Michelle Plowman Eilander

I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and the lessons I have gained through my experiences throughout my nursing and healthcare career. I have always focused on becoming the type of nurse and leader I would want to have—someone who provides compassionate care, strives for excellence, and continuously looks for ways to improve. I reflect on both the positive and challenging experiences I have encountered, carrying forward what works well while using challenges as opportunities for growth. Through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to giving my best every day, I have been able to achieve my goals and continue making a meaningful impact in healthcare.

The best career advice I have received is to do as much research as possible and make informed decisions about the path you want to pursue. It is important to look beyond what you see or hear from others and take the time to truly understand whether an opportunity aligns with your goals and values. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have managers and mentors who recognized my potential, encouraged me to grow, and challenged me to pursue opportunities I may not have considered for myself. Their guidance and belief in my abilities helped inspire me to earn my master’s degree and continue advancing in healthcare leadership. I have learned the importance of listening to and learning from people I respect—those whose leadership style, values, and accomplishments align with the kind of professional I aspire to become.

The advice I would give to young women entering healthcare is to take the time to explore, learn, and gain firsthand experience before choosing a career path. I encourage them to shadow professionals in the areas they are interested in so they can better understand the realities of the role beyond what they may see or hear from others. Building relationships, networking, and maintaining positive professional connections are also essential, as the people you meet throughout your career can provide valuable guidance and opportunities. Most importantly, I encourage young women to do their research, stay curious, and make sure the path they choose aligns with their goals, values, and passions.

The biggest challenge and opportunity in healthcare today is continuing to educate individuals and families about the true purpose and value of hospice care. There is often a misconception that hospice means the end is immediate, when in reality, hospice is focused on providing comfort, support, resources, and compassionate care to improve quality of life for both patients and their families. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can help people recognize that hospice is about being present, offering guidance, and ensuring individuals receive the support they need during a difficult time. As the population continues to age and healthcare advancements allow people to live longer, there are also tremendous opportunities within hospice, senior living, and the broader healthcare field. Nursing offers diverse career paths, allowing professionals to explore specialties ranging from pediatrics to hospice, leadership, education, research, and non-bedside roles. The ability to continue learning, adapt, and find meaningful ways to serve others is one of the greatest strengths and opportunities within the healthcare profession.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, continuous learning, and staying true to my values and morals. I believe in giving my best effort every day so that I can reflect on my actions with confidence and know that I made a positive impact. I strive to approach every situation with openness and a willingness to learn from others, regardless of whether their perspectives are the same as mine, because every person has something valuable to contribute. I believe strong relationships are built through respect, active listening, and understanding different points of view. Accountability is also a core value for me I recognize that mistakes are part of growth, but taking responsibility and learning from those experiences is what helps us become better leaders and individuals. Ultimately, I aim to lead with authenticity, compassion, and purpose while remaining committed to doing what is right.