“Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive, stayin' alive. Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin' alive.”
There is nothing like a Bee Gees beat to start the day with pre-shift energy that will put some pep in your step as a nurse. After all, keeping people alive is what you do best. So, make sure you add this to your nurse playlist of songs to keep you motivated.
Nursing is a great profession, but it can be tiring at times. Having a pre-game playlist to pump you up and get you ready for your nursing shift is an awesome way to set a positive tone for your day ahead.
Everyone has their own music tastes, but there’s always room for inspiration. Here are eight more killer—or life-saver?—songs that need to be on your nurse playlist to help you tackle the day's challenges.
1. No Scrubs, by TLC
“No, I don't want no scrub
A scrub is a guy who can't get no love from me”
“No Scrubs”, by TLC, is a classic R&B song from the late '90s that empowers women to set high standards for their partners—a good set of nursing scrubs, however, will get a lot of love from a nurse.
The catchy chorus and strong vocals make it a timeless anthem for self-respect and independence.
What better tune to get you pumped before a workday? Add “No Scrubs” to the list of uplifting songs on your pre-game playlist.
2. On Top of the World, by Imagine Dragons
“‘Cause I'm on top of the world, 'ey
I'm on top of the world, 'ey
Waiting on this for a while now”
Imagine Dragons' “On Top of the World” has powerful lyrics and a great melody. This American pop-rock band describes what it takes to work your way from the ground up to become successful and reach your dreams.
Remember when you were just a nursing student? All those late nights of studying and clinical rotations paid off. This song is a perfect reminder of the feeling of accomplishment and success after all the hard work and dedication you put in.
Now, it’s time to celebrate and feel on top of the world with this catchy tune—one of those uplifting songs that will instantly boost your mood.
3. Don’t Stop Believin', by Journey
“Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlights, people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on”
Let’s get a little more gritty, shall we? For male nurses or any rock-loving team members who thrive on crunchy guitar riffs and classic anthems, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey is an ideal song to add to a pre-shift soundtrack.
Why? 'Cause nursin’ is hard, but you got to keep believin’ it will be okay.
This song by Journey may just be the best medicine—one of those truly energizing music tunes that reminds you to dig deep, push through, and hold on to that feelin’ that you're doing a great job as a nurse.
4. Everybody Hurts, by R.E.M.
“When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life, well hang on”
Let’s be clear: Uplifting and happy music for nurses is great for a pre-shift playlist, but sometimes, it’s okay to be a little “emo.” After all, it’s not just our patients who hurt sometimes; it’s also the people who care for them.
As a nurse, you are not going to show up for all your shifts feeling that pizzazz in your step. Nursing is a demanding role with high expectations.
The song "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M., a favorite early ‘80s rock band, is an example of relaxing tunes that may get you a tad emotional but also validate your feelings when you're feeling down—perhaps after dealing with difficult patients.
Research shows that crying helps us release stress and emotional pain, so let those feelings out with this R.E.M. song. Then, wait for the next song to have you walking on sunshine again.
5. Walking on Sunshine, by Katrina and the Waves
“I'm walking on sunshine, wooah
I'm walking on sunshine, woooah
I'm walking on sunshine, woooah
And don't it feel good!”
If this beat from the '80s doesn’t put a smile on your face, then nothing will. Really, though, if you are looking for some stress relief music, “Walking on Sunshine” may just do the trick.
Try adding this tune to your morning motivation routine, a perfect song for a 6 a.m. pre-shift playlist.
6. Happy, by Pharrell Williams
“Because I'm happy (happy)
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof”
Sometimes, you just need a song that feels like sunshine in your earbuds. Enter “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. This modern beat is super contagious, and the lyrics are simple and pure.
Whether you are dancing in your kitchen before your shift as that first shot of coffee hits your blood or just walking into work, this track will keep you light on your feet.
7. Ordinary, by Alex Warren
“The angels up in the clouds are jealous, knowin' we found
Somethin' so out of the ordinary”
This catchy and uplifting song, “Ordinary,” is nothing out of the ordinary. Its compelling lyrics tell a love story between the singer and his partner and how loving someone so deeply can make life extraordinary.
For nurses in love, this is a great tune to fill you up with pre-shift motivation. You can also use it as focus music to remind people that ordinary moments of life are sometimes the most meaningful.
8. My Hero, by Foo Fighters
“There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero”
This rock classic, “My Hero,” captures the quiet strength of an everyday hero. Nurses with families—like dads or moms who work long hours or miss meals but still show up for their families—this tune is for you.
Nurses are real-life superheroes. This song is a perfect tribute to those who lead by example, whether at home or in scrubs.
Turn up the volume and nurse on
Whether you are preparing to clock in for a 12-hour shift or getting yourself pumped to return to the floor after your lunch break, a good song can make all the difference.
From soul-soothing and calming sounds to upbeat and adrenaline-pumping anthems, a pre-game nurse playlist should include a mix of these songs.
Go ahead and inject a little—or lots—of rhythm into your nursing routine. Turn up the volume and nurse on.
Don’t miss the beat. Check out how working as a PRN nurse can add variety and flexibility to your schedule.
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