biography examples for nurses

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10 Short Nursing BIO Examples

Nurses come from all walks of life, and each has their own unique story to tell. From experienced clinicians to soon-to-be graduates, nurses across the world are doing amazing work. Here are some short nursing bio examples to give you an idea of what goes into crafting an effective and impactful bio.

Short Nursing bio examples

Nursing Bio Example 1:

( Nurse name ) has been a registered nurse for over 10 years. She earned her RN certification while attending a local college in her home town. After graduating, she began her career in the intensive care unit at a small community hospital. During her years in the ICU, she was known for making sure her patients received the highest level of care. She has a passion for providing compassionate and quality care, and she has played a large part in helping the ICU run more efficiently. In her spare time, ( Nurse name ) enjoys spending time with her friends and family and volunteering at a local animal shelter.

Nursing Bio Example 2:

( Nurse name ) is a newly certified RN. She just recently completed her Nursing degree at a local university, and is currently specializing in wound care and rehabilitation units. ( Nurse name ) is known for her attention to detail and dedication to getting work done. She values the importance of patient centered care, and she enjoys working with her team to ensure her patients are receiving the best care possible. In her free time, ( Nurse name ) loves to read and go on hikes with her family.

Nursing Bio Example 3 :

( Nurse name ) is a long-term care registered nurse. She obtained her certification from a local community college and has been in the profession for over 20 years. During her career, ( Nurse name ) has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities and home health care homes. ( Nurse name ) believes in focusing on the whole person when caring for her patients. She is passionate about providing quality care while remaining mindful of her patients’ individual preferences and needs. In addition to her career in nursing, ( Nurse name ) volunteers her time in her local community and is an active member of her church.

Nursing Bio Example 4 :

( Nurse name ) has been a nurse practitioner for four years. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a local college and went on to pursue his Master’s in Nursing from a nearby university. After a few years of working as an RN, ( Nurse name ) decided he wanted to specialize in geriatric care. He is a firm believer in providing quality, patient-centered care and he enjoys getting to know the people he works with. In his free time, ( Nurse name ) likes to take on home renovation projects and spend time with his two labs.

Nursing Bio Example 5 :

( Nurse name ) has been a nurse for 8 years and is currently working in a women’s and children’s hospital. She obtained her nursing degree from a local university and her passion for pediatric care was quickly recognized. In her role, ( Nurse name ) is known for promoting evidence-based practice while still considering the individual needs of her patients. She’s always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care. In her free time, ( Nurse name )loves to go sailing and travel with her family.

Nursing Bio Example 6 :

( Nurse name ) has had a lifelong passion for helping others. As a registered nurse , she has been able to combine this passion with her desire to make a difference. ( Nurse name ) obtained her RN certification after completing a 3 year nursing program at a local college. She went on to specialize in Neonatal Intensive Care, and she has a natural when it comes to caring for newborns. ( Nurse name ) loves getting to know her patients and taking part in the development and health of each individual. When not at work, ( Nurse name ) enjoys reading and spending time outdoors with her two rescue dogs.

Nursing Bio Example 7 :

( Nurse name ) is a Certified Healthcare Administrator and a registered nurse. He graduated with his nursing degree several years ago, and since then he’s focused on creating and improving healthcare systems, processes and policies. As an administrator, ( Nurse name ) is known for his keen attention to detail and his dedication to ensuring the best possible healthcare for his patients. When not at work, ( Nurse name ) enjoys spending time with his family and working on his vintage car collection.

Nursing Bio Example 8 :

( Nurse name ) has worked as a travel nurse for several years and is currently stationed in a small hospital in the Midwest. She obtained her nursing degree from a local university and is known for being an incredible asset to any hospital she’s in. ( Nurse name ) experience in various different settings has earned her a great reputation, and she takes pride in doing everything she can to help her patients. When not at the hospital, ( Nurse name ) likes to travel and explore new places with her friends and family.

Nursing Bio Example 9 :

( Nurse name ) is a Certified Nursing Assistant who has spent the past few years working at a large hospital. He has a real passion for helping others and embraces the opportunity to work with elderly patients. ( Nurse name ) is known for his patience and listening ability, and his coworkers often refer to him as a ‘bedside angel’. In his free time, ( Nurse name ) loves to spruce up his garden and take his dog for long walks.

Nursing Bio Example 10 :

( Nurse name ) is in her senior year of a local university, completing her final semester before graduating with a degree in nursing. In her role as a student nurse, Jessica has gained a reputation for providing excellent care to her patients. She’s passionate about understanding the individual needs and preferences of each patient and tailoring her care accordingly. ( Nurse name ) looks forward to graduating and soon joining a larger healthcare team, and in her free time she enjoys painting and hiking with her family.

More short bio examples for nurses are coming soon…

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Example of a personal biography for a registered nurse.

In most cases, a resume will suffice when applying for nursing jobs or other opportunities. But at times a personal biography is required, especially when applying to graduate school, vying for awards and other honors, or contributing articles or presentations to industry publications and conferences. Your biography shouldn’t repeat everything listed on your resume, but should highlight key qualifications relevant to the situation and the audience.

Write for the Audience

Your biography should be tailored to your audience. Health care professionals should use technical language and a more formal tone. If you’re applying for a master’s program in nursing, for example, your bio might begin by noting that you graduated summa cum laude and that the university named you outstanding senior nursing student. When writing for a lay audience, adopt a more informal and friendly approach. Some schools require that candidates have specific work experience. You can write, for example, that in two years as a pediatric nurse, you've treated patients with conditions ranging from asthma to severe anemia, and have accumulated 1,500 clinical hours providing direct bedside care.

Start With Your Current Situation

Begin your biography by describing your current role, duties and achievements. List all relevant credentials, such as nursing licenses, degrees and certifications. If the bio will accompany a journal article discussing emergency medicine, for example, write: “Lydia Jones, RN, BSN, MSN, works as the nurse manager for the emergency department at XYZ Hospital in San Diego, Calif. She has 20 years of experience in emergency and trauma medicine and is a member of the California Emergency Nurses Association.”

Build Credibility

Include anything that will enhance your professional reputation, including leadership experience and contributions to industry conferences or publications. For example, after introducing yourself, note that you’ve contributed articles to several industry journals and consumer publications, including Emergency Medicine Today, RN Journal, U.S. News & World Report and Time. Or, note that you’ve been interviewed by several publications as a medical expert, or that you served on a commission created by your city’s mayor to develop solutions for common public health issues.

Showcase Credentials

Demonstrate your expertise by mentioning your training and experience. For example, write: “Samantha Harris, RN, BSN, MSN, earned her bachelor of science degree from the University of Cincinnati and her Master of Science in nursing from Johns Hopkins University. She has 25 years of nursing experience and 10 years of experience as a clinical nurse specialist. For the past five years, she’s overseen nursing care in the oncology department at Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Ill.”

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The Nurse Bio: Breaking it Down

• February 10, 2021
• Medical Bios

Healthcare professionals such as nurses, nurse practitioners, traveling nurses, and any of those practicing the various nursing specialties need their nurse bios written in a specific manner. Since the day-to-day duties are paramount to the recovery of patients, their achievements must be highlighted and positioned in a well-written bio. 

We outline here several samples of what goes into a compelling nurse bio. Read the following sample nurse bio excerpt (names have been changed for privacy):

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Veronica Jacobs brings empathy, an easygoing  communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy for her to talk to patients and  family members.  

Serving in the military is always a great accomplishment to highlight in a nurse bio, or any other bio for that matter, and should always be included.

A proud U.S. military veteran, Veronica was an aircraft electrician in the Navy before she decided to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

This is why Nurse Jacobs is so special and an asset to all her patients. She is a nurse practitioner who really cares about her patients and has the patience to explain what course of treatment is best and why. There isn’t anything routine about such a caring individual. If the patient isn’t feeling well, a kind approach will speed up the healing process as noted by science. 

A typical day for Veronica includes assessing and diagnosing patients on mental health issues such  as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or those who struggle with substance abuse or the heartbreak of dementia. Although Veronica is able to prescribe medication as a viable option, she  has been very successful with the holistic approach of listening and educating the patient before  resorting to medication, and many times it is a combination of all three. Veronica is a firm believer that the patient really understands why they are taking medication, and discusses with them how they feel about the treatment plan.

Here is another example from a different sample nurse bio. See how this nurse has gone on and taken a more prominent position in influencing other nurses and passing on her nursing gift.  This is what makes her a standout.

Maria has also been hugely successful in leading accreditation site visits for several departments, including nursing, radiology, dental, medical laboratory technician, and  paramedic programs. Creating new curriculums and researching what is needed for the future of healthcare is all in a day’s work for Maria.  

Maria started out her career as a young staff nurse and worked her way up. She received her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin, where she graduated with honors. She was also in the Air Force, where she started as an Air Force Nurse, 2nd Lieutenant, gradually ascending to the rank of Captain. Her responsibilities included providing clinic care to all Air Force members and coordinating nursing services. In her role, she was usually put in the position of mentoring, supervising or creating plans for patient care, along with her usual nursing duties.  

I n a world where everything is a trend, Maria is the one constant. From her love of the healthcare profession, to her empathetic nature as a driving force, she remains steadfast in her abilities and passionate for the practice. To have the ability to embrace change and  find the knowledge in yet to be charted waters is one of Maria’s unique qualities. Strong communication skills and a kind soul have been Maria’s assets in her long career dedicated to service.   

So always remember, in a nurse bio , you want to show that although different than a doctor, they fit into the health scenario. It’s important to describe the various qualities and skill sets that are all assets to their profession.

Learn more in our YouTube instructional video !

Need some more bio writing inspiration? Get our  bio writing ebook,  “Just Add a Smile and a Handshake — A Starter Guide to Writing Your Bio.”

Need your nurse bio written by a professional? Learn about our professional bio writing services ! Contact us at WeWriteBios.com today! Please email us at [email protected] or call 818-488-1543. 

• WeWriteBios.com staff

WeWriteBios.com is inspiration and brainchild of Endrea Kosven, founder and CEO of EDK and Company. With over 15 years as a PR and marketing professional in Los Angeles, she helps her clients succeed in their professional branding and marketing efforts.

• healthcare bio , medical bio , nurse bio , professional bio

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When you may need a nurse bio

Different educational and vocational opportunities may require a nurse bio. Students may need to include a bio when applying to an undergraduate or graduate nursing program. Additionally, nurses applying for a different role may need to write a professional bio. This can happen when nurses:

You may also need to provide a bio if you apply for or receive an award or special recognition. Your bio may appear on your company website or in the documentation that recognizes your achievement.

What is a nurse bio?

A nursing bio, or biography, highlights your key education, experience and qualifications. Your professional biography allows you to provide more details about the information on your resume. You can also discuss other opportunities or roles that dont appear on your resume, such as volunteer roles or personal achievements.

How to Write a Nurse Bio

Here are the steps you can follow to write a strong nurse bio:

1. Write an introductory paragraph

Your introductory paragraph introduces you to readers and typically includes general information such as your name and post-nominal letters, such as “BSN” or “RN.” Your introductory paragraph should also include your educational or professional goal. For example, if you are applying to graduate school, your goal may be to earn a masters degree in nursing. If you are applying for a job, be sure to state the specific position youre applying for, such as director of nursing.

Example: “My name is Susan Hale, BN, MSN, and I am applying to the Middle City University Doctor of Nursing program.”

2. Detail your education

This section states the schools you attended. Generally, you do not need to include your high school. You can begin your education section with any college education, including community college courses, associate degrees, bachelors degrees and graduate degrees. If you have a high GPA, typically 3.5 or higher, you can include this in your bio to help you stand apart from other candidates, especially if you are applying to a graduate program as this demonstrates your ability to succeed in an academic environment. You might also include if you graduated summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude.

3. Discuss your work history

Discuss previous positions youve held, with a focus on nursing experience or related roles in the medical field. You can list your job responsibilities and any awards or recognition you received while in those roles, such as employee of the month. Highlight skills you have that correlate to the program or job to which youre applying. For example, if youre applying for a head nurse position, include any leadership positions youve had. If you are applying to a graduate program, you might mention your experience with certain software or team projects.

5. Include any other relevant qualifications

After your work experience, you may want to add a section for other qualifications or skills that make you a well-rounded candidate, even if they are not directly related to nursing. You may include:

These extra features may help you become a more appealing candidate. They can also show that you have soft skills that can help make you successful in the role, such as communication skills, leadership skills or technological proficiency.

6. Proofread your bio

As with any professional document, review your biography before sending it for spelling, content and grammatical errors. Consider asking a colleague or family member to read your bio and provide feedback. You may also want to check your bio on different screen sizes to make sure readers can access the file from several types of devices, such as a laptop or phone.

Tips for writing a professional nurse biography

Here are several helpful tips for writing a nurse biography:

Choose a professional design

Your biography is a professional document and should look neat and organized. It may be the piece that introduces you to a hiring manager or program director, so it should reflect positively on you. Choose a font that is easy to read and at least 12 point or larger. Avoid graphics or distracting colors. If possible, create a bio that complements your resume and cover letter in style.

Speak to your audience

Taylor your professional biography to the audience receiving it. For instance, if you are providing a bio for your companys website, you may choose to add a few personal details, such as your hobbies and the names of your children. For a bio that accompanies a job application, you may want to highlight professional or academic accomplishments, such as serving as president of your nursing class.

Make it personal

You can use you biography to connect with readers on a personal level. Consider sharing a powerful moment during your nursing career or an incident that led you to pursue nursing. These anecdotes can help you engage the reader and make your bio more memorable.

Review other biographies

If possible, you can ask to see other biographies as an example of what an employer or director is looking for. Reviewing other bio can help you craft one with a similar style and tone. You can also make notes of what types of information other nurses included.

