modus vivendi: our response#links#links

modus vivendi: our response#links#links

Why Am I a Nurse?

To be or not to be.
That was the dilemma as my mother and I stood before the college admission window contemplating my future. I remember my mamang telling me about a majority of my cousins venturing into health care and most of them have gone to the great US of A for greener pastures, for comfortable living and for the green dollars.
When I was a child, an old Chinese friend once did a palm reading on me. I used to think that he was quite fond of me and he looked at me and told me that i will do good in commerce. My old friend is long gone now but I remember him with fondness and of that particular day. As it turned out, I didn't want to disappoint my mother who wanted the best for her daughter. And there, the decision was taken. With a heavy heart, I said 'YES'. I will do nursing and remembered again my old friend feeling sorry that i had to disappoint his prophecy. My elder sister was already into her second year of nursing and as a matter of routine, I always had seconds handed down to me. And so my books and uniforms were all seconds from my sister. I had no complainst. I never complained. That was the most practical thing as my three other brothers were all in school yet.
Entry to the nursing school wasn't easy. There was an IQ test for all applicants, nursing being a tough course, and therefore only suited for the best. Luckily, i scored well and was in top 5 . So, it was smooth entry and beginning into the world of nursing. The first three months was basically theoretical. We had to learn the basics of nursing and practiced all thse procedures we were supposed to perform with the patients. Then the big day for all of us..the Capping Ceremony..the most coveted nursing cap. I topped the class and was honored and the next day, the real nursing job began. Scheduling between hospital duties, researches , family visits and classes..i didnt feel much strain because I began to love and enjoy what I was doing. So much so that social life became synomymous with the smell of a hospital. The years dragged by and I graduated with honors, took the board exams and passed. I am a nurse today, proud of my achievements and my contributions to all those people i nursed and cared for.
Material rewards for 'nursing' is nothing compared to the feeling of spiritual upliftment I experienced everytime I see happy smiles on all those faces, which, were contorted in pains.
To be or not to be?