Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes would not run without nurses’ invaluable contributions. They deserve to sit back and relax after a long shift and laugh about the often absurd things that happen when they’re on the clock. 

Nursing is one of the most popular jobs in the United States. It is by far the most popular job that requires a degree, and for good reason. Nursing offers a level of stability that most industries don’t. It doesn’t matter where you live: if you are an RN, you can find a job and earn enough to live on. There will always be sick people who need care, and AI is not going to replace nursing within this century. It is also one of those jobs that does a net positive for society. It’s easy to feel like your job is meaningless when you’re crunching numbers into a spreadsheet all day long. When white-collar employees document their work, there’s a chance that it won’t matter to a soul on this earth except for them. When nurses document their work, it could save somebody’s life. 

Of course, nursing isn’t just an easy paycheck. It is a high-stress job that can be incredibly hard on your body. While some nurses work 40-hour-a-week day shifts, others have inconsistent schedules, working overtime and nights just to get by. Patients, doctors, and administrators do not always give them the respect that they deserve. Although the work is objectively meaningful, nurses do not always get the appreciation that they deserve, and that is a shame.