15 Surprising Facts About Nurses You Probably Didn’t Know

Nurses are often called the backbone of healthcare, and for good reason. But beyond the compassion, quick reflexes, and long shifts, there’s so much more to the world of nursing than meets the eye. From walking marathons to influencing global health policies, nurses are full of surprises. Whether you’re a nursing student, healthcare enthusiast, or just plain curious, these facts will give you a fresh appreciation for the people behind the scrubs.

1. Nurses walk a marathon every week

Hospital nurses cover around 26 miles per week, roughly the length of a full marathon, just by doing their shifts and attending to patients.

2. They make up 80% of patient care

Nurses are responsible for nearly 80% of all hands-on patient care, playing a much larger role than most people realize.

3. A language all their own

From shorthand like “STAT” (immediately) to “PRN” (as needed), nurses speak in codes that keep hospitals running smoothly and safely.

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4. Nursing is one of the oldest professions

Dating back centuries, nursing became formally recognized through Florence Nightingale’s efforts during the Crimean War in the 1850s.

5. Florence Nightingale was also a statistician

She wasn’t just a nurse, she used data and graphs to reduce mortality rates, making her a pioneer of both nursing and modern data science.

6. The first officially registered nurse came from NZ

Ellen Dougherty of New Zealand became the world’s first state-registered nurse in 1901.

7. American-trained nurses invented patient records

Linda Richards, the first U.S.-trained nurse, created the first individual hospital record-keeping system, still a foundation today.

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8. Men are joining in, but still underrepresented

Only about 10–11% of nurses in places like the UK and U.S. are men, though this is slowly changing.

9. Male nurses often earn more

In the U.S., male nurses earn around $250 more per week than their female counterparts, a surprising and ongoing pay gap.

10. Nurses rarely call in sick, even when ill

In England, 85% of nurses reported working at least one shift while sick last year, largely due to staffing shortages and pressure.

11. Burnout is alarmingly common

About 36% of nurses report emotional exhaustion and severe burnout, especially in high-pressure hospitals and emergency units.

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12. Bullying in the workplace is widespread

Sadly, many nurses face bullying or harassment, especially new or international staff, with up to 74% reporting such experiences.

13. Nurses are the most trusted profession

For 23 years in a row, surveys rank nurses as the most ethical and honest professionals, even above doctors and teachers.

14. They’re agents of environmental change

Nurses are now taking part in green healthcare policies, from reducing waste to leading sustainability efforts in hospitals.

15. Nurses work in unexpected places

Not all nurses work in hospitals, many can be found in schools, cruise ships, law firms, prisons, and even film sets.

Why These Facts Matter

From history-shaping pioneers to today’s multitasking frontline heroes, nurses are doing far more than checking vitals and changing IVs. They lead, adapt, innovate, and yes, even walk marathons. So the next time you meet a nurse, remember: you’re not just talking to a caregiver, you’re meeting one of the most essential, hard-working, and quietly powerful professionals in the world.

Nurses deserve the spotlight. Which of these facts blew your mind? Let us know below, and share this post to show appreciation for the real heroes in scrubs.

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