In Nursing, there are moments when the clock seems to slow down, not because the shift is quiet, but because the weight of the situation demands your full presence. Whether it’s holding a patient’s hand before a major surgery or being the first face they see after hearing life-altering news, these are the moments when trust is not just helpful, it’s essential.

The bond between a Nurse and patient isn’t built in grand gestures. It’s formed through small, intentional acts that convey, I’m here for you. And often, these acts happen during some of the hardest moments in a patient’s life.

Why Trust Matters Most in Crisis

When a patient is facing fear, pain, or uncertainty, trust becomes the bridge between their vulnerability and your care. In these moments, clinical skills alone are not enough. Compassion, honesty, and presence can calm anxieties and make patients feel safe enough to let you in.

For example, during an emergency trauma admission, you might not have the luxury of a long conversation, but you can look the patient in the eyes, introduce yourself clearly, and explain every step you’re taking. That simple act communicates: You’re not alone, and I will guide you through this.

Real-Life Moments That Build the Bond

The Pre-Op Promise

One Nurse recalls caring for a young woman about to undergo open-heart surgery. The patient’s hands were shaking as she signed her consent form. The Nurse pulled up a chair, sat at eye level, and said, “I’ll be here when you wake up.” Hours later, when the patient opened her eyes in recovery, that same Nurse was standing right beside her. The relief on her face said everything, trust had been earned.

Staying Present in Loss

Another Nurse shared her experience with a family in the ICU whose loved one wasn’t going to make it. She didn’t have the right words, there are no perfect words, but she stayed in the room, adjusting blankets, offering tissues, and answering questions gently. Sometimes, trust isn’t about fixing the unfixable. It’s about being the steady presence when the world is falling apart.

Respecting Patient Fears

A Pediatric Nurse remembers a little boy who was terrified of needles. Instead of rushing, she knelt beside him, let him “give her a shot” with a toy syringe, and explained step-by-step what she was going to do. When it came time for the real injection, he squeezed her hand and said, “Okay, I'm ready.” That trust turned a moment of fear into a moment of bravery.

Practical Ways to Build Trust During Hard Times

• Be transparent – Even when the news is difficult, honesty fosters trust. Patients can sense when information is being withheld.

• Use their name – It’s a small thing, but it helps patients feel seen as a person, not a room number.

• Explain what you’re doing, even if it seems obvious – Especially in emergencies, a calm, clear voice can anchor a patient in chaos.

• Honor their dignity – Knock before entering, provide privacy, and respect personal boundaries.

• Show up when you say you will – Consistency builds reliability, which builds trust.

The Lasting Impact

Nurses may not remember every patient, but patients often remember their Nurses, especially the ones who showed compassion during their hardest days. The trust you build in those moments can be a source of comfort long after the hospital stay ends.

In the end, the nurse-patient bond isn’t just about care plans and medication schedules. It’s about creating a human connection strong enough to hold someone together when their world feels like it’s falling apart. And for Nurses, that’s both the privilege and the heart of the job.

It's Nurses Month and today we're diving into the wonderfully weird world that only us healthcare workers truly understand. Nursing is a unique blend of compassion, resilience, and a whole lot of moments that would make anyone else say, "Nope!"

So, grab your lukewarm coffee (because let's be honest, it's never hot), settle in, and get ready to nod along with these realities, straight from the trenches (aka, the hospital floor)!

You Know You're a Nurse When…

"You can identify the smell of C. diff from down the hall." - Sarah, RN, Med-Surg

We've all been there, haven't we? That distinct aroma… it's like a sixth sense develops. You walk in and think, "Yep, room 302 needs some extra attention." It's not glamorous, but it's part of the job!

"Your idea of a 'quick lunch' is inhaling a granola bar in the supply closet." - Mark, LPN, Long-Term Care

Forget leisurely meals. If you get five minutes to yourself, that's a win! We've mastered the art of eating on the go, often in the most unconventional of places. The supply closet? Break room? Behind the medication cart? Gourmet dining at its finest!

