The Miss America contestant who typically gets the most media coverage is the winner. While the 2016 Miss America crown went to Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell, 2^nd Runner Up, Miss Colorado’s heartwarming monologue captured major media attention around the globe.

A Nurse with a Heart of Gold

Instead of opting to do the traditional singing or dancing expected during the talent portion of the competition, Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson shared a heartwarming monologue about her experience with one of her Alzheimer’s patients—the one who reminded her of “why [she] became a nurse in the first place.” Not only did she deliver a monologue, but she came out in a purple scrubs and tennis shoes—not a glamourous costume or gown.



Miss Colorado’s monologue inspired many around the globe, which prompted us at SeniorCare.Jobs to take a look at other public figures and celebrities who were once nurses, medical professionals, or caregivers.

Actress Bonnie Hunt
Before she became an actress, writer, director, and producer—Bonnie Hunt worked as an oncology nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Dancing Diva Tina Turner
Today, Tina Turner is a music legend, but before pursuing her musical aspirations full-time, she worked as a nurse’s aide in Nutbush, Tennessee.

Actress Mayim Bialik
If you wondered what happened to actress Mayim Bialik between her 90s smash hit, Blossom, and her comedic role in The Big Bang Theory—she went to UCLA and earned her PhD in neuroscience.

Poet Walt Whitman
Infamous 1800s poet and journalist, Walt Whitman, is best known as one of America’s most influential writers, but what you may not know is that he was a nurse during the Civil War.

Radio Personality Robin Quivers

Robin Quivers is best known as shock jock Howard Stern’s right-hand lady. However, before she began her career in radio—she was a Captain in the Air Force, and a nurse at the Maryland Shock Trauma facility.

These are just a handful of public figures who, just like you, pursued their passion for the medical field. We leave you with an inspiring quote from the legendary Maya Angelou: “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou. “How often do we find this is true? When families and patients are at their worst, the nurse is the one to hold their hand and provide support and comfort. They may not remember who you were, but they will remember the love they felt when they needed it the most.”