How do you write a nursing bio about yourself?

• Write an introductory paragraph. …
• Detail your education. …
• Discuss your work history. …
• Include any other relevant qualifications. …
• Proofread your bio.

How do I write a biography about myself?

• Introduce yourself. Start your bio with a brief introduction that shows who you are. …
• Keep it concise. Start with a word count in mind. …
• Use third person. It may feel strange or even challenging to write about yourself. …
• Write strategically. …
• Include your contact information. …
• Edit thoroughly.

What is the profile of a nurse?

• Introduce yourself.
• State your company or brand name.
• Explain your professional role.
• Include professional achievements.
• Discuss your passions and values.
• Mention your personal interests.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)

3 key takeaways

• What a short professional bio is and why you need one
• What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
• Examples, templates, and a faster way to write your bio with Teal's Professional Bio Generator

In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.

Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.

Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.

What is a short professional bio? 

A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like—a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishments. It gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.  

While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.

What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?

A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs. 

A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:

• Career background
• Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
• Skills you've developed or are developing
• Some personal insights

This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.

On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:

• Communicates your core qualifications
• Briefly touches on your professional persona
• Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
• Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram

What to include in a short bio 

Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.

Here are some things you'll want to address.

• Level of education, if relevant to the audience
• Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
• Your current or former career title
• Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
• Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise

Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.

What to include in a short bio if you’re a student

Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like: 

• Where you're from
• What university, trade school, or boot camp you're attending
• Your area of study or intended major
• Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of 
• Any internships you've completed
• Your career goals 
• Your availability

Generate your professional bio with AI

Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.

How to write a short bio

There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.

Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:

1. Choose your voice

You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.

In the first person, you'll use  "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.

 First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."

Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."

If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.

2. Choose your tone

Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.

These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing styles: 

Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.” 

Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.” 

3. Start with your name and a current or recent role

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role. 

Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.”

If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.

Example 1: “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.” 

Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.” 

4. Share your accomplishments and achievements

Once you've introduced yourself and your current title, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you've done or aspire to do. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this: 

Example:  “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company, where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.” 

Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievements using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.

5. Share your philosophy or “why” 

Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure you don't undermine your value. Your “why,” the reason you do what you do every day, can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others. 

Example: “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.” 

6. Add your personal touch

Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office. 

Example: “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.” 

Short professional bio examples

Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact. 

Short bio example for a personal website

"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."

Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.

Professional short bio example on LinkedIn

"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."

Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.

Short bio example on social media

"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"

Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.

Company website short bio examples

"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."

Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.

Tips for writing a short bio

Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression. 

1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience

Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.

2. Be authentic

Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water. 

3. Prioritize relevant information

We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you! 

4. Be relatable

No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.  

5. Be professional

It's appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding arrogant. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across differently: 

Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.” 

Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).” 

Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

[First name last name] is [currently/formerly] a [insert most recent job title] at [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in [field] after [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the [previous title] at [previous company], where they were responsible for [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for students

[First name last name] is a current [year] at [institution] majoring in [area(s) of study] . On campus, [First name] is actively involved in [activity name] , for which they [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently [interned/worked] at [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the [insert field name or industry] after graduation to follow their passion of [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for a gap in employment

[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.

If you decide to use any of these templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.

Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Create your short professional bio with Teal

In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections. 

Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.

Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."

How do you write an impressive short bio?

To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal  AI Resume Builder  Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.

What is a short biography about yourself?

A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."

Emily Polner

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• Professional Development

Nurse Bio Examples: A Step-By-Step Guide

A nurse bio is a great way to introduce yourself to your peers and potential employers. These bios can vary in length and format, depending on what the situation warrants. Regardless of the details, it is important to present yourself in a professional light. A great nurse bio should include your experience in the nursing field, any awards or recognitions you have achieved, and the goals you have for your nursing career. Additionally, a nurse bio should highlight the importance of providing high-quality patient care, as this is an integral part of the nursing profession. By articulating your professional qualifications, your nurse bio can make a lasting impression. In this blog post, we will provide nurse bio examples across various levels of experience, offering insight into how to present your qualifications in the best way possible.

When you may need a nurse bio

Different educational and vocational opportunities may require a nurse bio. When submitting an application to an undergraduate or graduate nursing program, students might need to include a bio. Nurses who are applying for a different position might also need to write a professional bio. This can happen when nurses:

If you apply for or win an award or special recognition, you might also be required to submit a biography. Your biography might be included in the documentation recognizing your accomplishment or on the company website.

What is a nurse bio?

A nursing biography or bio highlights your most important training, employment history, and credentials. You can elaborate on the information on your resume in your professional biography. You can also talk about other opportunities or roles that aren’t listed on your resume, like volunteer positions or individual accomplishments.

How to Write a Nurse Bio

The steps you can take to write a potent nurse bio are as follows:

1. Write an introductory paragraph

You are introduced to the readers in your opening paragraph, which typically contains general information like your name and post-nominal letters like “BSN” or “RN.” “Your opening sentence should also state your educational or career aspirations. If you are applying to graduate school, for instance, your objective might be to obtain a master’s degree in nursing. Be sure to specify the position for which you are applying when submitting a job application, such as director of nursing.

Example: “My name is Susan Hale, BN, MSN, and I am applying to the Doctor of Nursing Program at Middle City University. “.

2. Detail your education

This section states the schools you attended. Generally, you do not need to include your high school. Any college education, including community college courses, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees, can be used as the first entry in your education section. If you have a high GPA, typically 3. If you have a GPA of 5. or higher, you can mention this in your bio to help you stand out from the competition, especially if you’re applying to a graduate program because it shows that you can succeed in a classroom. You could also mention whether you received a summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude diploma.

3. Discuss your work history

Talk about previous positions you’ve held, concentrating on nursing experience or roles in the medical industry that are related to it. You can list your duties at work and any honors or accolades you’ve received for them, like employee of the month. Showcase your skills in relation to the program or position you’re applying for. Include any leadership positions you’ve held, for instance, if you’re applying for the position of head nurse. If you are applying to a graduate program, you might highlight your experience working on team projects or with specific software.

5. Include any other relevant qualifications

Even if they are not specifically related to nursing, you might want to add a section after your work experience for additional credentials or skills that show you are a well-rounded candidate. You may include:

These added qualities could make you a more desirable candidate. Additionally, they can demonstrate your soft skills, such as leadership, technological prowess, and communication abilities, which can help you succeed in the position.

6. Proofread your bio

Before sending your biography, check it for spelling, content, and grammatical errors as you would with any other professional document. Consider having a family member or friend review your biography and offer comments. To ensure readers can access the file from a variety of devices, including a laptop or phone, you might also want to test your bio on various screen sizes.

Tips for writing a professional nurse biography

Here are several helpful tips for writing a nurse biography:

Choose a professional design

Your biography should be presented professionally and be well-organized. It might serve as your introduction to a hiring manager or program director, so it should be positive. Select a font that is legible and at least 12 points in size. Avoid graphics or distracting colors. If at all possible, style your bio to match your resume and cover letter.

Speak to your audience

Taylor your professional biography to the audience receiving it. For instance, you might decide to include a few personal details in your bio for your company’s website, such as your hobbies and the names of your kids. You might want to emphasize professional or academic accomplishments in your bio for a job application, like leading your nursing class as class president.

Make it personal

You can establish a personal connection with readers through your biography. Think about describing a memorable experience from your nursing career or an event that inspired you to become a nurse. You can draw the reader in and make your biography more memorable by using these anecdotes.

Review other biographies

If at all possible, request to see other biographies to get a better idea of what a hiring manager or director is looking for. Examining other biographies can help you create your own with a similar design and voice. You can also jot down the kinds of details that other nurses included.

How to Write a Nurse Bio – Tips & Samples

How do you write a nursing bio about yourself?

• Write an introductory paragraph. …
• Detail your education. …
• Discuss your work history. …
• Include any other relevant qualifications. …
• Proofread your bio.

How do I write a biography about myself?

• Introduce yourself. Your bio should begin with a succinct introduction that describes who you are.
• Keep it concise. Start with a word count in mind.
• Use third person. Writing about yourself can seem strange or even difficult.
• Write strategically. …
• Include your contact information. …
• Edit thoroughly.

What is the profile of a nurse?

• Introduce yourself.
• State your company or brand name.
• Explain your professional role.
• Include professional achievements.
• Discuss your passions and values.
• Mention your personal interests.

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100 Trailblazing Nurses Who Paved the Way for Modern Healthcare

Nurses Who Paved the Way for Modern Healthcare

Nursing is a profession that requires a great deal of skill, compassion, and dedication. Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care and support to patients in a variety of settings.

Throughout history, many nurses have made significant contributions to the field, and their names and accomplishments are celebrated to this day. In this list, we will highlight 100 famous nurses from around the world who have left an indelible mark on the profession, demonstrating the power of nursing to improve lives and transform healthcare.

100 Famous Nurses

A Celebration List of 100 Famous Nurses Who Paved the Way for Modern Healthcare

Here is a list of 100 famous nurses, along with a brief description of their contributions to nursing and healthcare:

The contributions of nurses to the healthcare system cannot be overstated, and the individuals on this list are just a few examples of the countless nurses who have made a difference throughout history.

From pioneers in the field who paved the way for modern nursing to contemporary leaders who continue to innovate and advocate for patients, these nurses have inspired generations of healthcare professionals and changed the lives of countless individuals. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the important role that nurses play in our society and the impact that a single person can have on the world.

