Nursing - is it a calling?

I would love to be a Nurse and feel that after caring for many sick family members. Dispite the low pay, I still feel that it is the career for me.

Do you think Nursing is a Calling? and to any Nurses out there, what is it that made you do this job?

I am in nursing school and was drawn to it because of my desire to make a difference in the lives of others. And I'm not sure what you consider low pay but nurses make a decent living. But I don't think that it is a "calling". The people that become nurses do so because it is something that they are interested in and a lot of them have had some experience volunteering in a hospital setting or they have had a family member that was sick and had to be under the care of a nurse that really inspired them. I think you should go for it and not be intimidated! Being a nurse really keeps my life in perspective; after seeing people suffering everyday you keep in mind what's important in life. Nursing school will be rigorous but after you graduate you will have so many opportunities. Being a bedside nurse isn't the only option. For example, I've recently decided that after working for a few years I'm going to get my Master's and then teach at the university I attend now while continuing to work in a clinical setting. And did you know that you can get get your PhD in nursing? There are so many things that you can do as a nurse and you will always have job! Sorry this is so long, I'm just passionate about my career! I hope you go for it!!

People are tricked into thinking it is a 'calling' so they will tolerate shite money and no respect all their working lives.
Nursing doesn't primarily attract caring people...it attracts idiots.

I think it's a job you must love or have a passion for. I have been a carer and loved it. I couldn't do the nursing because I couldn't stomach that step from carer to medical issues like syringes and being cruel to be kind.

And the way the government treats it's nurses, you must go into it as a calling because there is little financial reward!

I don't think its a calling as such, just something you want to do certain jobs appeal to certain natured people you find it rewarding caring for people so good luck to you my friend, the moneys not that bad so its not exactly a charity.

My mum is a nurse, she enjoys helping people who are less fortunate than her. Its a great fufilling job. Mum got the job by doing lots of courses and then applied for a nursing job, and she got it.

Yes, If you aren't generally a caring eprson, and don't feel that you want to care for others, whats the point? trust me, if you've ever been under the care of a nurse who hated her job - you'd realise why it is a calling!!!

No, its a job like any other.

People do it for a financial consideration.

My Daughter is a nurse.
She is very able academically but chose nursing as she had an inherent desire to help others.

Hat's off to her and all Dr's & Nurses

I worked with Cancer/ Leukaemia patients for six years, and I truly loved my job. I found it very worthwhile, knowing I could give the best quality care to these people. Working with terminal patients, it makes you appreciate life so much more, I have had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic people, who to me are everyday heroes, for fighting and getting on with their lives, hardly complaining. I am honoured to have had these people touch my life and make me appreciate the quality of what life is about.
It affected me in 2005 when my Husband nearly died when he fell through a 20ft building and suffered a serious head injury and multiple injuries. I not only saw it from the Patients' perspective of what they were going through,but also how it affected the families. I left and did Dental Nursing for a year. I am now in the process of returning back to the Hospital to nurse again as I have missed the Patient contact and care I can give to the community. Nursing can be and is a very rewarding job. I say go for it, if you feel this is right for you.
Good luck & Blessings.

I think it is a "calling" in the sence that no one goes into nursing for the salaries (make very little $ for the amount of responsibility you have).

People who go into nursing, generally have a love of helping people and want to make a difference in peoples lives.

Dont let the low pay scare you. There are ways of making more money by bettering yourself within the profession (ie, more education, specializing, becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse anethistis, etc).

If you feel that Nursing is for you, then go for it.

You do have to be a certain kind of person to do it.
Yeah i think it's a calling - well i'm a returning nursing student - there is something in me thats needs to do it because i want to and enjoy nursing including the drawbacks, i do it because it's about the patients/clients for me - not myself.