I have been a critical nurse for 4 years but I have been in nursing for more than 20 years. I started as a certified nursing assistant, advanced to licensed practical nurse (LPN), and finally received a BSN degree in 2007.

I enjoy nursing because when I go to work, I do something for somebody other than myself. I care for and help patients, and even just a smile or listening can mean a lot to someone who feels vulnerable. I really enjoy critical care nursing because it requires constant critical thinking and moving.

I remember the first patient who passed away while I was present. It was my first day on the floor. She was a cancer patient and she wanted to keep smoking until the very end. She passed away in the elevator, on her way to have a smoke. I thought it was extraordinary that the nurses...

You do not currently have access to this content.