I studied a 3,5 year bachelor's degree to become a registered nurse in my home country Finland. Already before graduating the local emergency room was asking me to work there part time while studying and finally full time after graduating. Just like everywhere else in the world there is a lack of nurses in Finland as well. A bit over three years after graduating I had gathered lots of experience and worked in three different emergency rooms. I was good at my job and I really liked it. It was tough at times, mostly when you have to face the waves of emotions when you're the only one holding a dying person's hand and you can't help but feel the sadness of someone having to die with only a caring stranger by their side. At times the job was the best ever - when we managed to bring someone back to life and a few weeks later they would make a full recovery and send chocolate and a thank you card to the ward for the care they received from our team. Physically the changing rosters and shiftwork wasn't suitable for me and the long and busy shifts were very stressful. I started getting health problems so I knew it wouldn't be a forever job and I needed to find a new path for myself, but I will be forever grateful for the skills I gained.
The most important skill I learned was how to deal with difficult and heavy emotions. The sorrow of death or hopeless situations, the adrenaline rush because of a patient going to a cardiac arrest, the scary patients who snap all of sudden and try to murder you right there (thank goodness for the security staff!), the frustration of never having enough time and dealing with the stress.
The second most important thing I learned was how to communicate. After working in the emergency rooms I have noticed in many other jobs the thing causing the most drama and mistakes is the lack of good communication. Ever since I was kid I've always been very quiet and sometimes having problems of making myself and my ideas and opinions heard - but after learning how to communicate efficiently in any situations I've noticed that people listen to me.
The third skill I'm probably the happiest about is the confidence I gained. After working in the emergency rooms for a while I noticed I was never afraid anymore - about anything! I knew that no matter what situation I would face in life I could always find my way. After all I had the skills to keep a person alive. I was also confident in dealing with all kinds of people. A drunk approaching me on the street wasn't scary anymore because I had treated thousands of them in the emergency rooms. I've seen the same change in many nurses beginning their careers. The loud personalities often become more emotionally staple and the insecure or quiet ones gained confidence.
There are few professions in the world that people often trust. Nurse is definitely one of the most trustworthy ones - they have the skills to speak about anything, even the painful subjects and they often times show more empathy than anyone else. It has definitely been a huge advantage for me later on in my life meeting new people. Whenever I mention I am a registered nurse they seem to open up and trust me immediately. I think it has even played a big part in me getting new jobs.
It was a wonderful way to start my career path and gave me such precious skills for later life. But now I am something else and on my way to finding a different path. One that I am more passionate about and is good for me and my health long term. After all, sailing around the world filming the wonders and natural phenomena and incredible life stories doesn't sound too bad at all!