In 1988, a life-altering event reshaped my family.
My father, a brickmaker, suffered a tragic accident while driving a forklift. His body was crushed, leading to the loss of his leg, and eventually, a life confined to a bed. Seventeen years later, at just 39 years old, he passed away, but his journey
has remained with me.
From a young age, my memories are not of carefree moments, but of scenes at my father’s hospital bedside. I spent countless hours observing the nurses who cared for him. Their kindness, confidence, and seemingly magical ability to make a difference
left a deep impression on me. Even as a 5-year-old, I could feel their impact, and it planted the seed for my nursing career.
The accident not only altered my father’s life but also changed the trajectory of our entire family. My memories of my father before his accident are faint, but I vividly recall the aftermath—his physical struggles, his resilience, and the
care he received. Watching the healthcare providers who tended to him taught me early on about the profound power of compassion.
However, the responsibility of his care didn’t rest solely with the nurses and doctors. My family became an integral part of his caregiving team. While none of them were trained healthcare professionals at the time, they learned how to manage his
medications, assist with his mobility, and provide day-to-day support to navigate life after his accident. My grandmother became his fierce advocate, tirelessly coordinating his care. Extended family stepped in to help whenever it was needed—not
to mention helping to raise my brother and me. This collective effort showed me the impact ordinary people can have when they work together with love and determination.
These small acts of care influenced my desire to pursue nursing. I admired those who supported my dad and understood the gravity of their responsibilities. My father’s resilience became my motivation to one day make the same kind of impact.
As I entered my teenage years, I struggled with self-esteem. I doubted my intelligence and feared I wouldn’t succeed in a demanding field. These insecurities led me to explore other career paths, starting out in criminal justice. But nothing felt
right. Fueled by my father’s journey, his wisdom, and my belief that I could contribute something meaningful to others, I felt pulled to nursing. Finding the courage to pursue nursing was not easy, but his life and support gave me strength.
Being a first-generation college student added a layer of complexity. The path wasn’t always clear, but it gave me a deep sense of purpose. I knew I wanted to honor my father, the sacrifices my family made, and the lessons they instilled in me through
their caregiving efforts. Their support became my foundation, and the values they demonstrated continue to guide me.
Today, nursing is so much more than a career—it is my “why.” It allows me to combine compassion with knowledge to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. While my current role is medication management, it’s much larger
than any specific task. It’s about being a consistent, reassuring presence for patients and families, just as those early nurses were for me.
Nursing has taught me resilience and given me a platform to provide care and inspire others. My father’s journey after his accident continues to resonate deeply within me. His strength in the face of adversity and the tireless efforts of those who
cared for him serve as a constant reminder of why I chose this path. It is the fulfillment of a dream that began as a young child beside my father’s hospital bed—a dream that, through perseverance, has become a reality.
Pamela Byrnes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter. She is currently a child and family psychiatric nurse practitioner at University of Virginia.