We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nurse Practitioner Natasha Weems a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natasha, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Throughout my journey in the healthcare sector, especially as an African American woman in nursing, I’ve faced several challenges that tested my resilience and determination. Encountering the glass ceiling and systemic racism were not just theoretical issues; they were real, daily obstacles. Despite discouragements and warnings that pursuing my Nurse Practitioner degree would be ‘too much responsibility,’ I chose to defy these underestimations of my capability and strength.
Embracing the risk to further my education was pivotal, challenging ingrained biases and breaking stereotypes. Since becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2013, my career has spanned diverse settings, from home health care to critical care, and I’ve ventured into entrepreneurship by opening a med spa. Each role has reinforced the value of embracing calculated risks.
My personal life has been a complex journey of experiences. From navigating a failed marriage to remarriage and co-parenting, to taking in children whose parents are deceased, my commitment has been to provide these children with the same love and opportunities as my own, fully aware of the unique challenges this path presents.
Balancing the demands of motherhood with an expanding career has been a continuous journey of growth and adaptation. This journey has been made possible in part by the support of my best friend and husband, Douglas Weems. His support has been a cornerstone of my ability to pursue both personal fulfillment and professional excellence.
Moreover, my advocacy for mental health and autism is deeply personal, stemming from my daughter’s diagnosis with autism. This experience has propelled me into numerous risks as I’ve relentlessly challenged and dismantled stereotypes, unapologetically. Along this journey, I’ve also embraced the roles of author, community event organizer, and active mentor, focusing on empowerment and support.
In 2019, I reached another significant milestone by completing my doctoral degree, furthering my commitment to excellence and leadership in my field. This achievement was recently highlighted by receiving the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that not only honors my professional and personal contributions but also reinforces my commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for those without a voice.
In reflection, the risks I’ve undertaken, both significant and minor, have shaped a life of purpose and passion. They’ve taught me that the true essence of risk lies not in the act of leaping but in the commitment to grow, adapt, and relentlessly confront adversity.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Beginning my academic journey at Wayne State University with a foundation in Communications, I transitioned into the field of nursing at Oakland University, Michigan, where I specialized as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This led to the attainment of a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, with my research contributing to the improvement of healthcare standards, particularly in the treatment of tobacco disorders.
In my efforts to serve the community, I founded a food distribution site and organized events to provide hot meals, reaching hundreds in need. My commitment extended to organizing a health summit, connecting healthcare professionals with the community to share valuable health education and resources, highlighting my leadership in fostering community well-being.
My role in academia as a professor in a Michigan nursing program further underscores my dedication to shaping future healthcare professionals. Teaching classes and serving as a clinical faculty instructor allowed me to impart both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care.
Expanding into the realm of authorship, I released ‘The Unbreakable Woman: Embracing Resilience in Every Season,’ a book that merges professional insights with personal stories, affirming my status as an author and providing a blueprint for resilience and self-worth.
The establishment of a Health and Wellness Med Spa showcases my commitment to integrating medical expertise with beauty practices, health promotion, promoting a comprehensive approach to well-being.
What distinguishes me in the healthcare field is not only my multifaceted expertise but also my empathetic approach to care and unwavering commitment to community service. The most rewarding aspect of my work is the tangible impact it has had, especially on underserved communities.
To potential clients and followers, it’s important to me that you understand my work is driven by a passion for compassion, innovation, empowerment for all, and the pursuit of a healthier, more inclusive society. I’m the epitome of dreams turning into reality!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A major turning point in my life was marked by a critical health scare during my daughter’s birth, followed by the Covid-19 global pandemic’s onset. These events deeply changed me, teaching me about life’s preciousness and pushing me to make a real difference in the world.
Moving from Detroit to California had already shown me how to adapt, but now I was driven to use my life even more-so to help others—like those suffering from abuse, homelessness, or mental health issues, and to have a wider impact.
The enhanced feeling like I had a true purpose, I began to work with others who shared my vision to make it come true. I also stepped into the media world, wanting to highlight powerful stories and show that women of color, and all our diversity, have an important place in media. This wasn’t just a career shift but a step towards a bigger goal: to inspire change and show that with dedication and bravery, we can all make the world better.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One pivotal resource that has profoundly influenced my approach to management and entrepreneurship is Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich.’ This book, beyond just a guide to acquiring wealth, delves deep into the psychology of success and the power of personal belief. Hill’s principles of desire, faith, and persistence resonate with me on a personal level, shaping my understanding of what it truly takes to achieve one’s goals.
Hill’s emphasis on the ‘Master Mind’ alliance, where two or more people work in perfect harmony for a common purpose, has transformed the way I approach teamwork and collaboration. It highlighted the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who complement and enhance my vision.
Contact Info:
- Website:
- Instagram:
@carefirstwellness_ @drnatasha_ @author_natashaweemsdnp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-weems-dnp-agpcnp-bc-00a772a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@natashaweemsdnp
Image Credits
Montez Harris of @tcleanmedia Leah Rae @leahraephotography