• Florence Nightingale – Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing, and for her work as a nurse during the Crimean War. She established the first professional nursing school and is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of nursing. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingale )
• Mary Eliza Mahoney – Mahoney was the first black woman to graduate from a nursing school in the United States, and worked to promote racial and gender equality in nursing. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Mahoney )
• Dorothea Dix – Dix was a nurse and social reformer who worked to improve conditions for the mentally ill and prisoners. She also served as superintendent of Army nurses during the Civil War. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Dix )
• Clara Barton – Barton was a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross, and worked to provide aid to soldiers during the Civil War. She was also a teacher, humanitarian, and advocate for women’s rights. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Barton )
• Mary Breckinridge – Breckinridge was a nurse and founder of the Frontier Nursing Service, which provided healthcare to families in rural Kentucky. She was also a pioneer in midwifery and women’s healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Breckinridge )
• Lillian Wald – Wald was a nurse and founder of the Henry Street Settlement, which provided healthcare and social services to the poor in New York City. She was also a champion of public health and nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Wald )
• Margaret Sanger – Sanger was a nurse and advocate for women’s reproductive rights, and founded the American Birth Control League (which later became Planned Parenthood). She was also a writer and lecturer on women’s health and sexuality. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger )
• Mary Adelaide Nutting – Nutting was a nurse and educator who helped to establish nursing as a profession in the United States. She was also the first woman to hold a professorship at Columbia University. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_A._Nutting )
• Mary Ann Bickerdyke – Bickerdyke was a nurse and administrator who worked to improve conditions for Union soldiers during the Civil War. She was known for her fierce dedication to her patients and her willingness to go to great lengths to provide care. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Ann_Bickerdyke )
• Virginia Avenel Henderson – Henderson was a nurse and educator who developed the nursing theory known as the “Need Theory,” which emphasized the importance of meeting patients’ basic needs. She was also a prolific author and educator. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Henderson )
• Sister Mary Joseph Dempsey – Dempsey was a nurse and healthcare administrator who helped to establish the first kidney transplant program in the United States. She was also a champion of Catholic healthcare and nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Joseph_Dempsey )
• Mildred Montag – Montag was a nurse and educator who helped to establish the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which has since become a popular pathway for nursing education. She was also a pioneer in nursing research and education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_Montag )
• Hazel Johnson-Brown – Johnson-Brown was the first black woman to become a brigadier general in the United States Army, and also the first black woman to serve as the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. She was a strong advocate for nursing education and improving healthcare for minorities. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazel_Johnson-Brown )
• Sister Callista Roy – Roy is a nursing theorist who developed the Roy Adaptation Model, which focuses on the individual’s adaptation to their environment. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callista_Roy )
• Faye Abdellah – Abdellah was a nurse and educator who developed the Patient-Centered Approaches to Nursing theory, which emphasizes the importance of individualized care. She was also a pioneer in nursing research and education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faye_G._Abdellah )
• Sojourner Truth – While not a trained nurse, Truth was a well-known abolitionist and women’s rights activist who worked as a nurse during the Civil War. She was known for her tireless advocacy for justice and equality. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_Truth )
• Mary Eliza Walker – Walker was a nurse and the first black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She also worked to promote women’s rights and was a strong advocate for better healthcare for minority populations. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Walker )
• Mabel Keaton Staupers – Staupers was a nurse and civil rights leader who worked to end segregation in nursing and healthcare. She was also a pioneer in nursing education and helped to establish the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Keaton_Staupers )
• Isabel Hampton Robb – Robb was a nurse and educator who helped to establish nursing as a profession in the United States. She also helped to establish the American Nurses Association and was a strong advocate for nursing education and research. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabel_Hampton_Robb )
• Linda Richards – Richards was the first professionally trained nurse in the United States, and went on to establish nursing schools and improve healthcare in Asia. She was also a pioneer in psychiatric nursing. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Richards )
• Ernestine Wiedenbach – Wiedenbach was a nurse and educator who developed the “helping art of clinical nursing” theory, which focuses on the nurse-patient relationship. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernestine_Wiedenbach )
• Lystra Gretter – Gretter was a nurse and founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, which worked to end discrimination in nursing education and practice. She was also a strong advocate for public health and nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lystra_Gretter )
• Loretta Ford – Ford is a nurse and educator who helped to establish the first nurse practitioner program in the United States. She was also a pioneer in nursing research and education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretta_Ford )
• Martha Rogers – Rogers was a nursing theorist who developed the Science of Unitary Human Beings theory, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings and their environment. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia
• Dorothy Smith – Smith was a nurse and the first black nurse to earn a PhD in nursing. She was a pioneer in nursing research, focusing on health disparities and the role of cultural competence in healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Smith_(nurse) )
• Virginia Henderson – Henderson was a nursing theorist who developed the Nursing Need Theory, which focuses on the patient’s basic needs and the nurse’s role in meeting those needs. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Henderson )
• Patricia Benner – Benner is a nursing theorist who developed the Novice to Expert Theory, which describes the progression of nurses from beginner to expert. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Benner )
• Clara Louise Maass – Maass was a nurse who volunteered to be a human test subject for the yellow fever vaccine during an outbreak in Cuba. She ultimately contracted the disease and died, but her sacrifice helped to advance medical knowledge and develop the vaccine. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Maass )
• Edith Cavell – Cavell was a British nurse who worked in German-occupied Belgium during World War I. She helped to smuggle allied soldiers to safety and was ultimately executed by the Germans. Her bravery and sacrifice made her a symbol of heroism during the war. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Cavell )
• Mary Breckinridge – Breckinridge was a nurse and midwife who founded the Frontier Nursing Service, which provided healthcare to underserved rural populations in the United States. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and public health. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Breckinridge )
• Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail – Yellowtail was a nurse and Native American activist who worked to improve healthcare for Native American communities. She was also a leader in the American Indian Movement and a strong advocate for Native American rights. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susie_Walking_Bear_Yellowtail )
• Nola Pender – Pender is a nursing theorist who developed the Health Promotion Model, which focuses on the individual’s motivation and ability to make healthy choices. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and public health. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nola_Pender )
• Frances Payne Bolton – Bolton was a nurse and politician who served in the United States House of Representatives. She was a strong advocate for nursing education and healthcare reform. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Payne_Bolton )
• Hester Maclean – Maclean was a nurse and midwife who worked in rural Scotland. She was known for her dedication to providing quality healthcare to underserved populations, and was awarded the Royal Red Cross for her service during World War I. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hester_Maclean )
• Inez Beverly Prosser – Prosser was a nurse and psychologist who was the first black woman to earn a PhD in psychology. Her research focused on the impact of racism on educational achievement. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inez_Beverly_Prosser )
• Lillian Wald – Wald was a nurse and social worker who founded the Henry Street Settlement, which provided healthcare and social services to underserved communities in New York City. She was also a pioneer in public health and nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Wald )
• M. Elizabeth Carnegie – Carnegie was a nurse and educator who was the first black woman to earn a PhD in nursing. Her research focused on health disparities and cultural competence in healthcare, and she was a strong advocate for increasing diversity in the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._Elizabeth_Carnegie )
• Sojourner Truth – Although primarily known as an abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Truth also worked as a nurse during the Civil War, providing care to wounded soldiers. Her dedication to social justice and equality made her a prominent figure in American history. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_Truth )
• Vivian Thomas – Thomas was a surgical technician who helped to develop the first successful surgical technique for treating blue baby syndrome, a life-threatening heart condition. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, he made significant contributions to medical research and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivien_Thomas )
• Margaret Sanger – Sanger was a nurse and birth control advocate who founded the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. Her work has had a lasting impact on reproductive rights and healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger )
• Ida Gray Nelson Rollins – Rollins was the first black woman to earn a dental degree and also worked as a nurse. Her dedication to healthcare and education made her a trailblazer in both fields. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ida_Gray_Nelson_Rollins )
• Agnes Hunt – Hunt was a nurse and the founder of the Orthopaedic Hospital in Shropshire, England. She was known for her innovative approach to treating patients with disabilities and for her dedication to nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Hunt )
• Margaret Higgins Sanger Slee – Slee was a nurse and the daughter of Margaret Sanger. She continued her mother’s work as a birth control advocate and played a key role in the development of the birth control pill. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger_Slee )
• Faye Abdellah – Abdellah was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Her work has been influential in the fields of nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faye_Abdellah )
• Mary Eliza Mahoney – Mahoney was the first black woman to earn a nursing degree in the United States. She was a pioneer in nursing education and helped to establish the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Mahoney )
• Elizabeth Kenny – Kenny was a nurse and the developer of the Kenny Method, a treatment for polio that involved muscle rehabilitation and physical therapy. Her work revolutionized the treatment of the disease. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Kenny )
• Florence Wald – Wald was a nurse and hospice pioneer who founded the first hospice in the United States. Her work has had a lasting impact on end-of-life care and nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Wald )
• Dorothea Dix – Dix was a nurse and mental health advocate who lobbied for the establishment of mental hospitals in the United States. Her work led to significant improvements in the treatment of mental illness. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Dix )
• Loretta Ford – Ford was a nurse and co-founder of the nurse practitioner profession. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretta_Ford )
• Jane Delano – Delano was a nurse and the founder of the American Red Cross Nursing Service. She played a key role in providing healthcare to soldiers during World War I and her legacy has continued to shape the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Delano )
• Nola J. Pender – Pender is a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Health Promotion Model, a framework for understanding the factors that influence health behavior. Her work has been influential in nursing education and research. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nola_J._Pender )
• Lillian Wald – Wald was a nurse and social reformer who founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York City. She was a pioneer in community healthcare and her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Wald )
• Claire Fagin – Fagin was a nurse and nursing educator who served as the dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She was a prominent advocate for nursing education and her work has had a lasting impact on the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claire_Fagin )
• Bessie Blount Griffin – Griffin was a nurse and inventor who developed devices to help amputees feed themselves and turn the pages of a book. Her work has had a lasting impact on rehabilitation medicine and nursing practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_Blount_Griffin )
• Virginia Henderson – Henderson was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Nursing Need Theory, a framework for understanding the basic needs of patients. Her work has been influential in nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Henderson )
• Patricia Benner – Benner is a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Novice to Expert Theory, a framework for understanding the stages of nursing practice. Her work has been influential in nursing education and research. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Benner )
• Connie Mariano – Mariano is a nurse and physician who served as the White House physician for three U.S. presidents. She was the first military woman to be appointed as a White House physician and her work has had a lasting impact on military and government healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Mariano )
• Anita Dorr – Dorr was a nurse and the founder of the Frontier Nursing Service, which provided healthcare to rural areas in Appalachia. Her work has had a lasting impact on community healthcare and nursing education. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Dorr )
• Mary Breckinridge – Breckinridge was a nurse and the founder of the Frontier Nursing Service. She was a pioneer in nurse-midwifery and her work has had a lasting impact on maternal and child healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Breckinridge )
• Sister Mary Joseph Dempsey – Dempsey was a nurse and healthcare administrator who played a key role in the development of the first heart-lung machine. Her work has had a lasting impact on cardiovascular medicine and nursing practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Mary_Joseph_Dempsey )
• Mary Eliza Channing Wister – Wister was a nurse and the founder of the Visiting Nurse Society of Philadelphia. She was a pioneer in public health nursing and her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Channing_Wister )
• Mary Ann Bickerdyke – Bickerdyke was a nurse who served during the Civil War and provided care to wounded soldiers. She played a key role in improving healthcare for soldiers and her work has had a lasting impact on military healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M
• Mary Eliza Mahoney – Mahoney was the first African-American registered nurse in the United States. She faced discrimination and barriers to her education and career, but her persistence and dedication paved the way for future generations of minority nurses. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Mahoney )
• Catherine McAuley – McAuley was a nurse and the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, a religious order dedicated to serving the sick and poor. Her work has had a lasting impact on healthcare and social services. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_McAuley )
• Harriet Tubman – Tubman was a nurse, abolitionist, and activist who helped slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She also served as a nurse during the Civil War and her work has had a lasting impact on social justice and healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman )
• Adele A. Lewis – Lewis was a nurse and healthcare administrator who served as the first African-American president of the American Nurses Association. She was a prominent advocate for nursing education and her work has had a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion in the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adele_A._Lewis )
• Mary Eliza Loftin – Loftin was a nurse and the founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, an organization that fought for the rights and recognition of African-American nurses. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and diversity in the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Loftin )
• Sojourner Truth – Truth was a nurse, abolitionist, and women’s rights activist who fought for the rights of marginalized groups. She served as a nurse during the Civil War and her work has had a lasting impact on social justice and healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_Truth )
• Nettie Stevens – Stevens was a nurse and geneticist who discovered the role of sex chromosomes in determining the sex of an organism. Her work has had a lasting impact on genetics and medical research. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettie_Stevens )
• Mary Adelaide Nutting – Nutting was a nurse and nursing educator who served as the first professor of nursing at Columbia University. She was a pioneer in nursing education and her work has had a lasting impact on the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Adelaide_Nutting )
• Mary Eliza Easton – Easton was a nurse and the founder of the National Association of Catholic Nurses, an organization that provided support and resources for Catholic nurses. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and the intersection of faith and healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Easton )
• Mary Eliza Fanny Perine – Perine was a nurse who served during the Civil War and founded the New York Infant Asylum, which provided healthcare and support for orphaned infants. Her work has had a lasting impact on maternal and child healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Fanny_Perine )
• Mary Elizabeth Carnegie – Carnegie was a nurse and nursing educator who served as the first African-American president of the National League for Nursing. She was a prominent advocate for nursing education and her work has had a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion in the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Elizabeth_Carnegie )
• Florence Wald – Wald was a nurse and healthcare administrator who founded the first hospice in the United States. She was a pioneer in palliative care and her work has had a lasting impact on end-of-life healthcare
• Lillian D. Wald – Wald was a nurse and social activist who founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, which provided healthcare and social services to impoverished communities. She was a pioneer in public health nursing and her work has had a lasting impact on community healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Wald )
• Hildegard Peplau – Peplau was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the interpersonal theory of nursing, which emphasized the importance of the nurse-patient relationship in healthcare. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildegard_Peplau )
• Virginia Avenel Henderson – Henderson was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the nursing concept of “need,” which focused on helping patients meet their basic needs in order to achieve optimal health. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Henderson )
• Mary Breckinridge – Breckinridge was a nurse and healthcare pioneer who founded the Frontier Nursing Service, which provided healthcare to rural communities in the Appalachian Mountains. She was a pioneer in midwifery and her work has had a lasting impact on maternal and child healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Breckinridge )
• Mary Eliza Mahoney – Mahoney was the first African-American registered nurse in the United States. She faced discrimination and barriers to her education and career, but her persistence and dedication paved the way for future generations of minority nurses. Her work has had a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion in the nursing profession. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Eliza_Mahoney )
• Martha Rogers – Rogers was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Science of Unitary Human Beings, which focused on the holistic care of the individual. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Rogers )
• Sister Callista Roy – Roy was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Roy Adaptation Model, which focused on the adaptive responses of individuals to their environment. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callista_Roy )
• Joyce Travelbee – Travelbee was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Human-to-Human Relationship Model, which emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in the nurse-patient relationship. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyce_Travelbee )
• Dorothea Orem – Orem was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Self-Care Deficit Theory, which emphasized the importance of the individual’s ability to care for themselves in achieving optimal health. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Orem )
• Madeline Leininger – Leininger was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, which focused on the importance of cultural competence in nursing practice. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_Leininger )
• Betty Neuman – Neuman was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Neuman Systems Model, which focused on the holistic care of the individual within their environment. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Neuman )
• Lynda Young – Young was a nurse and healthcare administrator who transformed the healthcare system in Canada during her tenure as the CEO of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. She pioneered the concept of patient-centered care and was an advocate for women’s health issues. Her work has had a lasting impact on healthcare administration and policy. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynda_Young )
• Mary Ann Bickerdyke – Bickerdyke was a nurse during the American Civil War who served with the Union Army. She was known for her tireless efforts to improve sanitation and healthcare conditions for soldiers on the front lines. Her work has had a lasting impact on military healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Ann_Bickerdyke )
• Mabel Keaton Staupers – Staupers was a nurse and healthcare administrator who was a prominent advocate for racial equality in the nursing profession. She played a key role in the desegregation of the United States Army Nurse Corps during World War II. Her work has had a lasting impact on diversity and inclusion in healthcare. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Keaton_Staupers )
• Linda Richards – Richards was the first professionally trained nurse in the United States and is often referred to as the “Mother of Nursing.” She was a pioneer in nursing education and helped establish the first nursing school in the United States. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Richards )
• Faye Glenn Abdellah – Abdellah was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Twenty-One Nursing Problems, a framework for organizing and prioritizing nursing care. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faye_Glenn_Abdellah )
• Mary Adelaide Nutting – Nutting was a nurse and nursing educator who was instrumental in the development of nursing as a profession in the United States. She was the first professor of nursing at Columbia University and helped establish nursing schools across the country. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Adelaide_Nutting )
• Doris Armstrong Jones – Jones was a nurse and healthcare administrator who was the first African-American to serve as president of the American Nurses Association. She was a champion of diversity and inclusion in the nursing profession and her work has had a lasting impact on healthcare policy. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Armstrong_Jones )
• Nancy Roper – Roper was a nurse and nursing theorist who developed the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing, which focused on the individual’s ability to maintain independence in their daily activities. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Roper )
• Kate Lorig – Lorig is a nurse and healthcare researcher who developed the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, a patient-centered approach to managing chronic illnesses. Her work has had a lasting impact on healthcare policy and patient care. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Lorig )
• Mary Naylor – Naylor is a nurse and healthcare researcher who developed the Transitional Care Model, which focused on improving care for patients transitioning from hospital to home. Her work has had a lasting impact on healthcare policy and patient care. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Naylor )
• Helen Yura – Yura is a nurse and healthcare researcher who developed the Clinical Reasoning Model, which focused on improving clinical decision-making in nursing practice. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Yura )
• Linda Aiken – Aiken is a nurse and healthcare researcher who has conducted extensive studies on the impact of nursing on patient outcomes. Her work has shown the importance of nurse staffing and education on patient safety and quality of care. She has been a strong advocate for improving the nursing workforce and her work has had a lasting impact on healthcare policy and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Aiken )
• Isabel Hampton Robb – Robb was a nurse and nursing educator who helped establish nursing as a profession in the United States. She was the founder of the American Nurses Association and the author of several influential nursing textbooks. Her work has had a lasting impact on nursing education and practice. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabel_Hampton_Robb )
• Harriet Tubman – While not formally trained as a nurse, Tubman served as a nurse and caregiver during the American Civil War. She was known for her bravery and tenacity, and her work as a nurse and caregiver helped save countless lives. Her legacy as a leader in the abolitionist movement and her contributions to healthcare make her one of the most iconic figures in American history. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman )

These 100 nurses have made significant contributions to the field of healthcare through their innovative research, groundbreaking theories, and tireless dedication to patient care. They have improved the lives of countless individuals and have had a lasting impact on healthcare policy and practice. Their legacies continue to inspire current and future generations of nurses to push the boundaries of healthcare and to provide the highest quality of care to all patients.

