American Nurses Association

Brooke Green, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C, grew up hearing stories about her grandmother, an LPN who cared for children living with HIV and AIDS. Her grandmother inspired Brooke's mother to become a registered nurse, working in psychiatry, med surge, and wound care. That legacy of service shaped Brooke's own career path, making her a proud third-generation nurse.

Brooke is now a dermatology nurse practitioner, helping patients in unexpected ways.

“When I initially told people that I wanted to work in dermatology, they said, ‘Oh, you're only going to be taking care of acne all day, that sounds boring.’ But dermatology is so much more than that,” Brooke explains.

While treating skin conditions is part of her job, so is helping people regain confidence. She wants her patients to know they don't have to live with skin conditions that impact how they feel about themselves.

“How we view our hair and skin are so closely linked to how we view ourselves.”

She especially enjoys caring for older adults, many of whom have spent years believing changes in their skin are something they have to accept. By listening to their concerns and creating treatment plans together, she helps patients find relief and a renewed sense of confidence.

“They'll say, ‘My skin has been like this for years.’ Then they come back for follow-up appointments surprised by how much has changed and that someone actually took the time to listen.”

This UV Safety Month, Brooke is encouraging people to think differently about sunscreen.

“A lot of patients think sunscreen is only needed when we go to the beach,” she says. “But even driving in your car or sitting by a window, you're affected by UV exposure.”

She also reminds patients that everyone, not just people with fair skin, should protect their skin and schedule routine exams.

How has a nurse impacted your life? Share your story at ThePowerOfNurses.org.

Saige Colleluori wasn't wearing scrubs. She wasn't in a hospital. She wasn't expecting to save a life.

She was working a shift as a waitress when a woman collapsed outside. While others gathered, Saige relied on what she'd learned in nursing school. She assessed the situation, checked for a pulse, and when she couldn't find one, she began CPR. As a nursing student at Molloy University, Saige has practiced CPR countless times in simulations. But this wasn't a classroom. There was no instructor or CPR dummy. But there was a person whose life depended on her clinical education.

After one round of chest compressions, the woman began to breathe again. Minutes later, she opened her eyes.

The next day, the woman's daughter returned to the restaurant to thank Saige, and left her with words of encouragement: “You're going to be a great nurse.”

Like many nursing students, Saige often wonders if she’s ready to be nurse. Can she handle the responsibility? Will she know what to do in a high-pressure environment?

"The situation really solidified my passion and abilities," Saige shared. "I know what I'm doing, and I'm able to do it when I need to."

How has a nurse impacted your life? Share your story at ThePowerOfNurses.org.

DAISY Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Jean Cheek, DNP, RN, SANE-A, exemplifies what it means to center nursing around the patient experience. For over 25 years, Jean has shaped forensic nursing care for some of the most vulnerable patients.

She built a program where nurses are prepared, supported, and empowered to deliver expert, compassionate care in moments of trauma and crisis.

But her work goes far beyond programs and leadership titles. It lives in the lives she has helped restore and protect.

And it shows up at the bedside every day. Through her mentorship, nurses are never alone when caring for patients facing violence, assault, or unimaginable hardship.

“Despite the hour, Jean was engaged and encouraging,” ensuring patients always receive confident, high-quality care when it matters most, says her nominator.

Jean’s commitment means care is not only clinically excellent, but deeply human. She invests in training, development, and continuous improvement so that every patient encounter reflects dignity, safety, and trust.

This is the ripple effect of nursing leadership. When one nurse lifts others, patient care rises with it.

“Her career is a testament to the power of nursing to transform lives, communities, and systems.”

Thanks to Jean, patients are seen, heard, protected, and cared for by nurses who are ready for the most critical moments.

How has a nurse impacted your life? Share your story at ThePowerOfNurses.org.