Nurses in the Media: Empowering Nurses to Be Seen and Heard
“When nurses engage in the media, they don’t just advocate for their patients—they advocate for the entire profession and the health of their communities.”
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, nurses have a unique opportunity to amplify their voices and advocate for the health of their communities. For too long, nurses have been underrepresented in the media, despite being on the front lines of patient care and healthcare policy. As a nurse who has spent over two decades advocating for the profession, I’m passionate about changing that narrative. Through media training, nurses can harness the power of media to educate, inspire, and elevate our profession.
I’m Rachel Malloy, the founder of Nurse Malloy, LLC, and I’ve developed specialized media training for nurses. This training isn’t just about talking to reporters—it’s about giving nurses the skills and confidence they need to advocate for their communities, raise the profession's profile, and positively impact population health.
Why Nurses Need Media Training
You might be wondering, why does media training matter for nurses? Well, the answer lies in history—and in the numbers. If you’ve ever heard of the Woodhull Study, you’ll know that as early as 1998, it highlighted the glaring absence of nurses in the media. Fast forward to 2018, and the Woodhull Study Revisited showed that not much has changed. Nurses still account for only 2% of the media content in print publications. We’re underrepresented, underheard, and underutilized.
This is where media training comes in. Nurses who are equipped with media skills can confidently share their expertise, shape public health narratives, and advocate for policy change. I’ve seen firsthand the power of nurses stepping into the media spotlight. But I’ve also seen the hesitation many feel when it comes to speaking up. I can relate—I once turned down an interview with a reporter, even though the topic was one I felt passionately about. Why? Because I wasn’t sure how to prepare, what to say, or how to stay calm under pressure. If I’d had media training at that time, I know I would have felt more confident in using my voice for positive change.
Media training for nurses is about building that confidence. Just like learning a new clinical skill, learning how to navigate media opportunities requires practice, preparation, and a bit of courage. Once you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll be ready to share your knowledge with the world.
My Journey: From Nurse to Media Advocate
My nursing journey began in the 1990s, and since then, I’ve worn many hats—ICU nurse, neurocritical care specialist, educator, and now, advocate for nurses in the media. My passion for media advocacy grew out of my own experiences as a nurse. In 2019, after completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Wake Forest University, I created a Media Competency Training Program for Neuroscience Nurses. This program was designed to teach nurses the skills they need to communicate with the public, media, and policymakers.
But I didn’t stop there. The program was so well-received that I adapted it to fit the needs of all nurses, regardless of their specialty. Today, this training is being taught in the Wake Forest School of Medicine Academic Nursing Program, and it’s helping nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and DNP students become more confident and competent when engaging with the media. Nurses who once shied away from interviews are now stepping up to share their expertise in podcasts, social media, public health campaigns, and more.
The Power of Nurses in the Media
Why does this matter? Because when nurses speak up, we change the conversation. We provide a different perspective on healthcare—one rooted in patient care, empathy, and science. Through media engagement, nurses not only advocate for the individual patient but also for systemic changes that benefit entire communities.
Through media, we can reshape how the public sees our profession. Nurses are trusted, knowledgeable, and compassionate. By putting these qualities front and center in the media, we demonstrate our value as healthcare leaders, and we show the world that nursing is an essential voice in shaping healthcare policy, public health initiatives, and patient advocacy.
Normalizing Media Engagement for Nurses
I believe that media training should be a core part of every nurse’s professional development. It’s not just about speaking to reporters—it’s about being comfortable and confident in any media format, from writing an opinion piece to engaging in a live TV interview. Nurses are already experts in healthcare; now it’s time we become experts in using the media to amplify our voices.
This is why I’m committed to providing customizable media training for nurses, tailored to different specialties and career stages. Whether you're a seasoned clinical nurse, a nurse educator, or a nurse in administration, there’s a place for you in the media. And with the right training, you’ll be ready to take that step.
How Media Training Can Boost Your Career
When you learn how to engage with the media, you open up new career opportunities. Nurses who are trained in media engagement can become spokespeople for their organizations, serve as subject matter experts, or contribute to important public health conversations. With more media-savvy nurses, our profession becomes more visible, more respected, and more influential.
I’m passionate about helping nurses develop these skills, and I’d love to help you get started on your media journey. Together, we can normalize media engagement for nurses and show the world what we have to offer.
If you’re ready to learn more about how media training can enhance your nursing career and professional development, I encourage you to get in touch. Let’s work together to elevate the nursing voice in healthcare—because it’s our time.