See 25 Famous Black Nurses .

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13 Famous Nurses Who Shaped the World of Nursing

As we celebrate nurses, let’s take a few moments to look back at the careers of famous nurses in history. These individuals each brought something new—if not downright revolutionary—to their work and, as a result, impacted the science of nursing. 

As you read this selection of influential nurse leaders, consider how your nursing career can influence all the people you interact with, whether they are fellow students, other nurses, your patients, or your community. 

Learn more about Baylor's Online DNP programs

1.  Florence Nightingale ( 1820–1910 )

Generally regarded as the founder of modern nursing, Nightingale was born into a well-to-do English family. In her twenties, Nightingale began her pursuit of nursing—despite objections from her mother and sister, who wanted Florence to enter the more acceptable role of wife and mother, as was the custom for women of her class. She persevered, however, saying that she felt called by God to the profession. 

In her travels, she visited a Lutheran religious community in Germany where a pastor and deaconesses (forerunners of modern nurses) worked with the sick. She received medical training at their institute and later wrote that the experience was the foundation for her advancements.

Nightingale rose to prominence during the Crimean War. She and a group of 38 volunteer nurses traveled to a military hospital in Scutari, only to find the most wretched conditions among the British soldiers. More of the wounded were dying from typhus, cholera, and dysentery than from their wounds. Nightingale instituted a radical program of sanitation and hygiene—most notably handwashing with soap and water, which was not a common practice.

Over the next forty years, Nightingale became a champion for nursing as a profession in England and internationally. She founded the first professional school of nursing, and her book, Notes on Nursing, became the foundational text for nursing students as well as for women providing care at home. Nightingale also was a pioneer in the use of statistics, using histograms (pie charts) to great effect to persuade others of the efficacy of nursing improvements on patient health.

"Every day sanitary knowledge,, or the knowledge of nursing, or in other words, of how to put the constitution in such a state as that it will have no disease, or that it can recover from disease, takes a higher place. It is recognised as the knowledge which every one ought to have – distinct from medical knowledge, which only a profession can have." —Florence Nightingale, from Notes on Nursing, 1859.

2.  Mary Breckenridge ( 1881–1965 )

Breckenridge was a pioneer in establishing nurse-midwifery and a system for providing care in rural eastern Kentucky. She became a registered nurse after attending St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. She then worked in Washington, D.C., as a supervising nurse during the 1918 influenza epidemic. 

Having learned French at a Swiss boarding school in her youth, Breckenridge volunteered to serve in France organizing relief efforts for children and pregnant women in the devastation following World War I. In 1921, she returned to the U.S. and pursued additional education in public health to better serve the poor families of eastern Kentucky. There, she encountered informally trained midwives, but she wanted her own training in the field. Since there was no midwifery course in the United States, she went to study in England where she became certified. 

Breckenridge traveled to several established nursing stations in the rural Scottish Highlands, which inspired her to begin a similar nursing network when she returned to Kentucky in 1925. She founded the Kentucky Committee for Mothers and Babies, which became the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) in 1928. With other midwives from London, Breckenridge traveled the region on horseback, providing general healthcare, pre- and postnatal care, and birthing services. Using the midwifery model of care delivery, Breckenridge demonstrated that trained providers could lower infant and maternal mortality rates. By the time of her passing in 1965, the FNS—which she continued to lead—delivered more than 14,500 babies with only 11 maternal deaths.

3.  Clara Barton ( 1821–1912 )

Born in Massachusetts in 1821, Barton was a shy but academically gifted girl. Her first nursing experience came when she was a young girl: After her brother David fell from a barn roof, Barton nursed him back to health over two years, giving him medicines ordered by the doctor and applying leeches, as was the common practice.

As an adult, Barton was drawn into nursing again by the events of the Civil War. She began by tending soldiers who had been brought by train to Washington, D.C, after a riot in Baltimore. As the war progressed, she became a battlefield nurse, distributing medical supplies, applying dressings and garnering support from the public for herself and other nurses to work directly behind the front lines. She was put in charge of the army hospitals by Union General Benjamin Butler and was widely regarded as the “Florence Nightingale of America.”

After the war, Barton traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, and learned of the humanitarian organization called the Red Cross. She was invited by one of the founders to start an American branch of the Red Cross, which she did after convincing then-President Chester Arthur that the group would respond not only to battlefield crises but to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.

4.  Loretta C. Ford ( 1920– )

Ford is one of the most influential nurse leaders in history because of her role in co-founding, with Henry Silver, MD, the first nurse practitioner program. In the 1960s, Ford was working in the public nurse program at Colorado University, training nursing students in the Denver Visiting Nurse Service and saw that there was a decided lack of primary care for the communities they served. 

Ford realized that with some specialized instruction, nurses could deliver the care that was needed and developed a curriculum that, at the time, called on physicians to provide medical instruction to nursing students paired with their nursing instruction. The program was launched in 1965 at the University of Colorado.

The first pediatric nurse practitioners began their work in 1967. The model became so successful that the nurse practitioner role has expanded to include other populations and subspecialties.

Ford’s work has earned her a place in the Women’s Hall of Fame, and she is a recipient of the Surgeon General’s Medallion, the highest honor granted to a civilian by the U.S. Public Health Service.

5.  Mary Eliza Mahoney ( 1845–1926 )

Although she was not the first African American woman to serve as a nurse in the U.S. (one notable predecessor was Harriet Tubman, who served as a Union Army nurse, delivering care to Black soldiers), she is hailed as the first to earn a nursing license. Opportunities for Black women who wished to pursue nursing education were extremely limited, even in her home state of Massachusetts. Nonetheless, Mahoney was admitted to a 16-month program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, where she had previously worked as a cook, maid, and washerwoman. 

After an intensive program of lectures and clinical work in hospital wards and private homes, Mahoney graduated in 1879 with two other candidates—they were the only ones out of the class of 40 to complete the program.

Mahoney spent most of her professional career as a nurse in private homes, where she earned a reputation for efficiency and preparedness. She worked hard to be treated as a professional and not as a servant, and advocated for the equal treatment of all professional nurses. Even though she was one of the original members of the group that later became the American Nurses Association, she split with the group for their failure to welcome nurses of color. As a result, she and two other Black nurses founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, a group that welcomed all nurses regardless of race. 

6.  Walt Whitman ( 1819–1892 )

Whitman found his brother alive, luckily with only a superficial wound. Seeing all the wounded men during his visit to the front, however, left a deep impression. He traveled to Washington, D.C., taking up a position as a clerk in the army paymaster’s office. In his free time, Whitman volunteered in the army hospitals, tending to the sick and wounded, and writing letters home to their family members on their behalf.

Whitman immortalized his experiences as a nurse in the poem, “The Wound Dresser.”

7.  Lillian Wald ( 1867–1940 )

Wald followed up an early interest in nursing by entering the New York Hospital Training School for nurses in 1891. Her postgraduate studies brought her to the Lower East Side of New York, where she worked with the immigrant families who lived in the tenements there. She was so involved with her work that she moved into a room in the neighborhood, so she could always be close to her patient population.

Her deep involvement with the community led her to coin the term “public health nurse,” and she later became the first president of the National Organization for Public Health Nursing. She was an early advocate for public school nurses. 

Her most enduring legacy, however, was the founding of the Henry Street Settlement, which provided not only healthcare but was supportive of women and children, and the right of all people to have quality healthcare at home, provided with respect, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

“Nursing is love in action, and there is no finer manifestation of it than the care of the poor and disabled in their own homes.” —Lillian Wald

8.  Mary Seacole ( 1805–1881 )

Seacole was the daughter of a Scottish lieutenant in the British Army, and a free Black “doctress” who used good hygiene and Caribbean and African herbal medicine to treat members of the community in Kingston, Colony of Jamaica. Seacole learned her mother’s medical traditions, as well as European medical treatments from the military doctors who stayed in her mother’s boarding house.

The boarding house was often a makeshift hospital for British Army and Navy staff who were affected by such tropical diseases as cholera and yellow fever. Seacole often applied such measures as hygiene, rest, ventilation, hydration, empathy, and good nutrition to care for sick patients.

Upon hearing of the wounded and dying British troops in the Crimean War, Seacole volunteered her nursing services to several military and private organizations but was turned down. Undeterred, she and a business partner journeyed to the area and built a small hotel, where she served food and beverages to officers, and nursed hundreds of wounded troops who were being transported back to England.

Her service has been well remembered in her native Jamaica and has become better recognized in Britain over the last twenty years. In 2004, Seacole ranked No. 1 in an online poll of 100 Great Black Britons.

9.  Virginia Avenel Henderson ( 1897–1996 )

Henderson would become known as the “First Lady of Nursing” for her development of a theory of nursing that became fundamental to nursing education. As she stated , 

“ The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge. And to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible.”

She undertook the revision of a nursing text— Textbook of the Principles and Practices of Nursing— and the resulting work became a core text in hospital nursing schools across America. In addition, she oversaw the compilation of a four-volume reference guide to nursing research papers published between 1900 and 1960, called the Nursing Studies Index.

For her pioneering work as a nurse educator, public health nurse, researcher and theorist, Henderson was inducted into the American Nurses Association Hall of Fame and awarded the Christiane Reimann Prize by the International Council of Nurses.

10.  Dorothea Dix ( 1802–1887 )

While not formally trained as a nurse, Dorothea Dix profoundly affected the care for poor and mentally ill individuals in the United States and beyond. Like so many others on this list, she extended boundaries, first as an educator of young girls who were not welcome in the public schools at the time, then later as an advocate.

She traveled throughout the United States and Europe, exposing the inhumane conditions under which poor mentally ill prisoners and members of the community were housed. She worked tirelessly for many years to raise awareness and to urge for legislative reform. Her reforms both stateside and in Europe led to the creation of government-funded mental hospitals. In all, Dix was responsible for founding 32 mental hospitals across 15 states and was instrumental in establishing two more in Japan.

11.  Mary O’Neill Mundinger (1937— )

Mundinger is an outstanding nurse educator who has spent nearly 50 years at the Columbia University School of Nursing, advancing from assistant professor to Dean Emerita of the school. 

Mundinger made a key advancement by establishing the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in the country—the first clinical doctorate in nursing. She has been a tireless advocate for nurses and nurse practitioners, having written several papers on the benefit of NPs as cost-effective providers of primary care services.

Nursing Icons at Baylor University 

12.  dr. jessica peck  .

Jessica L. Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, is a clinical professor at Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing. She is an expert in her field and brings world-class leadership to Baylor’s DNP program. 

A profound thought and advocacy leader, Dr. Peck states ,“Nursing is the most innovative, resilient, caring, and tenacious profession that has ever existed. Nursing will always find a way to rise up and meet the challenges of tomorrow.” 

Dr. Peck holds active national credentials as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Clinical Nurse Leader. She is highly accomplished in the nursing field and has served in elected leadership positions for various professional organizations, including:

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Texas Nurse Practitioners
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners ( NAPNAP )

As the current NAPNAP President, Dr. Peck has led an organization of 9,000 nurse practitioners during the global pandemic–the largest health crisis of the 21st century–while continuing to make child health equity a priority. She created the TeamPeds Talks podcast , which provides continuing education credit for nurses and uplifting stories for all.

In addition to providing innovative, visionary, and award-winning leadership, Dr. Peck also serves as a member of the NAPNAP’s Health Policy Committee and acted as President of NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth.

Recognized and published as a national human trafficking expert, Dr. Peck has demonstrated continuous and exemplary contributions to the nursing profession. She served as founding chair of the Alliance for Children in Trafficking (ACT), a national campaign of NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth, to train healthcare professionals to respond to human tracking in their communities.

Through ACT, Dr. Peck has provided expert consultation to the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. In partnership with the Office of Trafficking in Persons, Dr. Peck is working to create a set of core competencies for healthcare professionals caring for trafficked individuals. She is the lead medical consultant for Unbound Houston and has helped create statewide continuing education, successfully passing legislation (House Bill 2059) that requires all direct care providers in Texas to take continuing education on trafficking.

Dr. Peck also maintains an active membership with many reputable organizations, some of which include:

• National League for Nursing
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses

In 2020, Dr. Peck was honored as the recipient of the “Distinguished Alumni Award ” by the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN). In 2019, Dr. Peck received the “ Texas Nurse Practitioner of the Year ” award while also being inducted as a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing.

Dr. Peck actively contributes to publications and associations. She has presented at the state, regional, national, and international levels on pediatric healthcare, advanced practice nursing, and human trafficking.

