How I Paid Off $30,000 of Debt as a Burned-Out Nurse
In 2024, I was burned out, drowning in debt, and feeling stuck in survival mode. I needed a fresh start—not just financially but emotionally and physically. Here’s exactly how I paid off over $30,000 in debt and finally began to glow up—inside and out.
✨ How Burnout Feels for Nurses Like Us
Burnout isn’t just something I’ve felt — it’s something I’ve seen in almost every nurse I’ve worked with. Long shifts, short staffing, emotional strain, and no time to recover.
For me, it showed up in body aches, leg cramps, and constant fatigue. But even more than that — it was the emotional exhaustion. You’re giving everything, and yet inside, you feel completely drained. And the hardest part? We still show up. Every day. For our patients, for our teams, for our families.
Facing the Debt Reality
I didn’t have one big “aha” moment — it was more like a slow sinking feeling that I was stuck. No matter how hard I worked, my debt wasn’t going anywhere. Every time I tried to make a dent, something urgent would come up: my car breaking down, a doctor’s visit for my mom, or someone close needing help.
I wasn’t living — I was just reacting. And deep down, I felt hopeless. Like I would never truly get ahead.
The Step-by-Step Plan I Followed
I knew I needed a reset — not just mentally, but financially. So I started small. I created a bucket list of the things I wanted in life: freedom, peace, stability, and time for myself and my family.
Then I began watching financial advisors and nurse bloggers who talked about budgeting and debt payoff. I started tracking every dollar, built my first budget, and committed to sticking to it.
I picked up extra shifts, said yes to a second job at a clinic, and decided to take control — even if it meant being uncomfortable for a while. I stopped letting my debt control me, and instead, I made a plan to control my debt.
How My Life Has Changed
For the first time in years, I feel like I’m in control of my life. I’m not constantly anxious about money. I’m not stuck. I have a plan — and it’s working.
I also know I didn’t do this alone. God has been with me every step of the way — giving me strength, clarity, and the heart to keep showing up, even when I was tired.
This journey hasn’t just been about paying off debt. It’s been about becoming someone stronger, more confident, and more faithful. And now, I get to help others do the same.
Tips for Other Nurses
If you’re a nurse who’s feeling burned out, overwhelmed, and drowning in debt — I want you to know:
There is hope. You are not alone.
Start where you are. Make one small change. Take one shift. Watch one budgeting video. Write down one goal. You don’t have to fix everything in a day — you just have to stop ignoring it and start caring for yourself like you care for everyone else.
You deserve peace. You deserve progress. And you can get there — step by step.
If this post helped you, share it with another nurse who needs encouragement today.
Ready to start your own glow-up journey?
Download the Burnout Recovery Workbook here:
Simple, supportive, and designed for nurses like us.