Anne Llewellyn, author of Nurse Advocate, started her nursing career in 1973 after graduating from a practical nursing course. She became an RN in 1978. Over the course of her career, Anne has gone from Medical-Surgical nursing, to the Emergency Department, to Respiratory ICU. She has also held the titles of “Risk Manager” and “Case Manager.”
Anne began writing her blog to share experiences and tips that she hopes “can help others to navigate successfully through our complex, and sometimes scary and dangerous health care system.”
Check out Anne’s blog here, and read on for a Q&A with her.
Q&A
IntelyCare: Tell us about your blog.
Anne: “I started my blog, Nurse Advocate, to use my voice to educate nurses, patients, and their family members to work together to improve the delivery of care. The healthcare system is so complex that it is hard for all to work in it. As a nurse-turned-patient, I saw firsthand how complex the system was and wanted to use my experience to help others better navigate the healthcare system so they could improve their health, especially when they are struck with a complex or catastrophic illness or injury.”
IntelyCare: What inspired you to start writing about nursing?
Anne: “I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014. It was a life changing experience for me. Blogging helped me put things in perspective. I was able to share my experiences and how I dealt with them in an effort to help others understand that it is important for them to be their own best advocate.”
IntelyCare: What has surprised you the most about writing a blog?
Anne: “How far my voice can carry. I hear comments from people all the time about how my posts help them, or from nurses who now have a new perspective on their patients and it improves the care they provide.”
IntelyCare: How has your blog fostered a sense of community for your fellow nurses?
Anne: “Nurses realize I offer a safe place for them to vent. Today’s healthcare system is challenging, and nurses are in the middle. I use my blog to share challenges and offer solutions. Many find me and reach out to ask about how they can model their careers to move forward. I love to talk to nurses and help them see their potential and remind them how important they are. It is a way to mentor the next generation of nurses.”
IntelyCare: What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you because of writing your blog?
Anne: “I have to say reading the comments on my blog has been surprising. It helps me to know that I am sharing information that is helping people. It gives me the inspiration to keep going.”
IntelyCare: Why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing?
Anne: “I took a chance and it worked out. I love being a nurse. It has opened many doors for me and has given me a wonderful career that I am very proud of.”
IntelyCare: What do you love most about being a nurse?
Anne: “Being able to help people get the care they need when they need it. I break down barriers for people. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is built for the healthcare system, not for the people who use it. As a Nurse Advocate, I advocate for the patient and the family to have a voice and to use their voice, so they receive the care that meets their needs.”
IntelyCare: What do you love most about writing about nursing?
Anne: “It is what I know, it is what I love, and it is what is needed.”
IntelyCare: If you could change anything about the nursing profession, what would it be?
Anne: “That each nurse would recognize their value. WE are the largest profession in healthcare, and we have tremendous responsibility to help our patients and their families at their most vulnerable times. Nurses need to amplify their voices to share the value they bring in whatever setting they work.”
IntelyCare: What advice would you give to other nursing professionals looking to start a blog of their own?
Anne: “Do it! We all have stories to tell from our careers, our experiences, and our education.”
Check out the rest of the Top Nursing Blogs!