Nurse Blake, a former nurse turned comedian, will perform in Midland at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center on Oct. 15 as part of his Shock Advised Comedy Tour.
Known for blending humor with healthcare experiences, Blake’s comedy appeals to healthcare professionals and general audiences alike. The tour, which has visited over 150 cities since 2023, draws on Blake’s career in nursing and uses lighthearted takes on the challenges of the profession. Through relatable stories, dark humor, and audience interaction, Blake brings laughter to shared experiences in healthcare while also making his comedy accessible to those inside and outside the medical field.
Blake’s journey into comedy began in 2017 when he started creating humorous videos about his experiences in nursing. Initially meant for friends and family, the videos went viral.
“Nursing is not an easy job—it is very challenging,” Blake said in an interview with Midland Times. “I was about 3-4 years into my nursing career when I had my first panic attack, and I realized I needed an outlet to connect with other nurses. I needed to laugh.”
His videos resonated with nurses around the world, leading him to build a significant social media following, including over a million followers on Instagram.
Blake’s inspiration for his comedy tours came after he was invited to speak at nursing conferences. “I can’t be completely raw and unfiltered when I speak at nursing schools and hospitals, so I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to do my own show’” he said.
His comedy tour has since grown into a success, with Blake performing for audiences across the country. “It’s cool to see how big it’s grown over the past few years,” he said.
When asked how he is able to blend comedy with the difficulties of a nursing career, Blake said, “Realizing that it's okay to laugh and understanding that we’re humans too like our patients allowed me to bring humor to nursing practice.”
According to Blake, “being able to laugh with my patients and bring humor to their families not only helped the patients but it also helped me during my shifts.”
He said that while patients may not always remember the medications or procedures they were prescribed, “they will remember the way they felt.”
According to Blake, his shows are designed to be enjoyable for everyone, not just those in healthcare. "You may not be a nurse yourself, but a lot of times you know a nurse or someone in healthcare. Those people get the show just as much as a nurse would because it's all so relatable," he said.
Blake advocates for nurses and patient safety. His platform allows him to raise awareness on issues like nursing strikes and safe staffing. “While I love comedy, it’s a conduit to get my voice heard when I advocate on serious issues surrounding the profession,” Blake said.
Blake also runs a nursing conference that he founded known as NurseCon at Sea, which hosts over 3,500 nurses and includes educational sessions and social events. According to Blake, his experience working in critical care at hospitals across the U.S. has given him a broad perspective, which he uses to connect with healthcare workers from various backgrounds through his comedy.
When asked what Midland residents can expect from his upcoming show, Blake said, “I like to keep people surprised and on their toes, and I do this by incorporating a lot of audience participation and interaction during my shows. I’ll also throw in jokes that are specific to Midland and Texas, especially since I’ve lived in Texas.”
Tickets and further details for Nurse Blake’s Midland performance are available online, with more information about his tour on his official website.