"You have encyclopedic knowledge of bodily fluids and their various shades." - Maria, BSN, Emergency Department

From vibrant reds to murky yellows and everything in between, we've seen it all. And yes, we can probably tell you what's going on just by the color. It's not exactly a party trick, but it's definitely a skill!

"You can sleep through alarms, but the faintest 'Excuse me, Nurse?' jolts you awake." - David, RN, Intensive Care Unit

Our bodies are finely tuned to the needs of our patients. The beeping of machines? White noise. But that soft call for assistance? Instantaneously alert. It's like we have a built-in patient radar.

"Your hands are perpetually dry from washing them approximately 87 times a shift." - Jessica, RN, Pediatrics

Hand hygiene is our mantra, but man, does it take a toll on our skin! We've tried every lotion under the sun, but that desert-like dryness just seems to be a permanent accessory.

"You have a dark sense of humor that would make your non-Nurse friends raise their eyebrows." - Chris, BSN, Oncology

Let's be real, we see some tough stuff. Sometimes, a little humor is the only way to cope and find camaraderie with our colleagues. It's not that we're insensitive; it's a survival mechanism.

"You can decipher Doctor handwriting that looks like ancient hieroglyphics." - Ashley, RN, Labor and Delivery

It's a skill passed down through generations of Nurses. We've cracked the code, somehow translating those scribbles into medication orders and care plans. It's a superpower, honestly.

"Your 'work clothes' consist primarily of comfortable, yet somehow still slightly stained, scrubs." - Ben, LPN, Home Health

Fashion? What's fashion? Our wardrobe is all about practicality and the ability to withstand… well, everything. And let's face it, a little bleach goes a long way.

"You find yourself assessing strangers in the grocery store." - Emily, BSN, Cardiac Care

Once a Nurse, always a Nurse! It's like our assessment brain never truly turns off. We can't help but notice the subtle signs and symptoms around us.

"You wouldn't trade the chaos, the tears, the exhaustion, or the sheer privilege of caring for others for anything." - All of us!

Because at the end of the day, despite the craziness, the long hours, and the occasional bodily fluid incident, there's nothing quite like the feeling of making a difference in someone's life. We are Nurses, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

So, fellow Nurses, what realities would you add to this list? Share your stories in the comments below, let's have a good laugh (and maybe a collective sigh of recognition)!

As the healthcare sector continues to progress, the need for highly skilled Nursing professionals is more evident than ever. Pursuing further education in Nursing not only improves patient care but also provides opportunities for leadership positions, specialized practice, and increased compensation. For those contemplating an advanced Nursing degree, understanding the advantages and available pathways is needed for making an informed decision.

Benefits of Advanced Nursing Degrees

Increased Career Opportunities

A higher degree in Nursing expands your career options beyond bedside care. With an advanced degree, you can pursue roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Educator, or Healthcare Administrator. These positions often come with greater autonomy and influence in patient care and policy-making.

Higher Earning Potential

Advanced degrees often lead to higher salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Practitioners earn a median salary significantly higher than Registered Nurses (RNs). Leadership roles, such as Nurse Managers or Directors, also come with competitive compensation.

Specialization and Expertise

Advanced degrees allow Nurses to specialize in fields such as acute care, family practice, psychiatric-mental health, or informatics. Specialization enhances clinical expertise, making you a valuable asset in your chosen area.

Greater Job Satisfaction

With more knowledge and skills, advanced-degree Nurses often experience higher job satisfaction. Many find fulfillment in expanded roles that allow them to diagnose and treat patients, influence healthcare policies, and educate future Nurses.

Increased Autonomy

Nurse Practitioners, especially in states with full practice authority, can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans without physician oversight. This level of independence is appealing to many Nurses looking for professional growth.

Paths to Higher Nursing Education

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An MSN is a common choice for Nurses seeking advanced practice roles or leadership positions. Popular MSN specializations include:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Provides primary or specialized care.

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Focuses on improving patient outcomes in a specific field.

