IntroductionThis author has had the pleasure of working in the nursing profession for fifteen years. Throughout these fifteen years and currently, this author continues to have a deep desire and compassion to pursue and develop my career in the field of nursing. This article examines this author's reasons for pursuing my career in nursing, the frustrations encountered along the way, and the importance of obtaining additional education such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.Career in NursingThis Author graduated from Chemeketa Community College in June 1996 with an Associate in Applied Science. Shortly thereafter, in July 1996, he began working for a brief period in an intermediate care facility specializing in the care of elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. In December 1996, this author began working at Salem Hospital in Salem, Oregon, on the medical unit. The medical unit served a generalized population of patients entering the hospital due to acute illnesses. Within a few years, the medical unit evolved into a medical telemetry unit that began monitoring primarily patients with health conditions that could produce cardiac irregularities. During the second year of my employment, this author was trained and moved into the role of Unit Manager Nurse. Over the past fifteen years, this patient population and nursing role has been very rewarding and satisfying.Motivation to Continue in the Nursing ProfessionA JobNursing is a job that is in demand and has many benefits. With population growth, increases in chronic illnesses, and advances in health care and technology, the need for competent and qualified nurses continues to grow. Nurses can go to work in many patient care departments...... middle of paper ......leman, J., Buerhaus, P., Mattke, S., Stewart, M. and Zelevinsky, K. (2002). Nursing staffing levels and quality of care in hospitals. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(22), 1715-1722. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Schaag, HA (2001). The rewards and risks of functional aspects of nursing education, information systems and management. ANA Continuing Education: The Nursing Risk Management Series, 4. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworl.org/mods/archive/mod311/cerm204.htmSpencer, J. (July 2008). Increase in RN-BSN enrollment: facilitating articulation through curriculum reform. The Journal of Continuing Nursing Education, 39(7), 307-313. Retrieved from EBSCOhostWarren, JI and Mills, ME (May 2009). Motivating registered nurses to return for an advanced degree. The Journal of Continuing Nursing Education, 40(5), 200-207. Taken from EBSCOhost