10/19/2026
Nurses You Should Know!
Dr. Ernest J. Grant’s nursing journey is a powerful example of perseverance, lifelong learning, and leadership. Raised in North Carolina during segregation, Grant began his career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), becoming the first African American graduate of his LPN program. Determined to advance both his education and his impact on patient care, he continued his academic progression by earning his BSN, MSN, and ultimately a PhD in Nursing. Throughout his career, he remained committed to serving vulnerable populations while mentoring future nurses and advocating for diversity and inclusion within the profession.
Grant gained international recognition as a burn care and fire safety expert through his work with the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. For more than three decades, he led burn prevention initiatives, educated healthcare professionals, and provided burn-care training to U.S. military personnel preparing for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. His expertise earned numerous honors, including the Nurse of the Year Award presented by President George W. Bush for his care of burn victims following the September 11 attacks. In 2018, Grant made history as the first man elected President of the American Nurses Association (ANA), where he became a national voice for nurses, patient safety, health equity, and workforce advocacy, further cementing his reputation as one of nursing’s most influential leaders.