As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Peck is continuously engaged in community events, speaking to groups, and teaching parenting classes. She is interested in holistically educating and equipping families to promote positive physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. She is currently contracted with W Publishing to write a book entitled Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues , scheduled for a national release on October 18, 2022. 

For a list of Dr. Peck’s publications, click here . 

13.  Dr. Lori Spies

Dr. Spies was invited to be the Missions Missions Coordinator for the LHSON after launching the first international month-long clinical immersion for NP students to Uganda in 2005. Through her intentional efforts to develop global partnerships, the number of students, staff, and faculty at LHSON who participate in global endeavors has increased exponentially. She currently facilitates a variety of domestic and international endeavors for students, staff, and faculty to enhance overall LHSON global engagement through mission, teaching, and scholarship. 

Dr. Spies has developed study abroad courses for graduate and undergraduate nursing students in Hong Kong and Vietnam and an interdisciplinary global health course in Rwanda and Zambia. 

She has developed innovative initiatives in Dallas, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, India, Peru, The Gambia, The Rio Grande Valley, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia. Committed to cultivating opportunities for all, Dr. Spies strives to create paths to ensure that all who are interested may participate in global outreach. 

Dr. Spies is active in advanced practice and interdisciplinary global health organizations. As the chair of the practice committee for the International Council Nurses Advanced Practice Nursing Network , Dr. Spies offers a wealth of expertise. She is also a past president of the North Texas Nurse Practitioners and a co-founder of the North Texas African Health Initiative . 

Since 2007, Dr. Spies has collaborated with Ugandan nurse leaders to build leadership skills and research capacity and in2012 received a commendation from the Uganda Nursing and Midwife Association. She has led faculty and nurse development workshops in several countries, including Ethiopia, India, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.

Dr. Spies has a research focus on building capacity for healthcare providers to address priority population health issues. 

Current research efforts include nurse-led behavior change interventions to improve hypertension outcomes in Uganda and a review of globally implemented family interventions to support lifestyle modification in persons with cardiometabolic diseases. In response to the pandemic, Dr. Spies is collaborating on a global scale with other researchers from the International Council of Nurses to explore the experiences of Nurse Practitioners as front-line care providers during COVID-19. 

Dr. Spies was honored with the Fullbright Global US Scholar Award in 2017–2019 and to be inducted as a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2021. To read more about Dr. Spies' research and publications, click here .

Make a Difference with a DNP

If you are interested in advancing your nursing career, consider entering the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing. At the highest level of nursing practice, DNP-prepared nurses are prepared to serve as leaders who can positively impact patient outcomes, healthcare policy and the health of the community.

Ranked #1 in the Top 5 Best Texas DNP Programs and landing in the top 10% for Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2022 by U.S. News and World Report , Baylor’s DNP program blends academic rigor with the convenience of remote learning.

DNP students learn from world-class faculty who are experts in their field, while benefiting from personalized support from a student success coach throughout the program. A dedicated clinical placement team is also available to online nursing students with free clinical placement support.

Learn more about how Baylor’s online DNP in one of six distinct tracks will help you reach your goals as a nurse leader and pave the way in healthcare. 

Get your Online DNP program guide today

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27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

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"Plus," she adds, "I'm always happy to talk about my cats at any given moment. You never know when a fellow cat mom could be reading."

Values and Work Approach

Your values can sometimes show your work ethic more effectively than your career path. It can also help you endear yourself to employers and colleagues who want to work with people with similar values.

So don‘t be shy: Share how you incorporate your values into your work. Whether it’s a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, or ethical decision-making, explain what drives you and be enthusiastic about it.

Your Personality

Remember: Your bio should always include a taste of your personality! Your sense of humor, creativity, or collaborative nature could all give readers a sense of who you are. This helps readers connect with you on a more personal level.

Remember to tailor your bio for different platforms and audiences. Also, keep it concise and impactful while highlighting the most relevant information in each context.

First-Person Bio vs. Third-Person Bio

While first-person bios are common, third-person bios can be more effective in formal situations.

Your decision to write your professional bio in the first or third person depends on your desire to leave a more personable or assertive impression.

Both approaches work, provided you tailor them to your goals and audience. What’s important is to be clear and tell your story in a way that connects with your reader.

How to Write a First-Person Bio

Writing in the first person can be a great way to connect with your audience when building a personal brand. When you write a first-person bio, use "I" or "me" to make yourself relatable and approachable.

Here's one way I’d write a first-person bio:

"I'm a freelance writer specializing in small business content. I've worked with companies in a variety of industries like home care to fine leather goods."

Speaking in the first person here connects you with a client or brand based on your experience and opinions. Put another way, writing a first-person bio is like telling your story to your audience.

Here are a few tips to make your first-person bio great:

Don’t start every sentence with "I."

Showing instead of telling is a great approach.

Let’s say you’re a writer who wants to create a short professional bio. Instead of saying, "I love to write," you can say, "Writer. Bad but enthusiastic dancer."

This portrays your writing skill, shows your personality outside of writing as a dancer, and includes a little sense of humor, which is essential for a writer.

Remember, you know yourself better than anyone.

Adding a back story to your bio helps create context for the roles and successes you write about. Think of it like a case study about who you were, what you are now, and the process that got you to your current position.

Focus on valuable details.

Quick facts about you can showcase your identity and values. For example, if you're writing a bio for LinkedIn, think about how to tie your hobby into what you do.

Let's say Animal Crossing is your hobby. Does it align with your career aspirations? It can be a great addition to your bio if you want to pursue a video game career.

However, if your interests lie elsewhere, including a more relevant hobby is better.

How to Write a Third-Person Bio

Third-person bios sound more authoritative and objective. So, if you’re job searching in a formal industry, applying for grants, or trying to get published, you may want to stick to the third person.

For instance, when you write a third-person bio, you may start with:

"Jasmine Montgomery is a Senior Hiring Manager at L’Oreal based in New York. She recruits across several business units to connect with the brightest talent from around the globe."

By only using your name and pronouns to speak about yourself here, you are letting your title and skill set speak for themselves.

These bios create distance between the subject of the bio (you) and the reader through a third person. This person could be anyone, but they usually speak in a tone emphasizing their expertise.

This makes third-person bios feel aloof or overly formal sometimes.

Ideally, your third-person bio should sound friendly but polished, like a message from a close colleague at work. Here are a few tips on how to write a great third-person bio.

Write from the perspective of someone you know and trust.

It can be challenging to write about yourself, so try to see yourself from the perspective of your favorite person at work or a mentor you trust. This can help you write from a position of authority without feeling self-conscious.

Show the reader why they should trust your opinion.

A professional bio often reflects a specific industry or niche. With this in mind, your text should include relevant details that professionals in your industry know. Avoid jargon whenever you can.

Remember, you're telling a story.

If you want a third-person bio, but you're used to writing in first-person, it may help to write it the most comfortable way for you.

Your professional bio is an essential piece of writing, so edit it carefully. Edit your writing from both points of view and see which works best for your target audience.

Here's how to write a professional bio, step by step.

• Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.
• Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.
• Mention any associated brand name you might use.
• State your current position and what you do.
• Include at least one professional accomplishment.
• Describe your values and how they inform your career.
• Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.
• Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

If you’re anything like me, you probably don't think about your professional bio until you’re asked to "send one over via email."

You have one afternoon to come up with it, so you scramble together a bio that ends up reading like this:

"Rodney Erickson is a content marketing professional at HubSpot, a CRM platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.

Previously, Rodney worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. He graduated with honors from Columbia University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing."

To be fair, in certain contexts, your professional bio needs to be more formal, like Mr. Erickson's up there. But there are also cases where writing a personable and conversational bio is good.

Whether you choose the formal or casual route, use the following steps to create a perfect bio.

1. Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.

You need an online space to keep your professional bio. Here are a few to consider (some of these you might already have in place):

• Facebook Business page .
• Industry blog byline .
• Instagram account .
• Personal website .
• LinkedIn profile .
• Industry website .
• Personal blog .

As you'll see in the professional bio examples below, the length and tone of your bio will differ depending on the platforms you use.

Instagram, for example, allows only 150 characters of bio space, whereas you can write as much as you want on your website or Facebook Business page.

2. Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.

If your readers remember nothing else about your bio, they should remember your name. Therefore, it's a good idea for your first and last name to be the first two words of your professional bio.

Even if your name is printed above this bio (hint: it should), this is a rare moment where it's okay to be redundant.

For example, if I were writing my bio, I might start it like this:

Lindsay Kolowich

Lindsay Kolowich is a Senior Marketing Manager at HubSpot.

3. Mention any associated brand name you might use.

Will your professional bio represent you or a business you work for? Ensure you mention the brand you associate with in your bio. If you're a freelancer, you may have a personal business name or pseudonym you advertise to your clients.

Here are a few examples:

• Lindsay Kolowich Marketing.
• SEO Lindsay.
• Kolowich Consulting.
• Content by Kolowich (what do you think ... too cheesy?).

Maybe you founded your own company and want its name to be separate from your real name. Keep it simple like this: "Lindsay Kolowich is the founder and CEO of Kolowich Consulting."

4. State your current position and what you do.

Whether you're the author of a novel or a mid-level specialist, use the following few lines of your bio to describe what you do in that position. Refrain from assuming your audience knows what your job title entails.

Make your primary responsibilities known so readers can know you and understand what you offer to your industry.

5. Include at least one professional accomplishment.

Just as a business touts its client successes through case studies, your professional bio should let your audience know what you've achieved.

What have you done for yourself — as well as for others — that makes you a valuable player in your industry?

6. Describe your values and how they inform your career.

Why do you do what you do? What might make your contribution to the market different from your colleagues? What are the values that make your business a worthwhile investment to others?

Create a professional bio that answers these questions.

7. Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.

Transition from describing your values in work to defining who you are outside of work. This may include:

• Your family.
• Your hometown.
• Sports you play.
• Hobbies and interests.
• Favorite music and travel destinations.
• Side hustles you're working on.

People like connecting with other people. The more transparent you are about who you are personally, the more likable you'll be to people reading about you.

8. Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

End your professional bio on a good or, more specifically, a funny note. By leaving your audience with something quirky or unique, you can ensure they'll leave your website with a pleasant impression of you.

Following the steps above when writing your bio is important, but take your time with one section. People consume lots of information daily. So ensure your bio hooks 'em in the first line, and you won’t lose them.

(P.S. Want to boost your professional brand? Take one of HubSpot Academy's free certification courses . In just one weekend, you can add a line to your resume and bio that over 60,000 marketers covet.)

Why Good Bios Are Important for a Professional

You may think, "How many people read professional bios, anyway?"

The answer: A lot. Though there's no way to tell who is reading it, you want it catchy. Your professional bio will delight the right people coming across it on multiple platforms.

Professional bios can live on your LinkedIn profile , company website, guest posts, speaker profiles, Twitter bio , Instagram bio , and many other places.

And most importantly, it‘s the tool you can leverage most when you’re networking.

Bottom line? People will read your professional bio. Whether they remember it or it makes them care about you is a matter of how well you present yourself to your intended audience.

So, what does a top-notch professional bio look like? Let‘s review a few sample bios for professionals like you and me. Then, we’ll cover bio examples from some of the best people in the industry.

Short Sample Bios

Your bio doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five samples to glean inspiration from.

Example 1: Friendly Sample Bio

"Hey! My name is Ryan, and I'm a marketing specialist passionate about digital advertising. I have five years of experience managing various online campaigns and improving brand visibility for clients across multiple verticals. I love analyzing consumer behavior and leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize ROI. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, taking funny photos, and exploring new hiking trails."

Example 2: Mid-Career Sample Bio

"Jennifer Patel is a versatile graphic designer known for her creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in visual arts and eight years of experience, Jennifer has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. Her ability to understand and translate client needs into visually striking designs sets her apart. Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, music, and pop culture."

Example 3: Sales Sample Bio

"I'm a seasoned sales executive with a track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships. With a background in B2B sales, I've built a natural ability to understand customer needs and consistently exceed quota every month. I pride myself in my communication skills and strategic approaches, which have helped me thrive in highly competitive markets such as SaaS sales. Outside work, I enjoy playing basketball and volunteering at local charities."

Example 4: HR Sample Bio

"I am a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee development. With eight years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations, I've played a key role in building high-performing teams. I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring new culinary experiences."

Example 5: Software Engineer Sample Bio

"David Chang is a senior software engineer specializing in backend development. With a strong background in computer science and six years of experience, David has successfully built scalable and efficient solutions for complex technical challenges. He is well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Java, and Ruby on Rails. In his spare time, David enjoys reading science fiction novels and playing the guitar."

Below, we've curated some of the best professional bio examples we've ever seen on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the various places you might describe yourself.

Check 'em out and use them as inspiration when crafting your own.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Author
• Chima Mmeje: SEO Content Writer
• DJ Nexus: DJ
• Lena Axelsson: Marriage & Family Therapist
• Mark Levy: Branding Firm Founder
• Audra Simpson: Political Anthropologist
• Marie Mikhail: Professional Recruiter
• Wonbo Woo: Executive Producer
• Chris Burkard: Freelance Photographer
• Lisa Quine: Creative Consultant
• Nancy Twine: Hair Care Founder
• Trinity Mouzon: Wellness Brand Founder
• Alberto Perez: Co-Founder of Zumba Fitness
• Ann Handley: Writer and Marketer

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie : Author

Bio platform: personal website.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie begins her professional bio with an invitation to her roots.

In a few paragraphs, she describes when and where she was born, her family, her education, her honorary degrees, and the depth of her work, which has been translated into 30 languages and several publications.

She can keep readers engaged by leading with a powerful hook that aligns with her target audience’s marketing needs.

• There’s clarity about who Chima serves.
• The hook is bold, catchy, and compels anyone to read further.
• Including client results makes clients visualize what they can expect.

3. DJ Nexus : DJ

Bio platform: facebook.

