On this episode, we talk with Nan Wetherhorn, a South Florida Independent Patient Advocate and nurse since 1976, who learned the importance of advocacy during her mom’s battle with cancer. Nan’s mom was a pharmacist and was more than capable of understanding her diagnosis and her treatment options. But patients can rarely effectively advocate for themselves, so Nan was the one who discussed all the health issues with her mom and her doctor. She became a part of the "team" as do most family members.

As an Intensive Care Unit nurse for more than 30 years, and with experience in pediatric and adult patients in cardiac care, neurology, surgery, and trauma, her mission today is to provide education, resources, and tools so patients can make educated, informed decisions about their healthcare. Nan’s robust clinical background makes it easy for her to participate in discussions with health care providers and relay complicated medical information to her clients in a clear, simple, comprehensive language they can easily understand.

Nan traveled the world as nurse well before the concept of travel nursing was commonplace. From neonatal ICU nursing in Switzerland to positions in France and North Africa, Nan has experienced many different approaches to healthcare and patient safety around the globe. Those experiences helped shape her perspective, making her an amazing ally for patients and families in head of healthcare guidance and support.