Natalie Lynn Henry, RN

I attribute my success to a long background in EMS, complemented by diverse clinical experience across ICU, dialysis, and sports medicine settings. My growth has been shaped by hands-on learning, a strong sense of curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. In addition, my volunteer leadership roles have helped me develop skills in program building and training others, which have been central to my professional development.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is also life advice: when people show you who they are, believe them. I’ve learned to apply this in both clinical and professional settings by paying attention to actions rather than intentions and meeting people where they are. In patient care, it has also reinforced the importance of truly listening, not dismissing concerns, and advocating for patients based on what they’re experiencing. I try to ensure patients feel heard and supported, whether that means addressing pain management, clarifying diagnoses, or explaining complex health information in a way that makes sense to them during what is often a major life adjustment.

My advice to young women entering this field is to stay adaptable and be ready for change, because healthcare can shift quickly and in unexpected ways. Just as important is knowing your worth and learning to advocate for yourself, whether that’s in pay, benefits, or working conditions. Don’t focus only on salary—pay attention to the full compensation package and opportunities for growth like education and training support. Most importantly, be willing to speak up for yourself with the same confidence you bring to advocating for your patients.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating limited cross-training opportunities—there’s often a catch-22 where you can’t move into a specialty like the ER without prior experience, but you can’t gain that experience without already being in the role. I also think there are misconceptions about nursing shortages; in reality, the issue is more about retention, working conditions, and how staff are valued and supported. The workload and expectations, especially in female-dominated settings, can also be overwhelming and highly detailed in ways that aren’t always visible from the outside. At the same time, the biggest opportunity is the constant potential for learning and growth—there’s an incredible depth of knowledge to pursue, and roles like flight nursing push you to think critically, adapt quickly, and continuously expand your clinical understanding.

Empathy and trust are the most important values in both my work and personal life. I’ve learned the importance of believing people when they show you who they are and meeting them where they are, even though I’ve also learned—sometimes the hard way—that trust has to be balanced with awareness. In patient care, I focus on truly listening, not dismissing symptoms, and making sure patients feel heard, especially when they’re confused or facing life-changing diagnoses. I also value service through my volunteer work with the Red Cross, where I’ve developed leadership and training skills while finding fulfillment in quietly supporting others and helping people grow without needing recognition.