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Celebrating the Women of Nurses International: Accelerating Action for a Healthier World
At Nurses International (NI), we are privileged to work alongside an incredible group of women whose passion, expertise, and dedication help drive our mission forward. These women are pivotal in shaping our educational programs, conducting groundbreaking research, and expanding our global network. Their contributions bring us closer to our goal of empowering nurses worldwide and improving healthcare outcomes in communities everywhere.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this March, we honor these remarkable women and the impact they create through their work. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonates deeply with the spirit of our team and volunteers—women who champion progress, break down barriers, and inspire others to create lasting change.
In this blog, we are proud to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, learn from their insights, and recognize the essential role they play in advancing healthcare globally.
Miriam Chickering, RN, BSN, NE-BC
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Miriam is a visionary leader in healthcare and science education, renowned for her global impact through organizations like NextGenU.org and Nurses International. As a published author and founder of Nurses International, she has dedicated her career to building education solutions that transcend borders and empower learners worldwide. Her journey from a small-town nurse in Manning, Iowa, to a global healthcare education innovator is a testament to the power of vision and dedication. Miriam's contributions include developing standardized curricula, leading international partnerships, and supporting the global nursing workforce. Her recent recognition as one of the Top 10 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2024 highlights her influence in revolutionizing healthcare education.
Kathleen Capone, EdD, MS, CNE, RN
Academic Network Director and Spiritual Care Coordinator
Dr. Capone’s extensive experience spans over four decades, focusing on education, curriculum development, and leadership. Her commitment to service is evident in her volunteer work, from aiding orphanages in Guatemala to supporting families as part of her local Nurses Honor Guard. At Nurses International, she leads the development of BSN programs. In collaboration with nurse educators from five Middle Eastern countries and Dr. Susan Boyer, Kathleen co-authored a study on critical thinking in nursing, laying the foundation for future professional development webinars.
Susan Boyer, DNP, MEd, RN, NPD-BC, FAAN
Clinical Alliance Director
With three decades of experience in Nurse Professional Development, Dr. Boyer brings a practice-based educator’s viewpoint to NI’s curriculum offerings. As the founder of the Clinical Alliance, she fosters networking among healthcare organizations to ensure effective, evidence-based nurse competence and preceptor development. Susan’s volunteer role at NI includes collaborating on research and curriculum development. Her recent co-authored study on critical thinking, conducted with colleagues from Middle Eastern countries, underscores her commitment to advancing nursing education worldwide.
Stacen A. Keating, PhD, MS, RN
Volunteer Nurse Educator and Course Reviewer; Member of Advisory Board
Stacen's journey began with a childhood dream of becoming an educator, fueled by her love for school. Although initially pursuing a business degree, her path took a transformative turn when she volunteered at a cancer hospital, where she discovered a passion for nursing. Supported by scholarships, she pursued advanced degrees in nursing and gerontology, ultimately becoming a professor. Her work with Nurses International since 2014 has been instrumental in providing free, high-quality educational resources globally, contributing to a more equitable and effective healthcare workforce. Stacen believes in the profound impact of education on creating a fairer and healthier world.
Working with the Nurses International team is exciting, creative, and innovative. We need organizations like Nurses International to bring excellence in education at no cost to all the brilliant and curious minds looking for real purpose and impact in healing and caring for others. I am grateful to be part of the collaborating team at Nurses International. Providing educational resources to help prepare an expert global nursing workforce is critical. It is the means to accelerate action. Nurses at their core understand that the social drivers of health—fairness in education, good income/jobs, clean environments, strong social networks, access to quality healthcare, and fair governmental policies for all—are the things that will make the world a place where all people can thrive, contribute, and push forward to achieve a greater standard of humanity. Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." These words ring so true for me.
Beth Hutchason, MSN, BSN, RN
Volunteer Nurse Educator and Course Reviewer
Beth has worked as a nurse for over three decades, primarily as a nurse practitioner specializing in oncology, palliative medicine, and dementia care. Since transitioning to medical editing in 2021, she has contributed her expertise to NI by assisting with course revisions and reviews, including Pediatric Oncology, Nutrition in Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing 1, and Population and Community Health.
