Everyone has their own story, purpose, and motivation for becoming a nurse. Your journey may have led you to a clinical role, a leadership position, an educational path, or another area within the profession. While your experience is uniquely yours, sharing it could inspire others or positively influence their career choices. Through storytelling, we learn from one another and create meaningful impact.

Katelyn Bern, MA 
Outreach Engagement Manager & Tradeshow Liaison 
4th Annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration hosted by the Asian American Health Initiative

As a bilingual outreach professional fluent in English and Spanish, and with a graduate degree in Organizational Communications, I’m passionate about building meaningful connections, embracing cultural diversity, and recognizing individuals for their hard work, dedication, and talents. Stories of Inspiration, launched in May 2024, was created to give ANCC certified nurses a platform to share their personal backgrounds and reasons for choosing a career in nursing. For some, the decision was rooted in cultural influences; for others, it stemmed from the encouragement of a friend, family member, or a mentor. These stories are thoughtfully developed to align with cultural heritage months and health awareness celebrations, helping to honor and highlight the rich diversity within the nursing profession.

Although I am not a nurse, in my role as Outreach Engagement Manager & Tradeshow Liaison, I proudly consider myself a nurse advocate. With a strong background in creative outreach and communication, I use my skills to connect with certified nurses through the power of storytelling. I've had the privilege of attending numerous annual nursing tradeshows, exploring poster presentations, joining virtual nursing book clubs, and participating in volunteer opportunities. These experiences have deepened my understanding and appreciation of the nursing profession. As a nurse advocate, I engage in conversations with nurses to learn about their journey—why they chose nursing, what inspired them to pursue ANCC certification, and what that certification means to them personally and professionally. You never know the ripple effect a shared story can have. A single narrative might inspire another nurse to pursue their first, second, or even third ANCC certification. It’s a way for nurses to demonstrate their hard-earned credentials and their commitment to excellence in their field. Through the stories submitted, I've personally gained a deeper admiration for:

• The significant role of cultural influence in nursing.
• The impact of language skills in supporting patients and their families.
• The deep sense of purpose that comes from helping others.
• The importance of building meaningful connections with patients.
• The creativity and innovation nurses use to support both patients and their teams. 

NAHN 50th Annual Conference

Our Stories of Inspiration series extends beyond showcasing ANCC certified nurses—it also recognizes the nurse leaders and healthcare organizations that support and uplift others in their professional plans. One example is the ANCC Success Pays® program, through which organizations invest in their nurses. 

They are committed to advancing nursing care and supporting lifelong learning through certification. The program covers both certification by exam and renewal, giving nurses two opportunities to achieve certification—at no cost to the organization unless the nurse passes. We’re proud to share the stories of nurses who have benefited from this program and how it helped them grow professionally. We also express our sincere gratitude to our Success Pays® partners for their continued support in promoting this valuable program to their nurses. 

2025 PNAMDC Induction Gala

Our goal is to support your success, and the Advanced Practice Initiatives & Certification Outreach Team is here to assist you every step of the way in your professional role. We offer resources to guide you, your staff, and your students.

No matter your position or responsibilities, our mission is to be a reliable source. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our Program Managers:

Lourdes B. Careaga, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Certification Outreach Program Manager

Leads the ANCC Success Pays® program, offering guidance and support to organizations participating in or exploring the program.
📧 successpays@ana.org

Tonya L. Page, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, LSSGB, FCCS-C
APRN Educational & Faculty Outreach Program Manager

Leads APRN program initiatives, provides guidance to APRN students and faculty, and manages the APRN Webinar Series.
📧 certificationoutreach@ana.org 

I look forward to staying connected with each and everyone of you. Visit me at the ANCC booth during one of our upcoming tradeshows to explore valuable information about ANCC programs, enjoy fun giveaways, pick up colorful conference ribbons to display your hard-earned credentials, and join in interactive games for a chance to win prizes. Or simply stop by for a conversation about your professional journey—you might even be inspired to share your own story and motivate others. If interested, complete the form below: 

We also welcome you to read our previous stories, also listed on the form for your enjoyment. 

I hope you find storytelling as meaningful as I do and recognize that there are many paths to explore within the nursing profession. Supporting and encouraging one another is essential to collective growth. If you're not yet ANCC certified and are considering certification, I encourage you to explore the full list of certifications we offer:

Article by:
Katelyn Bern, MA
Outreach Engagement Manager & Tradeshow Liaison

Thank you for trusting me with your stories, allowing me to share your experiences, and giving me the opportunity to learn from you as nurses. Through this process, I’ve developed an even deeper respect for the nursing profession. The Stories of Inspiration series has brought me both purpose and joy, and I encourage you to continue sharing your stories—they truly make a difference. Please keep them coming!