Mirela Danaj,
MSN, APRN

My name is Mirela Danaj, and I am honored to have completed my DNP requirements from Nova Southeastern University; obtained my MSN, APRN degree in 2018, and have been working in different positions. My professional background entails APRN/Hospitalist positions, both day and night shift, APRN/Intensivist group, A cardiology practice which provides onsite cardiovascular testing such as EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, carotid and abdominal ultrasounds for all first responders, law enforcement officers: sheriff’s office, police departments, and firefighters. Additionally, I have been an adjunct faculty and clinical instructor for the ARNP program at NSU for several years now.

I am originally from Europe, born and raised in Albania. My mother was Greek, so I hold the values of both cultures and try to pass them along to my kids and the next generations. From the beginning, my parents instilled in me the love for humanity and becoming the best of me through service for others with love and compassion without hesitation. As a single mother of two beautiful girls, I strive to set a good example by engaging in various activities, including learning, reading, gardening, cooking, driving, and spending time at the ocean and in the outdoors, which help me recharge and maintain my health.

Throughout my extensive professional career, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, I witnessed firsthand the health disparities and, sadly, the changes in the healthcare system. Many have left their practice and changed positions, and some have even left nursing altogether. Wondering why things have shifted and the foundation of practice has changed? I know many factors come into play, especially changes to healthcare policy, which I am so eager to be part of. I strongly believe in preventative measures rather than treatments in healthcare, and this requires skills, tactics, and profound knowledge, as well as the art of effectively transmitting such messages to the public, to our patients, students, and everyone we interact with. Leadership, as I have learned through education and work experiences, is not a title or position; it is a collective set of skills, qualities, and behaviors that one possesses to influence others and create a process that utilizes collaboration to create coherent systems for change and improvement with a lasting impact. As a DNP-prepared nurse,
I am honored to be of service to others and be part of reconstructing our nursing
profession to a better future for healthcare.