Fertility Nurses Share the ‘Most Rewarding’ Thing About Their Job

A group of fertility nurses has shared their favorite part of the job on Instagram, racking up over 2 million views.

The footage, posted on January 15 by South Carolina’s largest network of fertility centers, Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group (@pregonline). It shows seven staff members huddled around a computer. They appear nervous as they wait for the document to load. Then, they erupt into excitement, jumping for joy.

Newsweek spoke to nurse Meagan Vanzant, who appears in the back of the video wearing blue scrubs and glasses, about the highs and lows of their roles.

She described seeing a positive pregnancy test after patients undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)—a common and successful treatment that involves fertilizing eggs outside the body—as “one of the most rewarding parts of the job!”

“This is the goal that we are all working towards,” she said. “The greatest reward is when patients come to visit us after they have delivered and introduce us to their new family member.”

The Reality of Fertility Treatments

According to the Pew Research Center, one in 10 U.S. women aged 15 to 44 has undergone fertility treatments.

Women between 35 and 44 are more likely than those under 35 to have used these services. The 2023 poll of 5,073 adults found that more invasive procedures are less common.

Among those who have received fertility treatment, 11 percent have undergone surgery or taken medication to address conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or fibroids. Additionally, 14 percent have used artificial insemination, while 2 percent have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Vanzant told Newsweek: “It’s a huge disappointment when the results are negative. However, I learned many years ago that it’s not about us or our feelings—it’s about the patients and how we can best support them during these devastating times.

“I am happy to report that the patient did go on to achieve a pregnancy and have a healthy baby!”

The Emotional Journey of Infertility

Vanzant explained that those seeking care with a fertility specialist are often in treatment for an extended period.

“They can be with us for months or even years,” she said. “During this time, bonds and relationships are formed. Sometimes, we are the only people in their lives who know they are undergoing treatment.

“What some of these patients must go through to grow their family is unimaginable and something many of us take for granted.

“Infertility can be soul-crushing. It takes a toll on a person physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. The patient population we serve is unbelievably strong, driven by hope.

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with these patients and in this field of medicine. The ultimate testament to our success is not only when a patient brings their baby to meet us but also when those who do not get their desired outcome still thank us for the care they received while they were here.”

Instagram Reacts

So far, the post has garnered 29,000 likes and numerous comments from users who deeply resonate with the video, with many admitting it reduced them to tears.

“Nothing better than getting that call, then coming in and the staff/doctors hug you—then you realize everyone is crying!” one user wrote.

Another added: “This brought me to tears. From a mom who struggled with infertility, thank you for being fully in it with us.”

A third commenter said: “Women celebrating women!! I LOVE this!!! Never stop giving, ladies. A team that believes when we are at our most vulnerable—how incredibly beautiful!”

If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.