Transforming Care CNOs Leading the Charge for Nursing Innovation

1. Transforming Care: Transforming Care: CNOs Leading the Charge for Leading the Charge for Nursing Innovation Innovation Fara Stricker Chief Nursing Officer Thrivewell Infusion LLC Fara Stricker The Powerhouse Behind the Future of Infusion Therapy The Powerhouse Behind the Future of Infusion Therapy

2. much you care. “ Patients don’t care how much you know until they know how

4. Editor’s Note Voices of Change

5. ealthcare is always changing, and nurses play a H better healing processes that enhance patient safety. Innovation exists beyond modern technology and pharmaceuticals since it involves individuals discovering more effective approaches to accomplishing tasks. Nurses, especially those who lead, strive daily toward delivering better healthcare services to each patient. Successful innovation stems from individuals who dare to explore novel approaches. Effective nursing leaders achieve progress through collective action alongside innovative thinking. Through their leadership, CNOs provide nurses with confidence while defending patient safety and ensuring hospitals meet future demands. Change isn’t always easy, but with strong leaders, anything is possible. big part in making it better. Alongside patient care duties, their mission extends toward inventing In this special edition, Transforming Care: CNOs Leading the Charge for Nursing Innovation, Insights Care highlights the amazing work of nursing leaders. These CNOs are shaping the future of healthcare with smart ideas and big hearts. This edition is all about how they are making a difference—because when nurses lead, everyone benefits! Chief Nursing Officers serve as highly specialized leaders specific to nursing. These leaders shape important organizational decisions and maintain smooth operations for both hospitals and clinics. They transform rules into innovative solutions that boost both patient treatment quality and nursing staff productivity. Through their commitment to innovation, Chief Nursing Officers actively search for new approaches that will lead to positive transformations, including technology implementation, team improvement, and support systems for nurses. Hope you have an inspiring read! Nalie May Natalie May

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7. Cover Story 08 Fara Stricker The Powerhouse Behind the Future of Infusion Therapy Profile Shonda Helgeson Nurturing Innova?on, Collabora?on, and Excellence in Nursing 20 Articles The Impact of Digital Health in Nursing on Workflow Efficiency 16 The Role of Nurses in Influencing Healthcare Policy and Nursing Standards 24

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9. TRANSFORMING CARE: CNOs LEADING THE CHARGE FOR NURSING INNOVATION Featuring Person Organiza?on Brief Fara Stricker is a compassionate, innova?ve leader in nursing, dedicated to advancing infusion therapy. Her commitment to pa?ent care and con?nuous learning drives her to pioneer new approaches in healthcare delivery. Fara Stricker Chief Nursing Officer Thrivewell Infusion, LLC thrivewellinfusion.com Genemarie McGee is a visionary nursing leader with decades of experience. Her dedica?on to con?nuous learning, innova?ve healthcare management, and fostering a culture of excellence has significantly impacted pa?ent care and staff development. Genemarie McGee Chief Nursing Officer Sentara Healthcare sentara.com Shonda Helgeson is a dedicated and versa?le nursing professional who rose through the ranks, demonstra?ng excep?onal leadership skills and a deep commitment to pa?ent care across various hospital units. Western Wisconsin Health wwhealth.org Shonda Helgeson Chief Nursing Officer Tom Veeser is a visionary healthcare leader with over three decades of experience. His exper?se in nursing, quality improvement, and strategic partnerships has significantly impacted pa?ent care and organiza?onal excellence. Holy Family Memorial Inc. hfmhealth.org Tom Veeser Chief Nursing Officer Victor Bycro? is a visionary nursing leader, recognized for his outstanding achievements and commitment to staff-first culture. His innova?ve approach to healthcare management and dedica?on to con?nuous learning drive organiza?onal excellence. Humboldt County Memorial Hospital humboldthospital.org Victor Bycro? Chief Nursing Officer

10. Fara Stricker patients and their families.‘‘ The Powerhouse Behind the Future of Infusion Therapy ‘‘ Patient care is not just about medication—it’s about offering education, guidance, and emotional support to both

11. Transforming Care: CNOs Leading the Charge for Nursing Innovation Fara Stricker Chief Nursing Officer Thrivewell Infusion LLC

