New Memoir by Former ANA President and Nurse Advocate Reveals 50 Years of Leadership

Overcoming: Stories of Leadership, Resilience, and Action tells the story of Dr. Karen Daley and her work in nursing and patient care. End Quote

Karen's story is a reminder that leadership is often forged in the most challenging moments of personal crisis

(1888PressRelease) December 11, 2025 - BOSTON, Mass. - The American healthcare system continually evolves in response to changes in scientific advancements, public policy and reimbursement mechanisms. However, integral to provision of safe, compassionate, quality patient care is support for healthcare workers and maintenance of a healthy and impactful nursing workforce.

In her new memoir Overcoming: Stories of Leadership, Resilience, and Action, Dr. Karen A. Daley, PhD, RN, FAAN, tells a story spanning 50 years of service. Inside the book is a powerful narrative that describes her personal determination and resilience beginning with her early home life to an injury that ended her clinical career and led to public advocacy that redefined national healthcare policy. The book offers compelling lessons on perseverance, purpose and the impact one voice can have on millions. This memoir shares poignant moments along her courageous journey and describes the role family, friends and mentors played in inspiring her along the way.

“Karen’s story is a reminder that leadership is often forged in the most challenging moments of personal crisis,” says Dr. Marla Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Her legacy is inspiring, directing nurses and leaders to take action at every level, when it matters most.”

Raised in difficult family circumstances, Dr. Daley entered nursing to make a meaningful difference. In 1998, she suffered a preventable needlestick injury that infected her with HIV and hepatitis C. Instead of ending her professional journey, she used this personal tragedy to spark new state and federal occupational safety laws. Her work raised national awareness about the importance of sharps injury prevention and established new safety and reporting requirements, prioritizing the health and wellness of frontline workers.

Dr. Daley later served as president of the American Nurses Association (ANA) for two consecutive terms, helping to create the ANA Enterprise. She has also served on numerous boards, including the American Nurses Foundation, the International Safety Center and the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. Her time in these roles provided insightful lessons on leadership that helped guide her personal and professional growth.

Throughout the chapters, Overcoming: Stories of Leadership, Resilience, and Action offers candid reflections on rebuilding purpose after loss, cultivating resilience and instilling moral courage through hard-won experiences. Drawing from her lived experiences, the author shares profound insights into the modern healthcare system, while pursuing and exploring issues of equity, safety and humanity in nursing practice and patient care.

“This memoir was written for everyone and anyone facing crossroads. I especially want nurses and nursing students to read it and feel inspired to show up for their patients, despite the enormous challenges life and the current healthcare system present. Even in the face of adversity, there is always a path forward,” stated Dr. Daley.

Overcoming: Stories of Leadership, Resilience, and Action is available through SDP Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. It is a key marker in the timeline of nursing as a profession and practice, seeking to inspire and empower readers to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

About Dr. Karen A. Daley - Dr. Karen A. Daley, PhD, RN, FAAN served from 2010 to 2014 as the 34th president of the American Nurses Association, the nation’s largest nursing organization representing the interests of 3.5 million registered nurses. She has served on numerous state boards and national organizations. She is also a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, the International Safety Center, and the Barnstable Land Trust. In addition, she holds an appointment as adjunct faculty at Case Western Reserve University.

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