This New England-based DJ has single-handedly captured the Likes of over 2,000 people in and beyond Boston, MA. And even if you don‘t listen to the type of music he produces, it’s hard not to read his compelling Facebook bio.

For instance, consider his tagline, under "About" — " Quiet during the day. QUITE LOUD at night! " DJ Nexus tells you when he works awesomely. I got goosebumps just imagining a dance club where he might play music.

The second is the "long version," which is even more interesting than the first. Why? It reads like a story — a compelling one, at that. In fact, it gets hilarious in some parts.

The second sentence of the bio reads: "He was frightened of public school, loved playing baseball and football, ran home to watch ape films on the 4:30 Movie, listened to The Jam and The Buzzcocks, and read magic trick books."

Here's another excerpt from the middle:

It's a well-put value proposition that sets her apart from the rest of the HR industry.

Marie concludes her bio with a smooth mix of professional skills, like her Spanish fluency, and personal interests, such as podcasting and Star Wars (she mentions the latter with just the right amount of humor).

• Straight off the bat, Marie uses a story to share her experiences of how she began as a recruiter.
• It provides a subtle pitch for readers to check out her podcast.
• The bio exudes Maries approachable, fun, and playful personality.

8. Wonbo Woo : Executive Producer

Wonbo Woo is the executive producer of WIRED's video content and has several impressive credits to his name. What does this mean for his professional bio? He has to prioritize.

With this in mind, Wonbo opens his bio with the most eye-catching details first (if the image below is hard to read, click it to see the full copy ).

I wouldn‘t necessarily be inclined to follow Chris if his bio had simply read, "I post beautiful images." But images that inspire me to travel? Now that’s something I can get behind.

Last, he ends on a humble, sweet note: "He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons." So inject personal information into your bio — it makes you seem approachable.

• It highlights Chris’s achievement without bragging.
• The last sentence portrays Chris as a responsible man who loves his family.
• The well-written bio speaks to nature lovers who like the outdoors, surfing, and more. This gives them reasons to follow Chris.

10. Lisa Quine : Creative Consultant

Bio platform: portfolio website.

Creative professionals who specialize in visual art may find it challenging to balance the writing of their bio and displaying of their portfolio. Not Lisa Quine. Lisa has an exceptional balance of her professional bio and creative work.

Throughout her bio, you'll notice the number of murals she's completed and a brief timeline of her career. This helps her paint the picture of who she is as a professional.

The rest of her bio similarly focuses on Twine's strengths as someone who’s able to take hair care "back to basics."

Mouzon effectively grips the reader's attention with this introduction and then dives into some of her impressive accomplishments — including a brand now sold at Urban Outfitters and Target.

The language used throughout Mouzon's bio is authentic, real, and honest.

For instance, in the second paragraph, she admits:

"While building a brand may have looked effortless from the outside, starting a business at age 23 with no resources or funding quickly forced me to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent."

As an avid Zumba fan, I was excited to include this one. Perez styles his LinkedIn bio as a short story, starting with his background as a hard-working teen who held three jobs by age 14.

His bio tells the fun and fascinating origin story of Zumba, in which Perez, an aerobics teacher in Florida at the time, forgot his music for class and used a Latin music cassette tape instead ... "And it was an instant hit!"

His bio continues:

"Shortly after he was connected to Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion, and Zumba was officially created ... What started as a dream now has 15 million people in more than 200,000 locations in 186 countries who take Zumba classes every week."

There's something in there for everyone.

• The last section of the bio shows Ann’s warm personality — "Ann lives in Boston, where she is Mom to creatures two- and four-legged."
• Written in the third person, this bio has lots of proof (like followers), which shows Ann is a terrific marketing leader.

If you're posting a bio on a social media account or sending a quick blurb to a client, you want to keep it short and sweet while showcasing your accomplishments.

To get started, use these best practices for writing your short professional bio:

• Introduce yourself.
• State what you do.
• Add key skills or areas of expertise.
• Include a personal mission statement
• Celebrate your wins.
• Provide your contact information.
• Show them your personality.

1. Introduce yourself.

Your introduction is your first impression, so always begin by telling people who you are. You may start with a greeting like, "Hello, my name is" or "Hi! Let me first introduce myself …" when sending your bio as a message.

If you’re writing a bio for an online platform, stating your name at the beginning works as well.

Leading with your name — even as a question — is important for recognition and building relationships.

2. State what you do.

Give people an idea of what you do daily and where you work. Your job title is how the people put you into context and consider whether your profession relates to their industry.

So detail your most relevant work in your short bios, like CEO, professor, and author.

Take a cue from Angela Duckworth , who specifies what she does in her LinkedIn bio:

3. Add key skills or areas of expertise.

If you send a bio to a client or potential employer, highlight your most valuable skills. For instance, if your expertise is in social media marketing and content creation, like Ivanka Dekoning , list these skills.

• A joke. "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. At least that’s what I learned when I created…"
• Mention a hobby. "I’ll be honest: for me, tennis is life — Go Nadal!"
• A fun fact. "Every year, I watch 100 new films! I’m a cinephile and love every movie genre."
• A few emojis related to your interests. "🎶🤖🎾🎬🎭"

Whichever way you choose to get personal, give people a glimpse into who you are as an individual.

When writing a short bio, it can be tempting to pack in as much relevant information about yourself as possible — but this isn’t the most effective approach.

Instead, focus on including the details that you and your audience care about most and leave out the fluff.

Let's dive into a few examples of short professional bios.

Short Professional Bio Examples

• Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager
• Lianna Patch: Copywriter
• Precious Oboidhe: Content Strategist and Writer
• Rebecca Bollwitt: Writer
• Megan Gilmore: Cookbook Author
• Bea Dixon: Feminine Care Founder
• Tammy Hembrow: Instagram Influencer
• Dr. Cody: Chiropractor
• Larry Kim: Founder
• Dharmesh Shah: Founder and CTO
• Lily Ugbaja: Content Strategist
• Ian Anderson Gray: Marketer
• Van Jones: Political Commentator, Author, and Lawyer

1. Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager

Bio platform: blog byline.

Tristen Taylor is a Marketing Manager here at HubSpot. She's written content for HubSpot's Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blogs; her blog author bio is one of my favorites.

What I love most about Tristen's bio is that it’s a great example of how to deliver information about yourself that is relevant to your work while also sharing fun details that audiences will find relatable.

Her bio reads:

"Building from her experience with GoCo.io and Southwest Airlines, Tristen's work has been recognized by Marketing Brew and BLACK@INBOUND. She lives in Washington, DC, attending anime conventions and painting in her free time."

Gilmore further includes a CTA link within her Instagram bio that leads followers to free, ready-to-use recipes. You might think, " Why would she do that since it discourages people from buying her book?"

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

By giving her followers the chance to try out her recipes, she's slowly turning leads into customers. After I tried a few of her Instagram recipes and loved them, I bought her book, knowing I'd like more of what she offered.

• The bio is short and direct.
• The CTA link includes an invitation for people to join her newsletter. Meaning, she can build her email list.

6. Bea Dixon : Feminine Care Founder

Bea Dixon, Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, efficiently uses the space on her Instagram profile to highlight who she is as a well-rounded human — not just a businesswoman.

For instance, while she highlights her girl boss attitude with a tiara emoji, she equally calls attention to her fashion interests (Free People), her pets, Boss and Sadie, and her love for ramen noodles.

What more do you need to know?

Ian doesn't take his bio too seriously but uses every character to highlight everything about him.

He includes his skills as a marketer and podcast host, who he is outside work as a dad, and what he can help you do. His smiles also give the bio a sense of humor and realness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Create a compelling professional narrative for your summary, bio, or introduction.

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How to Write a Unique Professional Bio

Your professional bio is an essential feature on your practice’s website. It gives you an opportunity to tell your current and potential patients who you are, what you can do for them, and what makes you qualified to help them.

Prospective patients want to see custom content on your site. In fact, 40% of people agree that custom content is integral to building credibility. Inspire a sense of trust and familiarity with new clients before they even walk through the door by making sure key pages of your website, such as your About Me page, adequately reflect your practice.

About Me Page

An About Me page allows you detail a brief history of your career, from education to recognitions to publications. However, your patients don’t just want to hear about the qualifications that make you a chiropractor, they want to hear the reasons that make you a  great chiropractor . This would be the time to get a little personal and reveal why you do what you do.

If there are multiple providers at your practice, there should be a unique bio for each doctor. This can be on one “About Us” page or you can lump these bios together into a “Meet the Team” page. To write an informative and personalized bio, you should first scribble down short answers to these 10 questions:

• What motivated you to choose your profession?
• Where did you graduate from college and what is your degree?
• Do you have additional degrees, certification, or training?
• Do you have volunteer work relating to your profession?
• How long have you worked in your field?
• Are you a member of any professional associations?
• How are you a part of your community?
• What do you provide for your clients?
• What sets you apart from your competition?
• Have you received awards, significant accolades, or been mentioned in prominent publications?

About Me Bio Template

To give you the tools you need to get started, we’ve created a fill-in-the-blank template. This is meant to give you a basic skeleton to work with. Add and subtract information as needed and spice it up with personal flare!

[Full Name, including medical credentials, if any]

[profession]

who works with

[your clientele]

[how you help them]

[First name] [knows,believes,understands] [the fundamental mission of your business]

Over the last

[number of years in this profession]

[first name]

has garnered the respect of

[clients, patients, community]

[what you provide]

[First name]

[achieved, earned, worn, been recognized by] [insert awards, achievements, or other significant recognition of your work]

[inspired,motivated]

[experience or belief that drove you to your profession]

[insert degree]

[area of study]

[name of university]

[If you hold multiple degrees, a masters, or doctorate, you can write a similar sentence here. You can also mention significant volunteer experience, if applicable]

After graduation,

began working in

[profession] [fundamental purpose of role]

[works,practices]

[he,she] [serves,helps,aids]

[fundamental purpose]

is not busy

About Me Example

If you’re wondering what this template may look like as a finished product, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a mock example using this template and added in a few details as we went along.

Mary Shapland, DC is a chiropractor who works with patients from all walks of life to provide natural, sustainable pain relief and preventative care. Mary believes that the cure to many sources of chronic pain doesn’t lay in addictive substances or expensive surgeries, but in chiropractic care. Over the last 17 years, Mary has garnered the respect of her patients and community by providing exceptional care to treat ailments such as lower back pain, sports injuries, arthritis, scoliosis, and many others. In 2014, she won the ACA’s Annual Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Profession.

As a child, Mary struggled with pain from scoliosis and her parents sought out different doctors, medications, and care until they finally found something that helped her… chiropractic. This experience would alter the course of her life, convincing her that chiropractic was her calling from a young age. Mary holds received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas. After graduation, she returned to her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona to begin working to help people like herself who needed an alternative to alleviate their pain.

In her spare time, Mary can be found binging on Star Wars movies or exploring with her two dogs, Mitus and Theo. Since she’s learned to manage her back pain, she also runs marathons and participates in local breast cancer walks.

Let Us Help You With Your Chiropractic Marketing Strategy

Why it works.

This simple, professional bio template tells your patients all of the essentials about you. This can be shortened to include only the details you deem most important, but we wouldn’t suggest a bio much longer than this. It is meant to be a stats card with a little more personality.

If you have multiple staff members, create a “Meet the Team” page and write a short bio for each employee, not just the doctors.

Most importantly, always include the  why,  not just the what, of your job. Your patients are more likely to trust you with their care if they feel like they know you.

Learn How to Reach Your Business Goals With Us

Handling the digital marketing side of your practice is what  iMatrix does best. Let us make it easier for you by taking care of all your marketing needs, so you can get ahead and attract more patients.

Give us a call at  800.792.8384    or   click here   to talk about your marketing goals.

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Faculty Bios

Jacklyn Patiño

October 16, 2020

Janice Ivers

Jacklyn Patiño graduated from College of the Ouachita’s (now Arkansas State University Three Rivers) with her License in Practical Nursing in 2009, Associates Degree in Nursing from ASU in 2014. Has experience in several specialty areas such as urgent Care, Endocrinology, Emergency Medicine and Quality. Obtained Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2021. Chose the nursing profession and education to shape new nurses and have an impact on in the lives of students and patients.

Jessyca Maddox

Jessyca Maddox joined National Park College in 2019 as full-time faculty in the practical nursing program. Jessyca started her nursing career as an RN graduate from National Park College in 2012. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Arkansas Tech University in 2014 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Education/Administration (MSN) from The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her nursing career began on a medical-surgical unit, but the majority of her experience has been spent as an oncology nurse. Over the last 7 years, she worked diligently to care for vulnerable patient populations and found a love for mentoring and teaching new nurses. Jessyca believes that delivering nursing care to a person is an honor and teaching future nurses of tomorrow is a blessing. She is excited to apply this principle to her teaching role to help shape the next generation of National Park College nurses. Outside of work, Jessyca enjoys spending time with her husband, Dustin, and two children, Hayden and Olivia. When not on campus or in clinical, you may find Jessyca exploring the beauty of Hot Springs’ lakes, bingeing Netflix, or adding items to her amazon cart!

Karen Parker

August 20, 2019

I have lived in Hot Springs most of my life. I graduated from UAMS in 1995 with a BSN degree. I have worked Oncology, Mother/baby, Med/Surg, Home Health, Rehab, and most recently, Clinical Adjunct for NPC. I am now Full-time Clinical Instructor in the ADN program. I love working as a nurse with patients at the bedside, but my real passion is working with student nurses. Nursing has been life changing for me, and I hope to impart my appreciation for this vocation to those who are entering the profession.

