The Whole Nurse: Reimaging Nursing Through Innovation and Belonging
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The Whole Nurse: Reimaging Nursing Through Innovation and Belonging

Tru Merit
Tru Merit
November 4, 2025

As part of our commitment to nurturing The Empowered and Resilient Nurse, we’re spotlighting a thought-provoking episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast featuring Kathryn Shaffer, EdD, RN, Director of Innovation at Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Nursing.

In this conversation with host Lea Sims, Kathryn introduces her transformative “Whole Nurse” model—an innovative, holistic framework that blends design thinking, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging. She explores how reshaping nursing education and culture can combat burnout, foster creativity, and build lasting career satisfaction.

This episode offers practical strategies for cultivating supportive learning and work environments—where nurses can thrive not just as caregivers, but as changemakers.

Listen now to learn how personal wellness and professional growth can fuel the future of nursing.

www.trumerit.org/podcast/the-whole-nurse-design-thinking-self-healing-and-transformational-belonging-kathryn-shaffer-ep-16/

Tru Merit
About the author

Tru Merit

TruMerit is a worldwide leader in healthcare workforce development. Formerly known as CGFNS International, the organization has a nearly 50-year history supporting the career mobility of nurses and other healthcare workers—and those who license and hire them—by validating their education, skills, and experience as they seek authorization to practice in the United States and other countries. As TruMerit, this mission has been expanded to building workforce capacity that meets the needs of people in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. Through its Global Health Workforce Development Institute, the organization is advancing evidence-based research, thought leadership, and advocacy in support of healthcare workforce development solutions, including globally recognized practice standards and certifications that will enhance career pathways for healthcare workers.

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