Whether you are a stay at home parent, a nurse, or an Olympic Gold Medal winner like Simone Biles or Michael Phelps… do you know your ‘why’?
A stay at home parent’s ‘why’ could be to raise a beautiful child into a nurse or an Olympic athlete. An Olympic Gold medal winner’s ‘why’ could be to inspire millions of young athletes to do whatever it is they love. I work with nurses every single day and my favorite question to ask is “Why do you enjoy being a nurse?”
Here are some of their responses.
I just wanted to be able to help people. It is about understanding that these are people and they need my help. I just love working with people, I get to know them and their families and build rapport.
– Joyce M, RN
I got into nursing because I used to work with the developmentally disabled. I met a nurse practitioner who had a counseling practice and she ran it out of her home. I thought that I would like to do something like that because I really enjoy helping people. Once I got into nursing I saw that I could help them right away and have an immediate impact. I also love to keep learning and nursing is something where you always have something new to learn.
– Katherine M, RN
I have performed direct patient care in the hospital setting for over 18 years. There came a point in time where I felt the need to transition from the 12 hour shifts. I still desired to advocate for safe, quality patient care. I was fortunate to become employed by Aureus Medical as a quality assurance RN. In this position I have the ability to affect the care of patients across the United States and Hawaii. Aureus is committed to finding quality medical personnel for their clients so it was a perfect match. I love my position and look forward to many more years of advocating for patients and nurses.
– Judy R, RN
I was an office manager for a long time and wanted something more. I started asking around for different careers and for something that offered more stability. There were also some illnesses in my family that ultimately impacted my decision to become a nurse. It is my favorite career ever!!!
– Denese A, RN
When I was four, my sister was born, and when she was 9 months old we found out she had epilepsy. Due to her frequent seizures, I spent a lot of time in hospitals when I was growing up. The nurses not only took care of my sister, they took care of me as well. They would bring me coloring books and crayons, and cookies and juice, while I sat in the waiting rooms at the hospital. I told my parents I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up so I could take care of people like my sister. I love being a nurse because I know from experience that nurses make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a blessing to be able to do that, and now, I make a difference in thousands of people’s lives through the employees we work with, and all of the people they care for.
– Lousie B, RN
These answers are why I love asking that question, you get to feel what they feel every day.
My ‘why’ as a father is seeing my children grow up to be the best version of themselves. I will be the positive influence in their lives, just like my parents were to me.
My ‘why’ as a husband is seeing my wife smile every single day. Nothing makes me happier or makes all negative things disappear, like seeing my wife’s smile.
My ‘why’ as a leader is to seeing my team achieve their goals personally and professionally. Their success is our success.
So I ask you… What is your ‘Why’?
Mike Maxey is a Branch Manager for the Nursing division of Aureus Medical Group.