Actually, what you say touches on one of the reasons why Node is exciting for js coders.

Working with Node's callbacks for I/O feels a lot like working with jQuery's XHR/animation callbacks. It's a consistent flow that will feel familiar for a lot of js coders immediately. Speaking from personal experience, it really does help the brain keep moving.

Many javascript programmers are more than familiar with server-side development, they just haven't necessarily had a super productive environment within which to flex their skills, but that may be changing.