WNA has so many incredible members making a lasting impression in nursing. We think it’s about time that everyone else knows about our incredible members, too. That is why we have a Member Spotlight series on our website. This is the space to showcase your talent. Tell us about your remarkable research, your touching stories, the obstacles you’ve overcome. Show us—and the world—what it really means to be a Wisconsin Nurse. Fill out your form to be spotlighted! WNA Member Spotlight Questionnaire

For our next member spotlight, we have Gail Hanson Brenner!

What is your name?

Gail Hanson Brenner, MSN, RN

What have been your roles at WNA / how long have you been a member?

I’ve been a member for 17 years. My roles have included District 10 President, Public Policy Council, Workforce Advocacy, PPC Representative to Board, Nominating Committee, and Vice President.

Where do you work?

University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

What is (or was) your job title?

Clinical Assistant Professor

What do (or did) you do in your job?

Primarily teach in the BSN Completion program

Tell us a story from your job.

I am the Faculty Advisor to the Eau Claire Student Nurses Association and encourage students to become involved. Several years ago when I was a WNA Board member I took a couple of students to the WNA Annual Convention with me. Towards the end of the evening I took the students to a gathering with me. When we left the gathering, one student was beside herself as she had just met the American Nurses Association President, who had been featured with the President as the Affordable Care Act was being developed and who the student greatly admired.

What do you do in your free time?

I have no free time as I am enrolled in a PhD program! I enjoy spending time with family and just relaxing.

What are you passionate about?

Nursing and advocating for the profession.

Brag to us about something you’ve done in your career.

I don’t feel that I’ve done much in my career other than spending 22 years on the same acute care unit and 12 years as an educator. One of the things I enjoy doing is finding ways to get students engaged with professional nursing organizations and advocating for the profession. I encourage students to attend Nurses Day at the Capitol and other events such as conferences and meetings.

What does being a nurse mean to you?

It is my life!