In an ever-evolving world, choosing a career that not only provides stability but also offers a multitude of diverse career paths and opportunities for growth is paramount. One profession that encapsulates these vital elements is nursing. Beyond the white coats and stethoscopes, nursing stands as a rewarding field, where each day presents a new challenge, a fresh opportunity to make a difference, and a chance to continually expand one's horizons.
Discovering Nursing
Darlene Murdock, currently a dedicated staff nurse at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, and the Vice President of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), wasn't always focused on a career in nursing. Her story began in the tumultuous 1980s banking industry, where job insecurity loomed large due to the sector's instability.
Seeking a more stable career and something more aligned with her purpose, she turned to nursing, a suggestion from a friend that ultimately changed the course of her life.
"Once I got into nursing, I knew this was the place for me; this was the right choice. I was very happy with it," shares Murdock. She discovered excitement, challenges, and a profound sense of fulfillment in helping people during their most vulnerable moments.
Early in her career, Murdock became a perioperative nurse. These are the nurses who help pre, during and post-operations to make sure patients receive the needed care. “To provide patient-centered care, a nurse must form a therapeutic relationship with their patients and their loved ones. Forming that relationship allows the nurse the opportunity to educate and advocate for their patient, and that is the most interesting and rewarding part of being a nurse for me,” says Murdock, who has translated her love for educating her patients into helping them feel empowered.
Diverse Opportunities in Nursing
When people think about nursing, many immediately jump to nurses working in hospitals, in direct patient care. And while bedside nursing is a very important part of healthcare, it is just one aspect of the profession.
Murdock underscores, "There's so much more to nursing than what people see on the outside. There are over 90 different specialties within nursing like mental health, labor and delivery, oncology, and perioperative just to name a few. It’s possible to find something that aligns with your interests, preferences, and strengths. In addition, nurses work in a multitude of settings from hospitals, clinics, schools, shelters, and private offices to remote work as well. Nurses can work in research, data informatics, education, public health, private sector insurance companies, healthcare companies, and more. There are a host of career opportunities for people with nursing degrees."
"If you love people, you will love nursing," Murdock affirms. "Nursing is about changing and saving lives. I am a trauma operating room nurse, so I always say I'm in the business of saving lives and limbs. You have a direct impact on life. You are taking care of people, some at the worst time in their lives, and you can make a difference when it is most needed. If you are a caring, ethical, empathetic person, nursing is the right profession for you," she adds.
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What Makes Nursing Interesting and Engaging
Drawing from her experience as an operating room nurse, Murdock shares, “What makes nursing interesting and engaging is the variety of experiences you have every day. For me, it’s the technology, getting to work alongside the surgical team, and helping patients and their families on their journey.”
"I see so much. Every day there's something new and different…and that's what makes it fascinating. There are so many different types of surgical procedures across a wide variety of specialties, from neurosurgery to general surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and many more," Murdock adds. These diverse experiences have fueled her passion for nursing.
Making a Real Difference
Because nurses spend so much time with their patients, the impact they have is often immeasurable. Murdock recalls a poignant moment with a patient who asked her to pray for them before surgery, a testament to the deep connection nurses can forge.
“She was so nervous and…she asked me to pray for her and we started to pray, and we finished, and we held hands and she looked at me in the eye and said OK I'm ready now. It was like a relief came over her. Those are the moments that you never forget,” Murdock recalls.
A Profession Grounded in Continuous Learning and Innovation
Nursing is a field that encourages lifelong learning.
"When you become a nurse, that's a commitment. Florence Nightingale said that we must always continue to learn, and what we learn translates into better patient care," Murdock says. "Nurses have skills, knowledge, and an innate ability to identify challenges in healthcare and create solutions to solve for them – they are innovators at heart.”
"Continuing education is also required to keep your nursing license in most states. Staying abreast of evidence-based practice ensures that you are providing the best care possible. Being involved in your professional nursing organization allows you to network and learn from the top nurses in your specialty," she notes. The learning never stops!
Murdock’s Advice for Aspiring Nurses
Murdock offers advice for aspiring nurses:
- Be Patient with Yourself: Nursing is a demanding profession with a learning curve, so be patient as you enter the profession.
- Seek Mentors: Having a mentor is a must. They can share their learned experiences and help you navigate the complexities of nursing.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Nursing offers a multitude of paths to explore. After obtaining your nursing degree, keep your eyes and options open to how far and in which direction you want to go. Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow in your field.
Nursing isn't just a career; it's a calling that offers boundless opportunities for those willing to embrace it. Murdock's journey from the banking industry to nursing illustrates that nursing can be a fulfilling and impactful career choice, even for those who didn't initially envision it. The ability to make a real difference in patients' lives and communities and contribute to healthcare innovation is what makes nursing truly interesting and rewarding.
To learn more about a career in nursing, go to nursing.jnj.com.
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