I have spent my whole adult life in healthcare, predominantly as a nurse practitioner and now as a medical editor. I have seen gender inequality in many settings and scenarios, but it has seemed to improve as time has progressed. However, women are still paid less than men for the same jobs—a disparity that worsens for women of color. Gender equality is variable across the globe and presently under active attack in many areas. We must continue our vigilance and activities to press for all forms of equality worldwide.
Vanessa Teed, MSN, RN, CEN, CGNC
Volunteer Nurse Educator and Global Nurse Consultant
Vanessa is an International Council of Nurses & CGFNS certified global nurse consultant with over 15 years of experience as a registered nurse and certified emergency nurse. Holding an MSN in nursing education, she teaches at the college and university level in the USA. As a volunteer with NI, Vanessa has contributed to courses like Nutrition in Nursing and has supported the organization’s networking efforts. Recently, she traveled to Vietnam as a volunteer nurse educator for Health Volunteers Overseas and NI, presenting on the Glasgow Coma Scale and conducting hands-on workshops to enhance clinical nursing skills. Her passion for global nurse mentorship and digital technology aligns with NI’s mission to advance healthcare education worldwide.
I’m passionate about advancing accessible nursing education, promoting a sustainable future for the nursing profession, and making a meaningful impact through collaborative, community-driven work. To me, gender equality in nursing means women empowering women through mentorship, collaboration, and support. It’s also about inspiring the next generation—regardless of gender—to join and sustain the profession. ‘Accelerate Action’ is a call to move forward together, creating space for every woman’s voice and welcoming those who have been previously excluded.
Janis Tuxbury, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE
Experienced Nurse Educator and Culture Team Member
Dr. Tuxbury is a seasoned nurse educator with a passion for global health and simulation education. Beyond her work in simulation, Jan plays a vital role on the Culture Team at Nurses International, where she helps integrate cultural components throughout the courses. This ensures that the content we provide at NI is culturally sensitive and relevant.
Providing nursing education is an effective way to accelerate action. Nurses provide holistic, evidence-based care, often in challenging environments. To do that, they must be committed professionals and lifelong learners. Increasing the numbers and the skills of nurses available can be a catalyst for growth among individuals and communities around the world.
Stephanie Marfurt, RN, PhD
Volunteer Educator and Advocate for At-Risk Populations
Dr. Stephanie Marfurt brings experience in both educational and clinical settings, holding a master’s in nursing education from Columbia University and a PhD in Nursing from Texas Women’s University. With a career dedicated to educating both students and patients, Dr. Marfurt focuses on the needs of at-risk populations, including pregnant teens, homeless, and mentally ill women. Currently, she is leading the development of the revised Health Assessment course alongside Dr. Kathleen Capone, ensuring the curriculum is up-to-date and comprehensive. Her previous contributions to Nurses International include developing courses on Maternal Health, Fundamentals of Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing 1.
Emily Parker MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Nursing Professional and Course Reviewer
Emily is a nursing professional with extensive clinical experience, holding advanced certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), she has focused on comprehensive patient care and health education. Her experience spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where she has also mentored students and new nurses. At Nurses International, Emily is reviewing the revised Health Assessment and Leadership courses, as well as contributing to the recently published Nutrition course. Her dedication enhances the quality and impact of nursing education globally.
As we recognize these women’s achievements, we are reminded that their contributions not only shape the future of nursing education but also inspire others to join the movement toward better healthcare for all. Their dedication embodies the spirit of “Accelerate Action”—driving progress and empowering the next generation of nurses to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
To each of these remarkable women: thank you for your passion, your expertise, and the lasting impact you continue to create. Together, we are accelerating action for a healthier world.
Author: Samantha Baboolal
Nurses International is a non-profit entirely focused on helping nurses obtain the education and the support they need to make a difference in developing nations worldwide.
We connect colleges and institutions with experts who can take their nursing programs to the next level. We help establish new nursing programs where they’re needed most. And we eliminate the barriers that stand between students and education.
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EIN: 46-4502500
EIN: 46-4502500