By Anne-Marie Kommers

Dozens of nurses spoke about what they consider to be the best part of their job.

The six top responses:

1. Saving lives.

2. Developing relationships with patients and families.

3. The booming job market.

Almost 3 million registered nurses currently work in the US, and there will be half a million more RN jobs by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, the demand for nursing jobs also means nurses are often forced to work overtime with few breaks.

4. Meeting diverse people.

"The best part about being a nurse is meeting strangers of different cultures, nationalities, ways of life and caring for them," said one nurse from Texas.

5. Salary.

Nurses make roughly $75,510 per year, which is about $20,000 higher than the average US household income.

6. Serving as a mentor for other nurses.