This post is merely a question to you all.

Have you ever revisited your reasons for choosing the career you chose?

Have you ever wondered if you would've been better at another career?

And have you ever scolded yourself for even thinking such a thing when you spent years working to become what you are now?

No, I'm not trying to tell you that I hate being a nurse, and that I wish I would've never gotten into the field. I've just been thinking lately about the advantages of one career versus another. All my life I've loved little children, and I always knew I would follow in my mother and grandmother's footsteps and become a teacher of young, impressionable souls. But one day I decided that I might not be cut out for teaching, and I decided to work as a CNA at the local nursing home, and I discovered a passion for another impressionable soul--the elderly. This is when I began studying the world of nursing and all that it had to offer.

Long story short--I guess you all know which career path I chose.

I chose nursing because sick people need a friend, an advocate, sometimes just someone to listen, and sometimes they need someone to lay it on the line and tell them what they have to do. I chose nursing because I wanted several days off to spend with my family. I chose nursing because I wanted the ability to go anywhere I wanted. I chose nursing because even healthy people need a good nurse. I chose nursing because I could help someone die with dignity, and help someone come into the world with joy. I chose nursing because a hospital is still a hospital--even on holidays, and those days are special to patients too. I chose nursing because life is a fragile thing.

I didn't choose nursing because of the long nights away from my family. I didn't choose nursing for the confrontations with patients who don't get their way. I didn't choose nursing for the overworked attitude that we assume. I didn't choose nursing to take the wrath of someone else's laziness. I didn't choose nursing because of the special things and holidays I will miss with my children and family. I didn't choose nursing for the "he said/she said" gossip. I didn't choose nursing to pretend like I know all the answers.

So you see, I am not wishing I was not a nurse. I'm simply just a little hung up on the "didn't" aspect right now, and wondering all the reasons I didn't think teaching was for me.