Ep. 64. The Wrecking Ball in Healthcare: Dismantling Public Trust and Nurse Legacies?
Host: Dr. Lendra James
Episode Overview
In this powerful episode, Dr. Lendra James invites listeners to a candid, "real talk" conversation about pivotal changes in healthcare policy, leadership challenges, and the importance of legacy building—especially for nurses and healthcare professionals ready to make an impact beyond clinical practice.
Key Topics Covered
RFK Jr. & Changes at the CDC:
Dr. James breaks down the sweeping changes made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, raising critical questions about conflicts of interest, transparency, and their impact on public trust in healthcare.
The Importance of Voting:
She highlights today's primary elections in New Jersey and stresses how participating in the legislative process empowers nurses and communities to reclaim their influence on health policy.
Legal Challenges to Healthcare Changes:
Dr. James applauds the New York State Attorney General's lawsuit against the Trump administration, which alleges unlawful dismantling of the Department of Health and Human Services—emphasizing the broader consequences for public health, research, and the nursing profession.
The Ripple Effects of Policy on Healthcare:
She discusses how hospital closures, staffing shortages, terminated research grants, and other administrative decisions create challenges—and why nurses must be prepared to lead and advocate for change.
Mindset, Support & Strategic Focus:
Dr. James explores three transformative pillars for nurse leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Mindset: Embracing a growth mentality and shifting perspective from employee to leader/entrepreneur.
- Support: Building a meaningful professional ecosystem by carefully curating your network and opting for rooms where you can continually grow.
- Strategic Focus: Turning passion into purpose-driven action and building sustainable legacies through deliberate planning and mentorship.
The Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program:
Dr. James shares opportunities within her Nurse Legacy Accelerator program for nurses wanting to scale their businesses, accelerate their careers, and create lasting impact—offering both 12-week foundational and 6-month in-depth tracks, including "Done for You" business solutions. Apply at : https://forms.gle/Kc9mqMUsGxqMpoKK6
Encouragement for Change Makers:
She inspires nurses to move beyond surviving the healthcare system, urging them to step up as change makers, CEOs, and legacy builders in this current season of disruption and reinvention.
Quick Links & Resources
Apply for the Nurse Legacy Accelerator: Visit dljamesconsulting.com (https://dljamesconsulting.com) to schedule a strategy call and learn more about the program (one spot left for the June 15th start date!) apply at: https://forms.gle/Kc9mqMUsGxqMpoKK6
Relevant News:
- CBS News report on CDC changes
- New York State Attorney General's office
- Read Dr. James’ LinkedIn Nurses With Voices Newsletter
- Book Reference:
- *Confessions of a Nurse Executive* by Dr. Lendra James (see Chapter 5 for more on leadership) https://payhip.com/b/pFWs9
Connect with Dr. Lendra James
-https://dljamesconsulting.com
- LinkedIn: Dr. Lendra James
Subscribe & Follow:
- Podcast: Nurses With Voices
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