Lisa Brewer, MSN, RN

I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, and a genuine desire to serve others. Every step of my career, from bedside nursing to leadership roles to my work in competency development, has been guided by a commitment to continuous learning and doing what’s right for the people in my care. I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities, stay curious, and trust the process even when the path isn’t clear. I also credit the mentors, colleagues, and family who have supported, encouraged, and believed in me. Their influence, combined with my dedication to growth and excellence, has shaped the leader I am today.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay teachable and never stop learning. Nursing and healthcare evolve quickly, and the professionals who grow are the ones who stay open—open to feedback, open to change, and open to new possibilities. I was also taught to “step into the room even when you’re nervous,” because courage often appears in small decisions. That advice has pushed me to pursue advanced education, take on leadership roles, and embrace opportunities that once felt bigger than me. It has shaped my confidence, my career, and my commitment to helping others grow.

My advice to young women entering healthcare and healthcare education is this: don’t be afraid to take up space in the room. Your voice, your perspective, and your ideas matter. Confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything; it means being willing to step forward, ask questions, and keep learning. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge you, peers who support you, and leaders who model the kind of professional you want to become. And remember that your compassion, your resilience, and your unique strengths are not just valuable, they are needed in this industry.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare education is keeping pace with the rapid changes in clinical practice, technology, workforce expectations, and patient needs. But within that challenge lies a tremendous opportunity. Advances in AI, competency-based learning, and data-driven assessment, such as the work we are doing at HealthStream, are transforming how we prepare healthcare professionals. We have a unique opportunity to close skill gaps, support lifelong learning, and strengthen workforce readiness in ways that truly impact patient outcomes. The future of healthcare education is evolving quickly, and those who embrace innovation have the chance to shape it for the better.

Faith is the foundation of both my work and my personal life. It guides how I treat others, make decisions, and navigate challenges. Integrity matters deeply to me, doing what is right even when it’s difficult. I value compassion because every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for with dignity. I also believe in humility and growth, staying teachable and open to the ways God continues to shape my character and calling. These values anchor who I am at home and in my career, and they influence how I show up for the people around me every day.