12. N ursing has historically been viewed as the corner- stone of healthcare, and nowadays, nurses are assuming more responsibilities than ever. They are pioneers, proponents, trailblazers, and instructors, contrib- uting to reshape the future of healthcare provision. This change is especially noticeable in specific areas like infusion therapy, where nursing leadership is crucial for enhancing patient care and results. One prominent leader is Fara Stricker, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Thrivewell Infusion LLC, a firm that is transforming how infusion therapy is provided and experienced by patients. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop with her MSN. Fara went on to pursue a PhD, focusing on the effects of stigma in addiction and recovery, a topic that deeply resonated with her work in addiction medicine. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led her to reassess her priorities. “I realized my immediate impact was needed in the clinical field,” she explains. As an Addiction Nurse Practitioner at the time, she was managing a high caseload and decided to withdraw from the PhD program to focus on the urgent needs of her patients. Thrivewell Infusion LLC Although she did not complete her PhD, the educational experiences she had were not wasted. Her research and academic pursuits have played a significant role in shaping the way she views patient care and leadership. With her advanced education, Fara was able to draw from a deep well of knowledge and apply it practically, creating an environment that emphasizes not only clinical expertise but also the emotional and educational needs of patients. Thrivewell Infusion is dedicated to providing safe, effective therapies in an environment that emphasizes patient comfort and well-being, a principle that is ingrained in its mission. Leading this patient-centered strategy is Fara, whose guidance has been crucial to the firm’s achievements and growth. Her commitment to enhancing patient care and progressing the nursing field has enabled Thrivewell to emerge as a leader in infusion therapy, particularly during the difficult phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning to Infusion Therapy Fara’s story is one of perseverance, development, and the strength of learning. Her journey to becoming a leader in infusion therapy was not straightforward but was influenced by varied experiences in psychiatric care, addiction medicine, and emergency nursing. These experiences, along with a strong educational background, have provided her with the resources needed to lead Thrivewell Infusion as it advances and expands. Her approach to leadership high- lights the significance of compassion, integrity, and ongoing learning, reflecting values that influence Thrivewell’s patient care strategy. Fara’s move into the field of infusion therapy came unexpectedly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she was working as a per diem Nurse Practitio- ner at Thrivewell Infusion. Initially, her motivation was to help during the crisis, but she quickly realized the profound impact infusion therapy had on patients. “I had never considered infusion therapy before, but it became clear to me how essential it is to patient care,” she says. Infusion therapy, which involves the administration of medications or fluids through a needle or catheter, is often critical for patients with chronic conditions, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. It provides life-sustaining treatments in a way that allows patients to remain out of the hospital, an essential service that has only grown in importance during the pandemic. Let’s explore how Fara is driving innovation in infusion therapy, enhancing patient care, and shaping the future of nursing! Building a Foundation for Leadership Her interest in infusion therapy led her to join Thrivewell Infusion full-time in September 2021 as Chief Nursing Officer. At Thrivewell, Fara has played a key role in expanding the nursing department and driving growth. “My goal was to expand the nursing department, enhance the quality of care, and support the growth of our services and locations,” she explains. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that Thrivewell Infusion remains focused on delivering the highest quality of care while fostering a positive and supportive work environment for clinicians. Fara’s educational journey has played an integral role in shaping her career and approach to leadership. She began her nursing education at Adelphi University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree provided her with a strong foundation in clinical nursing practice and patient care. She then continued her education at Long Island University, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). During this time, she honed her skills in advanced nursing practice, positioning herself for a leadership role in healthcare.

13. Compassionate Care One of the standouts features of Thrivewell Infusion is its commitment to patient care. The company’s mission to increase access to safe, effective infusion therapies in an environment that prioritizes comfort, and wellness has been central to its success. As Fara explains, “We treat every patient as if they were family,” and this philosophy guides the way Thrivewell Infusion operates. This approach to patient care has set Thrivewell apart from other providers in the industry, as it emphasizes both clinical excellence and emotional support. Fara’s leadership style is grounded in the belief that healthcare is not just about medical treatments—it’s about treating the whole person. “Our core values of care, comfort, and compassion guide everything we do,” she says. These values ensure that patients receive not only the best medical treatment but also the emotional and psycho- logical support they need during their treatment process. A memorable experience that shaped her approach to care involved a patient with Alzheimer’s and her son. Despite

