Michelle James MS, RN, CNS, CCTN, APRN-BC, APRN-CNS, CCTN

Michelle James has spent her career working with, treating, and directing care for patients undergoing organ transplants. Many are very sick, vulnerable, and scared, making it a gratifying but emotionally demanding field. On hard days, she says she focuses on two things: the tremendous opportunity the patients seeking transplantation have to improve their quality or quantity of life, and also her role in improving the care they receive.

James became fascinated with the evolving science of transplant and the revolutionary impact it could have on the health of people with end-stage disease. After working as a staff nurse, James realized the important role she could play by teaching patients and staff and sharing her knowledge on a macro level. Now a clinical nurse specialist and solid organ transplant service line administrative director, James works with staff members who are learning to care for patients. She helps her colleagues succeed by imparting a deep understanding of the issues transplant patients face and encouraging them to be creative when helping patients learn how to care for themselves.