Get ready for a dose of unfiltered humor and relatable tales from the frontlines of healthcare! Nurse John, the online sensation known for his comedic takes on the nursing profession, is bringing his "Short Staffed Tour" to the Crown Theatre on April 11 at 7 p.m.
This show, exclusively for “besties” 18 and older, promises an evening of laughter and irreverent fun as John Dela Cruz, better known as Nurse John, shares his experiences navigating the often chaotic world of short-staffed shifts. John’s comedy “is like talking to your work bestie; you trauma dump, cry, scream, and laugh together," reads the official tour description. "It’s the feeling of relatability and instant relief that you are not crazy from experiencing all the roller coaster of emotions working short-staffed while being underpaid, undervalued, and under-appreciated."
John Dela Cruz is a Filipino Canadian registered nurse who, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, found a unique way to connect with others through social media. His online presence serves as a platform to share the realities of nursing, offering advice and insights to new professionals while providing a much-needed dose of humor to those already in the field. His ability to connect with his audience through relatable scenarios and genuine empathy has solidified his place as a beloved figure in the healthcare community, amassing over 7.7 million followers across multiple social platforms.
John’s content, a blend of humor and heartfelt honesty resonates deeply with healthcare professionals and anyone who has felt the pressures of being underpaid, undervalued, and under-appreciated. His social media shorts on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram showcase other nurse characters that he has created and plays, including the veteran, old-school Filipina nurse; the newbie nurse; and nurses from all generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, and Boomer. Some of these characters make appearances in his live shows. He has even expanded his content creation to include a podcast. On his podcast, “I Beg Your Pardon,” he tells stories from his experiences in healthcare and interviews other nurses and medical professionals, all of which encourage everyone that, “with enough caffeine, medication, and hydration…you too can make it to your next short-staffed shift,” according to the official tour site.
Nurse John’s live shows are known to be raucous and interactive. The Short-Staffed Tour started early in 2025 and has traveled throughout the US and Canada. Nurse John will take the laughs as far away as New Zealand and Australia. He already visited NC at the beginning of March; according to his post on socials, he declared that the audience in Charlotte “ate and left no crumbs” (translation: they were a good audience).
Don't miss this opportunity to see Nurse John live at the Crown Theatre on April 11. Expect an evening filled with laughter, relatable stories, and a sense of camaraderie. VIP packages are available as well. The package includes premium seating, close to the action; a meet and greet with Nurse John, including a photo with the star; and other commemorative merchandise. To purchase tickets, go to crowncomplexnc.com/events and look for the “Short Staffed Tour.”