• Nurse Educator – Prepares Nurses for academic or clinical teaching roles.

• Nurse Administrator – Trains Nurses for leadership in healthcare organizations.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP is a terminal practice-focused degree for Nurses who want to lead in clinical practice, healthcare systems, or policy-making. DNP graduates often hold executive roles or shape healthcare improvements at a systemic level.

Doctor of Midwifery (D.Mid)

Some programs offer a Doctor of Midwifery degree, which is a terminal doctoral degree focused on midwifery practice and research. This advanced degree is designed for those who wish to deepen their expertise in the field of midwifery, emphasizing both the practical and theoretical aspects of the profession.

PhD in Nursing

A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree ideal for those interested in academia or conducting groundbreaking studies to advance Nursing science. PhD Nurses contribute to evidence-based practice and improve patient care through research.

Post-Master’s Certificates

For Nurses who already hold an MSN, post-master’s certificates offer an opportunity to specialize in another area, such as psychiatric-mental health or gerontology, without pursuing another full degree.

Selecting the best degree depends on your career goals, interests, and financial situation. If direct patient care excites you, an NP program might be ideal. If you’re drawn to leadership, consider a DNP. If research and teaching are your passions, a PhD could be the right fit.

Advancing your Nursing education can open new career doors, increase your earning potential, and improve job satisfaction. Whether you choose an MSN, DNP, or PhD, each path offers unique benefits that can elevate your impact on healthcare. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore accredited programs and start planning your future in advanced Nursing today.

Creating a healthy work environment for Nurses should be a top priority for employers in the healthcare industry. Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their well-being directly impacts the quality of care they provide. By addressing some of the biggest issues in Nursing today, such as recruitment, retention, burnout, and bullying, employers can create a positive and supportive work environment that ultimately benefits both Nurses and patients.

Recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges in the industry. Many healthcare facilities struggle to attract and retain qualified Nurses, leading to staffing shortages and increased workload for the existing staff. By focusing on creating healthy work environments, employers can make their organizations more appealing to prospective Nurses and enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty. A positive work environment with adequate resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth can attract and retain talented Nurses, ensuring a stable workforce and improving patient outcomes.

Burnout is a pervasive issue among Nurses, resulting from the demanding nature of their work and high levels of stress. A negative work environment can exacerbate burnout and its associated physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. 

A McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) report found a direct correlation between a workplace's toxicity and the levels of stress and burnout reported by its employees. According to this research, employees are almost 8 times more likely to report symptoms of burnout when faced with high levels of toxic workplace behavior.

Employers need to prioritize the well-being of their Nursing staff by implementing strategies that promote work-life balance, provide access to support services, and encourage self-care. By fostering a culture of wellness and offering resources to manage stress, employers can mitigate burnout and create an environment where Nurses feel valued and supported.

Bullying is another significant issue that affects Nurses' well-being and job satisfaction. Workplace bullying can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and decreased morale among Nurses, ultimately impacting patient care. 

According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, "A significant percentage of Nurses leave their first job due to the negative behaviors of their coworkers, and bullying is likely to exacerbate the growing Nurse shortage. A bullying culture contributes to a poor Nurse work environment, increased risk to patients, lower Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction scores, and greater Nurse turnover."

Health systems must take proactive measures to prevent and address bullying in the workplace. This includes implementing clear policies against bullying, providing training on respectful communication and conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. By creating a safe and respectful work environment, employers can empower Nurses to excel in their roles and provide the best possible care to patients.

Negative workplaces not only harm the well-being of Nurses but also contribute to disengagement and decreased job satisfaction. When Nurses feel unsupported, unappreciated, or overwhelmed by their work environment, they are more likely to become disengaged, which can ultimately lead to decreased productivity and compromised patient care. Employers must recognize the impact of the work environment on Nurse engagement and take steps to create a positive and empowering atmosphere. This can be achieved through open communication, involving Nurses in decision-making processes, and providing opportunities for professional development and growth.

