In a heartfelt interview with President of ANA-Illinois, Zeh Wellington shared his experiences and insights as a celebrated leader in the nursing community and as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. His journey through nursing tells an inspiring story of challenge, growth, progress, and advocacy.
Dr. Zeh Wellington is very excited to be not only the first LGBTQ+ president of ANA-Illinois, but also, the first working clinician president: Director of Surgical Services at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He works to set an example of how to treat people of all sexualities, all ethnicities, and all orientations with respect and dignity. “I try to encourage and promote that all people can be their full selves and flourish every day.”
Join us in celebrating Pride and Professionalism with Dr. Zeh Wellington, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC, ANA-Illinois President.
Overcoming Obstacles: Dr. Zeh Wellington’s Journey as an Openly Gay Nurse
Expressing the importance of remembering “your why” you became a nurse—your personal path is the reason we, as nursing professionals, surpass and conquer the hurdles and obstacles we may possibly encounter.
Recounting and sharing a story of one of his first hospital clinical experiences, he described how excited (and nervous) he was to be starting his nursing career and developing care plans. how he committed extra time for learning and how he challenged himself to master his first clinical experience as a student nurse.
When the nurse manager learned that he was a gay man, she decided to change his patient load to the HIV/AIDs ward. Certainly, he did not have a problem with that, but what surprised him is something that still shocks him to this day. “I cannot begin to explain the shock and surprise of to see bolded, giant signs posted on each patient’s door that read ‘HIV Positive.’ Nurses and staff avoided the rooms and would not enter.” He was proud and willing to provide care to all patients, the care they richly deserved.
Today, 16 years later, nurses have been provided a variety of interventions and education to help better understand patients with HIV/AIDS and the disease course. Interventions and instruction have been shown to positively impact patients’ quality of life, disease management, symptoms, and mental health, while providing instruction and teaching about our own prejudice and bias as nurses.
“I also say, have your nurse’s voice do what’s right. Remember your why. Remember the people that we are taking care of. Remember those that we assist on their journey to wellness.”
Despite his experiences over the years, Zeh continues to promote positivity in his work and leadership. His message to nurses, regardless of age or career level is, before you start taking care of another, please take care of yourself, educate yourself, remember your why, promote what is right, mentor others, gain your nurses’ voice, and support those around you.
Committing to your professional development, being politically active, voting, being an active listener, and a problem solver are ideals that Zeh believes in and fiercely encourages for all nurses.
Celebrating Diversity and Advocacy: How Zeh Leads Pride Month Initiatives in Nursing
For Zeh, Pride Month is a time of celebration and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and victories of the LGBTQ community. Within the nursing community, Zeh spearheads efforts that celebrate all diversity among nurses and promotes understanding.
At Lurie Children’s Hospital, nurses decorate floats and participate in a hospital-wide parade throughout the patient floors of the hospital to raise awareness for ongoing issues of inequality. Other events and activities are planned for the month to help raise awareness for equality are engaging in cultural practices and conversations, expanding the team’s knowledge through online courses and learning opportunities, fostering respect and understanding for different cultures and lifestyles and embracing diversity in the workplace and community.
Remembering What it’s About, Helping Everyone
To those LGBTQ individuals considering a career in nursing, Zeh offers encouragement and advice. He stresses the importance of self-education, community engagement, and professional involvement. When embracing these elements, future nurses can ensure they provide unbiased, informed, and compassionate care to all patients- regardless of background.
“We need to offer unbiased healthcare to all. Pride Month reminds us of that. It’s a celebrated time for us to reflect not only on the LGBTQ community but also every community that we represent and serve.”
A Call for Continued Advocacy and Inclusion in Healthcare
Reflecting on the themes of community, education, advocacy, and reflection, Zeh encapsulates the spirit of Pride Month. He shares a message of hope and gratitude for the progress made yet reminds us of the work still needed to be achieved to gain true equality and acceptance.
As we celebrate, we must also commit to the ongoing fight for justice and inclusion in healthcare and beyond, ensuring a better future for all.
Join ANA-Illinois in the pursuit of equality in healthcare. Become a member today!
