Healers, Mystics, Dreamers, Facilitators, and Supporters—these are all words I associate with nurses. To nurse is to nurture. Nurses are nurturers, powerful bridges to love, hope, and knowledge, connecting with total strangers every single day. To be a nurturer is a deep and powerful calling—something we typically associate with motherhood or fatherhood, or with the care we experience within our families and friendships. But as a nurse, this nurturing happens with total strangers. It happens with people you meet in triage, people in need of care. And this is one of the most beautiful aspects of nursing—it is inherent to the role. You are a nurturer.

But nurturing means something different to everyone. Some people want you to replicate the care they received from their mother or father. Others want you to be a superhero, healing every ailment and having all the answers, all the time. For some, nurturing is as simple as a kind word or a listening ear. And this extends beyond the patients you care for in your work. When people find out you’re a nurse, they often respond with admiration, gratitude, or hope. They might say, “Wow, that’s amazing,” or, “That must be such a challenging career, why did you choose it?” Whatever their reaction, they see you as a nurturer. Someone who cares, supports, uplifts, and nurtures others. 24/7. Even if your shift is just from 7 am to 7 pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—you are always seen as a nurturer, no matter where you are. I am sharing a video I channeled titled "Stop Mothering Them", that directly speaks to the inner feelings of neglect that you have towards yourself. 

I’ll be honest, I still find it hard to tell people that I’m a nurse. I’ve never enjoyed those extra questions or the generalization that often comes with the label. For a while, I viewed nurturing as something that could make you easily taken advantage of—a vulnerability that could be exploited. But when I dug deeper, I realized that it wasn’t the act of nurturing itself that made me hesitant; it was how people sometimes received that nurturing. To non-nurses, it may come as a shock, but we know that some patients and clients make us feel deeply seen, respected, and valued while we offer them care. However, let’s be real—it’s not always like that. Some people return your nurturing with disdain, disgust, or even disrespect. And over time, that can harden your heart and create distance between you and this deeply impactful part of who you are as a nurse.

And then there’s the weight of the politics and competition within the clinical environment. That can leave you feeling burdened, even as you carry the calling to nurture. But even in those tough moments, it’s important to remember: nurturing is woven into the very fibers of who you are, physically, mentally, and emotionally, because you chose this profession. The nurturing you offer at work is an extension of your truest self. You are a nurturer. How people react to you is beyond your control. You can only show up as yourself.

So, take a moment to reconnect with why you became a nurse. Reflect on the passion that drew you to this path in the first place. Recall not only the moments of joy and goodwill but also the challenges and resilience that have shaped you. Nursing has allowed you to integrate your natural gift to nurture into purposeful work. And here’s the question: why should nursing ever diminish your passion to nurture? I talk about this in my program, the 3 Week NP Job Hack. It’s about shifting your mindset, realizing that nursing is not your entire life, but a powerful part of your dream life—a role that allows you to nurture, heal, support, educate, and observe. These are all extensions of who you are, and nursing gives you the space to be that person.

Though I may still cringe at the “Why did you become a nurse?” question, I’ve come to understand the greater role nursing plays in my life. Nursing isn’t just a job; it’s a platform that lets me nurture, heal, support, and be the person I want to be. And yes, we also earn a living from it and build meaningful connections with incredible colleagues. But always remember, the cherry on top is not the substance of what you do. The foundation, the core of your being, is found in the act of being a Healer, Supporter, Mystic, Facilitator, Nurturer, and Dreamer. And nursing plays a supporting, but integral role in that journey.

Nursing can be this for you, too. You just have to decide to make it so.