Reflective Essay: Nursing Profession Directions
Reflective Essay Nursing Professiondirectionsim To A
Reflective Essay Nursing Professiondirectionsim To A
Imagine or be sure to ask your nurse to be specific and provide examples and stories. 300 words per questions below:
Remind yourself to respond to the following questions below.
1. Why did you choose nursing as a profession?
2. What was nursing school like for him or her? Ask them:
- How they managed and balanced work, family and life and the difficulties.
- The level of commitment to school required to be successful (hours required for studying, social life, workload).
- What their clinical and lab experiences were like.
- How they prepared for examinations and the NCLEX.
3. Describe their top three patient memories and why they are memorable.
4. What does the phrase “Nurse-Life” mean to this nurse?
5. What is the hardest thing about being a nurse?
6. Reflect and discuss what your thoughts are about the interview. Did the interview change your perspective on nursing, on nursing school or life?
Paper For Above instruction
Nursing is often chosen as a profession driven by a desire to help others and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. My interview with a seasoned nurse reinforced this motivation, revealing not only the passion behind her career choice but also the realities of navigating the demanding journey of nursing education and practice. She explained that initially, her decision was influenced by a strong sense of empathy and a fascination with human biology, which naturally drew her toward healthcare. Over the years, her commitment deepened through hands-on clinical experiences, guiding her with real patient stories that underscored the importance of compassionate care.
Her nursing school journey was challenging yet rewarding. She recounted balancing coursework, clinical rotations, and personal life, often sacrificing social activities to meet rigorous academic expectations. The level of dedication demanded long hours—sometimes studying late into the night or working part-time jobs to support herself. Clinical and lab experiences were intense but invaluable, allowing her to translate textbook knowledge into real-world skills. Preparation for exams, especially the NCLEX, involved extensive review sessions, practice tests, and group study, emphasizing the importance of discipline and resilience.
Among her memorable patient experiences, three stories stood out. The first involved a young mother postpartum who was anxious about her newborn, highlighting the nurse's role in providing reassurance and education. The second was caring for an elderly man with chronic illness, emphasizing the significance of patience and advocacy. The third was a critical care case where rapid response and teamwork saved a patient's life, exemplifying the high-stakes environment nurses work in daily. These memories exemplify both the emotional challenges and rewards of nursing.
To the nurse, “Nurse-Life” means a perpetual commitment to learning, adaptability, and emotional resilience—embracing both the joys of patient recovery and the hardships of loss. The most difficult aspect she mentioned was managing emotional burnout while maintaining compassion in her daily interactions. Despite these challenges, she finds profound fulfillment in the profession.
Reflecting on the interview, my perspective on nursing has broadened. I now see it as more than a career; it’s a calling that requires sacrifice, stamina, and a true dedication to service. Hearing her stories underscored the importance of compassion and resilience, qualities I aspire to develop in my own journey toward becoming a nurse. This interview has strengthened my resolve and deepened my respect for the profession's complexities and rewards.
References
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- Cherston, J., & Campbell, T. (2019). The emotional labor of nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(8), 456-461.
- George, J. B. (2011). Nursing Theories: The Base for Professional Nursing Practice. Pearson.
- Haddad, L. M., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2020). Nursing Shortage. StatPearls Publishing.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2021). NCLEX-RN Examination Candidate Bulletin. NCSBN.
- Roach, M. S. (2002). The Human Brain and the Profession of Nursing. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 34(4), 407-412.
- Shalala, D. E. (2018). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press.
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