Document: ADMAGAZINE_MAIN_1ST_02-09-09_NURSINGWINTER9_B_M_9_44444;Page: 1;Trim size: (8.375 x 10.875 ");Plate: Composite;Date: 22 Jan, 2009 07:39:28
Photo: Marc Lebryk
Ruth Roper,asenior staff nurse at Wishard’sBlackburnHealth Center,has held avariety of nursingpositions, from assisting duringsurgerytocaring for cancer patients.
In arecent survey of local nurses (see assisting during surgerytocaring for cancer Mooresville,began her career as aregistered
Page 15),the vast majoritysaid theychose patients.But she knows her best fit is in dietitian.But she was dissatisfied with her
to become nurses“to make adiffe rence and labor and deliverywhere“happier outcomes” career options,and amentor suggested she
help others.”But other reasons w erecited, areexperienced daily. pursue asecond bachelor’s degree in nursing.
too.Somenurses came from afamilyof “Ijust fellin love with the OB/GYN part “Istarted investigating that and saw that
health care workers.Others wereinspired of nursing,”Roper said.“Everynurse has a it wasn’t just bedside nursing,”said Comer,
by nurses who caredfor them during their calling to what her field should be.” who nowworks in intensivecare.“There’sso
ownorafamilymember’s illness.Stillothers muchmoreflexibility, and you’re able to do
wereintrigued by the job opportunities Ahost of opportunities | While some moredifferent jobs.”
—and job security—the profession offers. nurses describe their profession as acalling,
Afamily affair |others choose the career
Nursing tends to be anAlifelong passion | Some nurses never for amorepractical
inherited career:Manyreallychose their professionatall.Instead, reason:the opportunity
nurses saytheychose thetheysay,theysimplywereborntobea for advancement.
professiontoemulatenurse,and theydescribe the professionas In the current
afamilymember theytheir calling. economy,nursing
admire.In the nurse“I’ve wanted to be anurse since Iwas a educationprograms are
survey,for example,onelittle girl,so it’s alwaysbeen prettyclear,” experiencing aflood of
nurse said she was athird-said Susan Duckwall,RN,president of applicants,primarily
generationnurse —andInterim HealthCareofIndianapolis. because potential nurses
the seventh in her family.Forthese nurses,the questionisnot, recognizethe profession
Others tellasimilar story.“Should Ibeanurse?”but rather,“What as secureevenintough
OneisErinHeavin,kind of nurse should Ibe?”Fortunately, times.Applicants also
yk whoworksintheneonatalthe nursing field offers avarietyofoptions, knowthat anursing
Lebr intensivecareunitatSt.suchasadministration,educationand degree opens doors
Marc VincentWomen’s Hospital.bedside care. to avarietyof
Heavin’s mother,DebbieRuth Roper,asenior staff nurse at career opportunities. Photo:
Susan Duckwall, RN, president of Interim McClay, acardiacnurseWishard’sBlackburnHealth Center,has Julie Comer,anurse
HealthCare of Indianapolis, considers nursing atSt.VincentHospital,held avarietyofnursing positions,from at St.Francis Hospital–
to be her calling.
1ST Indiana Nursing Quarterly ∼ Winter 2009 • 9
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