The ‘Nurse With a Purse’ Stereotype on Dating Apps - How Gold Diggers Target Nurses
Disclaimer: This article contains TikTok videos with explicit language, viewer discretion is advised.
Have you heard the phrase “Nurse With a Purse”? It’s making the rounds from TikTok to Instagram, where nurses are joking—and sometimes venting—about the idea that we’re all just rolling in cash. Sure, some nurses are laughing it off, but others aren’t amused. Because let’s be real—between student loans, extra shifts, and the questionable hospital coffee fund, where exactly is this supposed fortune hiding? But hey, apparently saving lives isn’t enough—we’re supposed to bankroll your lifestyle too? 💸
What Does "Nurse With a Purse" Mean?
Originally, “Nurse With a Purse” was just a way to describe nurses with stable incomes who sometimes end up as the main breadwinners in relationships. But thanks to TikTok and social media, the phrase has taken on a life of its own—becoming a mix of humor and frustration as nurses share their dating experiences. Whether it’s gold diggers swiping right for financial security or the assumption that every nurse is secretly rich (spoiler: we’re not), the conversation is sparking plenty of laughs—and a few eye rolls.
What Does 'Nurse OR a Purse Mean'?
There’s another spin on this phrase—“Nurse OR a Purse”—because apparently, some folks on the dating scene are looking for either a built-in caregiver or a personal ATM. That’s right, they either want a nurse to baby them through life (because heaven forbid they make their own doctor’s appointments) or a purse to keep their wallets nice and full. Basically, it’s a choice between playing Florence Nightingale or Sugar Mama—and neither was on the NCLEX.
Nurses Weigh In on the Debate
Opinions on the “Nurse With a Purse” phrase are divided within the nursing community. Some nurses proudly embrace it on social media, celebrating their financial independence and career success, even using the hashtag to highlight their accomplishments. Others, however, err on the side of caution, avoiding any mention of being a nurse on dating profiles to prevent potential stigma or assumptions about their financial status. Many fear that labeling themselves as a nurse could attract individuals who see them more for their income than for who they truly are.
@thecjkyles We want the nurses with the purses! #NCLEX #Nurse #TravelNurse #Nursing #LongTermCare #LPN #RN #LicensedPractialNurse #Fyp #NurseHumor #NursingHome #CNA #NursingStudent #RegisteredNurse #NursesOfTikTok #NurseHumor #CNA #CertfiedNurseAssistant #Healthcare #HealthcareHumor #NewNurse #NursingSchool #LVN #nursinghome ♬ original sound - CJ Kyles
Nurses chimed in on the TikTok video:
- "Nurse Here!! We ain’t messing with NO SCRUBS!!" - one commented
- "I’m a nurse and all I got on me is a skin prep, 1 small glove and a purewick" - another shared
- "I’m a nurse and I have a 15$ purse from Ross" - said another
Nurse With A Purse on Tiktok wrote: “When you're a nurse with a purse.”
@nursewithapursee Is the first of the month🫶🏻 #fyp #foryoupage #nurse #studentnurse #nursingschool #nursesoktiktok #nursetok #soontobern #soontobenurse #nursehumor #registerednurse #orlandonurse #rnvibes #rnsoftiktok #nurselife #xybca #trends #viral #firstofthemonth ♬ WAKE UP ITS THE FIRST OF THE MONTH - MemezMuzic
Rich Nurse Cooking Club on TikTok wrote “Don’t call the all police on me but it’s dangerous out here for Nurses…”
The Travel Nurse Perspective
For travel nurses, who often earn higher pay rates and have the flexibility to work on their terms, this phrase hits differently. Many travel nurses on TikTok joke about being approached for their financial stability rather than their personality. Others share concerns about financial exploitation, emphasizing the need for boundaries and financial literacy in relationships.
As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of travel nursing, I see both sides. Nurses work long hours, handle emotional stress, and put their heart into patient care—but that doesn’t mean they should be seen as a financial safety net.
However, with the rising cost of living, fluctuating travel nurse pay rates, and changes in hospital contract negotiations, many travel nurses are feeling the financial squeeze. What was once a highly lucrative career path now requires careful budgeting, financial planning, and adaptability as the industry continues to shift. Whether you’re a bedside nurse or a travel nurse, your worth extends far beyond your paycheck.
@sarasadmomfoster 90 and thriving. #grandma ♬ original sound - Sara Foster
Nurses and Toxic Dating Patterns
Nurse Converse, Jeri Ford, BSN, CPN discusses the topic of dating and relationships for nurses with guest Danielle Palomares, a trauma, attachment and sex therapist. They explore the patterns and challenges that nurses face in their personal lives, including the impact of vicarious trauma, the tendency to be caretakers, and struggles with setting boundaries. Whether you’re single, dating, or in a relationship, this episode is packed with insights to help you end toxic patterns and find healthy love.
Podcast Episode
Shifting the Narrative
The growing conversation around “Nurse With a Purse” highlights the importance of financial empowerment for nurses. Instead of letting the phrase define us, let’s use it as motivation to build financial independence, advocate for fair wages, and educate ourselves on wealth management—so we’re securing our own futures, not just supporting others.
Share Your Thoughts
🤔What do you think about the phrase “Nurse With a Purse? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.
If you have a nursing news story that deserves to be heard, we want to amplify it to our massive community of millions of nurses! Get your story in front of Nurse.org Editors now - click here to fill out our quick submission form today!
