The long shifts, the emotional toll, the unwavering dedication – being a nurse is a marathon, not a sprint. And sometimes, the best fuel isn't coffee, but the perfect soundtrack. That's why we've compiled this ultimate list of the best songs for nurses, a curated collection designed to lift your spirits, energize your steps, and help you unwind after a long day. Whether you need upbeat anthems to power through a busy ward or calming melodies to soothe your soul after a challenging case, this playlist caters to every mood and moment in a nurse's life. We've considered everything from feel-good pop hits to soulful ballads, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, put on your scrubs, grab your stethoscope, and let the music inspire you. Let's dive into the ultimate soundtrack for your nursing journey!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Something Just Like This |
Coldplay The Chainsmokers | Memories...Do Not Open | 2B+ |
| 2. Firework | Katy Perry | 1B+ | |
| 3. The Climb | Miley Cyrus | Stages (Deluxe) | 490M+ |
| 4. Hero | Mariah Carey | 394M+ | |
| 5. Don't Stop Believin' | Journey | Escape (2022 Remaster) | 305M+ |
| 6. Heal the World | Michael Jackson | Dangerous | 260M+ |
| 7. Hallelujah | Leonard Cohen | Various Positions | 249M+ |
1. Something Just Like This (Coldplay ft The Chainsmokers - 2025)
Uplifting Melody: The bright, anthemic melody of "Something Just Like This" provides a consistently positive and energetic backdrop, perfect for boosting spirits during a long shift.
Driving Rhythm: Its driving beat offers a sense of momentum and purpose, helping to maintain focus and energy levels throughout the workday.
Collaborative Vibe: The blend of Coldplay's emotive vocals and The Chainsmokers' electronic production creates a collaborative, almost communal feel, reflecting the team spirit often found in nursing.
2. Firework
Uplifting Melody: Katy Perry's "Firework" boasts a powerful and anthemic melody that can provide a much-needed boost of energy during a long shift, offering a moment of escape and inspiration.
Empowering Lyrics: The lyrics focus on inner strength and resilience, themes that deeply resonate with the challenges and triumphs inherent in nursing. This makes it a perfect soundtrack for overcoming tough moments.
Positive Vibes: Its upbeat tempo and celebratory feel can create a positive atmosphere, perfect for background listening or a quick mood lift between patients.
3. The Climb (Miley Cyrus - 2025)
Uplifting Melody: "The Climb" possesses a powerful and anthemic melody that perfectly captures the feeling of perseverance and overcoming challenges, providing a much-needed boost during long shifts.
Relatable Lyrics: Miley Cyrus's vocals convey a message of hope and resilience, resonating deeply with the experiences of nurses who face demanding situations daily. The lyrics offer a sense of shared struggle and ultimate triumph.
Emotional Resonance: This song's inspirational message and soaring chorus create an emotional lift, offering a moment of strength and positivity amidst stressful work environments.
4. Hero (1993)
Uplifting Vocals: Mariah Carey's powerful and soaring vocals in "Hero" offer a much-needed emotional lift during long and demanding shifts, providing a sense of strength and hope.
Empowering Message: The song's message of perseverance and inner strength resonates deeply with the challenges and triumphs inherent in nursing, making it an anthem of resilience.
Soothing Melody: The song's calming melody and rhythm can serve as a soothing backdrop during breaks, helping nurses unwind and recharge before tackling the next challenge.
5. Don't Stop Believin' (Journey - 1981)
Uplifting Melody: Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" features a soaring, anthemic melody that can provide a much-needed boost of energy during a long shift.
Relatable Lyrics: The song's lyrics about hope and perseverance resonate deeply with the challenges and triumphs of the nursing profession.
Stress Relief: Its powerful yet comforting sound creates a sense of solidarity and can help ease the emotional toll of a demanding job.
6. Heal the World (Michael Jackson - 1991)
Soothing Melodies: "Heal the World" offers a gentle, comforting melody that can provide a much-needed respite during a long shift, creating a peaceful atmosphere for both the nurses and patients.
Uplifting Message: Michael Jackson's powerful vocals deliver a message of hope and compassion, resonating deeply with the empathetic nature of nursing and potentially offering emotional support.
Timeless Classic: Its enduring popularity ensures familiarity and a sense of shared experience, creating a calming and universally-enjoyed background sound.
7. Hallelujah
Emotional Resonance: Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" offers a profound exploration of love, loss, and faith, themes that resonate deeply with the emotional demands of nursing.
Soothing Melody: The song's gentle melody and Cohen's distinctive baritone voice create a calming atmosphere, perfect for moments of quiet reflection after a long shift.
Versatile Mood: Its adaptable mood makes it suitable for both moments of quiet contemplation and shared reflection with colleagues, offering a soundtrack for a range of emotional experiences within the nursing profession.
8. You Raise Me Up (2003)
Soothing Vocals: Josh Groban's rich, resonant voice offers a comforting and calming presence, perfect for moments of reflection or respite during a long shift.
Uplifting Message: The lyrics speak to themes of strength, resilience, and hope—emotions that resonate deeply with the challenges and rewards of nursing.
Emotional Resonance: Its powerful yet gentle melody creates a space for emotional processing, making it ideal for background listening or moments of quiet contemplation.
9. Let It Be (1970)
Soothing Melody: Let It Be's gentle piano melody and understated instrumentation create a calming atmosphere perfect for moments of quiet reflection, a much-needed respite during long shifts.
Emotional Resonance: The lyrics offer comfort and hope, themes particularly relevant to the challenges and emotional demands of nursing.
Vocal Performance: John Lennon's tender vocals deliver a message of peace and reassurance, providing a sense of solace and strength.
10. Man in the Mirror (Bad 25th Anniversary - 1987)
Uplifting Melody: "Man in the Mirror" features a bright, hopeful melody that can provide a much-needed boost during long shifts, offering a positive counterpoint to stressful situations.
Powerful Vocals: Michael Jackson's iconic vocals are both strong and emotive, delivering a message of self-reflection and positive change that can resonate deeply with the compassion nurses show daily.
Inspirational Message: The song's core message of personal responsibility and making a difference aligns perfectly with the dedication and selflessness inherent in nursing.
11True Colors
Cyndi Lauper
1986
True Colors
12Brave
Sara Bareilles
2013
13Three Little Birds
The Wailers,Bob Marley
1977
14I Will Survive
Gloria Gaynor
1978
Future Bound
15I Hope You Dance
Lee Ann Womack
2000
I Hope You Dance
16Walking On Sunshine
Katrina,The Waves
1985
17Lean on Me
Bill Withers
1972
Still Bill
18Count on Me
Bruno Mars
2010
Doo-Wops & Hooligans
19Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon , Garfunkel
1970
20Better Together
Jack Johnson
2005
In Between Dreams
21Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye,Tammi Terrell
1967
United
22Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
1988
Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording)
23I'll Be There for You
The Rembrandts
1995
L.P.
24Stand By Me
Ben E. King
1961
Don't Play That Song (Mono)
25What A Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong
1967
What A Wonderful World
26You've Got a Friend
Carole King
1971
27Thank You for Being a Friend
Andrew Gold
1978
28Keep Holding On
Avril Lavigne
2006
The Best Damn Thing (Expanded Edition)