Janet Smith

June 25, 2019

Janet Smith graduated from National Park Community College in 2008. She has worked in the acute care and intensive care settings. She has also worked as House Supervisor and in the home hospice environment. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University in 2011. She started as adjunct clinical instructor for National Park Community College in Spring 2012, and became a fulltime faculty member Fall of 2012. She received her Master’s of Science in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in December 2014. She currently continues to work in the intensive care setting and is working on her Doctorate of Education. Middle Content 1 Right Content

Angela McJunkins

Melony Ritter

Angela McJunkings, PN program faculty at NPC.

Stacey Armstrong

August 20, 2018

Melissa Krafft

Stacey Armstrong, Nursing Faculty at NPC.

Megan Parks

April 20, 2016

Megan Parks BSN, RN. I graduated from NPCC in 2006 with my LPN and again in 2009 with my RN degree.

Katina Ennis

As an adult I became a dislocated worker and was given the opportunity to return to school to learn a new trade. I was a wife and the mother of 2 young children, I was the epitome of a nontraditional student! When I started back to college I was not sure what kind of nursing degree that I would be able to obtain because the amount of school paid for was limited, but I knew I wanted to become a RN. I searched and found other programs that would assist me in obtaining my Associate Degree in Nursing. While taking my prerequisites my husband was informed that we were being transferred to Hot Springs in June of 2000, I had just been accepted to another nursing program close to our home. I was fortunate enough to be able to transfer all my credits and start the RN program at Garland County Community College (now National Park College) the following August. I graduated with my Associates Degree in Nursing in May of 2002. During my time as a RN have I worked in the Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital, in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and with a local hospice company. From the time I was a small child I knew I wanted to teach, I just never knew what, that was until I found nursing! I completed my Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University in the fall of 2013, I completed my MSN while my kids were in high school, and I did not let it interfere with any of their activities or my family life, I worked on papers on band buses, a cruise ship, and in Disney World on another band trip! I finally made it back “home” and started teaching at National Park College in the Registered Nurse program in the fall of 2014.

I am the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences at National Park College—I graduated a long time ago—let’s just say I have been a nurse for over 36 years and I have loved every minute of it! I received my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Central Arkansas and I hold a national certification as a Nurse Educator known as the CNE. Nursing is a blend of science and technology with the art of caring and compassion. There are so many different things you can do as a nurse—the list is really endless! Nursing is an honorable profession and is a career filled with endless personal and professional rewards. If you choose nursing, you are choosing to spend your life helping others, using skills that blend scientific knowledge with compassion and caring. Come visit with me if you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing!

Pamela Branch

April 11, 2016

Born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Arkansas at age of 6. Graduated from Garland County Community College (now National Park College) with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1986. Obtained Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University in 2006 and Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2010.

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• Open access
• Published: 14 May 2024

Developing a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): a mixed method modified e-Delphi study

• Jocelyn Schroeder 1 ,
• Barbara Pesut 1 , 2 ,
• Lise Olsen 2 ,
• Nelly D. Oelke 2 &
• Helen Sharp 2  

BMC Nursing volume  23 , Article number:  326 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016. Canada’s legislation is the first to permit Nurse Practitioners (NP) to serve as independent MAiD assessors and providers. Registered Nurses’ (RN) also have important roles in MAiD that include MAiD care coordination; client and family teaching and support, MAiD procedural quality; healthcare provider and public education; and bereavement care for family. Nurses have a right under the law to conscientious objection to participating in MAiD. Therefore, it is essential to prepare nurses in their entry-level education for the practice implications and moral complexities inherent in this practice. Knowing what nursing students think about MAiD is a critical first step. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in MAiD in the Canadian context.

The design was a mixed-method, modified e-Delphi method that entailed item generation from the literature, item refinement through a 2 round survey of an expert faculty panel, and item validation through a cognitive focus group interview with nursing students. The settings were a University located in an urban area and a College located in a rural area in Western Canada.

During phase 1, a 56-item survey was developed from existing literature that included demographic items and items designed to measure experience with death and dying (including MAiD), education and preparation, attitudes and beliefs, influences on those beliefs, and anticipated future involvement. During phase 2, an expert faculty panel reviewed, modified, and prioritized the items yielding 51 items. During phase 3, a sample of nursing students further evaluated and modified the language in the survey to aid readability and comprehension. The final survey consists of 45 items including 4 case studies.

Systematic evaluation of knowledge-to-date coupled with stakeholder perspectives supports robust survey design. This study yielded a survey to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward MAiD in a Canadian context.

The survey is appropriate for use in education and research to measure knowledge and attitudes about MAiD among nurse trainees and can be a helpful step in preparing nursing students for entry-level practice.

Peer Review reports

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is permitted under an amendment to Canada’s Criminal Code which was passed in 2016 [ 1 ]. MAiD is defined in the legislation as both self-administered and clinician-administered medication for the purpose of causing death. In the 2016 Bill C-14 legislation one of the eligibility criteria was that an applicant for MAiD must have a reasonably foreseeable natural death although this term was not defined. It was left to the clinical judgement of MAiD assessors and providers to determine the time frame that constitutes reasonably foreseeable [ 2 ]. However, in 2021 under Bill C-7, the eligibility criteria for MAiD were changed to allow individuals with irreversible medical conditions, declining health, and suffering, but whose natural death was not reasonably foreseeable, to receive MAiD [ 3 ]. This population of MAiD applicants are referred to as Track 2 MAiD (those whose natural death is foreseeable are referred to as Track 1). Track 2 applicants are subject to additional safeguards under the 2021 C-7 legislation.

Three additional proposed changes to the legislation have been extensively studied by Canadian Expert Panels (Council of Canadian Academics [CCA]) [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] First, under the legislation that defines Track 2, individuals with mental disease as their sole underlying medical condition may apply for MAiD, but implementation of this practice is embargoed until March 2027 [ 4 ]. Second, there is consideration of allowing MAiD to be implemented through advanced consent. This would make it possible for persons living with dementia to receive MAID after they have lost the capacity to consent to the procedure [ 5 ]. Third, there is consideration of extending MAiD to mature minors. A mature minor is defined as “a person under the age of majority…and who has the capacity to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of a decision” ([ 6 ] p. 5). In summary, since the legalization of MAiD in 2016 the eligibility criteria and safeguards have evolved significantly with consequent implications for nurses and nursing care. Further, the number of Canadians who access MAiD shows steady increases since 2016 [ 7 ] and it is expected that these increases will continue in the foreseeable future.

Nurses have been integral to MAiD care in the Canadian context. While other countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands also permit euthanasia, Canada is the first country to allow Nurse Practitioners (Registered Nurses with additional preparation typically achieved at the graduate level) to act independently as assessors and providers of MAiD [ 1 ]. Although the role of Registered Nurses (RNs) in MAiD is not defined in federal legislation, it has been addressed at the provincial/territorial-level with variability in scope of practice by region [ 8 , 9 ]. For example, there are differences with respect to the obligation of the nurse to provide information to patients about MAiD, and to the degree that nurses are expected to ensure that patient eligibility criteria and safeguards are met prior to their participation [ 10 ]. Studies conducted in the Canadian context indicate that RNs perform essential roles in MAiD care coordination; client and family teaching and support; MAiD procedural quality; healthcare provider and public education; and bereavement care for family [ 9 , 11 ]. Nurse practitioners and RNs are integral to a robust MAiD care system in Canada and hence need to be well-prepared for their role [ 12 ].

Previous studies have found that end of life care, and MAiD specifically, raise complex moral and ethical issues for nurses [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. The knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of nurses are important across practice settings because nurses have consistent, ongoing, and direct contact with patients who experience chronic or life-limiting health conditions. Canadian studies exploring nurses’ moral and ethical decision-making in relation to MAiD reveal that although some nurses are clear in their support for, or opposition to, MAiD, others are unclear on what they believe to be good and right [ 14 ]. Empirical findings suggest that nurses go through a period of moral sense-making that is often informed by their family, peers, and initial experiences with MAID [ 17 , 18 ]. Canadian legislation and policy specifies that nurses are not required to participate in MAiD and may recuse themselves as conscientious objectors with appropriate steps to ensure ongoing and safe care of patients [ 1 , 19 ]. However, with so many nurses having to reflect on and make sense of their moral position, it is essential that they are given adequate time and preparation to make an informed and thoughtful decision before they participate in a MAID death [ 20 , 21 ].

It is well established that nursing students receive inconsistent exposure to end of life care issues [ 22 ] and little or no training related to MAiD [ 23 ]. Without such education and reflection time in pre-entry nursing preparation, nurses are at significant risk for moral harm. An important first step in providing this preparation is to be able to assess the knowledge, values, and beliefs of nursing students regarding MAID and end of life care. As demand for MAiD increases along with the complexities of MAiD, it is critical to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and likelihood of engagement with MAiD among nursing students as a baseline upon which to build curriculum and as a means to track these variables over time.

Aim, design, and setting

The aim of this study was to develop a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in MAiD in the Canadian context. We sought to explore both their willingness to be involved in the registered nursing role and in the nurse practitioner role should they chose to prepare themselves to that level of education. The design was a mixed-method, modified e-Delphi method that entailed item generation, item refinement through an expert faculty panel [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], and initial item validation through a cognitive focus group interview with nursing students [ 27 ]. The settings were a University located in an urban area and a College located in a rural area in Western Canada.

Participants

A panel of 10 faculty from the two nursing education programs were recruited for Phase 2 of the e-Delphi. To be included, faculty were required to have a minimum of three years of experience in nurse education, be employed as nursing faculty, and self-identify as having experience with MAiD. A convenience sample of 5 fourth-year nursing students were recruited to participate in Phase 3. Students had to be in good standing in the nursing program and be willing to share their experiences of the survey in an online group interview format.

The modified e-Delphi was conducted in 3 phases: Phase 1 entailed item generation through literature and existing survey review. Phase 2 entailed item refinement through a faculty expert panel review with focus on content validity, prioritization, and revision of item wording [ 25 ]. Phase 3 entailed an assessment of face validity through focus group-based cognitive interview with nursing students.

Phase I. Item generation through literature review

The goal of phase 1 was to develop a bank of survey items that would represent the variables of interest and which could be provided to expert faculty in Phase 2. Initial survey items were generated through a literature review of similar surveys designed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward MAiD/euthanasia in healthcare providers; Canadian empirical studies on nurses’ roles and/or experiences with MAiD; and legislative and expert panel documents that outlined proposed changes to the legislative eligibility criteria and safeguards. The literature review was conducted in three online databases: CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Medline. Key words for the search included nurses , nursing students , medical students , NPs, MAiD , euthanasia , assisted death , and end-of-life care . Only articles written in English were reviewed. The legalization and legislation of MAiD is new in many countries; therefore, studies that were greater than twenty years old were excluded, no further exclusion criteria set for country.

Items from surveys designed to measure similar variables in other health care providers and geographic contexts were placed in a table and similar items were collated and revised into a single item. Then key variables were identified from the empirical literature on nurses and MAiD in Canada and checked against the items derived from the surveys to ensure that each of the key variables were represented. For example, conscientious objection has figured prominently in the Canadian literature, but there were few items that assessed knowledge of conscientious objection in other surveys and so items were added [ 15 , 21 , 28 , 29 ]. Finally, four case studies were added to the survey to address the anticipated changes to the Canadian legislation. The case studies were based upon the inclusion of mature minors, advanced consent, and mental disorder as the sole underlying medical condition. The intention was to assess nurses’ beliefs and comfort with these potential legislative changes.

Phase 2. Item refinement through expert panel review

The goal of phase 2 was to refine and prioritize the proposed survey items identified in phase 1 using a modified e-Delphi approach to achieve consensus among an expert panel [ 26 ]. Items from phase 1 were presented to an expert faculty panel using a Qualtrics (Provo, UT) online survey. Panel members were asked to review each item to determine if it should be: included, excluded or adapted for the survey. When adapted was selected faculty experts were asked to provide rationale and suggestions for adaptation through the use of an open text box. Items that reached a level of 75% consensus for either inclusion or adaptation were retained [ 25 , 26 ]. New items were categorized and added, and a revised survey was presented to the panel of experts in round 2. Panel members were again asked to review items, including new items, to determine if it should be: included, excluded, or adapted for the survey. Round 2 of the modified e-Delphi approach also included an item prioritization activity, where participants were then asked to rate the importance of each item, based on a 5-point Likert scale (low to high importance), which De Vaus [ 30 ] states is helpful for increasing the reliability of responses. Items that reached a 75% consensus on inclusion were then considered in relation to the importance it was given by the expert panel. Quantitative data were managed using SPSS (IBM Corp).

Phase 3. Face validity through cognitive interviews with nursing students

The goal of phase 3 was to obtain initial face validity of the proposed survey using a sample of nursing student informants. More specifically, student participants were asked to discuss how items were interpreted, to identify confusing wording or other problematic construction of items, and to provide feedback about the survey as a whole including readability and organization [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. The focus group was held online and audio recorded. A semi-structured interview guide was developed for this study that focused on clarity, meaning, order and wording of questions; emotions evoked by the questions; and overall survey cohesion and length was used to obtain data (see Supplementary Material 2  for the interview guide). A prompt to “think aloud” was used to limit interviewer-imposed bias and encourage participants to describe their thoughts and response to a given item as they reviewed survey items [ 27 ]. Where needed, verbal probes such as “could you expand on that” were used to encourage participants to expand on their responses [ 27 ]. Student participants’ feedback was collated verbatim and presented to the research team where potential survey modifications were negotiated and finalized among team members. Conventional content analysis [ 34 ] of focus group data was conducted to identify key themes that emerged through discussion with students. Themes were derived from the data by grouping common responses and then using those common responses to modify survey items.

Ten nursing faculty participated in the expert panel. Eight of the 10 faculty self-identified as female. No faculty panel members reported conscientious objector status and ninety percent reported general agreement with MAiD with one respondent who indicated their view as “unsure.” Six of the 10 faculty experts had 16 years of experience or more working as a nurse educator.

