Nursing to me is more than simply caring for a patients needs and medication. The patient of a nurse can extend to the parents or children of the actual patient. In my experience with my daughter the nurse kept the sanity of both me and my wife intact. They took the time to explain what was happening and what kind of things to expect from treatment that went well beyond that of the required simple warning. The nurse helps enforce the privacy, concerns and requests of the patient and family. When we did not want any med students (who were mostly ignorant of my daughter's disease) to bother us the nurses made sure to stop them at the door. Even when we had to get out of the room for a while they stayed to watch over my daughter to give a few hours of essential relief. Babysitter is not in the job description but was essential for our survival. Nurses care for the patents physical and mental health. They perform at a level well beyond a doctor as an advocate for every one of their patients. With few exceptions (Dr.S, and Dr. H), I have never seen a doctor care for a patient more than a nurse.
My desire to become a nurse was in many parts. We moved from NC to FL and getting a job in my field of education was difficult due to a lack of jobs. I did secure a position but my spouse is attempting to gain employment in a field that would require frequent moving. I needed a job that was in need anywhere we might end up. The new job would have to be one of a decent wage commensurate of my education. I am thinking possibly a teacher or nurse. Not an abundance of choices. Then my daughter is diagnosed and we spend months inpatient with her to care for her as she gets treated. My preconceptions of what a nurse is and does were completely wrong. I interact well with people and always have a strong desire to help as they did. Thinking that I would have the chance to do so much good for others in a repayment for the help we were given by our daughter's nurses. I may not be able to completely live up to them but I will always try.
I want to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. My experiences to date have given me a better understanding and I can truly empathize with the parents of the children I would be treating. This would help the parents cope with the treatment, numerous side-effects, absorb the unexpected emotions associated with the daily roller-coaster status of the child. My only apprehension is that as a male people may not see me as having a more nurturing side towards caring for a younger patient.
