How One Nurse Became a Leader, Advocate, and Founder

“My nursing journey began in the recovery room,” Danielle K. McCamey, DNP, ACNP-BC, FADLN, FCCP, FAAN, says. 

“I had the opportunity to work at a hospital in DC as a new grad… That was unheard of, because PACU is one of those highly specialized areas that was seen as a place where you went later in your career.”

Today, McCamey not only holds experience in specialized critical care, but is also the founder, CEO, and President of DNPs of Color. Here’s how she shaped her career and her thoughts on leadership and advocacy in the nursing profession.

Q: What Was the Early Part of Your Nursing Career Like?

A: It was during that  experience that I learned about the value of having a mentor who aligns with your personality and who understands your unique contributions. My first preceptor wasn’t a good match for my skill set and personality, but then they matched me with my first professional mentor, Darlene Gardiner. She has since passed on, but it was then that I learned the value of mentorship for career success.

 

Q: After PACU, What Made You Want to Transition to the Medical ICU?

A: I transferred to the medical ICU to dig deeper into critical care nursing. That’s when I truly learned the foundations of critical care and came to appreciate its dynamic nature. I’m an adrenaline junkie, so the chance to care for people in their most vulnerable times, seeing the full spectrum of life—from people on the brink of death that regain a full recovery to ensuring people have a dignified transition to death—is something I value deeply.

One of the best parts of the medical ICU was working with some of the best and brightest nurses. They poured skills, knowledge, expertise, and confidence into me, teaching me how to be a nurse, a change agent, and a resource for others.

Q: What Prompted Your Decision to Go to NP School?

A: After a while in the medical ICU, I decided to go back to school. My great uncle, Michael McCamey, encouraged me to pursue advanced practice. I returned to school to get my acute care NP, working full-time while in the program. Once I finished, I transitioned to another ICU specialty—surgical critical care, where I’ve been ever since.

 

Q: What Motivated You to Pursue Your DNP?

A: I decided to go back for my DNP, pushed by one of my mentors on my surgical critical care team, who was pursuing a PhD. Initially, I didn’t see the value in a Doctorate in Nursing, but as I got into it, it opened up so many opportunities for me in healthcare systems leadership. With my DNP degree, I learned how to lead effectively because it allowed me to see the skills I’ve learned over time as a foundation for my career in leadership

 

Q: What Advice Do You Have for Nurses Who Aren’t Sure About Getting Their DNP Degree?

A: For nurses with even a remote desire to pursue an advanced degree, I always encourage them to do it. The time will pass whether you pursue it or not.

I wasn’t sure what I’d do with my DNP degree, but an opportunity came up where I could go for free, so I went for it. 

My advice is to be strategic about the program you choose. Look at the support they offer, the flexibility, and whether it fits with your lifestyle. Talk to people in the field or roles that interest you, and reach out to admissions counselors to learn more about programs.

 

 

 

Q: How Should Nurses Decide Which Advanced Degree to Choose?

A: I recommend starting with the end in mind. Think about what you want to be when you "grow up" and identify the skills you need to reach that goal. From there, you can explore programs that align with those skills and values. You should also consider factors like the mission, vision, and goals of the school, in addition to the cost, program duration, format, and accessibility. Reaching out to people in those roles or talking to faculty in the programs you’re interested in can provide valuable insights.

Q: What Are You Doing in Your Current Nursing Role?

A: I get to serve Johns Hopkins by developing creative partnerships that advance our mission locally and globally. I also practice as an acute care nurse practitioner in DC, which I’ve done for over a decade and still love. Additionally, I lead a global nonprofit called DNPs of Color. I believe that having activities that align with your mission in life, which seems like a lot on the outside, is just right for your particular path. I am very fortunate that I get to be of service through leadership that I’m passionate about. 

 

Q: What Inspired You to Create DNPs of Color?

A: I’m the founder, CEO, and President of DNPs of Color, which I started because I was the only Black woman in my doctoral program. I wanted a community where I felt validated and supported, and we are the only organization with a mission and vision that specifically centers on DNP-prepared nurses from racialized communities. It’s a space where we support professional development, create resources, and empower this growing group of nursing professionals to thrive.

 

Final Thoughts

McCamey says she identifies with being a community builder. “I love identifying gaps and bringing people together,” she says. “Community creates opportunities, and sometimes the difference between success and failure is simply having access to those opportunities.” 

Through McCamey’s commitment to building community, she has continued to empower patients and other nurses through her clinical practice and her work with DNPs of Color. 

Bedside Acute Care