In this episode of My Nurse Specialty, I talk with Lori Schellenberg about patient advocacy and why this role can be such a natural fit for nurses. Lori shares how her background in bedside nursing, case management, and years of advocating for patients and families led her to build her own advocacy business and mentor nurses who want to move into this work.

We also talk about what a nurse advocate actually does, how this role differs from bedside advocacy, and why it can be such a meaningful way to walk with patients and families through the full healthcare journey. Lori also shares the challenges of building this kind of work, the different niches available in advocacy, and why nurses already have many of the skills needed to thrive in this specialty.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What nurse advocacy looks like beyond the bedside.

Why nurses are well positioned to pivot into patient advocacy.

What challenges and opportunities come with building an advocacy career.

About My Guest

Lori Schellenberg is a nurse with 45 years of experience and a certified case manager with more than 20 years in case management. She is the owner of Stepping Stone Advocacy Services, where she advocates for patients and families and also mentors nurses who want to become nurse advocates. Lori is passionate about helping nurses use the skills they already have in a way that brings them joy while making a real difference for patients navigating the healthcare system.

Connect with Lori

Stepping Stone Advocacy Services: https://www.steppingstoneadvocacy.com

Alliance of Professional Health Advocates: https://aphadvocates.org/

Umbra Health Advocacy: https://umbrahealthadvocacy.com/about-umbra/

GNA Now: https://gnanow.org/

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