10 interesting facts about nurses

Often regarded as the cornerstone of healthcare, nurses are essential for delivering exceptional patient experiences and maintaining the overall function of their organizations. The contributions of registered nurses are vast and multifaceted, but there’s more than meets the eye.  

To help recognize their hard work and dedication, we’ve compiled 10 fascinating facts about the nursing profession that highlight its past, present, and future.   

1. Nursing dates back to ancient times 

Nursing has been vital to society for centuries. Most of this history has been lost to time, as it has primarily took place within families and other private settings.  

Greek mythology, Homer’s “Iliad”, and Hippocratic texts reference “nurses” and their expert knowledge in herbs and other substances for common ailments. Ancient Egyptian records also mention men and women who served in physician assistant roles similar to modern-day nurse practitioners. 

2. Nurses make up a notable part of the American population  

There are more than 3.3 million registered nurses throughout the country, which is more than the combined population of Denver, CO, and Philadelphia, PA! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there are about 280,140 nurse practitioners as well.  

The largest concentrations of nurses can be found in states such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

3. Nursing professionals take on most of the responsibilities 

Did you know that registered nurses are responsible for 80% of patient care? From administrating medication to monitoring vital signs, they are there every step of the way.   

They outnumber doctors three to one, often making critical decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. Their expertise and compassion play a huge role in achieving positive outcomes.  

4. Registered nurses are here, there, and everywhere  

When most people think of nurses or nurse practitioners, they typically think of hospitals and health systems. 39% of registered nurses are actually employed outside of these settings, such as physician offices, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.  

Other places hiring nurses include school districts, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, prisons, telehealth companies, secondary nursing schools, insurance companies, and law firms.  

5. Nursing remains the most trusted profession 

For the 23rd year in a row, a Gallup poll found that nurses are rated as the most ethical and honest profession. 76% of American adults described these healthcare workers as having “high” or “very high” honesty and ethical standards.  

This survey originated in 1976 and didn’t include registered nurses until 1990. Nurses have topped the poll every year except 2001—and only that year—when they placed second to firefighters in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  

6. Nursing is one of the top-rated occupations  

The U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs are ranked on their ability to offer a mix of positive qualities, such as paying well, matching skills and talents, and providing a healthy work-life balance.  

Nurse practitioners earned the number one spot, highlighting the increasing demand for this career as they provide more essential services to patients. Nurse anesthetists also made the top twenty list, a testament to their specialized skill set and critical role in surgeries and pain management. 

8. Nurses see their occupation as their true calling 

Despite persistent challenges in hospitals and beyond, most registered nurses do not regret their decision to work in healthcare. The American Nurse Journal’s seventh annual Trends and Salary Survey reveals that 79% of respondents would still choose to become nurses if they had to do it all over again. 

While this number is slightly lower than the 82% who gave the same answer the previous year, it speaks to their strong sense of career satisfaction and fulfillment.  

8. The nursing profession continues to grow  

The BLS reports that nursing continues to have fast job growth rates; this career is projected to grow by 6% in the next decade, faster than the average for other industries. It is estimated that 194,500 new openings for registered nurses will be available in the coming years.  

Nurses are often stereotyped as women, but the latest statistics show a growing emergence among men. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has found that, within a two-year period, the number of male nurses has increased from 9.4% to 11.2%.  

When looking more closely at nurse practitioners, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) also revealed a robust growth of 8.5% compared to previous years.  

9. Technology is changing the practice of nursing  

With over 96% of hospitals using certified health IT such as electronic health records (EHR) and 84% of healthcare organizations requiring the use of digital tools, it’s safe to say that technology is an integrated part of nursing.  

Emerging solutions, such as robotic colleagues and AI-powered devices for drawing blood, are being implemented to reduce burnout for registered nurses and improve patient care.  

10. National Nurses Week has been celebrated for more than 40 years  

The history of National Nurses Week dates back to efforts made in 1953, but the White House didn’t formally designate it until President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation in 1974.  

Each year, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12: Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The American Nurses Association (ANA) supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs wherever registered nurses are employed.  

In conclusion, nurses play a pivotal role in healthcare. Their compassion and dedication create better patient experiences and inspire future generations to enter the nursing workforce. Whether they’re saving lives or driving innovation for quality care, nurses create a healthier, happier world. 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated for relevancy and accuracy.