According to the International Council of Nurses: "Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles."
In my opinion, the above statement represents what "Nursing" means to me. Prior to my considering Nursing as a profession or career, I thought of nursing as a field that solely concentrated on caring for the sick. With acquired knowledge, education and experience, I got to realize that nursing is not limited to solely caring for the sick. As stated above is it inclusive of promotion of health, prevention of iillness among other roles.
There are various reasons why people choose nursing as a profession - ranging from their love of helping other people to job security, particularly during this economic climate. I would say that my reasons for wanting to be a nurse falls between this range. I love caring for people and most of all I love the versatility and flexibility of the profession. Having experienced some months of nursing care, encouragement and education at the NICU when my twins were born premature at TMH, I knew that I could use my experience to help others. Moreover, I need the flexible schedule available with the profession to be able to care for my children.
On a final note, I know and have seen that those who choose this profession for all the wrong reasons, whatever they are, never get job satisfaction - no matter how much money they make and invariably miss the key roles of the nursing profession.
Theresa
