Definition of calling

1: a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence

2: the vocation or profession in which one customarily engages

source: Merriam Webster

CALLING VS PROFESSION

“Calling” and “Profession”. According to Raatikainen (2008) a calling is a deep desire to devote oneself to serving people according to the high values of the task or profession. On the contrary, a profession is described as an occupation in which specialised training is required (Blais & Hayes, 2011). Furthermore, a profession includes a formal qualification that will be bestowed to the candidate upon completion of the training. 

Does any nurse see their highly-skilled job as ‘a calling’, as others so often present it? Or rather, is it an active, considered choice to be part of a varied and vital profession? Put simply, would you do it for free (gainfully employed spouses aside, of course)?

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Both, It is a calling to those who are destined to help others and a vocation/career that one can sustain themselves. Nursing consists of numerous specialties between which one can transfer with on-the-job or educational updates, perpetuation of the idea that nursing is a vocation undermines and undervalues its professionalism..

If all you are looking for is a paycheck, it is a vocation. If you’re driven by a passion that is a calling.

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Nursing is not just a calling, but it is a profession with more value than any other professions in the healthcare system.