Kayla Clower

I attribute my success to the mentors and experiences that have guided me throughout my journey in healthcare. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field, and the guidance I received along the way was invaluable. I began my career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and even in that role, my patients taught me profound lessons. Witnessing their courage, resilience, and ability to face adversity shaped not only my approach as a nurse but also my perspective on care.

Those early experiences laid the foundation for my work across mental health, substance abuse, and hospice care. Seeing firsthand the strength individuals demonstrate in challenging circumstances reinforced my commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Ultimately, my path in nursing has been shaped by both mentorship and the people I care for. Their stories and perseverance continue to inspire me to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in every aspect of my practice.

My advice to young women entering healthcare is to seek out strong mentors and embrace every opportunity to learn from them. Mentorship provides guidance, perspective, and support that is invaluable as you navigate your career. Equally important is to “show up” fully in your work—bring presence, calmness, and compassion to every interaction, whether with patients, colleagues, or in leadership roles. The way you show up matters just as much as your skills, and these qualities will help you make a meaningful impact while building trust and credibility in your field.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is caregiver strain. Many families are under tremendous pressure, and this can impact both the quality of care and the well-being of caregivers themselves. I see a significant opportunity to address this through nurse coaching and family-focused services that help caregivers manage stress, build resilience, and reclaim their relational roles with their loved ones. By supporting caregivers more intentionally, we can improve outcomes for patients and strengthen the overall healthcare experience.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are presence, calmness, and compassion. I strive to combine these qualities with clinical excellence while always remaining deeply human. For me, it’s not just about delivering care—it’s about connecting with people, understanding their experiences, and showing up fully in every interaction. These values ground my practice and shape the way I lead, mentor, and support those around me.