Nursing Chose Me: Called to An Art of Compassion

“I became a nurse by accident,” wrote this young, inexperienced nurse, sharing her insecurities with a pad of paper. What began as a career misstep, evolved into a journey that was unexpectedly challenging and fulfilling, at times daunting, and often humbling.

Reflecting back over decades of experiences in different settings, one theme emerges. Suffering and pain are immutable. A loving touch, a listening ear, a gentle word – will never go out of date. The need for compassion, in a field swi...