Notes

Why Am I Still A Nurse Anyway?
Most nurses didn't choose this career because of great hours and working conditions. As trite as it may sound, the majority of us entered the profession of caring to greatly help people within their toughest times. I often say that nursing is really a calling. That's why we sign on and stay on.

Yet on the times once the workload is too great, on the days that people can't take all the pain away, after the shift when we go home with achy feet and achy hearts, those will be the days we must be reminded of why we do what we do. We need to reignite our passion for nursing.

One of the best ways to do this is by recalling and sharing our stories. I learned the key need for this when I read over 2000 stories to choose the very best 101 for Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, then 2000 more for the next edition, the Second Dose. Clearly, when nurses share their stories, they remember why they entered this profession, and why they stay.

What are your stories? To put the fire back in your belly for nursing, take time to recall them.

When do you realize you wanted to be a nurse? Was it when you bandaged a nearby cats or reluctant little brothers? Was it when you saw someone role modeling what it had been like to become a great nurse? Did you watch a compassionate nurse look after someone you love?

What is your very best story about being truly a student? What was your first day of nursing school like? Who was simply the initial patient you ever looked after?

When was the first time you (nearly) fainted? (Or better yet, whenever your classmate did!)

For us "seasoned" nurses, how did you are feeling once you received your nursing pin or donned your cap for the first time? (Tell the "young" nurses just what a cap was!)

That which was the funniest thing which has ever happened for you as a nurse? What was the scariest? What was probably the most emotional moments?

What patient left the feeling on you? Which "healed" you or taught you a significant life lesson?

What patient relative impressed you probably the most?

Who was a popular mentor or the one who "showed you the ropes?" Why was he / she so special?

How perhaps you have grown as an individual because you certainly are a nurse?

When did a health care provider educate you on a lesson or two? When did you teach a doctor a lesson or two?

What are other special memories about people or medical circumstances?

Reminisce often about these caring moments. Scribble them down in a spiral notebook or journal. It generally does not need to be fancy or well crafted. (Your English teacher won't grade it.) Read your stories often. Share them with others, verbally even.

Many nurses have told me that, to begin with their shifts with inspiration and hope, they together read a story from Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul. That is clearly a great idea. (Of course!) Another one equally great or better is to share your personal true stories at this time. One hospital I work with calls these "Heart Moments."

At other hospitals where I do retention events, I learned they created their very own book of stories written by staff. What a great way to boost morale and retention.

Still other hospitals have "Best Story" contests. What a wonderful way to engage employees as each department gathers and chooses the most notable stories from their unit. Sometimes I may be the final judge, a prize is directed at the average person or department with the "Best Story." Some have different categories (funniest, most compassionate, etc) and multiple winners are awarded.

While some people might say, "We don't possess time because of this," I submit that people must take time make time to enrich our spirits and soothe our souls and reignite our passion for nursing.

We answered the calling to care. Our stories prove the privilege we need to literally touch and save lives.

That is surely the best calling of all.

LeAnn Thieman LPN, CSP, CPAE is really a Hall of Fame Speaker and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, Second Dose. She is an expert on nurse recruitment and retention. For more information about her books or presentations, visit
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