Five nursing students participated in the cognitive interview focus group. The duration of the focus group was 2.5 h. All participants identified that they were born in Canada, self-identified as female (one preferred not to say) and reported having received some instruction about MAiD as part of their nursing curriculum. See Tables  1 and 2 for the demographic descriptors of the study sample. Study results will be reported in accordance with the study phases. See Fig.  1 for an overview of the results from each phase.

Fig. 1  Overview of survey development findings

Phase 1: survey item generation

Review of the literature identified that no existing survey was available for use with nursing students in the Canadian context. However, an analysis of themes across qualitative and quantitative studies of physicians, medical students, nurses, and nursing students provided sufficient data to develop a preliminary set of items suitable for adaptation to a population of nursing students.

Four major themes and factors that influence knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about MAiD were evident from the literature: (i) endogenous or individual factors such as age, gender, personally held values, religion, religiosity, and/or spirituality [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ], (ii) experience with death and dying in personal and/or professional life [ 35 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 ], (iii) training including curricular instruction about clinical role, scope of practice, or the law [ 23 , 36 , 39 ], and (iv) exogenous or social factors such as the influence of key leaders, colleagues, friends and/or family, professional and licensure organizations, support within professional settings, and/or engagement in MAiD in an interdisciplinary team context [ 9 , 35 , 46 ].

Studies of nursing students also suggest overlap across these categories. For example, value for patient autonomy [ 23 ] and the moral complexity of decision-making [ 37 ] are important factors that contribute to attitudes about MAiD and may stem from a blend of personally held values coupled with curricular content, professional training and norms, and clinical exposure. For example, students report that participation in end of life care allows for personal growth, shifts in perception, and opportunities to build therapeutic relationships with their clients [ 44 , 47 , 48 ].

Preliminary items generated from the literature resulted in 56 questions from 11 published sources (See Table  3 ). These items were constructed across four main categories: (i) socio-demographic questions; (ii) end of life care questions; (iii) knowledge about MAiD; or (iv) comfort and willingness to participate in MAiD. Knowledge questions were refined to reflect current MAiD legislation, policies, and regulatory frameworks. Falconer [ 39 ] and Freeman [ 45 ] studies were foundational sources for item selection. Additionally, four case studies were written to reflect the most recent anticipated changes to MAiD legislation and all used the same open-ended core questions to address respondents’ perspectives about the patient’s right to make the decision, comfort in assisting a physician or NP to administer MAiD in that scenario, and hypothesized comfort about serving as a primary provider if qualified as an NP in future. Response options for the survey were also constructed during this stage and included: open text, categorical, yes/no , and Likert scales.

Phase 2: faculty expert panel review

Of the 56 items presented to the faculty panel, 54 questions reached 75% consensus. However, based upon the qualitative responses 9 items were removed largely because they were felt to be repetitive. Items that generated the most controversy were related to measuring religion and spirituality in the Canadian context, defining end of life care when there is no agreed upon time frames (e.g., last days, months, or years), and predicting willingness to be involved in a future events – thus predicting their future selves. Phase 2, round 1 resulted in an initial set of 47 items which were then presented back to the faculty panel in round 2.

Of the 47 initial questions presented to the panel in round 2, 45 reached a level of consensus of 75% or greater, and 34 of these questions reached a level of 100% consensus [ 27 ] of which all participants chose to include without any adaptations) For each question, level of importance was determined based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very unimportant, 2 = somewhat unimportant, 3 = neutral, 4 = somewhat important, and 5 = very important). Figure  2 provides an overview of the level of importance assigned to each item.

Ranking level of importance for survey items

After round 2, a careful analysis of participant comments and level of importance was completed by the research team. While the main method of survey item development came from participants’ response to the first round of Delphi consensus ratings, level of importance was used to assist in the decision of whether to keep or modify questions that created controversy, or that rated lower in the include/exclude/adapt portion of the Delphi. Survey items that rated low in level of importance included questions about future roles, sex and gender, and religion/spirituality. After deliberation by the research committee, these questions were retained in the survey based upon the importance of these variables in the scientific literature.

Of the 47 questions remaining from Phase 2, round 2, four were revised. In addition, the two questions that did not meet the 75% cut off level for consensus were reviewed by the research team. The first question reviewed was What is your comfort level with providing a MAiD death in the future if you were a qualified NP ? Based on a review of participant comments, it was decided to retain this question for the cognitive interviews with students in the final phase of testing. The second question asked about impacts on respondents’ views of MAiD and was changed from one item with 4 subcategories into 4 separate items, resulting in a final total of 51 items for phase 3. The revised survey was then brought forward to the cognitive interviews with student participants in Phase 3. (see Supplementary Material 1 for a complete description of item modification during round 2).

Phase 3. Outcomes of cognitive interview focus group

Of the 51 items reviewed by student participants, 29 were identified as clear with little or no discussion. Participant comments for the remaining 22 questions were noted and verified against the audio recording. Following content analysis of the comments, four key themes emerged through the student discussion: unclear or ambiguous wording; difficult to answer questions; need for additional response options; and emotional response evoked by questions. An example of unclear or ambiguous wording was a request for clarity in the use of the word “sufficient” in the context of assessing an item that read “My nursing education has provided sufficient content about the nursing role in MAiD.” “Sufficient” was viewed as subjective and “laden with…complexity that distracted me from the question.” The group recommended rewording the item to read “My nursing education has provided enough content for me to care for a patient considering or requesting MAiD.”

An example of having difficulty answering questions related to limited knowledge related to terms used in the legislation such as such as safeguards , mature minor , eligibility criteria , and conscientious objection. Students were unclear about what these words meant relative to the legislation and indicated that this lack of clarity would hamper appropriate responses to the survey. To ensure that respondents are able to answer relevant questions, student participants recommended that the final survey include explanation of key terms such as mature minor and conscientious objection and an overview of current legislation.

Response options were also a point of discussion. Participants noted a lack of distinction between response options of unsure and unable to say . Additionally, scaling of attitudes was noted as important since perspectives about MAiD are dynamic and not dichotomous “agree or disagree” responses. Although the faculty expert panel recommended the integration of the demographic variables of religious and/or spiritual remain as a single item, the student group stated a preference to have religion and spirituality appear as separate items. The student focus group also took issue with separate items for the variables of sex and gender, specifically that non-binary respondents might feel othered or “outed” particularly when asked to identify their sex. These variables had been created based upon best practices in health research but students did not feel they were appropriate in this context [ 49 ]. Finally, students agreed with the faculty expert panel in terms of the complexity of projecting their future involvement as a Nurse Practitioner. One participant stated: “I certainly had to like, whoa, whoa, whoa. Now let me finish this degree first, please.” Another stated, “I'm still imagining myself, my future career as an RN.”

Finally, student participants acknowledged the array of emotions that some of the items produced for them. For example, one student described positive feelings when interacting with the survey. “Brought me a little bit of feeling of joy. Like it reminded me that this is the last piece of independence that people grab on to.” Another participant, described the freedom that the idea of an advance request gave her. “The advance request gives the most comfort for me, just with early onset Alzheimer’s and knowing what it can do.” But other participants described less positive feelings. For example, the mature minor case study yielded a comment: “This whole scenario just made my heart hurt with the idea of a child requesting that.”

Based on the data gathered from the cognitive interview focus group of nursing students, revisions were made to 11 closed-ended questions (see Table  4 ) and 3 items were excluded. In the four case studies, the open-ended question related to a respondents’ hypothesized actions in a future role as NP were removed. The final survey consists of 45 items including 4 case studies (see Supplementary Material 3 ).

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a survey that can be used to track the growth of knowledge about MAiD among nursing students over time, inform training programs about curricular needs, and evaluate attitudes and willingness to participate in MAiD at time-points during training or across nursing programs over time.

The faculty expert panel and student participants in the cognitive interview focus group identified a need to establish core knowledge of the terminology and legislative rules related to MAiD. For example, within the cognitive interview group of student participants, several acknowledged lack of clear understanding of specific terms such as “conscientious objector” and “safeguards.” Participants acknowledged discomfort with the uncertainty of not knowing and their inclination to look up these terms to assist with answering the questions. This survey can be administered to nursing or pre-nursing students at any phase of their training within a program or across training programs. However, in doing so it is important to acknowledge that their baseline knowledge of MAiD will vary. A response option of “not sure” is important and provides a means for respondents to convey uncertainty. If this survey is used to inform curricular needs, respondents should be given explicit instructions not to conduct online searches to inform their responses, but rather to provide an honest appraisal of their current knowledge and these instructions are included in the survey (see Supplementary Material 3 ).

Some provincial regulatory bodies have established core competencies for entry-level nurses that include MAiD. For example, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) requires “knowledge about ethical, legal, and regulatory implications of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) when providing nursing care.” (10 p. 6) However, across Canada curricular content and coverage related to end of life care and MAiD is variable [ 23 ]. Given the dynamic nature of the legislation that includes portions of the law that are embargoed until 2024, it is important to ensure that respondents are guided by current and accurate information. As the law changes, nursing curricula, and public attitudes continue to evolve, inclusion of core knowledge and content is essential and relevant for investigators to be able to interpret the portions of the survey focused on attitudes and beliefs about MAiD. Content knowledge portions of the survey may need to be modified over time as legislation and training change and to meet the specific purposes of the investigator.

Given the sensitive nature of the topic, it is strongly recommended that surveys be conducted anonymously and that students be provided with an opportunity to discuss their responses to the survey. A majority of feedback from both the expert panel of faculty and from student participants related to the wording and inclusion of demographic variables, in particular religion, religiosity, gender identity, and sex assigned at birth. These and other demographic variables have the potential to be highly identifying in small samples. In any instance in which the survey could be expected to yield demographic group sizes less than 5, users should eliminate the demographic variables from the survey. For example, the profession of nursing is highly dominated by females with over 90% of nurses who identify as female [ 50 ]. Thus, a survey within a single class of students or even across classes in a single institution is likely to yield a small number of male respondents and/or respondents who report a difference between sex assigned at birth and gender identity. When variables that serve to identify respondents are included, respondents are less likely to complete or submit the survey, to obscure their responses so as not to be identifiable, or to be influenced by social desirability bias in their responses rather than to convey their attitudes accurately [ 51 ]. Further, small samples do not allow for conclusive analyses or interpretation of apparent group differences. Although these variables are often included in surveys, such demographics should be included only when anonymity can be sustained. In small and/or known samples, highly identifying variables should be omitted.

There are several limitations associated with the development of this survey. The expert panel was comprised of faculty who teach nursing students and are knowledgeable about MAiD and curricular content, however none identified as a conscientious objector to MAiD. Ideally, our expert panel would have included one or more conscientious objectors to MAiD to provide a broader perspective. Review by practitioners who participate in MAiD, those who are neutral or undecided, and practitioners who are conscientious objectors would ensure broad applicability of the survey. This study included one student cognitive interview focus group with 5 self-selected participants. All student participants had held discussions about end of life care with at least one patient, 4 of 5 participants had worked with a patient who requested MAiD, and one had been present for a MAiD death. It is not clear that these participants are representative of nursing students demographically or by experience with end of life care. It is possible that the students who elected to participate hold perspectives and reflections on patient care and MAiD that differ from students with little or no exposure to end of life care and/or MAiD. However, previous studies find that most nursing students have been involved with end of life care including meaningful discussions about patients’ preferences and care needs during their education [ 40 , 44 , 47 , 48 , 52 ]. Data collection with additional student focus groups with students early in their training and drawn from other training contexts would contribute to further validation of survey items.

Future studies should incorporate pilot testing with small sample of nursing students followed by a larger cross-program sample to allow evaluation of the psychometric properties of specific items and further refinement of the survey tool. Consistent with literature about the importance of leadership in the context of MAiD [ 12 , 53 , 54 ], a study of faculty knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward MAiD would provide context for understanding student perspectives within and across programs. Additional research is also needed to understand the timing and content coverage of MAiD across Canadian nurse training programs’ curricula.

The implementation of MAiD is complex and requires understanding of the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Within the field of nursing this includes clinical providers, educators, and students who will deliver clinical care. A survey to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward and willingness to participate in MAiD in the Canadian context is timely, due to the legislation enacted in 2016 and subsequent modifications to the law in 2021 with portions of the law to be enacted in 2027. Further development of this survey could be undertaken to allow for use in settings with practicing nurses or to allow longitudinal follow up with students as they enter practice. As the Canadian landscape changes, ongoing assessment of the perspectives and needs of health professionals and students in the health professions is needed to inform policy makers, leaders in practice, curricular needs, and to monitor changes in attitudes and practice patterns over time.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to small sample sizes, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives

Medical assistance in dying

Nurse practitioner

Registered nurse

University of British Columbia Okanagan

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the faculty and students who generously contributed their time to this work.

JS received a student traineeship through the Principal Research Chairs program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

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JS made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and drafting and substantively revising the work. JS has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. BP made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and drafting and substantively revising the work. BP has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. LO made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and substantively revising the work. LO has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. NDO made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; and substantively revising the work. NDO has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature. HS made substantial contributions to drafting and substantively revising the work. HS has approved the submitted version and agreed to be personally accountable for the author's own contributions and to ensure that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work, even ones in which the author was not personally involved, are appropriately investigated, resolved, and the resolution documented in the literature.

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JS conducted this study as part of their graduate requirements in the School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan.

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Schroeder, J., Pesut, B., Olsen, L. et al. Developing a survey to measure nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, influences, and willingness to be involved in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): a mixed method modified e-Delphi study. BMC Nurs 23 , 326 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01984-z

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Received : 24 October 2023

Accepted : 28 April 2024

Published : 14 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01984-z

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