Lorie Giordano-Hane, MSN, RN, PHN

I attribute my success to completing advanced education, particularly earning my master’s degree, as well as the encouragement and mentorship I received from a professor at St. Catherine University who inspired me to pursue a doctorate.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve received came from a professor at St. Catherine University who encouraged me during commencement to pursue my doctorate, saying, “We need you.” As a strong, accomplished woman who owns businesses in Japan and continues to scale her work in her mid-70s, she has been a powerful role model for lifelong growth. Although I was initially unsure due to the rigor of the program, her belief in me ultimately gave me the confidence to say yes and pursue my doctorate.

I would advise young women entering nursing to read Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert and truly understand that nursing is a way of life, not just a job. You are always a nurse, both in and outside of work, and it requires a deep sense of commitment and identity. This profession is rooted in compassion and service, not financial gain, and it must come from a genuine love for caring for people. Nursing is one of the most trusted professions, and it calls you to consistently show up, go above and beyond, and be a steady, healing presence for patients. It is not something to take lightly or for status—it requires full immersion and heart, because without that foundation, both you and those around you will feel unfulfilled.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the leadership gap that emerged after COVID, as many experienced leaders retired and, in some cases, roles were filled by individuals without strong leadership or people skills. This has created noticeable gaps in guidance and support across teams. In response, I pursued a master’s degree in nurse leadership to better equip myself to address these challenges. I see this stage of my career not as winding down, but as scaling up—focusing on legacy, mentorship, and strengthening leadership at a community level by sharing what I’ve learned from both effective and ineffective leadership experiences.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are compassion, service, and a deep commitment to vulnerable populations. Personal experiences, including my daughter’s recovery from addiction and my work with Native American communities in Arizona, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, have shaped my understanding that meaningful support requires cultural respect and trust, not just intervention. I’ve also mentored women aging out of foster care and supported individuals impacted by abuse, which reinforced my belief in practical guidance, advocacy, and consistency. These experiences drive my commitment to being a dependable presence for others and to creating environments—such as communal living spaces for adults over 55—that foster dignity, companionship, and continued growth.