"I have been fortunate to work in many different variations of nursing while working myself through nursing school. I worked first as a nurse's aide at a small personal care home with five long-term residents, and this first job was probably the most satisfying for several reasons. First, the caring and care I witnessed there formed my foundation in nursing. I have never steered far from what I learned there - treat every human being as a sovereign human, worthy of love, respect, and the very best care. Sometimes in this very hurried healthcare environment, I find that sometimes lacking. My personal practice is to be an example for my coworkers and patients. The pay was low, and the hours were long, but the camaraderie and team environment were satisfying."

"It may come as a shock, but I was most satisfied when volunteering as a candy striper at a local hospital in my teens. Although I was not paid for my work, it was satisfying to spend time with patients and their loved ones and learn about their lives. I had various duties as a candy striper, which included spending time talking and reading to patients, delivering flowers, making phone calls to their families, and comforting them when needed. It was a great start to my nursing career, and I felt I got to learn exactly what patients need when feeling vulnerable and alone."

The job that I have felt the most satisfied in so far was when I was working as a floor nurse on a rehab unit. I felt I was able to really use my knowledge and skills as a registered nurse and I felt very competent in my position. I also was able to see residents come in at their worst and get to go home in much better conditions when they came in. That made the position so rewarding also.