14. the treatment plan provided by the doctor, the son was confused about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. She took the time to spend over an hour with the family, explaining everything in detail. “Patient care is not just about medica- tion—it’s about offering education, guidance, and emotional support to both patients and their families,” she reflects. This experience reinforced her belief that compassionate, informed care is key to patient satisfaction and well-being. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Education Throughout her career, Fara has faced challenges, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated healthcare field. Early in her career, she found it difficult to find her voice and often felt that her ideas were overlooked. However, her pursuit of higher education helped her develop the confidence to speak up and advocate for herself and others. “I embraced education as a powerful tool for change,” she says, and it was this mindset that helped her overcome challenges and emerge as a leader in the field. Integrity is another key value that shapes her approach to leadership and patient care. “Integrity is the cornerstone of my practice,” she explains. Fara believes that maintaining integrity in all aspects of healthcare, from decision-making to interactions with patients and colleagues, builds trust and confidence. This trust is essential not only in ensuring positive patient outcomes but also in creating a supportive and transparent workplace environment. Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” has been a guiding principle through- out her career. Fara has made it her mission to use educa- tion not only for her personal growth but to inspire others to

15. more patients nationwide.‘‘ you align your career with a purpose, your ability to create meaningful change becomes limitless,” she says. Fara’s own journey is proof of this, as her passion for nursing and patient care has led her to become a leader in the field of infusion therapy. ‘‘ My primary goal for Thrivewell is to expand access to safe, groundbreaking treatments for continue learning and innovating in the field of nursing. This commitment to education is evident in her leadership style, where she consistently encourages her team to seek professional development opportunities and stay at the forefront of medical advancements. Looking to the Future She hopes that her career will inspire others to embrace their leadership potential. “I hope to inspire my team to find their voices, pursue their professional goals, and, most importantly, always prioritize patient care,” she says. Through her work, she hopes to show future generations that nurses can be innovators and leaders in healthcare, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and making a lasting impact on the lives of patients. As Thrivewell Infusion continues to grow, Fara has set ambitious goals for the future. “My primary goal for Thrivewell is to expand access to safe, groundbreaking treatments for more patients nationwide,” she says. This will involve opening new locations, enhancing patient safety initiatives, and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to further improve care delivery. She is committed to ensuring that Thrivewell Infusion remains a leader in the field of infusion therapy, providing high-quality care to as many patients as possible. Leaving a Legacy Fara hopes to be remembered as a leader who inspired change and fostered innovation in healthcare. “I hope to show future generations that nursing is not just about patient care, but about being innovators and thinkers,” she reflects. Her leadership at Thrivewell Infusion demonstrates that nurses are not just caregivers—they are also problem- solvers and change-makers. Her legacy will be one of compassion, integrity, and constant commitment to improving patient care. Fara is also deeply committed to the professional develop- ment of the clinicians at Thrivewell Infusion. “We are committed to supporting the professional growth of our clinicians,” she explains. By investing in ongoing education and training for clinicians, Thrivewell Infusion is ensuring that its team members are equipped with the latest knowl- edge and skills to provide the best care possible. This commitment to professional development aligns with her belief that education is key to innovation and improved patient outcomes. As the nursing field continues to evolve, Fara’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that innovation in healthcare starts with the care of patients. With a deep passion for nursing, commitment to education, and a focus on compas- sionate care, she has shown that nurses can drive real change in the healthcare system and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals Fara’s advice for anyone looking to enter the healthcare field is simple but powerful: “Find an area within healthcare that truly resonates with you.” She believes that when individuals pursue careers based on passion and purpose rather than external factors like salary or work-life balance, they are more likely to make a meaningful impact. “When

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18. The Impact of Digital Health in Nursing on Workflow Efficiency InsightsCare March 2025 16

