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 continue and grow my career in the nursing field. This article examines the reasons that motivate this author to continue my career in nursing, the frustrations encountered along the way, and the importance of obtaining additional education such as a bachelor's degree in nursing.Nursing CareerThis author is a graduate of the Chemeketa Community College in June 1996 with an Associate of Applied Science. Shortly thereafter, in July 1996, for a short time, he began working in an intermediate care facility specializing in the care of elderly Alzheimer's patients. In December of 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. The medical unit over the course of a few years transformed into a medical-telemetry unit that began monitoring primarily patients with medical conditions that can produce cardiac irregularities. During the second year of work, the author received training and obtained the role of nurse manager of the unit. Over the past fifteen years this patient population and the nursing role has been very rewarding and satisfying. Motivation to Continue in the Nursing Profession A Job Nursing is a job that is in high demand and has many benefits. With population growth, the increase in chronic diseases, and advances in healthcare and technology, the need for competent and qualified nurses continues to grow. Nurses can go to work in many patient care services if...... middle of paper ......leman, J., Buerhaus, P., Mattke, S., Stewart, M., & Zelevinsky, K. (2002). Nurse staffing levels and quality of care in hospitals. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(22), 1715-1722. Retrieved from EBSCOhostSchaag, H. A. (2001). The benefits 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. (2008, July). Increasing RN-BSN enrollment: Facilitating articulation through curriculum reform. The Journal of Continuing Nursing Education, 39(7), 307-313. Retrieved from EBSCOhostWarren, J.I., & Mills, M.E. (2009, May). Motivate registered nurses to return for an advanced degree. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 40(5), 200-207. Retrieved from EBSCOhost