ANA Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation® Spotlight: Maricon Dans, MSN, RN, NE-BC
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Nurse uses faith to form connections and foster a positive work environment
Finding that “thing” that helps you stay balanced in a fast-paced and demanding health care environment is critical to a long and healthy nursing career. Sharing your approach to well-being and recipe for balance with others can create a ripple effect that impacts the careers of many.
#healthynurse Maricon Dans, MSN, RN, NE-BC, believes her faith is her “thing.” It influences her approach to life, work, and well-being, providing a sense of contentment and purpose that’s palpable. Maricon’s faith-based approach to work and life is so remarkable that it has influenced some of her colleagues to also find balance through faith.
“There’s always going to be stressors and hurdles — it’s part of life,” says Maricon, who has seen her share of challenges, especially as a young nurse migrating from the Philippines to the United Kingdom and finally to the United States. “The way we approach life’s challenges matters. I choose to approach life through a lens of spirituality. I seek to see the positive in things because I know God orchestrates everything. I’ve also learned that when contentment and love emanate from within, other people feel it.”
Using Faith to Find Connection
Maricon has always felt more confident and ready to tackle the day when she prays in the morning. But as the isolation of the pandemic set in, Maricon asked 2 of her colleagues if they would be interested in praying with her. When the 3 of them saw the impact of coming together in prayer and setting daily intentions, they wanted to share the experience.
Fast-forward 4 years, and what started as 3 people praying has become a morning gathering of 20 or more people from various religious denominations. The group continues to grow through word of mouth. The prayer group meets virtually (cameras are optional) on workdays for just 5 minutes, from 8:55 to 9 a.m. Participants have the option to lead prayers, read a Bible verse, or share intentions. They can also just listen and be present.
“People of different backgrounds and faiths come together to be grateful, give praise, and ask for prayers,” Maricon says. “It's become our safety zone. We celebrate together and share the challenging parts of our lives. Prayer somehow provides comfort when you might be feeling helpless or hopeless, and the connection with others can lift you up.”
Maricon says her coworkers — and nurses in general — tend to be passionate and dedicated people. Part of being passionate often means wanting to go above and beyond — setting high expectations for yourself. But those expectations can impact well-being and add stress. For Maricon, that’s where faith comes in. Every now and then, when stress is high, she stops and reflects on her beliefs. “Those small moments, on my own or in our prayer group, help me stay grounded, focused, and grateful, even amidst personal and professional challenges,” Maricon says.
A Personal and Professional Journey of Faith
A life centered on faith is not new to Maricon — she was raised in a religious (Roman Catholic) household. She grew up prioritizing spirituality and participation in church, attending mass daily throughout high school and college.
Maricon was an active member of Singles for Christ when she lived in the Philippines and has been a member of the Couples for Christ Community in Kentucky and now in Maryland. She even coordinated first aid for 5,000–10,000 pilgrims at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., for several years.
While her life has always been steeped in devotion to her religion, she didn’t realize how much strength she drew from her faith until she let herself drift away from it.
“I was young and working in a foreign country to support my family back home,” Maricon says. “I had stopped making my faith a regular part of my day, but I knew something was missing. I was always striving for, but never finding, contentment.” She eventually found her way back to faith and became more intentional in seeking time to pray and connect with her spiritual side.
Maricon saw the impact of that intentional spirituality on her work. Early in her nursing career, when she worked at the bedside, Maricon was recognized for her dedication to excellence and compassionate care. She believes those professional achievements reflect her faith and commitment to serving others.
“I went into nursing because I had an innate desire to serve others, and that goes hand-in-hand with spirituality,” Maricon says. “Patients share a part of their life with us. In return, I worked hard to give myself to them, be present, and form that connection.”
Faith Bolsters Nurse Well-Being
Maricon hasn’t worked at the bedside in more than a decade, but she continues to bring that experience, passion, and faith-based approach to her work at the American Nurses Credentialing Center. There, Maricon draws on her personal beliefs and positive attitude to support and recognize organizations that create healthy work environments and prioritize nurses’ well-being.
“I know what it entails to be a bedside nurse, and I’m passionate about making sure nurses’ well-being is fostered through a positive work environment,” Maricon says. “After all, I see the impact of a positive work atmosphere in my own life and know firsthand how personal connections and faith can support a culture of well-being.”
Maricon Dans, MSN, RN, NE-BC, is the assistant director of the Pathway to Excellence® and Well-Being Excellence™ programs at the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
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Blog #healthynurse Spotlight
08/27/2025 11:46am CDT
The #healthynurse Spotlight is a shout out to nurses who are making changes in their lives to improve their health and wellness. You can too! Read their stories for inspiration here.
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