19. D ue to the pace of the current healthcare environment, digital health technology has revolutionized the career of nurses. From electronic health records (EHRs) to telemedicine and decision support with AI, these kinds of technologies are revolutionizing patient care as well as workflow efficiency. Nurses are the initiators of the delivery of healthcare services, and through digital channels, they become efficient as well as gain improved patient outcomes. Understanding Digital Health in Nursing Digital health in Nursing refers to a broad array of technologies applied to enhance the provision of care. It covers EHR systems, mHealth technology, remote monitoring, artificial intelligence, and telehealth services. The technology enhances the capability of nurses to present patients' real-time data, electronically document, and communicate, thereby enhancing the efficiency of workflow. Enhancing Workflow Efficiency using Digital Health 1. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Digital Documentation One of the success stories of electronic health is the use of EHRs at a large scale. They are replacements for paper- based conventional records, in which nurses can document patients' data electronically. The benefits are: • Immediacy to Patient Data: Nurses have access to patients' history, drugs, and treatment plans right away and save administrative time at once. Fewer errors: Computerized entry of information removes the possibility of human error, which enhances the safety of the patient. Seamless Communication: EHRs support seamless communication among healthcare teams to coordinate care. • • 2. Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring Telehealth is nursing in the era of today, especially after the COVID-19 era. Telehealth offers a platform to support nurses to provide virtual consults, remotely monitor patients, and teach patients remotely in the management of chronic disease. Its advantages are: • Decreased Hospital Readmissions: Early warning signs are monitored by remote monitoring to prevent complications. InsightsCare March 2025 17

20. • Time Efficiency: Increased patients are treated by virtual nurses, providing maximum workload. Increased Patient Engagement: Educated patients are provided with timely advice to initiate treatment compliance. supplies and prevent shortage or delay. Smart Bedside Technologies: Patient vital measurement equipment automates, which decreases manual documentation. • • Challenges and Considerations 3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing Even though digital health technology in nursing poses many benefits, challenges also remain. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies support nurses in decision-making, risk assessment, and early-stage disease detection. AI technologies browse large patient databases and offer conclusions that improve clinical processes. • Learning Curve: Nurses in training are supposed to apply the new digital technology. Data Security: The cyber-attacks against patient data need to be mitigated. Cost of Implementation: Putting in place digital systems is expensive. Technology Downtime: Failure of systems or downtimes lead to disruption of the workflow and thus the backup system. • • Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): AI-based applications provide nurses with real-time advice and warnings so that they are able to take the correct decision. Automated Scheduling: AI-based scheduling puts the nurses in the correct location and at the correct time for effective staffing and prevention of burnout. Enhanced Diagnostics: AI-based solutions allow nurses to identify early warning signs of disease, leading to early intervention. • • • Future of Digital Health in Nursing • Digital health in nursing will remain a central aspect with evolving technology. Among the newer developments are: 4. Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications • Wearable Technology: Wearable devices monitoring patient health in real-time in real-time. AI-Powered Chatbots: Chatbots for nursing care in real-time. Blockchain for Data Security: Protecting the security and integrity of patient data. 5G-Powered Telehealth: Smarter and faster telehealth technology for delivering remote treatment. mHealth applications are transforming nursing practice through the capacity to receive life-critical data in real time. Nurses can utilize such applications for: • • • Tracking Patient Progress: Cellular applications enable real-time monitoring of patient vital signs and medication compliance. Improving Communication: Secure messaging applications enable inter-professional communication among healthcare professionals. Improve Training and Education: Nurses can utilize e- learning modules and stay updated with the latest in the healthcare industry. • • Electronic healthcare has transformed nursing practice, affecting both productivity as well as patient outcomes. By the implementation of EHRs, telemedicine, AI, and mHealth apps, the patients are provided with proper care along with time management to be utilized to the fullest. Its appropriate utilization requires solving issues related to data security, training, as well as roll-out expenses. Improved technology ensures improved digital health for the betterment of nursing's future to provide improved healthcare service as well as patient satisfaction. • 5. Automation of Clerical Work Technologies enabled by solutions render effort and time- consuming clerical work unnecessary and release time for more care to be provided. They are: Through the analysis of web-based healthcare solutions, more focus can be placed on patient care and creating a healthier and more efficient healthcare system for nurses. Spending money on these technologies now will lay the foundation for healthier and networked healthcare in the future. • Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR): Computerized antiseptic eMAR systems enable easy right drug administration by nurses. Automated Supply Management: Software tracking of medicine supplies give real-time availability of • - Pearl Shaw InsightsCare March 2025 18

