The September issue of the NJ Nurse President’s Box features the responses of the accelerated bachelor’s in science nursing (ABSN) students to the question: “At this time in your life, after already obtaining your bachelor’s degree in another program, why did you choose nursing?”
This specific ABSN program spans 16-months and includes seven-week hybrid classes. With their prerequisites behind them, these students are eager and somewhat anxious to embark on their second degree as ABSN nursing students. They began their first semester of the nursing program during late Spring of 2024.
Question: “At this time in your life after already obtaining your bachelor’s degree in another program why did you want to become a nurse?”
“I grew up around healthcare, my father is a physician, and my mother is a dentist, so I’ve always been in a healthcare setting. My dad bought me my first pair of scrubs at the age of 5 that read “Doctor in Training”. I knew that I wanted to be a nurse by the time I was in high school, but I also knew myself and knew I was not mature enough to start fresh out of high school. I looked into my options and thought that the accelerated track was what for best for me.”
“I want to become a nurse because of my current affiliation with the Medical Service Corps in the U.S. Army. I currently work as a Treatment Platoon Leader, and a charge nurse where I work the logistics of the treatment room overseeing doctors, PAs, and nurses. Seeing my soldiers working in the treatment room and having to cover during the night made me as a leader want to help them in any way I can. They inspired me to learn more about treatment and how I can also assist in treating people in need which was a major influence on me becoming a nurse.”
“I studied Nutrition and Food Science for my bachelors. I chose to study nursing because I wanted to enter healthcare to assist people who may not have the financial means to access quality medical care. Nursing, in particular, emphasizes holistic care and provides a broader training scope. Therefore, I opted for nursing over other healthcare programs. Thank you.”
“My reasons for desiring to become a nurse and work in underserved communities stems from my personal experiences of growing up in a low-income, single parent family throughout childhood to adulthood. My single parent family story is about how my father died when I was two years old in 1995 (I was only an infant). My dad, died at a very young age of 39 from Cardiomyopathy heart disease. He was a hard-working family man who served both as a Fireman, a Captain of the Firehouse and paramedic. My dad’s desire to help and serve people in their most troubling threatening moments is what motivated me to become a nurse and help rescue patients in their most dire need moments just like my father once did saving people from the ravaging, burning buildings and delivering babies.
‘My mother is a nurse, and I always knew I was going to be a nurse. I originally studied forensic anthropology at Tennessee State University. As a forensic anthropologist, I studied bones of people who were deceased. I can examine a bone and discern their age, sex and more. The most interesting piece is now I will be working with patients who are alive and will have the chance to make a real difference.”
“My desire to pursue nursing stems from a passion for nurturing and caring for individuals during their most vulnerable moments. Having worked as a Medical Receptionist and a current Nursing Assistant, I’ve discovered a profound sense of purpose in nursing that I am eager to pursue further through my ABSN degree. I am confident that with dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for patient care, I will contribute meaningfully to my community using the skills and knowledge gained during the ABSN program.”
“I have always been interested in healthcare but was not sure where I fit. While I have a background in research, I decided to pursue nursing while working as an intern in the behavioral health clinic of a pediatric hospital. I was encouraged to shadow any of the employees there but found myself drawn to the nurses. I felt like those nurses were superstars and I found myself thinking “I wish I could do what they are doing” and then I realized I can! While working at the clinic, I have witnessed how far a nurse’s advocacy and empathy go to truly make a difference and I look forward to the day I can contribute to that.”
Throughout the seven weeks that I taught the ABSN students I witnessed their passion for patient care and their commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh perspectives are a reminder of why I chose this noble profession in the first place. Furthermore, their responses to the one question that I posed is a source of immense hope for the future of healthcare.
As an experienced nurse, I feel I have the responsibility to guide and mentor these future professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to face the challenges of healthcare.
Sincerely,
Sandy
