I have always known I wanted to work with children. Some of my first memories are playing "mommy" and "daycare." At first, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but over the years, I explored other careers in child care. I was strong in math and science, so I started to explore careers that would use these talents. I decided I wanted to become a pediatrician, but after two years of college, I realized this was not the right path for me.

I still wanted a career that would combine science, math and my love of children. Nursing seemed like a natural choice, so on a leap of faith I dropped all my other classes. Two years later, I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in nursing.

While I was in school, part of my training included rotations, which allowed me to experience nursing in different environments. I was able to do my pediatric rotation at Children's Hospital, and I fell in love with the children, the organization, the place and the philosophy of care. I can honestly say I have used part of our mission statement, "Because children are special," as a personal theme for the past 13 years.

After receiving my degree, I began a job as a graduate nurse at Children's Hospital. I am so grateful that Children's gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of working with children. I find the hospital is a cheerful and pleasant environment, even though many of our patients are very sick. We have a philosophy of specialized care for children, and we create a special environment where children get unique physical and emotional care.

A typical day for a nurse at Children's Hospital might consist of caring for four to five patients ranging from infants to teens. A nurse will make sure patients and their families understand the care they are receiving and any procedures they may have. It is important to continually educate patients to make sure they feel comfortable while visiting the hospital. A good nurse is a figure of trust, knowledge and communication for patients and families. I love the relationships I am able to form with the children and the great trust they have in those caring for them. I firmly believe in maintaining a respect for how much control patients and their families give to us. I always try to think of what might be scary, confusing or unknown. My patients challenge me, and I enjoy my time with them.

One of my favorite groups of patients to work with is the pediatric oncology (cancer) patient. I have come to love their little bald heads, their big shining eyes, and the great strength and hope they show in fighting their battle. I find a measure of beauty in how these patients and families "dance" through the difficult and confusing situation of cancer. I say dance because that's how I think of it. You never know what song is next – is it a sick day or a well day? Or what beat or tempo you will have – is the chemo going to make me sick or not? Or what steps your partner will take to lead – what decisions will my parents and doctors make? And they dance it beautifully. The steps they choose are the right ones for them. I have the privilege of being involved in their care and watching, assisting and at times, "dancing" with them.

Another reason I love nursing is because it offers tremendous opportunity and variety. As a nurse, you can choose to work in hospitals, outpatient centers, private offices, clinic, home health, call centers, schools, businesses, insurance companies, sales, colleges, and other endless opportunities. It is a fast paced and exciting job that allows you to help people in a variety of ways. I heard nursing once described at the "art of care," and that is exactly what it is.

My dream of teaching never really died. I found that teaching was one of my best skills as a nurse, and for several years I worked in the Education Department at Children's Hospital. I helped teach new nurses and other hospital employees how to take care of our patients and how to give the special care that fulfills our mission at Children's Hospital.

I recently moved back into clinical nursing as a staff nurse in the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, on the night shift, which is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. I made the decision to move there for two reasons. First, I wanted to learn critical care nursing skills. And second, I'm still trying to juggle a well-balanced family life. Working longer shifts at night allows me to have many more days off with my family, and especially some weekdays when I can attend school functions and other activities. I've always been a night owl, too, so I'm right at home.

I now care for premature and critically ill babies and their families. I still get plenty of teaching opportunities -- we teach the families everything from basic newborn care to CPR to how to travel home in the car seat to special considerations for preemies. It's ongoing teaching that sometimes lasts for months. We also practice primary nursing, which means that if a baby is going to have a longer stay, he or she will have the same nurse(s) each time those nurses work. It really helps build a relationship with the family and assists with being able to really know these little babies who cannot yet speak for themselves. Primary nurses can tell you what a baby does when he/she is tired, hungry, sick, etc. They know what the baby likes to calm down and what will irritate him or her. It's a very special bond.

This new job reinforces what I already believed: nursing has tremendous potential to suit all your interests; it has flexibility that can vary with the changes in your life; it is rewarding and challenging; it uses unique and individual talents; and it is a very special career in caring. I encourage anyone interested in working in health care to explore the field of nursing. It is a job that will both stretch you and make you smile. Most importantly, nursing will allow you to help others in need.