22. Transforming Care: CNOs Leading the Charge for Nursing Innovation Shonda Helgeson S honda Helgeson, Chief Nursing Officer at Western Wisconsin Health, is a dedicated healthcare leader with a passion for patient-centered care, innovation, and professional development. Her journey in nursing began at the age of 16, when she worked as a certified nursing assistant in a long-term care facility. From those early days, she developed a deep appreciation for the impact of compassionate, skilled nursing, setting the stage for a career defined by continuous growth and leadership. Let’s delve into the interview details below! How do you foster a culture of innovation within the nursing department, and can you provide an example of a successful initiative you’ve led? As healthcare is constantly evolving and changing, innovation is essential to providing competent care. Within the nursing department at WWH, a culture of innovation is supported by empowering nurses to continuously grow and develop professionally, share new ideas, promote autonomy to share process improvement in patient care and departmental operations, and through collaboration among teams. After high school, Shonda joined Western Wisconsin Health—then known as Baldwin Area Medical Center—where she gained hands-on experience in various patient care settings, including the emergency department and medical/surgical units. Her commitment to advancing her education and expanding her expertise led her to earn her Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 2008, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in 2013. Throughout her 20-year tenure with the organization, she has embraced new challenges, holding progressive leadership roles, from charge nurse to Birth Center Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing, and ultimately, Chief Nursing Officer in 2023. We have recently found success in the development of an out-and-back agreement with a larger, tertiary care hospital. With the inability to transfer patients in need of a higher level of care due to bed capacities at recipient facilities, we are often faced with roadblocks in achieving necessary services for our patients. This new care pathway allows appropriate patients to go to the tertiary care center and have a necessary, time-sensitive procedure performed (that we do not provide at our facility), have immediate postoperative monitoring, and subsequently return to our facility when stable for the remainder of their hospitalization. This allows our patients to receive care timely and remain local for the majority of their hospitalization. In her current role, Shonda oversees multiple departments, including hospital nursing, laboratory, medical imaging, pharmacy, and rehabilitation services. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration to further enhance her leadership capabilities. Driven by a steadfast commitment to rural healthcare, Shonda remains focused on fostering innovation, improving patient outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of nursing professionals. Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep-rooted dedication to serving her community. What strategies have you implemented to prioritize patient care and safety while balancing operational challenges? Patient care is the core of what we do, and patient safety is a top priority. This is achieved by optimizing staffing levels in all departments and utilizing acuity as a factor in the assignment of patients. InsightsCare March 2025 20

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25. transition, it was imperative to spend time (six months+) to understand the impact, build the tools to meet our patient needs, and train all staff. This project came with challenges, including time constraints, lack of understanding of full impact in all operations, and staff resistance. Thoughtful analysis and engagement of key stakeholders were essential to facilitating success in this project. With time and transition, this change was very successful and continues to support operations today. With the pa?ent at the core of all we do, focusing on pa?ent needs first and encouraging communica?on and a plan of care focus aids in improving pa?ent outcomes and suppor?ng teams. How do you promote interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes? Communication is the core of interdisciplinary team collaboration among all healthcare providers. Success is achieved by encouraging shared decision-making, empowering open communication and the ability to speak up with concerns, building trust in care teams, and focusing on a patient-centered approach. With the patient at the core of all we do, focusing on patient needs first and encouraging communication and a plan of care focus aids in improving patient outcomes and supporting teams. This is also achieved using standardized procedures and protocols to reduce variability in care delivery and minimize errors. Leveraging technology also support patient safety through initiatives like electronic health record tools, new patient beds with falls prevention technology, and the use of telehealth for services not immediately available locally. Staff education through training and drills to navigate high-risk, low-volume patient conditions aids in the improvement of patient safety. How do you ensure that your nursing team consistently adheres to regulatory standards and best practices in healthcare? How do you support professional development among your nursing staff and address issues like burnout or nurse retention? Recurring reviews of best practices, regulatory standards, and policies/procedures aid in the support of adherence. This allows updates to be shared and adopted timely, facilitating improved outcomes. A culture of accountability provides shared responsibility in following standards of care and promotion of compliance. Staff also regularly receive feedback to both promote successes and identify opportunities. Professional development and lifelong learning are essential to keep nursing teams engaged. Nurses are supported through the promotion and financial support of professional education advancement and certification achievement. Offering opportunities for cross-training also allows staff to work in new, desired areas through the organization and promotes retention. This also aids in minimizing burnout. Flexible scheduling and consideration of individual scheduling preferences are essential in the promotion of retention and to minimize fatigue and burnout. What advice would you give to aspiring nurse leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in their organizations? Continuous professional growth and lifelong learning are essential. Stay curious and continue to learn every day. Nurses need to stay current and be open to new, innovative ideas and optimization of care in order to keep up with the evolution of healthcare. Never stop developing! Can you describe a time when you successfully led your team through a significant organizational change? What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them? Our facility transitioned from a primitive electronic health record to EPIC in the past decade. This was a significant change, as we had transitioned from paper charting a few years prior. As a leader in this InsightsCare March 2025 23

