There I stood wearing gloves, a mask and an apron. His skin was cherry red from radiation, and he developed sores on his gums and esophagus. My 5-year-old brother just finished a hematopoietic stem cell transplant in hopes of eradicating his aggressive cancer, Neuroblastoma. The transplant left him extremely vulnerable to infection, so the apron and mask were mandatory precaution. During his treatment, I was exposed to the genuine love and concern the oncology nurses provided. Teresa quietly sang to my brother as she administered morphine to his IV. The second shift nurse would sit by his bed and tell him stories when he couldn’t sleep. I admired the nurses for their desire to help and care for complete strangers, and it was an experience I will never forget.
The compassion, selflessness, and patience of nurses with whom I have met have inspired and helped drive my passion for nursing. From observation and personal knowledge, I believe I embody the qualities and skills
required from a nurse. My brother’s battle with cancer has given me the empathy to care for others and the determination to make a difference. I am eager to combine the knowledge I will gain in graduate school with the skills I have acquired through experience.
One of my first experiences with patient care interaction was during an internship at a nursing home. While working there, I met a 94-year-old woman with macular degeneration; otherwise, she was in great health. The death of her husband and never having children had left her bitter and lonely in her old age. As an intern, it was my responsibility to read her the daily menu and assist with any personal needs. I wanted to do more, have a real impact on her life. I began stopping by her room to make conversation and help elevate her legs to reduce the swelling in her ankles. We often had the same conversation and I had to reintroduce myself at each visit, but knowing that I made her life a bit less lonely for a few hours each day was the...