by Jana Smith
I graduated with a degree in biology thinking that I wanted to be a microbiologist. Shortly after graduating I was offered a job at an assisted living center, and realized how I loved to care for people and see how much they really appreciated what I did for them. It brought me a lot of joy to see the gratitude in their eyes and to know they sincerely appreciated me. It was then that I realized becoming a microbiologist was not the path I was supposed to take, it was nursing.
My grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years ago, and I love to take care of her in the same manner. It has been very hard for me to see someone that love very much start to decline in such a way that makes me feel like I’m helpless in a way.
Another reason why I chose to become a nurse is because when my grandmother’s disease progresses to a point where she cannot take care of herself any longer, I want the ability to be her nurse. I want to make sure she is taken care of and know that I have accomplished my goal and am able to make sure she does not have to suffer.
When I graduate, I plan to use my degree working in the emergency room in a hospital. While working at a hospital, I plan to continue my education and earn my nurse practitioner’s degree.