In conclusion, creating a healthy work environment for Nurses should be a top priority for employers. By addressing issues such as recruitment, retention, burnout, and bullying, employers can create a positive and supportive workplace that enhances Nurses' well-being and improves patient care. Investing in the well-being of Nurses not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the overall success of healthcare organizations. Employers must recognize the crucial role Nurses play in healthcare and take proactive steps to ensure their work environment fosters their growth, satisfaction, and ultimately, the provision of high-quality patient care.

There is a growing need for more Nurse Educators to address the current shortage of Nurses and ensure the future generations of Nurses are well-trained and prepared to provide quality care.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections 2021-2031, the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2031, an increase of 195,400 Nurses. The Bureau also projects 203,200 openings for RNs each year through 2031 when Nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the number of Nurses needed in the U.S.
 
The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) workforce, including Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupation, by 40% from 2021 through 2031, according to the BLS’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Approximately 30,200 new APRNs, which are prepared in master’s and doctoral programs, will be needed each year through 2031 to meet the rising demand for care.

Nurse Educators play a vital role in the education and training of Nursing students and are responsible for developing and delivering curriculum, designing and implementing clinical experiences, and evaluating student progress.

The shortage of Nurse Educators at Nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for Nurses continues to grow.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), budget constraints, an aging faculty, and increasing job competition from clinical sites have contributed to this crisis.

However, increasing the number of Nurse Educators is critical to addressing the Nursing shortage and ensuring that there are enough qualified Nurses to meet the needs of patients. 

There are several strategies that can be implemented to increase the number of Nurse Educators:

Increase Funding

Providing increased funding for Nursing education programs can help schools hire additional faculty and offer competitive salaries and benefits packages.

It's recommended, Congress pass legislation that would invest in Nursing faculty, clinical placements, and Nursing program facilities so that colleges and universities have the resources to enroll and graduate more students. 

Tuition Forgiveness

Providing tuition forgiveness or loan repayment programs for Nurses who pursue advanced degrees in Nursing education can help incentivize Nurses to become Educators. Learn more about loan forgiveness or loan repayment programs here. 

Mentorship Programs

Providing mentorship programs to support new Nurse Educators can help with their retention and success in the field. These programs are meant to encourage mutual professional growth between both the mentor and the mentee through a dynamic and supportive relationship.

Flexible Scheduling

People everywhere are demanding a shift toward work-life balance. Healthcare professionals are constantly working long hours, with little to no flexibility in their schedules. Offering flexible scheduling options can help attract individuals who may be interested in teaching but have other commitments, such as family or outside work.

Professional Development

Nurse Educators are tasked with nurturing the growth and education of Nurses, but they also need opportunities for growth and development. Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as attending conferences or pursuing advanced degrees, can help keep Nurse Educators up-to-date on the latest Nursing practices and research.

Collaborations with Healthcare Facilities

Partnerships between Nursing schools and healthcare facilities can help provide clinical experiences for Nursing students and provide opportunities for Nurses to transition into teaching roles.

Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, RN, Director of Nursing programs at the American Nurses Association, told Becker's Hospital Review, she views it as "building a bridge" between schools and hospitals to train Nurses in real-world healthcare situations. Additionally, she said, growing an in-house team of Nurse Educators provides a pipeline for hospitals who can be actively involved in cultivating their own future workforces.

By implementing these strategies, Nursing schools and healthcare organizations can work together to address the shortage of Nurse Educators and make sure future generations of Nurses receive the education and training they need to provide high-quality patient care.

Across the entire patient experience, Nurses have a hand in almost every aspect of the patient's healthcare journey. Nurses are compassionate, and dedicated, and work tirelessly to meet the needs of their patients. Because Nurses are at the forefront of every patient interaction, there are many things that we wish our patients knew and understood about how we work and handle our everyday tasks.  

