ANA Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation® Spotlight: Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN
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Nurse finds balance, wellness, and growth in his connections with others
Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN, has spent his career caring for others. Goettl currently serves as Chief Nursing Officer for the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) parent organization, the American Nurses Enterprise. But long before his leadership roles, Goettl provided lifesaving care to the critically ill and injured — as a paramedic, flight nurse, and trauma nurse. In those roles, he discovered the importance of a strong support network.
Finding Resilience in Peer Support
“Those early roles in emergency and trauma were deeply rewarding and, at times, highly stressful,” Goettl recalls. “Having trusted colleagues with whom I could debrief and process hard cases was really important.”
The opportunities to decompress with team members helped Goettl build resilience and stay focused on the positivity in the world. “It helped to know I didn’t have to overcome a high-stress environment alone,” he says. “I could lean on friends and family when I needed to, and they could lean on me.”
Networking for Professional Growth
Goettl found that nurturing his work and personal relationships fostered more than mental and emotional wellness. It was also critical to his professional well-being as he sought new opportunities for growth.
“The mentors, sponsors, and contacts I met throughout my career really had a big impact on my path,” Goettl says. “They taught me what it meant to be engaged not just locally, but also at a national and international level. Thanks to their encouragement and connections, I participated in groups and environments I wouldn’t have sought out myself. I don’t know that I’d be where I am today without that support.”
Tips for Seeking Mentors and Sponsors
Goettl understands that it can feel daunting for some nurses to step out of their comfort zones and seek out mentors or sponsors who can help them with their career trajectories. He says some connections happen organically, while others need to be intentionally nurtured.
“The best mentors come naturally, through a personal connection at work,” he says. “Find someone you respect and ask for their advice or perspective. A mentor is someone you feel comfortable running ideas or questions by.”
If you’re looking for a sponsor who can help open doors for you, Goettl recommends simply introducing yourself and letting them know what you’re interested in. “Go to an event or meeting, join a committee, and get to know the leaders,” he says. “People like to help other people. Sometimes, it just comes down to showing an interest and asking how you can get more connected.”
Supporting Others as He Was Supported
Recognizing and appreciating the help he received from his mentors and sponsors, Goettl now seeks to give back.
“I am where I am because people invested in me,” he says. “I’m thankful to be in a position where I can return the favor. It’s personally fulfilling to me to mentor others and help people advance their careers.”
Disconnecting and Reconnecting With Others — and With Self
As a busy leader of a national professional organization, Goettl still tries to prioritize self-care.
“For me, turning off my phone and spending quality time with my husband and our friends and family is very important to my wellness,” he says. “Reconnecting with the important people in my life re-energizes me. And when I need some self-reflection, I take long walks with our dog. She always lets me vent and listens without judgment.”
Goettl also finds balance and restoration through travel. “Getting that physical break from the hustle and distractions of daily life is very grounding,” he reflects.
Human Connection Is the Answer to an Epidemic of Loneliness
Goettl says he really resonated with the remarks by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, on our society’s “epidemic of loneliness [PDF].” According to Murthy, loneliness and isolation harm individual and societal health, and social connection is a public health need.
“I agree that purposeful and intentional human connection and conversation are important for both emotional well-being and physical health,” Goettl says. “We all need more face-to-face interactions and less screen time.”
Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN, is the Chief Nursing Officer for the American Nurses Enterprise, which includes the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation.
Have you found balance and growth through your relationships with others? Share your experiences in the comments!
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01/05/2026 11:19am CST
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