Ernest Grant, the 36th president and first male president of the American Nurses Association, discusses what helps nurses feel valued.
How can nursing become more welcoming and inclusive?
Creating a more welcoming and inclusive nursing profession starts with normalizing representation in all forms, including having a greater presence of men within the field. Representation matters, so using advertisements across print, social media, and video that feature men, along with profiles such as this one, helps reinforce that nursing is a place where everyone belongs. It’s also important to actively show appreciation for what different perspectives bring to the profession. Building structured mentorship and connection opportunities is another key step. That means creating spaces for support, community, and shared experiences, such as the Network of Black Male Nurse Leaders that I co-founded. Together, these efforts help foster a culture where all nurses feel seen, valued, and supported.
What helps you stay strong and feel valued when nursing gets stressful or you feel underappreciated?
When nursing gets stressful or I feel underappreciated, I ask myself, “Did I make a difference in someone’s life today?” Nine times out of 10, I can honestly answer yes. A kind word from a patient, family member, or colleague is always a welcome pick-me-up. I also remind myself that, in some small way, I’m helping others. Even if they or I don’t fully realize it in the moment, that impact eventually becomes clear. I also try to put myself in the place of those who may be having a difficult day and think about what would make things better if it were a member of my family or me.
What small habits help you get through long, busy shifts?
When I was at the bedside and serving as a charge nurse, I made it a point to address each nurse in a professional manner, sometimes by calling them “Nurse Smith,” and other times using a more formal approach such as “Mr. Smith.” At the end of each shift, I would personally thank them and emphasize what a great job we did together. I also made it a habit to ask how I could help if someone was falling behind and to ensure that nurses were able to take their lunch breaks undisturbed.
How can nurses avoid burnout and stay in the profession longer?
To avoid burnout and stay in the profession longer, nurses need to look out for one another. When you see a colleague struggling, step in and be the support they may need. It’s important to use available mental and emotional resources; there’s no shame in admitting you’re stressed and need to debrief. Practicing self-care is essential; you can’t take care of patients unless you take care of yourself, including maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s also important to ask nurses what they need to prevent burnout, as it can vary from person to person. Participating in meetings where policies are shaped ensures your voice is heard, and advocating for a supportive and safe work environment is equally critical.
Can you share a time when you felt truly appreciated as a nurse?
I have felt truly appreciated as a nurse in moments when I was able to help steer many of my patients through incredibly difficult life transitions, such as when their previous careers were no longer possible due to their injuries, or in moments when I was able to be with patients during their final moments, particularly when their loved ones could not be with them. That is a special gift that few people get the opportunity to experience. I am grateful for those moments and realize that this is what nursing is all about — not just the physical care, but being there in the moment with that person when that calming and quiet presence is all that is needed.