Every Patient is a Priority, but You May Have to Wait 

Nursing is a busy and fast-paced profession. Our days are jam-packed with patient care tasks, documentation, and care coordination. More often than not, it can be challenging to find time to eat, drink water, or even use the bathroom during our shifts. We hate having to make our patients wait for things they may want or need, but sometimes we wish our patients understood that we take great consideration in prioritizing our patient's needs. So, if you are asked to wait or have been waiting for something longer than you think you should have, please understand that your Nurse may have a more pressing matter to attend to, and every patient deserves our complete attention. 

Nurses are People Too 

Nurses often sacrifice their personal needs to care for their patients. As mentioned earlier, we often forgo meals and bathroom breaks to ensure we can complete all our tasks and care for your needs. Nursing can often be a thankless job. Nurses understand that you want the best quality care, and we strive to provide that to every one of our patients. Patience, understanding, and respect are all that we ask for in return. 

We Care More Than You Think We Do 

Nurses are multitaskers. At any given time, we can be juggling more tasks than you may even realize. Sometimes Nurses may come off as flustered or in a hurry, but that does not mean we do not value your wants or needs. Nurses stay late and come in on their days off to ensure their patients receive excellent care. We even think about you long after we've met because you have touched our lives. Patients are what make the Nursing profession so rewarding. We do what we do for you. 

We May Not Know Everything

We encourage our patients to ask questions, but that does not mean we have all the answers. Sometimes we may need to find the answer for you by speaking to a Doctor or collaborating with other Nurses. This does not mean we do not know what we are doing. It simply means that every patient has a different healthcare journey, and often situations arise that we may not have experience with. Our top priority is that you receive the best quality care, so if you ask a question and we do not know the answer, please rest assured that we will do everything within our power to get you the information you are looking for. 

We Do Not Judge  

Nurses do not do their jobs to judge our patients. Please always be honest when answering questions or providing your health history. Withholding information because you may be embarrassed or may not think it relevant can significantly impact the care we can provide. We care about you and want to ensure that you are cared for in the best possible way. Nurses are also prepared to take care of all your personal needs. We do not mind doing ‘gross’ or ‘embarrassing’ tasks. You do not have to say sorry for natural bodily functions. We understand and are ok with it, I promise!

The Nursing profession is a delicate blend of knowledge, compassion, and critical thinking. We strive every day to make a positive impact on the lives of our patients. A strong Nurse-patient relationship improves your healthcare experience and helps us provide you with the best quality care.

Since Nurses spend so much time on their feet, they need durable shoes that can provide ultimate comfort and support. From sneakers to slip ons, here is a list of the best shoes for Nurses this year!

1. Hoka One One Arahi 4

2. adidas Men's Ultraboost

3. Alegria Debra Professional

4. Crocs Bistro Clog

5. The Cloud

6. Clove Shoe

7. Dansko Professional Clog

8. New Balance Women's 411 V1 Walking Shoe

9. Dansko Paisley Sneaker

10. Brooks Levitate 4

After 13,000 miles and 75 locations in 32 states, Norma – the 91-year-old Nurse who chose to take a road trip instead of spending her last days undergoing chemotherapy – has passed away. This fun loving lady lived the last year of her life in an Airstream trailer with her therapy poodle Ringo, enjoying the sights of our lovely nation. Keep reading to learn more about Norma and see photos from her journey!  

In 2015, 90-year-old Norma Bauerschmidt found herself in the hospital, listening to a doctor explain the treatment options for her recently diagnosed cancer.

Bauerschmidt, better known as Miss Norma, stopped him right there. Matter-of-fact like, she told her doctor, “I’m 90 years old, I’m hitting the road!”

Now, more than a year after issuing that powerful statement, Miss Norma’s journey has come to a peaceful end.

Norma Bauerschmidt died at the age 91 in home hospice care from complications of stage four uterine cancer.

She became a worldwide icon for living life on your own terms when she famously rejected medical treatment for her cancer, in favor of going on the road trip of a lifetime.

She is survived by her son Tim and daughter-in-law Ramie, who were both instrumental in giving her a truly extraordinary last year.

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about how Miss Norma took life by the reins, and inspired millions along the way!

In the summer of 2015, Norma Bauerschmidt made a decision that touched the lives of millions, when she lost her husband and found herself diagnosed with cancer in the span of just two weeks.

