Why be a nurse?
As a nurse, you can do exciting work that is crucial to a healthy society. You can save and change lives. Many people think of nurses as "angels of mercy," but they are much more than that. Of course, nurses are compassionate and caring, but they are also highly trained healthcare professionals who require creativity, intelligence and specialized skills to do their jobs. A career in nursing is challenging, diverse and rewarding. It is an excellent choice for ambitious people who want to work in the field of health sciences and make a real difference in the world by helping others.

What do nurses actually do?
In a clinic or hospital, nurses work closely with patients. Nurses help patients heal, use advanced technology to keep them alive, and help save them if something goes wrong. Nurses advocate for patients with other health care workers and coordinate care delivery by physicians, social workers, physical therapists and the whole health care team. Nurses provide emotional support and care to patients and their families. Perhaps most importantly, nurses teach patients how to survive illness and live healthier lives.

As well as helping and treating people who are already sick, nurses also work to prevent illness and injury. Nurses can be found working in schools, in business environments, in government, in the military, and as researchers and educators.  Nurses confront the world's most urgent health issues, and they are responsible for key innovations that improve health care systems. Wherever they are working, nurses help families and communities live better.

Nurses who inspire us

 There are many past and present nurses who have done incredible things with their lives and careers. Here are a few that inspire the students and staff at UCQ.