While we agree nursing school can seem taxing at times, it’s exponentially more rewarding. Whether you’re already a nurse or are studying to become one, you’ll have plenty of emotional moments both high and low. Oftentimes, a boost from an inspirational quote or thought is all you need to help get you through the day or remind you of the importance of your studies and your future career in healthcare.
Quotes that sum up our experiences as medical professionals remind us there are others in our community who’ve had similar experiences. This helps us feel accompanied, even in tough moments.
So, whether you’re a nursing school student stressing about acing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) or a trained nurse working hard to provide the best patient care possible, or you’re someone supporting a nursing student, the following quotes can help nurses feel acknowledged and appreciated.
Even if you’re not an aspiring nurse practitioner but know someone who’s on a journey to become one, remember these quotes when it comes time to give a gift. For example, you can look for mugs or thermoses printed with an inspirational saying or create your own. If you’re a nurse, consider printing one of these quotes and carrying it around in your wallet when you need it. A little motivation never hurts, even if you’re having the greatest of days at school or work.
8 inspirational quotes for nurses
“Nursing is an art, and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation as any painter’s or sculptor’s work.”
Florence Nightingale
This little motivational speech for nursing students comes from one of history’s most well-known nurses. Nursing isn’t only a part of medicine (or simply hard work) but also an art form. (We think this one would make a particularly amazing wall hanging in the break room!)
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Malcolm X
This motivational quote from human rights activist Malcolm X reminds hard-working students to never take their eyes off the prize. Studying may seem stressful now, but nurses provide an incomparable reward to their future patients by knowing how to provide them with excellent, competent care.
“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
This quote is an excellent example of a poet delicately explaining a profession’s finest points. As a nurse tending to patients day in and day out, remind yourself of your impact on their lives. You may literally be saving a life, and they’ll remember your empathetic care for the rest of their days.
“When you’re a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.”
Unknown
The author remains a mystery, but we’re pretty sure this positive, short nursing quote was written by a nurse. Even on your worst day, remember you’re touching lives. And, if it helps, take a step back and look at how the people in your life impact you. This can include your patients, professors, and support system.
“Life doesn’t begin at graduation. It began when you made the decision to start nursing school.”
Anonymous
This quote is like a gratitude reminder for nursing students that you’re already taking important steps toward providing patient care; in fact, you’re already making a huge difference in your clinical rounds.
“Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
Donna Wilk Cardillo
Add this to your list of “proud to be a nurse” quotes. The healthcare system can’t function without having nurses like you at its core. Nurses pump the proverbial (and, sometimes, literal) lifeblood of these settings!
“Nurses are always there; you care for us from the earliest years. You look after us in our happiest and saddest times. And for many, you look after us and our families at the end of our lives. Your dedication and professionalism are awe-inspiring.”
Duchess Kate Middleton
This royal praise reminds us that nurses are often there at the most pivotal moments of a patient’s life, making it hard for anyone to forget the impact these healthcare professionals have had on them.
“I had fun once. Then I went to nursing school.”
Unknown
This is a humorous take on how challenging this career path can seem at times. Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine. We can totally imagine this funny nursing quote printed on a wine glass or an oversized coffee mug.
Tips for staying engaged and motivated
Whether you’re a part of a team or leading one, remember to cheer others on. Here are some ways you can motivate others and yourself:
- Create a strong set of ethics and values: Align your values with your institution’s to have a strong work ethic. On a hard day, you can touch base with yourself and remind yourself why you’re doing all this hard work.
- Respect people: When you respect your patients, peers, and mentors, you not only make them feel valued and good about themselves but also gain their respect. If you see a colleague having a stressful day, remind them how important they are and why you admire them.
- Lead by example: If you’re a veteran nurse, fourth-year nursing student, or professor, nursing students look up to you. Sure, we all have a tough day from time to time, but show them the best of yourself, so they can emulate your work ethic and compassion when treating patients.
- Provide emotional support: Nurses are all in it together. Learn from one another and lean on each other in difficult moments. Creating a support group is a great idea; at least start with a study group!
- Take care of your mental health: As a nurse, you’re always on your toes to provide the best patient care. But in this whole process, your mental health takes a toll, and you’re at the risk of burning out. Take breaks and let your mind relax. Indulge in some self-care.
As you give your nursing education the constant attention it needs, leave the work of getting perfect scrubs to us. We’re happy to accompany you on your nursing journey, from school to retirement. We even offer a student discount; that’s our way of encouraging and empowering you to study hard and be the best at your work. Way to go, to-be amazing nurses!