Black History Month Spotlight: RN Tamichole Nelson

February 4, 2022

Swedish Communications

image with a red, yellow and gree border on the left side, with text that says "celebrating Black History Month." Swedish logo is at the bottom.

[2 MIN READ]

Every week during Black History Month, Swedish is spotlighting one of our caregivers who will share what Black history means to them.
Swedish clinical nurse educator Tamichole Nelson was inspired by her grandmother, the first Black public health nurse in a small Washington town, to follow in her career footsteps.
Tamichole also points to the accomplishments of Black men and women throughout history as her inspiration.

RN Tamichole Nelson is a clinical nurse educator here at Swedish.

This week, we speak with Tamichole Nelson, a clinical nurse educator at Swedish, about the importance of recognizing African Americans' contributions to our shared history.

Tamichole was inspired by her grandmother to enter the nursing profession. “My grandmother, Ruby Henderson, was the first Black public health nurse in a small Washington town after relocating from the south. She worked at the Benton-Franklin County Health District,” says Tamichole.

Tamichole started her career in healthcare in 1994 as a nursing assistant at Swedish Medical Center and Swedish Health and Hospice. Shortly after, she followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and pursued a nursing degree.

When reflecting on some of the most rewarding aspects of her current role as a clinical nurse educator, Tamichole shares that making connections with caregivers and knowing that she has made a difference in someone’s clinical practice is one of the most gratifying elements of her work.

^{Ruby Henderson, grandmother of Swedish RN Tamichole Nelson, was the first Black public health nurse at the Benton-Franklin County Health District. She inspired her granddaughter's nursing career.}

She proudly shares that she will always celebrate and hold close to her heart this part of her personal story. It's especially poignant during Black History Month, says Tamichole, a time when she enjoys participating in community events and learning more about the accomplishments of African Americans.

“Black History Month to me is a time to reflect on and remember the great accomplishments by strong and courageous Black men and women. I am also reminded if it were not for those who fought, struggled, dreamed and created before me, I would not have the opportunities or freedoms that I have today,” she says.

She also shares that she feels it’s important to celebrate Black History Month because our collective history is diverse: “Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of creativity, innovation and contributions many African Americans have made throughout history.”

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