For generations, nurses have been the most trusted professionals in healthcare. Yet historically, their voices have often been absent from the narratives that shape healthcare policy, patient understanding, and media portrayal. Today, nurses are beginning to reclaim and define that narrative themselves.

That is beginning to change.

Across television, journalism, podcasts, and social media, more nurses are entering media spaces to serve as primary translators of complex health issues, advocate directly for patients, and illuminate the realities of clinical care. Their involvement is shifting how healthcare stories are told, placing nurses at the center of these conversations.

This emerging trend is at the heart of Nurses in Media Day, a national initiative designed to empower more nurses to step into media conversations.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) California’s 5th Annual Nurses in Media Day 2026, taking place on March 18, brings nurses together for a virtual conference focused on media literacy, storytelling, and practical strategies for engaging with journalists and digital platforms. The event features panels with nurse influencers, journalists, and communications experts who are shaping healthcare narratives.

The goal is simple but powerful: help nurses own the narrative.

Today, healthcare media extends far beyond traditional news outlets. Some nurses bring their expertise to television and major publications. Others host podcasts, run influential blogs, or create educational content across social media platforms that reach millions of people.

These voices drive a movement where nurses assert their perspectives in public healthcare dialogue, directly shaping perceptions and policy.

Here are ten nurses helping shape that media landscape.

Broadcast and Journalism Voices

1. Alice Benjamin, MSN, ACNS-BC, FNP-C – Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Television Health Expert

A board-certified family nurse practitioner, Benjamin is widely known to television audiences as “Nurse Alice.” She regularly appears on national networks to clarify medical issues and provide public health commentary. She also co-hosts the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, which covers healthcare news and patient education. As CEO and Publisher of Nurse Approved®, Benjamin leads a nurse-founded news platform that delivers credible, relevant health journalism and education.

2. James Q. Simmons, DNP, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC — Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Media Contributor

Simmons is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner and on-air medical contributor featured on television, radio, and digital media. He is the creator of “Ask the NP: Everything You’re Too Scared to Ask Your MD!”—an online community focused on accessible, stigma-free health information.

3. Theresa Brown, PhD, BSN, RN– Oncology Nurse and Author

Brown is an oncology nurse and widely respected healthcare writer whose essays have appeared in The New York Times. Through her books and commentary, she explores the human side of healthcare and the realities of patient care. Her memoir, Healing: When a Nurse Becomes a Patient, offers a deeply personal perspective on navigating the healthcare system from the other side of the hospital bed.

Podcast and Digital Media Creators

4. Danielle McCamey, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FCCP, FADLN – Nurse Practitioner, Educator, and Podcast Host

McCamey, assistant dean for strategic partnerships at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, is also the founder, CEO, and president of DNPs of Color, a nonprofit advancing diversity in doctoral-level nursing. Her interviews with leaders and innovators amplify diverse voices and highlight pathways to leadership and advanced practice.

5. Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC – Nurse Career Coach, Writer, and Podcast Host

Host of The Nurse Keith podcast—one of the longest-running in nursing—Carlson also writes and coaches, promoting professional growth, leadership, and opportunities for nurses through interviews with healthcare leaders.

6. Kati Kleber, MSN, RN — Nurse Educator, Author, and Podcast Host

Kleber produces books, the FreshRN podcast, and educational resources to support nurses during the transition from nursing school to clinical practice.

7. Brittney Wilson, BSN, RN — Nurse Educator and Founder of The Nerdy Nurse

Wilson, founder of The Nerdy Nurse, produces widely read content about nursing, healthcare technology, and professional development.

8. Donna Cardillo, MA, RN, CSP, FAAN – Nurse Author, Speaker, and Career Strategist

Known as “The Inspiration Nurse,” Cardillo has championed the profession through books, media features, and public speaking. She focuses on leadership, career growth, and encouraging nurses to use their voices in both professional and public arenas.

Social Media Educators and Influencers

9. Blake Lynch, BSN, RN – Nurse, Comedian, and Healthcare Content Creator

Also known as Nurse Blake, Lynch is a nurse and entertainer who has created one of the largest online communities for nurses. Through comedy tours, online content, and NurseCon conferences, Lynch spotlights nursing culture, advocates for the profession, and supports the community.

10. John Dela Cruz, RN – Nurse and Social Media Content Creator

Dela Cruz, widely known as Nurse John, has built a large online following through humorous, relatable content that captures the everyday experiences of nurses in healthcare.

Why Nurses in Media Matter

The public often hears about healthcare through the voices of policymakers, physicians, or administrators. Yet nurses are the clinicians who spend the most time with patients and families.

Their perspectives reveal the authentic, everyday reality of healthcare—crucial insights for shaping the narrative from the front lines.

That is why initiatives like the ANA California and Nurses in Media Day focus on equipping nurses with the skills to engage with journalists, participate in public dialogue, and confidently share their expertise.

ANA California works to translate nurses’ real-world experience into meaningful change in healthcare and public policy. Through advocacy, leadership development, and media training, the organization helps nurses engage with lawmakers, the public, and the press.

How Nurses Can Become Media Voices

For nurses curious about media, getting started does not require a journalism degree or a large following.

Many nurses begin simply by sharing their expertise and experiences.

A few ways nurses can start participating in healthcare media include:

• Write and share your expertise

   

Nurses have unique perspectives on patient care, healthcare systems, and public health. Writing articles, opinion pieces, or blog posts can help bring those insights into broader conversations.

• Collaborate with journalists

   

Reporters often look for clinical experts to explain medical topics to readers and viewers.

• Start a podcast or digital platform

   

Many nurses are using podcasts, newsletters, and blogs to discuss professional experiences and healthcare issues.

• Use social media to educate

   

Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become powerful tools for healthcare education and professional advocacy.

Ready to Own Your Narrative?

If you are a nurse who has ever thought about sharing your voice through writing, media, or storytelling, consider this your invitation.

The healthcare media landscape needs more nurse voices.

At Nurse Approved, we believe nurses have some of the most important perspectives in healthcare today. If you are interested in writing, contributing your expertise, or becoming part of the healthcare media conversation, we would love to hear from you.

If you have a story to tell, an issue you want to spotlight, or insights you want to share with the nursing community, reach out.

Your voice matters, and there is space for it to be heard.