26. The Role of Nurses in Influencing Healthcare Policy and Nursing Standards N urses form an important part of the healthcare system of delivery, providing indirectly patients' care and influencing nursing practice and health policy. Assuming their own seat to judge themselves from firsthand experience patients' misery based on direct bedside experience of healthcare delivery, they are best suited to offer feed-back to policymakers at expert level. With leadership, professional organizations, and campaigns for policy, they can be of significance to the nursing profession, healthcare, and outcomes for the patient overall. Learn About Healthcare Policy and Nursing Standards Health policy is regulation, rule, and law that prescribes the way of delivery of healthcare care. Nursing standards, on the other hand, prescribe ethical practice and quality of care to be used by the nurses. Standardization, safety, and quality of care to patients is achieved by application of the standards. Nurses influence the above through active participation in institutional, state, and national levels of decision-making. Advocacy and Policy Influence Nurses are placed in an advantageous position within the struggle for health in that they are in between policy makers and patients. Being bedside, they receive firsthand exposure to reality on the ground of health delivery on the ground and therefore can bargain better patient care as well as workers' environment for professionals. • Involvement in Lawmaking Processes Nurses become involved in legislative hearings by calling their legislatures, attending public hearings, and testifying as an expert in health care legislation. InsightsCare March 2025 24

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28. • Nurses also utilize nursing organizations to promote policy change that advances patient safety, promotes funding for nursing education, and reverses nursing workforce shortages. Involvement in Professional Organizations They are members of some of these organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and state boards of nursing. They also have political influence. Organisation members are able to engage in policy development, research, and advocacy for practice change in health care policy and nursing. development and learning allows the profession to evolve with changing health needs and changing medical technology innovation. Healthcare Policy and Nursing Standards Challenges Although they are influential as stakeholders, nurses tend to lack since they are restrained by the limitation that they cannot influence nursing practice and healthcare policy. Organizational matters, limited time to go through policies, and training deficits in policies may discourage them from mobilization. They need aggregated action to challenge barriers: Leadership in Healthcare Policy • Education and Awareness: Nurses need training on healthcare policy and the legislative process. Collaboration: Professional organizations, interprofessional teams, and policymakers are provided with bargaining power. Effective Communication: Nurses need to learn effective communication skills so that they can effectively and convincingly articulate their views. Nurses are becoming increasingly involved in actively participating in health policy formulation and implementation. Nurses are being appointed as health policymakers, consultants, and administrators to address issues regarding nursing in policy formulation. • Nurses as Policy Advisors Others of these nurses even have government political office directly. They serve as policy advisors to non- government centers, hospitals, and government agencies. They use clinical practice to educate legislation on its impact on the availability, affordability, and quality of health care. They bridge it from the bedside to emerging policy and legislation accessible and available by patients and physicians. • Holding Political Office Other nurses have entered politics and become members of state, local, and federal legislatures. Elected politician-nurses advocate for patient-centered policy, healthy work environments, and community- oriented healthcare reform. • Influence on Nursing Expectations Nurses also set and deliver high nursing standards by training, role modeling, and professional development. • Education and Training By sponsoring nurses for further study, nurses create curricula to prepare the professionals of the future with solutions to emerging health issues. They provide evidence-based practice, ethics, and new health technology to be achieved by nursing students. • • Nurses are the backbone of the health care delivery system, and nurses need to play a critical role in nursing practice standards and policymaking in health care. Taking positive actions in the areas of advocacy, education, and leadership helps them lead change toward improved patient care, a healthier work environment, and a stronger nursing practice. Nurses must serve in the capacity of policy makers and standard setters as epochs and paradigms shift in the science and art of medicine in order to build a healthier future for everyone involved. - Pearl Shaw Mentorship and Professional Development Professional nursing develops nursing standards by educating new professionals and learning culture and development and ongoing growth. Facilitating ongoing InsightsCare March 2025 26