Filipino-Canadian comedian John Dela Cruz, widely known online as Nurse John, has transformed his experience with hospital burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic into a thriving global stand-up career, earning a spot on Forbes’ list of Top Creators.

Dela Cruz, a frontline nurse at the height of the pandemic, began posting short comedic videos on TikTok as a way to cope with the pressures of working in overwhelmed healthcare settings. His relatable humor, often centered on the realities of nursing, quickly resonated with audiences and helped him build a large online following.

That online success has since translated into a lucrative live career. Since launching his “Short-Staffed Tour” in fall 2024, Dela Cruz has sold more than 250,000 tickets worldwide.

The tour has included sold-out runs across Australia and New Zealand, while a 2026 spring extension in Europe also sold out almost instantly.

Forbes recently ranked Dela Cruz No. 28 on its Top Creators list, recognizing his growing influence in digital entertainment and comedy.

In May 2026, Dela Cruz returned to the Philippines for a milestone performance, staging his “Short-Staffed Tour: Around The World” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The show marked his first time performing his full stand-up set in the country, making it a significant homecoming for the Filipino-Canadian comedian.

Dela Cruz’s rise highlights a broader trend of healthcare workers turning to creative platforms to process burnout, with his story standing out as one of the most commercially successful examples.