What happens when nurses move beyond simply doing the work and begin shaping the future of healthcare?

In this episode of Pulse Check with Dr. Kimberly Long, Dr. Kimberly Long sits down with Dr. Kimberly Perris to explore her journey from bedside nursing to academic leadership and the experiences that ultimately led her to build and lead nursing programs.

Dr. Perris shares why curiosity became a turning point in her career, how nursing education and clinical practice can work more closely together, and why healthcare leaders must be willing to rethink traditional approaches as the needs of students, nurses, and patients continue to evolve.

The conversation also explores navigating competing priorities with limited resources, remembering your "North Star" when day-to-day demands become overwhelming, and the importance of nurses having a voice beyond the bedside.

Dr. Perris also discusses why nurses do not need to be policy experts to participate in legislative conversations. By showing up, sharing their experiences, and telling the stories of nursing's impact, nurses can help decision-makers better understand the realities of healthcare.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about purpose, partnership, advocacy, and preparing nurses to lead meaningful change across healthcare and education.