Phuong Tran

Dr. Stacy Stuewe

English 1301-20142
November 12, 2014
Alternative Project
When we look up the word nurse in the dictionary, we will read something like
somebody who cares for a sick person. Thinking about it seems easy; however, I believe that
there is more into nursing than that simple definition. Being a nurse is a very influential and
rewarding profession. Nurses care for people through illness, injury, pain, loss, dying, grieving,
birth, growth, aging and health. They not only care for people through illness, but they also
promote health, prevent diseases, and educate the public.
For this assignment I was able to interview Bella Nguyen RN, BSN. Her current position
is Director of Medical Surgical Nursing for Capital Health. Her position places her over top of
seven nursing units between two facilities in Jefferson, MO. She enrolled at Tarrant County
Community College to obtain her Associates. She went to Texas University at Arlington after
graduating from TCC, and received her Bachelors in Nursing in 2003. Lastly she is currently
enrolled at the Baylor University, and has a prospective graduation of 2011 with her Masters
Degree in Nursing. Bella has worked in many clinical jobs, both in and out of the hospital.
Initially she began her nursing carrier as a medical surgical nurse shortly after graduation. After
she gained experience, she worked in the emergency room only to return to med-surge and onto
her obstetric and pediatric clinical rotations. Bella told me to become a nurse I will have to take
anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other social science

courses. I will also need clinical experience. There are three educational paths that I can choose:
a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associates degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved
nursing program. Employment of registered nurses from 2010 to 2020 will grow up to 26
percent, which is much faster than any other occupation (Brandi Brown). Opportunity to find a
job in this profession is excellent. When it comes to work environment, registered nurses spend a
lot of time standing, walking, bending a lifting, so back stress is a very common issue. Because
nurses are surrounded by patients who have infectious diseases, they have to follow strict rules to
protect their health. Schedules in a hospital are very flexible, there are a large variety of shifts, so
there are a lot of choices to find a schedule that will fit the best. Also there are many promotion
opportunities for nurses. Register nurses begin work as staff nurses in hospital. Bella told me the
first time she truly touched a person's life, although the encounter was brief, was surprisingly
fulfilling. A strong feeling of accomplishment and self-worth spread rapidly throughout her body
and soul that no average "good deed" has ever accomplished. The people she sees are mostly
physically sick, handicapped, or in some kind of physical pain. They were coming into the
hospital because they knew that nurses and doctors could help them with their knowledge,
experience, and deep wills to help others. She found herself helping one person after another and
she realized that helping others gave her a lot of joy because she knew that she was able to make
a difference in someones life.
The BLS reports the median salary for a registered nurse was $65,470 in 2012. The bestpaid 10 percent of RNs made more than $94,720, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than
$45,040. In 2012, the highest median salaries were earned by nurses working in government,
hospitals and home health care (Jada Graves). A special note on gender and pay here, many
contend that there is an income disparity between male nurses and female nurses with so many

myths and gender stereotypes about male nurses floating around. Although it is not definitive,
most salary surveys I reviewed show that male and female nurses earn roughly equal pay
(averaging at $45K-$55K year). Pay should be based on duties performed, not gender. Unless it
is earned through years of service or specialty, increased pay based on a persons sex is a form of
discrimination.
A reason for my decision to become a nurse is Bella. She suggested that I become one. I
choose to get my diploma first, and then after finding a job, continue my education and try to get
a bachelors degree, to have a better job prospects. As a nurse, I can find a job in medical and
surgical hospitals, offices of physicians, home health care services, and nursing care facilities.
Also I can work with the military, in correctional facilities, or educational services. Her stories
from the hospital inspired me and made me realize that nursing is truly for me. She says that the
feeling of giving yourself to a complete stranger in their greatest time of need is like no other
feeling on earth. I truly believe that I am suited to become a nurse. I am honest and open to
communication, and these are also important traits that a nurse needs. Nurses are the main
communication link between the patient and the doctor. They also often interact with family
members by being empathetic to their loved ones illness. Personally, having the opportunity to
impact someone every day is very powerful. The words I use, my actions, and my attitude can
help another human being to heal, and that is something that I will remember all throughout my
life. Nursing is one of the few careers that not only help others, but it also helps the professional.
It is a profession that is exciting, ever changing, diverse, and allows opportunity for learning
something new every day. The work is tough, but in the end of the day, I will say that this is that
path that I chose and I am proud of it. Then I will remember that feeling of helping a complete
stranger and at that moment, I will feel rewarded.

Works Cited
Brown, Brandi. "How to Become a Nurse." - Ask.com. N.p., 20 July 2011. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
Graves, Jada A. "Registered Nurse: Salary." Registered Nurse Salary Information. U.S. News &
World Report LP, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2014
Anna, Maria. "Nursing Jobs Specialties" StudyMode.com. 10 2011. 2011. 10 2011
ANA. "What Is Nursing?" What Is Nursing? The American Nurses Association, n.d. Web. 11
Nov. 2014.
Nguyen, Bella. Bella.nguyen6065@gmail.com. November 2, 2014.