Her Story
About Linda
Linda Phinazee is a distinguished nursing professional and Clinical Adjunct Professor at Helene Fuld College of Nursing with nearly five decades of experience dedicated to patient care, education, and servant leadership. With a 48-year nursing career, she has held a wide range of roles, including staff nurse, critical care educator, emergency department educator, clinical nurse specialist, nurse manager, assistant director of nursing, and director of nursing. Her extensive clinical background spans critical care, emergency nursing, operating room, PACU, open-heart surgery, telemetry, and nursing administration. She is recognized for her commitment to mentoring future nurses and advancing excellence in healthcare education.
Linda’s academic journey reflects her lifelong dedication to professional growth and nursing excellence. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Aspen University in 2023, completing the achievement at age 69 as a testament to her perseverance and passion for learning. She also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and additional undergraduate degrees. As a CCRN-certified critical care nurse and Certified Emergency Nurse, Linda combines advanced clinical knowledge with a passion for teaching, emphasizing clinical judgment, compassion, patient safety, and evidence-based practice.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linda is deeply committed to service, mentorship, and faith-based leadership. She attributes her success to her passion for helping others and her belief in nursing as a ministry rooted in empathy, compassion, and care. She actively mentors through Elevate Visionaries, is involved with Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Incorporated, and serves her church community by sharing her nursing expertise. Linda is also writing a book about her caregiving journey with her father, a World War II veteran, documenting lessons of love, resilience, and devotion. Through her teaching, leadership, and community involvement, she continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Linda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for people and my commitment to serving others with compassion and humility. I strive to embody a servant’s heart by giving my time, energy, and support to others, even during challenging moments when I feel I have little left to give.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to follow my passion and stay committed to serving others. My journey toward nursing began at a young age, and my early volunteer experiences inspired me to build a career dedicated to caring for people and making a meaningful impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering nursing is to remember that it is more than a profession—it is a ministry of service. Lead with empathy, compassion, and integrity, always doing what is right even when no one is watching. The care and trust of patients depend on your dedication, accountability, and commitment to their well-being.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I have faced throughout my 48-year nursing career has been overcoming racism and barriers to equality. Through every role I held, I remained committed to providing compassionate, respectful care to every individual, regardless of background. I believe in being the change I want to see by leading with dignity, fairness, and compassion.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family, faith, and service. Caring for my father throughout his final years was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life and inspired me to share my caregiving journey through a book. My commitment to serving God and supporting my church community continues to guide both my personal and professional life.
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