Jeanette Carter, CPN, BSN, MSN, MHA
Jeanette Carter, CPN, BSN, MSN, MHA, is a dedicated home health nurse with over two decades of experience in the healthcare field, specializing in pediatric and critical care nursing. Her career began in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, where she spent several years providing high-acuity care to critically ill children. During her time in the hospital setting, she was recognized with the prestigious DAISY Award for her compassionate, patient-centered approach—treating each child with dignity and empathy. She later transitioned into a leadership role, coordinating a hospital-based transition program designed to support patients and families navigating complex care needs.
Jeanette’s professional journey took a deeply personal turn when she became the full-time caregiver and nurse for her medically fragile granddaughter, who has a complex medical history requiring continuous, specialized care. In this role, she seamlessly blends clinical expertise with advocacy, managing advanced medical needs including ventilator support, tracheostomy care, and coordination with multiple specialists. Her work exemplifies the critical importance of home health nursing, and she has become a passionate advocate for families navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the need for reliable, high-quality in-home care services.
Driven by faith and a strong sense of purpose, Jeanette approaches nursing as both a calling and a commitment to service. She is known for her integrity, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to patient care, consistently prioritizing the well-being of those she serves. Beyond her professional life, she finds balance through creative pursuits such as woodworking, painting, and repurposing furniture. As she continues her career, Jeanette remains committed to mentoring others, advancing the standards of home health nursing, and ensuring that medically fragile patients and their families receive the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve.
• Certified Pediatric Nurse
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Jefferson Community College – Associate of Applied Science
• Indiana Wesleyan University – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• University of Phoenix – Master of Science in Nursing
• University of Phoenix – Master of Healthcare Administration
• DAISY Award
• Influential Women 2026
• Honor Society of Nurses
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my belief that God has a plan for my life. I strive to walk in His will each day, trusting that my path in nursing is part of a greater purpose. This perspective has guided me through both personal and professional challenges, allowing me to remain grounded and committed to serving others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most impactful pieces of advice I received early in my career was that patients and families are not there to hear about me—they are focused on their loved one. This taught me to be fully present, empathetic, and aware of the emotional environment. Having experienced both sides as a nurse and a family member, I understand the importance of reading the room and prioritizing the needs of those in my care.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering nursing—especially home health—to listen more than they speak. Every caregiver and nurse brings valuable experience, and the best outcomes come from collaboration and mutual respect. It’s important to approach each environment as part of a team, remain open to learning, and recognize that you are not there to “fix everything,” but to contribute meaningfully to patient care.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in home health nursing is securing consistent, high-quality coverage. Compensation and benefits often cannot compete with hospital settings, which limits the available workforce. As a result, families caring for medically complex patients often struggle to find reliable, skilled nursing support, making advocacy and retention critical issues in this field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, and accountability are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe strongly in following through on commitments and contributing fully as part of a team. In caregiving, every task matters, and reliability is essential to ensuring the well-being of the patient. These values help foster trust, collaboration, and high-quality care in everything I do.