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 might sound, the majority of us entered the profession of caring to help people within their toughest times. I often say that nursing is really a calling. That's why we to remain and stay on.

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

One of the best ways to do that is by recalling and sharing our stories. I learned the crucial importance of this when I study 2000 stories to choose the top 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 just why they stay.

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

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

What is your best story about being a student? That which was your first day of nursing school like? Who was simply the initial patient you ever cared for?

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

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

That which was the funniest thing that has ever happened to you as a nurse? What was the scariest? That which was just about the most emotional moments?

What patient left an impression on you? Which "healed" you or taught you an important life lesson?

What patient relative impressed you probably the most?

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

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

When did a doctor 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 have to be fancy or well written. (Your English teacher won't grade it.) Read your stories often. Share them with others, verbally even.

Many nurses have explained 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 a great idea. (Needless to say!) A different one equally great or better would be to share your own true stories at this time. One hospital I use calls these "Heart Moments."

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

Still other hospitals have "Best Story" contests. Just 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, then a prize is directed at the individual or department with the "Best Story." Some have different categories (funniest, most compassionate, etc) and multiple winners are awarded.

Although some people might say, "We don't have time for this," I submit that we must devote some 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 must 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 actually is a specialist on nurse recruitment and retention. To learn more about her books or presentations, visit
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