The Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team
Celebrating the New Year Through Examples of Mentorship Featuring the Story of Simi Jesto Joseph, PhD, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, NEA-BC, FNAP
Dr. Simi Jesto Joseph's journey into nursing was inspired by one particular patient. From a young age, Simi was eager to help—whether supporting friends, family, or simply listening. She cherished making even the smallest difference, a trait her parents recognized early on. They believed she was destined for a caring profession. Nursing felt like a natural fit, and with their encouragement, she enrolled in nursing school.
Though unsure of the journey ahead, she carried their unwavering belief in her ability to care for others. Her exposure to nursing came from accompanying her grandmother to hospital visits and observing the interactions with nurses. Their calm demeanor and soothing voices left a lasting impression on Simi, showcasing the nurses' ability to ease pain and fear. However, she still didn’t fully understand the demands of the profession.
Starting nursing school in India, she quickly realized how challenging the path was. The classes were rigorous, the expectations high, and the environment vastly different from anything she had known. The first two years were particularly tough—she struggled to keep up with the coursework, found it difficult to adapt to the intense routines, and often questioned whether she belonged there. At one point, she nearly decided to leave, wondering if she had chosen the wrong path.
Then, something happened that changed everything! During her clinical rotations in the oncology unit, she cared for a woman battling uterine cancer—a mother of a two-year-old boy who came regularly for chemotherapy. As they navigated the patient’s challenging journey together, they formed a deep bond, sharing heartfelt conversations. Witnessing the woman’s strength and determination to stay strong for her family left a lasting impression on Simi. Even after her shifts, she often reflected on their connection, hoping her care had provided some comfort. Over 18 months of treatment, the patient became like family to her. She celebrated the woman’s good days, offered encouragement during difficult times, and played with her son in the waiting room, creating moments of joy in a heavy situation. When the woman passed away, despite her strength and resilience, the loss was devastating and deeply shook Simi.
A few days later, the patient’s husband and son visited to express their gratitude for the kindness and comfort provided. The husband shared that his wife often spoke of how Simi's presence brought peace and happiness during treatments. Hearing this, she felt the weight of grief mixed with a deep warmth, realizing the profound impact she had made. In that moment, she understood the essence of nursing: not just about medications and protocols but about compassion, presence, and making others feel cared for in their most vulnerable moments.
Simi realized she could be a light in someone’s darkest hours, just as the nurses had been for her grandmother. From that day forward, she embraced her path with renewed purpose. She no longer doubted her place in nursing, knowing she belonged. Though the journey was difficult, it had led her to a role where she could make a profound difference. Grateful for every step, she carried forward the true meaning of care with honor in her work as a nurse.
After earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, she set out to apply her operational leadership skills in the gastroenterology specialty. As a Nurse Practitioner (NP), her mission was to improve care delivery and create efficient systems for patients and staff. In her six years as Director of Clinical Operations at an ambulatory endoscopy center and clinic, she focused on enhancing clinical outcomes and driving operational success. This role fueled her passion for process improvement, strategic growth, and value-based care, inspiring her to pursue broader opportunities.
Recognizing the potential to impact healthcare at a larger scale, she aspired to contribute at an academic institution but struggled to convey her leadership vision through operational experience alone. Seeking guidance from nurse leaders, she realized the value of mentorship and certification in advancing her career.
Through networking with experienced leaders in the Indian Nurses Association of Illinois (INAI), Simi was encouraged to pursue the Nursing Executive Advanced Board Certification (NEA-BC), aligning with her leadership goals. Their mentorship reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and formal recognition in achieving her aspirations.
Taking the NEA-BC exam marked a pivotal step in Simi's commitment to executive leadership in nursing and healthcare administration. The rigorous preparation sharpened her strategic thinking and deepened her leadership knowledge. Earning this certification boosted her confidence and credibility, opening doors to executive roles in academic settings. It also equipped her with the tools to drive meaningful change, advancing both her career and the quality of patient care she is passionate about, providing her with the foundation to excel in her specialty.
