How Nurses Continue Impacting Patients Beyond Direct Care

Stories & Voices

How Nurses Continue Impacting Patients Beyond Direct Care

20 August 2026

For many nurses, the bedside is where their passion for patient care begins. But what some may not realize is that nursing skills can create opportunities to make an impact in ways that extend far beyond direct patient care. At BD, nurses bring valuable clinical expertise, firsthand patient experience, and a deep understanding of healthcare environments to roles across the organization. Whether supporting clinicians, advancing education, contributing to medical affairs, or helping shape innovative healthcare solutions, nurses continue improving patient outcomes while exploring new possibilities for growth.

Your impact doesn't stop at the bedside

Many nurses are driven by a desire to improve patient outcomes. At BD, that purpose remains at the center of their work, even when their role looks different from traditional patient care.

Nora Harrison, Manager, International Training and Education, discovered this after being introduced to opportunities beyond direct care through a trusted colleague. What stood out was the ability to continue supporting patients by working alongside clinicians, sharing expertise, and helping deliver products that impact care every day.

"It really opened my eyes to how nursing can impact patients' lives beyond the bedside."

Across BD, nurses help improve patient outcomes in a variety of ways. They provide clinical education, support healthcare professionals, contribute to evidence generation, and share insights that help shape products and solutions used throughout the healthcare system.

Your skills can open unexpected career paths

Nursing develops skills that extend beyond clinical care. Communication, problem-solving, relationship building, education, and leadership can create opportunities across a wide range of career paths.

Danielle Bradley, Clinical Specialist, began her career working across multiple bedside units before exploring several nursing roles within the healthcare industry. Along the way, she realized her nursing background could open doors far beyond what she initially expected.

Today, she sees opportunities to continue growing across functions such as clinical support, sales, marketing, and other areas of the organization.

"It's truly up to what interests me and what drives me and where I choose to take my career."

Rather than following a single predefined path, nurses at BD often have opportunities to explore new interests while continuing to leverage the expertise they've built throughout their careers.

Career growth doesn't mean leaving nursing behind

For many nurses considering their next step, one question often comes to mind: Will I still be using my nursing experience?

At BD, career growth doesn't mean leaving nursing behind. Instead, it often means applying clinical expertise in new settings, reaching broader audiences, and influencing patient care on a larger scale.

Karla Chandler, Manager, Medical Affairs, spent 15 years in emergency nursing before transitioning into vascular access nursing. That experience eventually led to a Clinical Specialist role supporting healthcare providers throughout the New England region. Several years later, she moved into Medical Affairs, continuing to build on her clinical expertise while expanding her impact in new ways.

Her journey reflects what many nurses discover at BD: the knowledge and experience gained through patient care remain valuable throughout every stage of their career. While responsibilities may evolve, the connection to improving healthcare outcomes remains constant.

Continuing Your Nursing Impact at BD

A nursing career can take many forms, but the purpose that inspires it often stays the same. Whether you're interested in expanding your impact, exploring a new specialty, or pursuing a different career path, your nursing expertise can help open doors to new possibilities.

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