7 Motivational Quotes for Nursing Students

As a hard-working nursing student, you’re no stranger to stress. In fact, studying for exams, doing clinical hours, and trying to maintain a social life seem all but impossible to fit into your schedule. Add in the piles of flashcards you still have to make, and it seems like there’s just no way that you’ll get through the whole ordeal alive!

Well, have no fear. There are plenty of us who know what you’re going through and we know that you’ll survive it, just like we did. But if you’re still struggling with getting motivated, here are a few inspiring words of wisdom that will help you make it through.

  1. “To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; is to be a nurse.” – Rawsi Williams, BSN, RN

You don’t need us to tell you the value of being a nurse. You wouldn’t have gone into the profession if you didn’t believe in it. But now it’s time to believe in yourself! Nursing is a hard job and not everyone is cut out for it. But the fact that you made the decision and are currently working toward your career goal means that you know the importance of nursing, something that not everyone understands.

  1. “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Nursing is a thankless job. That’s just something you should know. You might have grand visions of how you will become the most amazing nurse in the world and everyone will thank you with bouquets of roses every day, but it’s a good idea to realize that nursing, like most professions, won’t gain you world fame. And as Maya Angelou says, most people you interact with won’t even remember your name, but they will remember how you cared for them. They’ll remember your empathy and compassion and humanity, so never forget that you are needed and appreciated.

  1. “Behind every great doctor is an even greater nurse.” – Unknown

When you become a nurse and start working, you might get a little tired of the fact that doctors seem to get all the credit and nurses never get any recognition. Don’t get disheartened by this – doctors can’t do what they do without us! Even if patients don’t see it, your physician knows your worth and all the work you do, and they really wouldn’t survive without great nurses!

  1. “When life puts you in tough situations, don’t say ‘WHY ME?’ Just say ‘TRY ME’.” – Unknown

Nursing school is hard! You’re struggling to just make it through the day with your brain intact; no doubt about it, it’s a tough situation. And needless to say, it gets even tougher when you become a nurse! So now is a great time to start getting in the habit of saying “bring it on” instead of stressing out about all the things you need to deal with. If you get yourself accustomed to embracing challenges instead of complaining about them, you’ll be that much more prepared to rock as a working nurse.

  1. “If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.” – Win Borden

Just entering nursing school was probably a big leap of faith. It’s hard and expensive and time-consuming, and what if it turns out that you don’t actually enjoy it? Well, the fact that you took that leap shows that you’re cut out for nursing. You have the confidence and the positive outlook to take a chance and put yourself out there in order to help other people. Go you!

  1. “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy; I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” – Arti Williams

This quote has been attributed to everyone from Jesus to Gandhi, but it doesn’t make it any less true. While it can be said of virtually any positive activity that requires a bit of work, it is especially true for nursing. Getting through nursing school may be one of the most challenging situations you have ever faced, and it certainly won’t be easy. Neither will the NCLEX exam. But that doesn’t mean you should give up and try something easier. In fact, what you’ll get back in return for getting through will far outweigh any of the troubles you’re facing at the moment, so don’t give up!

  1. “Save one life, you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, you’re a nurse.” – Unknown

Saving lives is par for the course in the life of a nurse, so get ready. And if that doesn’t motivate you to kick some butt in nursing school so you can get out there and start saving lives, we don’t know what will!

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