As I consider why I have chosen to pursue a Doctor of Nursing degree and become a Family Nurse Practitioner, a quote from the American poet Maya Angelou comes to mind, “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” I was first drawn to nursing when I was in and out of hospitals at the age of 12. I was diagnosed with polymyositis, an autoimmune disease that deceives the antibodies to attack major muscle groups.
In between chemo treatments and surgeries, I was saturated with compassion from the nurses. I remember when I couldn’t lift the spoon to eat I began to cry. The nurse hugged me and stayed by my side. That tiny gesture made all the difference. I have been on the receiving end of the philosophy that nurses pride themselves on. Although I no longer remember the names or faces of the nurses, their empathic care will stay with me for the rest of my life. …show more content…
I would often speak with them after class to grasp their experiences working in their specialty and earning the degrees. The desire to earn my own DNP degree were beginning. As a nursing student interning on a cardiac floor I began to develop a sturdy identity as a nurse. Then and now I am continually astounded at the tremendous impact nurses have on the lives of our patients.
At the same time, I was treating patients who often asked me and the nurses for treatment suggestions. I began to consider how much better I could care for my patients as a nurse practitioner. To accomplish my professional goals of practicing at the level I desired, while serving patients in the community, I needed to become a Family Nurse