse. About one week into the semester, she showed us a documentary about a pediatric oncology nursing floor. It took you through the lives of four patients with terminal cancer diagnoses. Most importantly, it allowed you to experience the emotions of everyone involved in the care plan with emphasis on the nurse-patient relationship. Something visceral happened to me as I was watching this film. I finally could see my future. This was exactly the kind of service that I want to dedicate my life to. The relationship and connection between the nurse and the patient was heartening to witness. It’s all about developing trust and establishing communication while maintaining proper

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