For Simi, ANCC certification is the pinnacle of her nursing career, validating her dedication to the field. Earning this respected credential marks her as a committed leader with a deep understanding of nursing's operations and strategy. It reflects the years of hard work, learning, and mentorship that have shaped her journey and motivates her to continue advancing in nursing leadership.
Mentorship has become central to Simi's purpose and growth as an NP and Nurse Leader. As the inaugural Senior Director of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Research, and Innovation at Cook County Health, she created the TEEP (Through Evidence Enhance Practice) program, an eight-month initiative aimed at enhancing EBP skills in nurses and NPs. Recently, she mentored 22 nurses, helping them develop critical appraisal skills and lead impactful practice improvement projects. She also introduced a monthly journal club to guide nurses in appraising and applying research to real-world clinical scenarios, while supporting nurse-led research initiatives to address clinical challenges.
In addition to her EBP work, she mentors aspiring Nurse Planners in the Chicago Society of Gastroenterology Nurses & Associates, ensuring compliance with national CE standards. As the inaugural APRN Chair of the Indian Nurses Association of Illinois (INAI) and the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA), she has fostered leadership development and networking opportunities for NPs of Indian origin, empowering them to influence healthcare policy and practice.
Mentoring brings her great satisfaction, particularly when seeing others grow and gain confidence in their abilities. Watching mentees evolve into confident leaders who drive positive change in patient care and policy is both inspiring and fulfilling. Her mentorship fosters transformation, helping nurses step into leadership roles that not only advance their careers but contribute to a more inclusive, equitable healthcare system. Each success story reinforces the belief that, together, they are shaping a brighter, stronger future for nursing and healthcare.
A New Year Message of Commitment to Mentorship from Our APRN Educational & Faculty Outreach Program Manager
Tonya L. Page, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, LSSGB, FCCS-C
APRN Educational & Faculty Outreach Program Manager
Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling new year! January marks not only the start of a new year but also highlights the significance of mentorship. As an ANCC Certified NP and mentor myself, I share the value of certification with my fellow ANCC-certified colleagues and recognize the importance of using our skills to guide others in their lifelong professional journey.
My interest in nursing began when I was 8 years old. After what my mother initially thought was a cold or flu, I recovered but soon after, unable to straighten my arms. As an active child, this was alarming, so my mother took me to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis. To confirm this, a muscle biopsy was recommended. Having never been to a hospital, I was terrified. The bright lights and towering adults intensified my fear, but one nurse, a smaller woman in a white dress, took my hand and guided me through the process. I only recall her calming presence. She stood by me, smiling, even after the procedure when my arm was bandaged. Her compassion during my vulnerable moment left a lasting impression and inspired me to provide that same care and comfort to others. Recovering from dermatomyositis taught me resilience, empathy, and the value of a holistic approach to healing. That experience not only helped me overcome adversity but also ignited my passion to become a nurse, giving back and supporting others through their own challenges.
As a former Director of an Advanced Practice (APP) program and an NP graduate program, I mentored faculty in curriculum development, supported students transitioning into advanced practice, and promoted excellence in education and clinical practice. These experiences enhanced my understanding of the challenges and opportunities Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)s face in academic and clinical settings. Completing my DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership further refined my mentorship approach, providing advanced skills in organizational strategy, communication, and leadership development to help others achieve their professional goals.
My dedication to excellence, shaped by the teachings of previous mentors, and the achievement of my Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC) credential, reflects the high standards of clinical competency, current knowledge, and ethical practice that have driven my success. These experiences fuel my commitment in mentoring APRN faculty, staff, and students.
Mentoring nursing schools, universities, and APRN leaders nationwide enables me to utilize ANCC resources to promote evidence-based practices, innovative teaching, and leadership development. This keeps me aligned with emerging trends in APRN education and allows me to design tailored solutions for faculty and students.
What I value most is the chance to cultivate future nursing and APRN leaders, inspiring others to reach their potential while advancing the profession and fostering collective success.
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