Today we’d like to introduce you to Nahla Zaki
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello! My name is Nahla Zaki, and I’ve spent the past 13 years immersed in the healthcare system, driven by a deep passion for preventative care, improving quality of life, and empowering others to create accessible, meaningful change in the field of medicine. My journey has been shaped by a combination of personal experiences, professional pursuits, and an unwavering commitment to holistic wellness.
After earning my Master’s in Public Health and Nursing, I realized my desire to go beyond traditional care models and explore innovative ways to serve communities. My time as a Pediatric ICU RN was incredibly fulfilling, but it also illuminated my passion for broad scale change for all populations and age groups. That realization pushed me to explore forward-thinking medicine and holistic approaches to health that focus on prevention, wellness, and early detection.
This passion is deeply personal. For the past decade, I’ve watched my father battle Alzheimer’s disease, and last year, I lost one of my closest friends to Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Cancer—discovered only at its advanced stage. These experiences solidified my resolve to advocate for comprehensive, proactive healthcare that addresses not just disease but the factors that influence overall well-being, such as diet, exercise, mental health, social connections, and emotional resilience.
Currently, I’m pursuing my studies to become a Nurse Practitioner, focusing on preventative care and holistic health. Most recently, I earned certifications as a nutrition and wellness coach to further expand my ability to support others. In my professional life, I work full-time as an organizational consultant at a leading healthcare system, where I help drive impactful change that influence patient outcomes. In parallel, I’ve found joy in mentoring future nurses and healthcare professionals. Through my Etsy shop and Instagram page, NurseNahla, I share tools, tips, workbooks, educational material, and lifestyle to make the wellness and nursing journey a little easier and more inspiring for all. Healthy lifestyle should be fun, personal, and inspirational.
At the heart of my journey is a simple but powerful goal: to improve the lives of others through accessible, comprehensive healthcare while encouraging those in the field to prioritize their own well-being. I hope my story inspires others to follow their passions, challenge the status quo, and create a healthier, more compassionate future for all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth—it’s been a road filled with challenges, breakups, grief, and moments of profound introspection. Watching my loved ones suffer has been one of the hardest aspects of my life. My father’s decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s and the loss of my best friend to Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Cancer not only shook me to my core but also deeply affected my family. These experiences forced me to pause, reflect, and navigate the difficult path of grief, which is never linear. It’s a journey that humbles you, tests your resilience, and ultimately reshapes your perspective.
Throughout these trials, one constant has remained: my unwavering sense of purpose. I’ve often asked myself, What is my purpose in life? And the answer has always been clear—to help as many people as I can in this lifetime. This purpose has been my anchor, driving me to keep moving forward, even when the road has been rough.
Behind the scenes, the work has required immense grit, patience, and heart. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every step I take is fueled by the hope that I can create meaningful change—not just for myself but for others. I want to enable people to live healthier lives, foster stronger connections, and ultimately spend more time with their loved ones. These moments of connection and wellness are what make the challenges worthwhile and keep me striving toward my goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work as an organizational consultant for a leading healthcare system, where I specialize as a Lean Performance Improvement Specialist. My role focuses on identifying opportunities to enhance processes that directly impact patient outcomes—a responsibility I approach with both precision and purpose. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how even small changes in efficiency and effectiveness can lead to better care for patients and greater ease for healthcare providers.
Outside of work, I wear many hats. I’m a full-time Family Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Student with a focus on preventative medicine, and I channel my creativity as a content creator. I develop educational materials, share practical tips, and promote healthy lifestyle practices through platforms like Etsy and Instagram. This allows me to connect with others who are equally passionate about health and wellness, while also mentoring the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals.
What sets me apart is my insatiable curiosity and my ability to blend creativity with innovation. I take pride in truly understanding the challenges people face—whether patients, colleagues, or students—and tailoring solutions that make a real difference. My entrepreneurial spirit has always driven me to seek new knowledge, refine my skills, and explore fresh opportunities. This continuous growth fuels my passion for giving back and paving the way for others to succeed, ensuring that my work leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I love the topic of risk-taking because it’s such a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation. To me, taking risks is about believing in yourself enough to pursue what truly matters to you, even when the path is uncertain. Every risk I’ve taken has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined, propelling me toward the opportunities and experiences that were meant for me.
I’ve taken risks in many areas of my life—changing jobs, returning to school multiple times, and venturing into personal passions that fuel my creativity. Each time, I viewed these as calculated investments in myself. Risk-taking, to me, is about learning how to bet on yourself and having the courage to follow through. It’s a testament to determination, tenacity, and resilience.
Of course, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve faced countless rejections—job offers that didn’t pan out, ideas that were dismissed, others telling me I was doing too much, and school applications that didn’t go my way. Those “no’s” and naysayers could have stopped me in my tracks, but instead, they became stepping stones. I’ve learned that hearing “no,” battling imposter syndrome, and silencing self-doubt are all part of the process. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging it feels.
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me came from my father, who would say, “Nahla, this is tough, but you are tougher.” Those words remind me to persevere, even when the risks feel daunting. Because at the end of the day, the biggest risk is not taking one at all—and I’d rather bet on myself every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yournursekit.etsy.com
- Instagram: NurseNahla
Image Credits
All images are mine so N/A. can use all of these
