Trisha Powers, RN

Besides two brief trips to the hospital, Trisha Powers, RN, had very little contact with the medical world when she was growing up. She isn't sure why she was attracted to nursing but says it's the only career she ever wanted.

After completing high school in California, Powers enrolled in a nursing program and graduated in December 2002. She relocated to Las Vegas to be closer to her fiancé and began working at Valley Hospital Medical Center a few months later. Powers, who works on 3 Tower, a general surgical and orthopedic unit, says nursing has been everything she hoped for and more.

"It's really a rewarding job because I get to see most of my patients recover quickly and continue on to rehab or go home," she says. "When I care for patients, I try to put myself in the patient's or family member's shoes. It helps me empathize with them and encourages me to do more to help them get well."

Powers says there are many reasons people may consider a nursing career. For example, she says nursing offers great opportunities and a lot of room for advancement. It's a fast-paced job, and there's always something new to learn. Nursing offers a lot of flexibility, which can be important when you have a family. But to Powers, these benefits are just icing on the cake.

"The real reason to choose nursing is that it's a career that gives you a unique opportunity to help others and make a real difference in their lives," she says.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106