At Baylor University, we honor the impact you make every day as a nurse–from your patients to your colleagues to your surrounding community. This Nurses Month, we’ve put together a list of resources, discounts, inspirational stories, and more to celebrate the incredible work you do. We encourage you to reflect on your journey, celebrate your strength and resilience, and honor the difference you have made as a healthcare professional.
Hope is the light all nurses spread. Thank you, nurses, of today and tomorrow.
A Nurses Month Message from Baylor University
At Baylor University, we're thankful for all nurses who have skillfully and compassionately cared for patients and led entire communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of Nurses Month, we created this video message just for you.
For 20 years, nurses have ranked as the “most trusted” profession. More than 80% of Americans think nurses have high ethical standards
There are almost 4.2 million RNs in the U.S–and there are four times as many nurses nationwide as there are physicians
Nurses are in high demand. By 2028, RNs can expect job growth of 12% throughout the country (faster than the average job growth rate of 5% to 8%)
More than 13% of the U.S. labor force consists of healthcare jobs (19 million out of 143 million jobs total), with about 194,500 openings for RNs projected each year
As a nurse, prioritizing your wellness isn’t optional–it’s fundamental for you, the people that rely on you, the teams you lead, and your patients’ care.
Considering we spend about one-third of our lives at work—and that’s not counting any additional time spent caring for family–it’s understandable how caregivers can quickly get wrapped up in others. That is why self-nursing is essential.
Self-nursing describes the process of developing and maintaining a caring relationship with ourselves. Embracing ways to self-nurse will help you reduce stress, replenish your compassion, and improve the quality of your care.
Be sure to keep these well-being and self-nursing tips in mind as you prioritize your health.
Regulate Your Breathing
How often do nurses coach patients on breathing? The techniques you lend to pregnant women, or the deep breaths you coach children to take before a vaccine, will also help your nervous system create a calming effect
Being active may seem out of reach some days–and that’s okay. It’s good to rest when your body needs it. However, stress may result in muscle tension, so moving around can help release that tension
Make sure your shoes fit properly–don’t take this for granted! An easy way to do this is to try on new shoes later in the day. Our feet tend to swell due to routine stress, so make sure your shoes have enough space to fit comfortably
Use high-quality insoles and compression socks for nurses to support your feet and reduce the pressure and shock that they absorb all-day
Professional Development for Nurses
As the nursing field evolves to meet the ever-changing dynamics of healthcare, the need for adaptable nurses will grow. Below are some resources for nursing professionals.
Tips for Distance ABSN Students and Graduates
Consider your clinical rotation as an extended job interview and impress your preceptor/potential future boss with these helpful tips for new nurses
Check out the FreshRN Podcast for advice and discussion on a range of topics created specifically for first-year nurses
Tips for DNP Students and Graduates
Join your state's local association for Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, or Advanced Practice Nurses and become a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). AANP members enjoy access to resources, including webinars about how to transition to the nurse practitioner role
Build your network and connect with other nurse practitioners. You can do this by joining a professional community or using social media as a platform
Be sure to listen to the AANP podcast for advice and discussion on a range of relevant, in-demand topics—free to members and non-members alike
Tips for DNP Executive Nurse Leadership Students and Graduates
Peruse this article from American Nurse Journal for advice for nurse executives on Interprofessional Practice, exploring the significance of clearly defined roles
Find a mentor. Seek out individuals whose leadership styles you admire and notice how they manage relationships, resolve conflict, and empower others. Pay it forward by becoming a mentor yourself–this will also hone your ability to deepen connections
Nursing by the Numbers
The Impact of Nurse-Midwives and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Nurse-Midwives and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have been working for more than five decades as frontline leaders in nursing, improving patient access and quality care. As advanced practice nurses, NPs have increased autonomy, more authority, and a greater breadth of expert clinical skills and knowledge.
The development of the NP role has prompted nurses to help bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, especially in primary care.
There are more than 325,000 NPs licensed in the U.S.
All NPs worked as RNs first, where their treatment of patients included holistic and wellness care
88.9% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care
NP is ranked as #1 in Best Health Care Jobs, #2 in 100 Best Jobs, and #2 in Best STEM Jobs by U.S. News and World Report
NPs can expect a bright job outlook of 52% through 2030–much faster than average, with a median pay of over $117,000 per year according to U.S. Bureau and Labor Statistics (BLS)
As of December 2020, there were 12,805 Certifed Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and 119 Certified Midwives in the United States. (Source)
Studies show that, in hospital settings, people who have midwives are less likely to have cesarean deliveries, commonly known as C-sections, or episiotomies, and people who birth with nurse-midwives are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience a perineal laceration during birth. (Source)
Honoring Baylor Nurses
At Baylor University, we’re giving a special shout-out to our online nursing students who are working towards leading a brighter future in healthcare. Click on a student to learn more about their experience and their professional goals in nursing.
Baylor Distance ABSN Students
Ebony Crawford
Ansel Grahm
Mackenzi Coleman
Mariah Sauceda
“I’ve always wanted to become a nurse. I come from a rural, underserved community, and I know that there are RN are in shortage in those areas. It’s absolutely essential for someone like me to work in an area in my hometown.” – Mariah Sauceda, Distance ABSN student
Baylor DNP Students
Rachel Carmichael
Lucinda Bush
Tami Taylor
“My favorite part of being a nurse is the fact that I get to couple ministry with medicine… to be able to take care of people first, to share the hope of the Gospel, and to offer them hope in the midst of some of life’s hardest moments.” – Rachel Carmichael, DNP-FNP student
“I have always looked for ways to make processes and structures better for nurses and patients… part of being a professional nurse is continual learning and education. I want to be educated at the highest level of my profession.” –Tami Taylor, DNP-ENL Student
More Resources for Nurses
Looking for additional information? Below is a list of resources that cover in-demand nursing topics. Be sure to check out our blog page for the latest stories and also stay up-to-date on Baylor in the news.
At Baylor University, we celebrate nurses all year-round. We’re here to support you on your nursing journey–from admissions to clinical placement to graduation.
