Looking back at your time in school while completing your nursing program, you surely studied tons about patient care and your specialty. With so much to learn (years, literally!) about how to perform your job and carve out a stellar career for yourself, it’s no surprise that you couldn’t find much time for leisure reading. That goes for your favorite authors or random fun facts about nursing careers like those we’ve rounded up in this article.
Read on for some great trivia about the history of nursing and registered nurses in general (because it’s cool to geek out!) that you can drop on your colleagues in the breakroom.
Ten interesting facts about nurses
We know your career is interesting, and hopefully, you so think so too. You have one of the most important and exciting careers in the world, one in which the learning never stops. Here are some fun statistics and facts that you might not know about yourself, your colleagues, or your calling as a nurse.
Nurses are a cornerstone of humanity
It might not have been precisely like modern nursing as we know it today, but healers have been around as long as people have needed critical care. In fact, the first nursing school was established in India in 250 BC! Take pride in your part of that legacy.
Florence Nightingale is a legend
Everyone who’s heard the call to nursing has probably been called “Florence Nightingale” at some point. That’s because Nightingale is synonymous with nursing, and she certainly earned it. A lifesaver (literally!) for British soldiers during the Crimean War, she understood the calling in a way that continues to inspire nurses today. If her wisdom and practices are part of your daily life, we’re not surprised.
Nurses walk three miles a day
Nurses are getting in their steps. You’re probably walking three miles daily on the low end. On the higher end, it could be more like five miles. Congratulations on that great cardio workout (and those defined calf muscles!). That said, don’t forget to take care of your feet and ankles after a long shift. Doing so can be relaxing and also doubles as self-care. To prevent any pain related to that hospital workout, make sure you have comfortable compression scrubs and the right shoes.
You’ve got an excellent job
According to U.S. News and World Reports, you’ve chosen the right career. Why? The world will need dedicated healthcare professionals like you, and nursing jobs will always be at the top of the list.
You’re not alone
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 3 million nurses in the US. And with about 28 million around the world, the global headcount of nurses is more than the entire population of Australia.
Staffing agencies play a significant role in nursing careers
You’re not alone if you got your job through a staffing agency. These agencies play a huge role in landing nursing jobs and finding them the right work opportunities. And if you’re on the other end of things and own a staffing agency, be prepared to keep up with the demand to fill nursing roles.
You work in all sorts of cool places
Nurses don’t just work in hospitals (only approximately 60% do). Many work in doctor’s offices, public health clinics, labs, and even helicopters. So not only is the job stability promising, there are plenty of exciting places to work as a nurse.
You’re a techie
Technology is a massive part of the nursing practice, and we’re not just talking about telehealth. You use advanced bedside devices, keep digital records and take advantage of the wealth of data we’ve acquired in the contemporary age. And the use of technology continues to be on the rise.
Then there’s the whole field of nursing informatics, which is also continuing to grow.
There’s a whole week dedicated to you
As a nurse, we’ll be the first to say that you deserve to be celebrated. If you’re a nurse, it’s time to recognize your hard work and dedication! This special week happens May 6-12, so drop hints with your loved ones. You deserve a spa day or gift to commend your hard work.
There are more than 100 nursing specializations
If you feel like you may need a career change, we have some good news: There are more than 100 specialties for nurses, and it’s never too late to focus on one that interests you or brings you more joy. Nurses can specialize in everything, from pediatrics and travel nursing to more advanced practice roles. That means there’s a ton you can do to further your nursing education, whether you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate’s degree.
Just when you thought we were only here to provide great scrubs, we come along with fun facts. Count on us for premium med-athleisure fashion made by medical workers and valuable information to help you in your career.