A number of young nurses share with MAGNET why they became nurses, their sources of satisfaction and frustration, their dreams and plans, as well as touching experiences they have had. We thank Sr. Carmeline MSA, Nursing Superintendent at St. Francis School of Nursing, Ajmer, for collecting the nurses’ responses, and Sr. Mariola Sequeira MSA for coordinating this initiative.
We asked the nurses the following questions:
- Why did you decide to become a nurse?
- What is attractive about it?
- What are the difficulties?
- Are you planning to work in India or go abroad?
- What do experienced nurses tell you about their work and life?
- What are some of your touching experiences as a nurse?
Here is a summary of their responses, with their name and age in brackets.
Touching experience: Childbirth:
“I did not decide to become a nurse, but my parents forced me. Later, the white uniform attracted me.
Though there are inconveniences of hostel life and duties along with studies, these didn’t become difficulties.
I love to work in NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit), but, after marriage, we are do not allowed to do night duty. I love to work in India. The most touching experience was when I did the first delivery case in the labour room, all alone, without any assistance.” (Sarika Veronica, 26)
Balancing personal and professional life difficult:
“I became Nurse because my parents wanted me to. The nursing profession is attractive, because it is the best way to serve people, and a source of income too.
“Difficulties: heavy duty, which can be very exhausting.
“I am planning to go abroad.
“An experienced person told me that it is a good job, but difficult to find equilibrium between personal life and professional life.” (Anjali, 25)
Inspired by Mother Teresa and Graham Staines:
“I like nursing because since my childhood, I love children and old people. As a child I watched the life of Mother Teresa and Graham Staines. That also influenced me in choosing to be a nurse.
“What attracts me to this profession is money and life abroad.
“Difficulties: Being away from family; no time to talk to parents. Due to my financial problem I worked abroad for three years. But after that, because of the impact of Mother Teresa and Graham Staines, I came back to India and married a missionary pastor. In future, I want to become like Mother Teresa.
“The most touching experience: I got rheumatoid arthritis while I was in Singapore, but God healed me and now I got a chance to serve in a hospital run by missionaries (Mission Sisters of Ajmer).” (B. Arockia Christy, 30)
Handling family, kids and job a challenge:
“I became a Nurse because I like giving nursing care especially to the new born.
“While doing duty, I get mental satisfaction.
“Difficulties: Irritable companions of patients and rules and regulations of the management.
“I am an Indian; I like to work in India only.
“Experienced nurses told me that it is difficult to handle family, kids and job together.” (Priyanka Monika)
Not enough time with family:
“Since my family members are in the medical line, so they guided me to take up nursing. It is attractive because it is a social service, taking care of sick person and many opportunities to learn many things.
“No, I do not want to go abroad.
“Experienced nurses are happy, but they get no time to spend with their families and other social activities.” (Mrs Swapna, 26)
Moved by a patient’s smile:
“I chose this profession in order to serve my nation. The poor and sick who need us many times, are deprived of good health care. The country is facing challenges to free people from illness. Everyone has the right to live a healthy life.
“My inspiration to choose the nursing profession came from a patient whom I was serving. His smile moved me deeply.
“I have no plans to go abroad. Since my parents have done so much for me, I want to remain with my family and serve my country. I enjoy a sense of belongingness to my nation.
“An experienced nurse told me that it is a risky job, very hectic and, at times, there is no satisfaction in life.” (Rajaram Vaishnav, 30)
The heart of the hospital:
“I wanted to go for medical profession because since childhood I was impressed by my uncle who is a doctor. I want to serve people.
“What attracted me to nursing is that doctors only come and prescribe medicines, but nurses are there with the patient for twenty-four hours, providing nursing care with love and compassion. Nurses are the heart of the hospital. If the heart is not working, then the body has no value.
“I want to work in India only.
“An experienced nurse told me that it is a service and we will get the satisfaction from our work. Many blessings will come from the patient and from God.” (Kirti Bhati, 22)
Inspired by a nurse’s devotion:
“I had another ambition in my life. But instead of that, I joined nursing to make my dream true. I am satisfied at present but in future I will fulfil my ambition.
“The most touching experience I had was when I saw a nurse serving the patient with devotion. The most important quality is devotion and to remain calm and cool under pressure.
“I have not faced any difficulties since I am only a final year student and yet to work independently.
“I want to serve my country and not to do a job only to earn money.
“An experienced person shared that it is a profession where we get satisfaction though there are difficulties of duties and family problems.” (Kumari, 22)
Opportunities to learn much:
“I have become a nurse because I like the nursing profession. It is attractive because nursing give satisfaction after serving the patient. There are many difficulties of staff shortage, heavy work and night duty.
“Yes, I am planning to go abroad. An experienced nurse told me that nursing is a good profession. It gives opportunities to learn much.” (Amal Thankachan, 23)
Psychological support to the patient:
“The main reason for my becoming a nurse was to be able to serve, love, care and give psychological support to the patient. I believe that fifty percent of the illness of a patient will be reduced by my presence.
“The most touching experience is seeing a patient feeling very happy and grateful on getting well again.
“The difficulty I face is that not much importance is given to the nurse’s health and well-being. She is called on duty even when she is not well.
“I want to serve abroad and in India.
“An experienced person shared that it is a profession that is good yet challenging.” (Sr. Christy, 29)
Hard to see a baby struggle and die:
“I decided to become a nurse because my mother and sister are nurses. And since childhood, I have seen my mother taking care of patients with devotion.
“What attracts me to this profession is that nurses never think of themselves but serve the patients with love and compassion. They are living angels to people.
“The only difficulty I have faced is when the new born baby is struggling for life and dies. I have felt helpless and I am not able to face that.
“Since childhood I have an ambition to work abroad.
“An experienced person shared that we get many blessings and peace.” (Jinu Alex, 21)
To subscribe to the magazine Contact Us
