John Dela Cruz, widely recognised as Nurse John, has made a remarkable transition from frontline nurse to a viral sensation and stand-up comedian. In an interview with PEOPLE, he reflects on his unexpected journey, particularly during the tumultuous early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when he discovered the power of social media.
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Dela Cruz’s nursing career began amidst the chaos of the pandemic, a period he describes as “traumatising.” He recalls that “all the policies, regulations — everything about health is just changing every single day,” which proved overwhelming during his initial months in the profession. Faced with uncertainty, not only about his career but in the external world, he sought solace online. This foray into social media would prove transformative.
Fast forward six years, and Dela Cruz commands an impressive following of 15 million on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. He has become a beloved content creator, known for his humorous skits that parody the quirks and challenges of nursing. Currently, he is gearing up for a nationwide stand-up tour titled “Against Medical Advice,” with a special taping set to take place in Los Angeles on August 16.
The nurse-turned-comedian’s rise to fame can be traced back to a spontaneous decision to film a TikTok video, which inadvertently showcased the realities of nursing during a crisis. During one recording, an emergency alert – known as a “code blue” – interrupted him, prompting an immediate response. Despite its accidental nature, the video exploded in popularity, racking up millions of views. Dela Cruz found encouragement in the response, as fellow nurses reached out to express solidarity in shared struggles.
Initially, balancing his nursing responsibilities with his newfound fame was challenging. He was determined to keep his professional life separate from his growing online presence. However, as his popularity soared, recognising him at work became increasingly common among colleagues. Dela Cruz admits that this duality created a “tug of war” between his identity as a nurse and as a content creator. Ultimately, he made the difficult choice to leave nursing behind to focus fully on his career as a comedian and social media influencer.
Now, Dela Cruz draws much of his comedic inspiration from audience interactions. He enjoys creating relatable content based on anecdotes shared by his followers. “I love it because when I make those skits, it goes viral and the comments are just a bunch of people who relate to it,” he explains. “They’re like, ‘John, you made me feel less alone.’ I’m nursing the nurses.”
His transition to stand-up comedy was initially met with reluctance. At first, Dela Cruz turned down offers to perform live, believing that his humour worked best in pre-recorded formats where he could edit his material. However, under the encouragement of his management team, he reluctantly took the stage for a show in a small club and was met with overwhelming success. This led to opportunities at larger venues, where his first performances, including those at comedy festivals, sold out rapidly.
Dela Cruz’s latest project, a tour spanning 27 shows across the United States, promises an engaging experience he describes as a “trauma bonding session and a therapy session for all my people.” The tour is set to commence on September 10 in Charleston, South Carolina. Additionally, he hopes that his upcoming comedy special will reach an even broader audience, allowing him to connect with those who cannot attend his live performances.
As he approaches this new chapter in his life, Dela Cruz continues to carry a sense of humility alongside his success. He admits to experiencing imposter syndrome, a feeling not uncommon among those who achieve sudden notoriety. Nonetheless, he remains deeply linked to his roots as a nurse, using his platform to highlight the realities of healthcare and the importance of mental health in the profession.
With each performance and video, Nurse John not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community among his followers. Through humour and relatability, he helps shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by healthcare professionals, making him not just a comedian, but an advocate for a profession he still cherishes.