Q: Why did you decide to go from a practicing RN to teaching?
NY: I met a colleague at a pediatric nurse practitioner conference, and we started talking about the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in nursing. She was practicing while pursuing her doctorate degree. She advised me to look into it and see if it was something that I wanted to do. As I talked with more people about the opportunity and met with an admissions counselor, I decided to pursue the degree. I knew that in addition to research, teaching was a component of what I would do after I completed the degree. I was ready at that time after being a RN for eight years and nurse practitioner for four years. 

I still practiced as a practitioner on a part time basis while I taught full time. I recently ceased practicing once I became Associate Dean as it was difficult to find a contingent and flexible position as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Q: Tell us about some of the topics your asked to lecture on at your speaking engagements?
NT: Leadership, protocol, bylaws, governance, motivational/inspirational speeches, crucial conversations and accountability, my research (risk behaviors in adolescents of color), diversity/equity/inclusion issues, volunteerism, personal branding.

Q: What are the subjects you teach at the University of Detroit Mercy?
NT: During my 15 years at Detroit Mercy (off and on), I have taught the following courses: Leadership, Health Assessment, Nursing/Healthcare Research, Human Resources in Health Services Administration, Pediatric Nursing, Health Policy, Introduction to Nursing, Pathophysiology.

Q: What are the best practices you have employed to build a successful career? 
NT:

1) While you are building your career, don’t decline opportunities to grow even if you are afraid that you may fail.

2) Figure out how to make everything work.

3) Be honest and direct, while being compassionate and politically correct.

4) Always stay humble but know your worth.

5) I am a huge relationship builder and networker. I feel that putting myself out there while cultivating true authentic relationships has led to my success.

6) I am a lifelong learner, love staying on top of my game, so I am always taking some course or working toward some sort of credential to continue to hone in on my skills and gifts.

7) Always remember that your reputation will proceed you and the Golden Rule…. Treat people how you want to be treated. Make everyone feel important and connect with them in a meaningful way.

8) Don’t let anyone tell you ‘No” or that you unable to do something. Obtain all of the degrees and credentials along with experiences and skill set to make you marketable and a differentiator.

Q: What is it about your job that most excites you?
NT: Every day is different. Every day is a challenge. Every day I can make a difference and help people in whatever way that they may need it. It also marries all of my passions together – nursing, leadership/administration, research, education, and service.

Q: What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today? 
NT: The death of my father. I deal with it every day of how I miss him and how much he was a part of my life. I went through an interesting period after his death in where I had to adjust and create my new life without his earthly presence. It provided an opportunity to grow and challenge myself further while saying that the ‘fear’ occurred. Now its time to continue living while reinventing yourself and keeping my father’s legacy alive.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career?
NT: When I took care of my first pediatric patient. I can still see her face and remember her name. This was almost thirty years ago. She was two years old, had open heart surgery, and her parents never came to see her. She was a frequent flyer as they call it, so I took care of her on several days. Taking care of her included playing with her as it is the work of children. Through these interactions with this young patient, I knew that I wanted to be a pediatric nurse and the rest as they say is history.

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
NT: Never burn your bridges as you never know when you may have to cross them again.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
NT: My 84 year old mother as she has not missed a beat. She is a very independent and strong woman. I want to be like her when I grow up.

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
NT: Me too issues and being heard in all spaces and places.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
NT: Know how to negotiate and know your worth.

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you? 
NT: I knew that I would be a leader and that I would have a business degree.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
NT: Well…I make sure that I make time to exercise/stretch/yoga/meditate daily. When I work, I focus on the work ahead to include my professional nursing and community organization.

26 Things About Dr. Nutrena Tate

1. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 
Martin Luther King Jr. Oprah Winfrey, Prince, Michael Jackson

2. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? 
Michelle Obama

3. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Spend time with family and work out on my Peloton

4. Who is the most fascinating person you’ve ever met? 
My father

5. What was the last book you really got into?
What I know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey

6. What’s the most amazing adventures have you’ve ever been on? 
Ziplining in Punta Cana 

7. Among your friends, what are you best known for? 
How I dress/They call me a fashion plate.

8. What’s your favorite international food? 
Asian cuisine

9. What’s your favorite app on your phone?
Pinterest

10. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid? 
Captain Kangaroo, Kids are People Too, Wonder Woman, Dance Fever, Different Strokes, and Scooby Doo

11. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done? 
Skipped school when I was in high school

12. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

13. If you unexpectedly won $10,000, what would you spend it on? 
Donate to a few charities and do home repairs.

14. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 
Whatever it takes to get it done, I either wake up early or stay up late. 

15. Favorite City? 
Detroit, of course.

16. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken. 
Third time to Las Vegas.

17. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut? 
Go with my gut.

18. What’s your big passion? 
Helping people actualize their greatness, especially the underserved and the underdog.

19. What’s your signature drink? 
Martini

20. What would you sing at Karaoke night? 
Push It by Salt N Pepa

21.What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? 
I like to watch all Olympic games, basketball, and football, mixed martial arts, boxing

22. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? 
Sight as I learn a lot of observing…

23. What would your perfect Saturday be like? 
Relaxing, napping, and watching TV.

24. Would you rather cook or order in? 
When I have time, I like to cook, but usually I like to order in

25. What was your favorite subject in school? 
All…I was a nerd

26. Cake or pie? 
Either