You can’t pour from an empty cup

The Importance of a Support System when you are a nurse

Nursing is often described as a calling, and for good reason. It takes heart, grit, brains, and a whole lot of compassion to walk into this work every day. We’re trained to care for others, to be strong in crisis, and to show up even when we’re running on empty.

But here’s something we don’t always say out loud: nurses need support too.

We’re not machines. We’re humans, too, with human emotions and needs. Behind every good nurse is (or should be) a solid support system.

Why Support Matters

Nursing is beautiful, but it can also be isolating and overwhelming. Whether it’s the emotional toll of patient care, the stress of long hours, or the challenge of balancing work with the rest of life support makes all the difference. It is so hard to express how you are feeling about a certain situation at work or with a patient/client when you don’t have someone to talk to that gets it.

A support system gives us:

A safe space to vent without judgment
Reassurance that we’re not alone in how we feel
Advice or perspective from people who’ve been there
Laughter, when we need to take the edge off
And sometimes, just someone who says, “You’re doing enough.”

Who’s in Your Circle?

Support looks different for everyone. It might be:

A coworker who checks in after a tough shift
A friend or partner who knows how to listen
A mentor who reminds you of your strength
A therapist or coach helping you unpack the hard stuff
A community (like Nurse Uplift 💙) where you can be your full, human self

No matter where you find it, you deserve connection. You’re not meant to carry it all alone. Honestly, that is not good for you, your family, your friends, OR your patients.

Normalizing the Ask

There’s a quiet culture in nursing that can make us feel like we have to be “strong” all the time. But the truth is, real strength includes knowing when to lean on others.

Asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s wise.
Sharing your struggles isn’t unprofessional — it’s real.
And building a community isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline.

This is Why Nurse Uplift Exists

Nurse Uplift was created to be a soft place to land in a tough profession. A space where you can be heard, supported, and uplifted by others who truly get it.

If you’re looking for a sign to reach out, connect, or take better care of you — this is it.

Because the best kind of nurse is a supported one. 💙

Betsy Kanz, DNP, RN, CPH