From Octuplets to On-Call: TLC’s Kate Gosselin Returns to Nursing

Image sources: TLC/HBO, TikTok

Ever feel like your nursing shift could be its own reality show? Kate Gosselin, mom of eight and former TLC star, has lived it—and she’s back on the floor where it all began. Yes, the Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum has traded her front-row spot in pop culture’s parenting circus for the rewarding challenge of pediatric home healthcare. Cue the band-aids, empathy, and a healthy dose of Gosselin hustle.

Who IS Kate Gosselin, Anyway?

Let’s rewind to 2007: TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus 8 debuts, featuring Pennsylvania nurse Kate and husband Jon wrangling twins plus sextuplets (that’s eight kids, folks) with jaw-dropping schedules, towering laundry piles, and plenty of “real talk.” For a decade, America watched Kate coordinate chaos—part nurse, part drill sergeant, part supermom. After a high-profile divorce, she kept anchoring Kate Plus 8, making guest appearances on Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, Wife Swap, and even releasing multiple bestselling books. Her signature bob may be gone, but her ability to handle high-stress situations remains legendary.

 

Back to Her Roots—And Yours!

Fast-forward to August 2025, and Kate is making headlines (and TikTok videos!) for her career switch back to nursing. She is a registered nurse in North Carolina, specializing in pediatric home healthcare (managing medically-challenged children and supporting families beyond what any TV crew would dare attempt). Kate originally completed nursing school at Reading Hospital where she trained as a labor and delivery nurse before she became widely known on the TLC reality TV show. 

Kate says she is working part-time to full-time with one family (she tried two, but even reality stars have their limits!) and does everything from medical care to feeding, bathing, and all the fun, playful parts of care. “I miss working with kids. I miss being with kids,” she shares, exuding #nurselife energy nurses everywhere recognize. Her work is described as rewarding, fun, and confidence-boosting, especially as she helps siblings of medically-complex patients live fuller lives by supporting the whole household.

@kate.gosselin Replying to @Rebecca To answer your question about nursing! #kateplus8 #gsdoftiktok #blackgsdsoftiktok #Meikathegsd #workinglinegsd ♬ Positive background music such as play and games(1251730) - earbrojp

Is She Recognized? Oh, Absolutely!

Patients (and their families) know exactly who Kate is before she walks in the door—talk about a unique icebreaker! She’s become a go-to for questions, especially when teenage patients are in the mix. Her years as mom-of-eight are the best prep for pediatric nursing: multi-tasking, empathy, and high-velocity snack distribution all apply!

@kate.gosselin Replying to @Bethany Trying this again! #kateplus8 #gsdoftiktok #Meikathegsd #blackgsdsoftiktok #RN ♬ original sound - kate.gosselin

What Else Is New—Kate’s Life in 2025

• Kate recently renewed her nursing license (set to expire in 2027), so she’s locked into the healthcare hustle for years to come.
• She’s sharing everything on TikTok—from nursing stories to home tips to fitness routines (protein shakes, anyone?), and keeping her followers updated on both professional and personal milestones.
• Those famous eight hands? Still treasured—she has hand replicas of all her kids displayed proudly at her North Carolina home.
• Her twins Cara and Mady are 24, the sextuplets are now 21, and some of Kate’s grown kids are rewatching classic Plus 8 episodes and sharing laughs with friends and partners.
• If you need a little humor and honesty, Kate freely admits that her daughters are way better at makeup than she is and that her “dog mom era” is in full swing.

 

TLC, TikTok and Tender Loving Care

For nurses wondering if Kate Gosselin could possibly relate to your daily grind, the answer is a loud YES. She’s mixing reality TV wisdom, clinical training, and authenticity into her daily rounds, showing that pop culture stars can—and do—make a real difference in healthcare. From prepping for night shifts to balancing career and family, Kate Gosselin is proof that nursing’s heart, grit, and compassion translate everywhere. And who knows—maybe she’ll share that protein shake recipe for your next breakroom potluck.

Whether you watched her wrangle tots or prefer following her now as a bona fide pediatric nurse, Kate Gosselin is energizing nurses everywhere with her humor, resilience, and commitment to the next generation!

Here’s to embracing your “plus eight” moments—just think, if Kate can do it, you totally can too!

 

🤔 Did you watch TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8? What do you think about Kate's return to nursing? Let us know in the discussion forum below.