Bauerschmidt’s husband of 67 years, Leo, was admitted to hospice just as Bauerschmidt herself was undergoing a series of medical tests after her doctors noticed blood in her urine.

On July 7th, Leo Bauerschmidt passed away after lingering in hospice care for two weeks. Two days later, doctors confirmed the results of Norma’s tests; she had stage four uterine cancer.

It’s easy to speculate about what happened next; perhaps if Bauerschmidt hadn’t just lost her husband, or if she’d been ten or even five years younger, she would have chosen to go ahead with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Instead, Norma Bauerschmidt made history when she told her doctor, “I’m 90 years old, I’m hitting the road.”

She refused treatment, and decided that with the amount of time she had left, she was going to spend it living her life to the fullest!

Her son Tim and his wife Ramie had retired to a nomadic lifestyle in their vintage Airstream trailer years before. They invited Bauerschmidt to join them, and set off all together on the adventure of a lifetime!

Bauerschmidt and her sweet therapy poodle Ringo got their very own trailer suite hitched to the back of the Airstream, and Ramie set up a Facebook page for fans inspired by Bauerschmidt’s decision to follow along.

With Tim and Ramie leading the way, the 90-year-old began a grand tour of the country, stopping to see every site she ever dreamed of.

She went from Niagara Falls to the Grand Canyon, visited the Jolly Green Giant in Minnesota, and collected sea sponges in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Everywhere she went, Bauerschmidt — often called “Miss Norma” who was in a spoof on the film Driving Miss Daisy — made sure to share her infectious smile and enthusiasm for life with everyone she met.

She traveled as a young woman when she worked as a nurse during WWII. In the intervening years, however, she settled down in Michigan with her husband to raise their family.

Faced with the uncertainty of a stage four cancer diagnosis, she made sure to experience each of her adventures with joyful enthusiasm.

After all was said and done, she spent more than a year on the road, crisscrossing the country from east to west and back again.

To mark the anniversary of Miss Norma’s grand adventure, Tim and Ramie took to the Facebook page in late August 2016 and thanked everyone that helped them and show the world how precious that time was for everyone involved.

“We have driven the RV nearly 13,000 miles and slept in over 75 different locations in 32 states. Miss Norma has experienced more “firsts” than we can count. 

Big things, like riding in a hot air balloon or on a horse, to little things like getting a pedicure or having her first taste of key lime pie, oyster, and fried green tomatoes. 

She had her hair done by ten different stylists and crossed the time zones nine times (I think.) 

Over these past 12 months, all of us learned so much about living, caring, loving and embracing the present moment. 

No matter where we are, when asked where her favorite spot has been on this trip, Norma now says, “Right here!””

As Tim and Ramie helped Miss Norma celebrate her one-year anniversary of hitting the road, they were also acknowledging that their adventure might be drawing to an end.

Bauerschmidt’s health was deteriorating. They knew that now, after a year of adventures and firsts, she had seen, well, just about everything.

At 90, the WWII WAVES Navy veteran — who once had her service benefits checks hand-delivered by her congressman, Gerald R. Ford, after they were delayed — got to tour the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford in style.

She saw whales in the Pacific North-West and ate as much cake as she could; by any description, that’s a great way to spend a last year.

In August of 2016, Bauerschmidt attended the San Juan Country Fair, and went into hospice on the same day.

She passed away on September 30th, not in a hospital, but in the trailer she called home for more than a year — her end-of-life care was molded to fit her unique lifestyle and extraordinary final year of seeing it all.

Tim, Ramie, and her poodle, Ringo, were by her side through it all, and when she left this world, her family commemorated her life with a beautiful quote from the Sufi mystic Rumi: “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”

Below, they added, “Today, we are letting go.”

All we can say is, thank you, Miss Norma, for showing the whole world what living really looks like.

If you’re touched by the incredible story of the woman who learned she was going to die, and decided to live, make sure to SHARE in memory of Norma Bauerschmidt.