“Just a Nurse.
A few days ago, someone in nursing school told me they would never stay “just a nurse”—they planned to go straight on to become a Nurse Practitioner.
It made me think back to when I first started.
In the photo on the left, I was that girl—fresh out of school, proud, determined, ready to take on the world. I said the same thing: “I won’t be just a nurse.”
But now… almost two years later, I finally understand what it truly means to be “just a nurse.”
Because just a nurse…
Works while the world sleeps, exhausted yet still showing up with love.
Misses holidays, dinners, and weekends at home because someone else needs her more.
Lets her hair and makeup go, because caring for others comes before caring about appearances.
Sacrifices comfort, sleep, and even time with her own new husband—because patients depend on her.
And just a nurse also…
Will never be too good to care for you, no matter where you come from.
Will never judge you, only hold your hand when you need it most.
Will clean up the blood, the tears, the fears—and still smile at you.
Will sit and talk with you at midnight when you can’t sleep, even when her charting is hours behind.
Will cry with you when your baby goes to the NICU, when the news is heavy, when the pain is too much.
Will call the doctor at 3:30 a.m. on shaky hands because you need help now.
Will be your nurse, yes—but also your hairstylist, your waitress, your babysitter, your janitor, your advocate… and your friend.
I am still a baby nurse. I am still learning every single day. Maybe one day I will become a Nurse Practitioner.
But right now, I know this for certain:
There is nothing small, nothing “just,” about being just a nurse.
Because being just a nurse… is being someone’s lifeline.” 💛
*** Tiffani Ellington Harpole ***