NursingLink

The Spirit of Caring: Why I've Chosen a Career in Nursing

I’m a firm believer that if you want to do things well in life, your soul has to be content in doing those things. Rewards such as power, wealth, and recognition have no place in a content soul. We see these types of souls everyday in the “heroes” of our community…our police officers, firefighters, teachers, pastors, and nurses. We see it in anyone that diligently serves their community without regard for social or health status, race, culture, or personal gain. These are the folks you see checking their own life problems in at the door as they clock in, and putting the problems of others now ahead of their own. These are also the people you see carrying these careers for a lifetime, positively impacting hundreds of people along the way, even more content in their soul as each year passes. I chose the nursing field because I love caring for people, not that these other professions do not require you to care, but I think we can all agree that there is a special degree of caring within the nursing profession that suits only a choice few people. In becoming a nurse, I’ve developed a passion for caring. A passion I’ve never felt in anything I’ve done before. A passion that breeds contentment. Why? I’ve begun to explore the basic truths of caring for people and I’ve found these truths to be the reasons for lifelong soul contentment.
Caring knows no social status. Disease and death know no such boundaries; caring should be no different.
Caring does not discriminate. It knows no difference between sex or color, and thoughtfully and creatively transcends all cultures. It does not seek out beauty before those who are not beautiful, and it blindly looks past deformity.
Caring is nonjudgmental. Whether one has been a drug addict, been in a gang fight, or was in a car wreck because of driving drunk, caring looks past these circumstances, not only to heal their physical wounds but to help heal their emotional and psychological wounds as well.
Caring is firm, but generous in encouragement. We all know that the things that are good for us aren’t always comfortable or pleasant. Whether it be a lifestyle change such as smoking cessation or a diet change or taking those first steps the day after a surgery, Caring ensures that the patient knows what’s good for them and tirelessly encourages them to participate in their own treatment to facilitate prompt healing.
Caring teaches. It teaches how to avoid patterns of compromised health, how to make healthy choices, how to treat as well as how to cope with disease. Caring also sets the standard for others by practicing what it preaches.
Caring builds strength. If you’ve ever known someone who has been through a life crisis, such as cancer, or losing a home or loved one, chances are that their experience has made them a stronger person. Those caring for that individual made the difference and are at the root of their strength.
Caring heals. Sometimes caring isn’t enough to heal the actual disease process, but it can spiritually touch people and their families, helping them to cope and live with the disease and even to peacefully accept death.
Caring is contagious. The true spirit of caring spreads not only to your patient, but also to their families, your coworkers, and your friends and family. Your soul contentment shines in the things that you do and all of those around you can see it, and want if for themselves too. Those who are cared for somehow become enlightened, they thirst for knowledge and then want to pass it on, to reach others with an awareness of what they’ve been through and teach how to avoid, accept and cope when a crisis strikes others.
As I grow in my career, I’m sure I’ll learn more truths about caring for others that I’ll want to include here, and because of this, I cheerfully apologize for its incompleteness. I hope that as I mature, I’ll be able to add words of undeniable confirmation and encouragement for those who are considering to join the ranks of those who truly care, no matter what the profession. Is your soul content in all that you do?

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