A lot of us know firsthand how Nursing is a tough profession requiring a unique blend of physical endurance, mental acuity, and emotional resilience. The demanding nature of our job, coupled with long hours and high-stakes responsibilities, poses a lot of challenges. We handle complex medical situations, we provide compassionate care to diverse patients, and handle the emotional weight that comes with the healthcare environment. That's why having the right mindset is very important in our profession.
With all the challenges in nursing, how can we maintain a strong and positive mindset?
Remember our WHY. Remind ourselves why we chose this profession. Our why is the fuel that drives us towards the things that we want to do. Reconnect with our initial motivations and sense of purpose.
I'll share with you my WHY. I actually made this as a voice memo on my phone so I can just listen to it when nursing life sometimes becomes just too much and too overwhelming for me.
“Why do I still love nursing even though sometimes it just doesn’t love me back? Yes, Nursing is undoubtedly a very challenging profession that’s physically and emotionally demanding that people will never truly understand unless you are a nurse. We work long shifts, are constantly on our feet, attend to numerous patients at a time, and we cope with the emotional toll of witnessing pain, suffering and death.
As I recall, getting that RN in my name and being a nurse in the US which I always call as the ‘American Dream’ has always been the goal but i tell you this, the American dream for me and any immigrant foreign educated nurse like me has never been an easy path. We needed to surpass a truckload of requirements, pass the NCLEX, added to that is the painful uncertainty of waiting to get that US visa to land a job here and then finally the anxiety of being in a foreign country by ourselves and starting from scratch.
Being a nurse is indeed difficult and complicated that I can never really describe in detail. Most days are really draining and when homesickness comes in, I question myself why I’m here and why I became a nurse but everything really does come with its own challenges and gratifications.
Moving to another country and being a nurse here definitely taught me a lot, a lot more than I ever learned if I stayed by all the comforts of my home in the Philippines. I've been to places, met really amazing people in my nursing journey, achieved goals and childhood dreams, helped a lot of people and became more independent. I’ve really grown (not in height though, haha!) from the 22 year old baby nurse that I've known before.
My understanding of the world and life itself has truly expanded. The gratifications of being a nurse extends way beyond just monetary benefits with a sense of purpose and a privilege to make a difference in the lives of others is so rewarding and incomparable.
So why do I still love Nursing even though sometimes it just doesn’t love me back? Because Nursing helped me who I am and where I am today.” -Lei, RN
So I'm urging you, take a moment to revisit and remember your why. I tell you, it’ll be life-changing and it’ll change your perspective, it’ll help you stay grounded and inspired in our profession.
Share your WHY and inspire other nurses as well.
Share it to hello@nursestrong.co
I can’t wait to hear yours! 🤍