Nursing Profiles

Sandra B.

Princeton, MN
RN; Couplet Care (Postpartum)

Nursing is different than what I expected. My grandmother was a nurse, my aunts and several cousins are also nurses so I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what the profession was all about, but it turns out that I didn't. Nursing is more than I ever imagined. As a nurse in the Navy I really get involved in patient's lives. I make a real difference in people's health and they remember me. I can see a patient on base that I treated months ago and they still come up to me and thank me for the care that I provided. It is immensely rewarding to know that you can touch someone's life in such a profound way. As a nurse, I am a well-respected member of the healthcare team as well as the community. Doctors really listen to my opinions. There is a mutual respect that flows between the nursing staff and the physicians. When I tell people I'm a nurse, people automatically acknowledge that I have a wide breadth of knowledge and they afford me a certain amount of respect before they even know me. Even at college, if people found out I was a nursing major I would have their respect because nursing was one of the toughest majors on campus. I have absolutely no concern whatsoever about ever being unemployed. I know that I can work anywhere because nurses are always needed. Coming out of college nurses have guaranteed jobs and very competitive starting salaries. Compared to my friends who are starting their careers in other professions I am making extremely good money. Nursing is hard and you have to have it in your heart if you want to pursue it as a career, but the rewards are worth it.