In the latest episode of Nurse Rosa's INsights, host Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN interviews nurse leader Melissa Mills, BSN, RN, MHA gathering insightful accounts of her nursing journey, her innovative approach to curriculum writing, and her efforts in advocating for changes in nursing reimbursement. 

Melissa shares her extensive 26-year nursing journey, reflecting on her experiences in pediatric and neonatal intensive care, home care, and hospice, where she discovered her passion for leadership. She reveals her transition into healthcare administration and how she found her love for curriculum writing over the past 7 years.

Throughout the episode, Melissa gives a detailed overview of her work at Cinematic Health, where she incorporates movie-type cinematography in curriculum content to provide a realistic insight into the roles of CNAs, home health aides, and caregivers, aiming to address the high turnover rate in these entry-level positions.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Melissa sheds light on her role as the fractional executive director for the commission for nurse reimbursement, highlighting the historical roots of nursing reimbursement and the need for policy changes to address the undervaluation of nursing services in healthcare reimbursement.

One of the most striking insights from Melissa is her emphasis on the necessity of leadership education for all types of nursing roles. She states, "Even CNAs need to know how to be a leader," emphasizing the importance of developing practical leadership skills as an integral part of nursing education.

As the episode unfolds, Melissa delves into actionable steps taken by the commission and her vision for effectively utilizing a $1,000,000,000 grant to strategically enhance nursing education and address fundamental issues within healthcare.

Throughout the conversation, the episode provides a compelling view of Melissa's commitment to shaping the future of nursing education and healthcare reimbursement, making it an engaging and thought-provoking listen for all nursing professionals and healthcare advocates.

Key Moments and Questions:

(00:00:49 ) Melissa’s Nursing Journey: Melissa recounts her extensive 26-year nursing career, sharing her experiences in pediatric and neonatal intensive care, home care, and her passion for leadership.

(00:05:35 ) Cinematic Health Education: A Dive into Innovative Curriculum Writing: How does cinematic storytelling enhance the learning experience for future CNAs and home health aides?

See the work in action here: https://www.cinematichealtheducation.com/

(00:13:08 ) Advocating for Nursing Reimbursement Policy Change: What actionable steps is the commission taking to address the undervaluation of nursing services and push for policy changes in reimbursement?

Join the movement at: https://commissionfornursereimbursement.com/

(00:18:01 ) The Role of Leadership in Nursing Education: Why does Melissa emphasize the need for leadership education in all nursing programs, including for CNAs and LPNs?

(00:22:42 ) Utilizing a $1,000,000,000 Grant: How does Melissa envision strategically utilizing a substantial grant to revamp nursing education and address critical issues in healthcare?

Follow Nurse Melissa Mills on LinkedIn for her thought leadership in the nursing field: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalynnmills/

Connect with host Nurse Rosa Hart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-hart-scrn/