Heart & Hustle: A Day in the Life of a Registered Nurse

For Megan Metzger, becoming a registered nurse wasn’t part of some life-long plan—but it’s hard for her to imagine doing anything else.

Each day, as she steps onto the medical-surgical floor, she greets her patients the same way: “Good morning, my name is Megan. I’ll be your nurse today. We’re going to have a great day together.”

But it’s more than a greeting. It’s a promise to show up with compassion, even on the hardest days. Especially on the hardest days. For Megan, nursing is more than a job. Despite the long shifts, constant problem-solving, and the emotional toll, she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The Human Connection

Working on the med-surg floor means Megan sees it all: post-surgical recoveries, chronic illnesses, unexpected diagnoses. It’s a demanding space—high energy, high stakes—but it’s where Megan thrives.

“There’s such variety,” she explains. “One moment you’re helping a diabetic patient manage their blood sugar, and the next you’re supporting someone after surgery. You’re constantly on your toes.”

But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I come home exhausted,” Megan admits, “but it’s a grateful, fulfilling kind of exhausted. I know I’ve made a difference.”

That includes looking out for her patients’ families as well as her patients. It could be holding space for a family navigating a tough diagnosis, or grieving the loss of a loved one.

“I feel the pain they’re going through, and I can’t always take that pain away. But what I can do is walk in with a smile, bring a bit of light.”

That’s what makes a great registered nurse, according to Megan. It’s not just about the skills. It’s about being kind, and taking the time to really connect with the people you’re helping.

“You need compassion, a drive, a caring soul,” she says. “The work isn’t easy, but if you care about people and want to help, you’ll go far.”

“We need you.”

And you really can go far—in fact, you can make your nursing career fit your lifestyle.

“There are so many directions you can go in,” Megan explains. “There’s critical care, pediatrics, surgery, management, education. I have friends who moved into nurse practitioner roles, and others teach or do case management. Nursing gives you options.”

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate unsure of your next step, or an established professional looking for a new beginning, nursing offers both stability and purpose.

“There have been so many rewarding moments in my career,” Megan reflects, “but what sticks with me is how much I get back from my patients. They teach me about strength, resilience, and gratitude. I may be the one helping them, but they change me, too.”

She also emphasizes the value of working with a team.

“We rely on each other. I love my coworkers just as much as I love my patients. We support each other on the good days as well as the bad ones.”

And in the end, that’s what matters to Megan: showing up with heart, with humility, with the belief that even the smallest act of care or kindness can make an impact on her coworkers and her patients.

“It’s hard work,” she admits. “But it’s real. It matters.”