Shawntay Harris, a dedicated nurse hailing from Killeen, Texas, and the founder of Eminent CPR, has etched her name in history.
In a groundbreaking achievement, she has emerged as the first Black woman to be inducted into the prestigious Academy of Emergency Nurses.
The Academy, initiated in 2004, aims to spotlight nurses who have significantly influenced and advanced the emergency nursing profession and the healthcare system.
Shawntay’s journey in the nursing field spans an impressive 23 years, driven by her innate desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Starting as an emergency nurse, she ventured into entrepreneurship in 2006 by establishing Eminent CPR.
This facility serves as an American Heart Association (AHA) training center, offering courses not only from the AHA but also from the Emergency Nurses Association, along with Harris’s own specialized courses.
Her relentless dedication and unwavering commitment to the field caught the attention of the national stage when she was formally inducted into the Academy of Emergency Nurses.
Shawntay Harris is rightfully recognized as the Nurse of the Week by Daily Nurse, celebrating her outstanding contributions to emergency nursing and her inspirational role in encouraging others to pursue this noble profession.
Reflecting on her induction, Harris shared her initial doubts, questioning her worthiness and the extent of her contributions.
However, upon observing the other academy members, she realized the significance of her presence as the only one who looked like her, poised to make history.
According to a report by Daily Nurse, Harris said the achievement resonates deeply with Harris. She expressed:
“It feels amazing to know that I’ve broken this ceiling so other nurses of color know they can, their work is great and exciting, has global impact, is sustainable, and they’ll see someone that looks like them.”
With a passionate vision, Harris aspires to be a beacon of inspiration for current nurses of color and aims to attract more individuals to join the healthcare industry.
Emphasizing the importance of diversity in healthcare, she believes that patients experience better outcomes when treated by healthcare professionals who reflect their own backgrounds.
In breaking barriers and forging a path for others, Shawntay Harris has not only made history but is also fostering a future where diversity and inclusivity thrive in the noble realm of healthcare.
