The Ultimate Nursing Playlist to Get You Through Those Long Shifts!

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While there are many songs that are fitting for the nursing profession, there is a difference between choosing the right songs and choosing a music playlist that can help you get through the grueling day. Most nurses prefer a mix of slow, peaceful songs (for relaxation), fast inspirational songs, and of course, some tongue-in-cheek humor. Consider some of our favorites for building a playlist.

Slow Moving Relaxing Songs

Two famous songs that are slow moving and relaxing are like Xanax to a stressed out nurse; speaking of course of “Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding (with wonderfully lazy lyrics like “I can’t do what ten people tell me to do, so I guess I’ll remain the same) and Margaritaville (which reminds us all of what we’re going to do on our day off!).

Fast Moving Upbeat Songs

It’s hard not to feel alive with fast-paced, rock and rolling songs that speak to the perseverance and high endurance of the human spirit. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” is a great song to wake up to, and a great song to chill to at the halfway point of your day. “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees is a song many nurses actually mention as an inspirational favorite, as it is metaphorical for the profession, and also a song that builds up self-confidence. While not anywhere near the medical universe, “Eye of the Tiger” is a human spirit-replenishing great song that reminds you that sometimes you have to fight just to “keep them alive.” (Speaking of your dreams…but your patients apply too).

Soul-Shattering Songs

Next on the music playlist is soul-crushing songs. A lot of nurses can relate to the fact that sometimes you need a cry and what better way to do it than to distract yourself from the harsh realities of the E.R. than by listening to some emotional Prozac courtesy of these blue gems: Hallelujah by John Cale (featured on the Scrubs soundtrack) and Delicate by Damian Rice (featured on the House soundtrack).

Whatever you do, however, try to avoid depressing songs that are medically based! Suicide is Painless by Johnny Mandel and Mike Altman (ironically the theme song for the otherwise feel-good M.A.S.H. TV medical series) is devastating in its bleakness, while J. Frank Wilson’s Last Kiss is so disturbing you can practically hear the EMTs on the scene.

Funny Music Playlist

Lastly, make some time for tongue-in-cheek songs about the nursing profession and all the in-office erotica that everyone thinks happens, but scarcely does. Gregory Isaacs’ Night Nurse and A Perfect Circle’s The Nurse Who Loved Me are too kinky to take seriously, but are just what you need at the end of a tough day. Take the time to laugh a little, love your partner much, and remember that you’re doing a fine work each and every day.