Stories of Inspiration from ANCC Certified Nurses Nurse Practitioner Week Edition
Brought to you by:
The Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team
Celebrating NP Week November 10-16 Featuring the Story of Paule Valery Joseph, PhD, MBA, RN, FNP-BC, FTCNS, FAAN
Dr. Paule Valery Joseph's journey to become a nurse was influenced by her mother, who was also a nurse. Growing up, she witnessed healthcare disparities firsthand, especially in communities of color. Her motivation was to be part of the solution by advocating for the unheard and offering holistic care that blends science and compassion.
Watching her mother become a trusted source of information in their Venezuelan community was inspiring. Additionally, the helplessness she felt when loved ones struggled to access care motivated her to choose nursing—a profession where she could make a difference at both individual and community levels.
Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) was a natural progression in her career, enabling her to provide comprehensive, lifespan-based care. She has always valued the importance of preventive care and health promotion, and now, as an FNP, she has the tools to empower patients to take control of their health. Paule is also dedicated to working with families and communities to ensure that care is culturally sensitive and inclusive, while addressing social determinants of health.
Holding an ANCC certification demonstrates her commitment to excellence in nursing, reflecting rigorous standards that uphold quality patient care and ensuring she remains at the forefront of evidence-based practices. For Paule, certification means being part of a community dedicated to improving patient outcomes and continuously striving for growth in an ever-evolving field. It symbolizes the trust that patients and colleagues place in her to deliver the highest quality of care.
Paule's career growth has been driven by perseverance, mentorship, and a deep passion for her work. Early on, she actively sought opportunities that aligned with her values of equity and interdisciplinary collaboration. She remained curious and open to learning, which led her to pursue advanced degrees, fellowships, and leadership roles. Support from mentors and sponsors encouraged her to pursue her passions and go beyond traditional nursing roles to explore intersections between clinical and preclinical science, culture, and health. Her commitment to advancing knowledge, particularly in chemosensation (taste and smell) and health areas like obesity and substance use, has been central to her professional journey. Finally, her dedication to science communication, community service, and advocacy for underrepresented voices has continued to motivate her to expand her impact within the nursing field.
Dr. Paule Valery Joseph's journey is a powerful testament to the impact NPs have every day, advancing health and wellness in communities through a deep commitment to science, compassion, and service. Her story truly embodies the heart of the nursing profession.
A Special Message from Our Director
As we celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all nurse practitioners for the incredible work you do. Both my wife and I are proud to be part of this profession, and I am especially proud of her dedication, compassion, and expertise in providing exceptional patient care. Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in our healthcare system, advocating for patients and improving health outcomes every day.
Sean DeGarmo, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FNP-BC, ENP-BC Director of Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach
Your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence inspire not just your patients, but also your colleagues and loved ones. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our communities and for making a lasting impact on so many lives. I wish you all a Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!
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Connect With Us if you are Interested in Providing a Testimonial
Meet Katelyn Bern, MA, who manages customer engagement through social media and at ANCC tradeshows. Reach out to her if you would like to share your motivational story with us and what being ANCC certified means to you. We would be honored to share your story!