Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nichelle Henry.
Hi Dr. Henry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the CNO (Chief Nursing Officer) of The Nurse Retreat Academy, where I empower Black Nurse Queens from burnout to well-being utilizing resiliency and wellness solutions, including online courses, mentorship, and retreats. With over ten years of experience as a Doctoral prepared Nurse, I provide empowerment to Nurses on every level from bedside to the boardroom. After being a Nurse Manager, witnessing the severity of Nurse Burnout amongst my team and the lack of resources for black nurses, I decided to advocate for Nurses to share their truth and make their dreams a reality. I am also a survivor of Nurse Burnout, experiencing the negative impact firsthand, including racism and nurse bullying. I am the author of my story from teen mom to earning a Doctorates Degree. I arrived to where I am today by believing in myself and never allowing the doubts of others (even myself) stop me from achieving my goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has never been a smooth road for anyone Black and Brilliant. The journey from teen mom to CNO hasn’t been easy. The struggles included overcoming the statistics of being a teen mom, defeating poverty with the courage to address racism and nurse bullying. I can remember having a physician that wouldn’t make eye contact with me when giving orders and having a patient refuse my care because of the color of my skin. It is vital for me to continue to empower black female nurses to know that we belong in healthcare and are valuable in every setting we are in.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is speaking healing to the soul of nurses via wellness solutions. I specialize in Nurse Leadership, and I’m known for empowering black female nurses from burnout to wellbeing. I am most proud of earning my Doctorates Degree, earning the highest degree available to Nurses to not only talk the talk but also show other Nurses how to walk the walk. What sets me apart from others is being able to serve nurses who look like me and experience the same experiences as me. I thrive on being an example of black excellence in nursing.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people who know my brand may not know is I am obsessed with reading self-help books.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drnichellehenry.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/drnichellehenry
