Anne Llewellyn: A Nurse, Advocate, and Relentless Champion for Change 

Anne Llewellyn is a force to be reckoned with in the best way possible. A nurse with over 47 years of experience, she has seen it all—the triumphs, the struggles, and the deep systemic flaws that make it harder for people to get the care they desperately need. Anne has been in the trenches, fighting for her patients long before advocacy became a buzzword. Today, she continues to be a powerful voice for nurses, patients, and case managers alike, ensuring that those who need care are not forgotten in a system that too often prioritizes bureaucracy over people. 

From Critical Care to Case Management: A Career Rooted in Compassion 

Anne's journey began in the heart of the action—critical care nursing in the emergency department and respiratory intensive care. These early experiences shaped her into the nurse she is today, instilling an unshakable commitment to patient care. But it wasn't just about treating symptoms; it was about seeing the whole person, understanding their needs beyond the hospital walls, and ensuring they had the resources to recover and thrive. 

Her transition into case management in 1988 was more than just a career shift—it was a calling. In this role, Anne saw firsthand the challenges patients faced when uninsured or underinsured. The cold reality? Many people simply could not afford the care they needed. But Anne refused to accept that. She became a tireless advocate, navigating complex healthcare systems, negotiating with insurance companies, and finding creative solutions to ensure her patients received the care they deserved. 

A Relentless Advocate in Workers’ Compensation 

In 1993, Anne took her expertise into the world of workers' compensation, a system notorious for its red tape and loopholes. As a nurse case manager, she not only helped injured workers get the care they needed but also worked to change the industry itself. Anne quickly realized that Florida's workers' compensation system did not recognize the Case Manager Certification (CCM) at the time—a credential Anne knew was vital to the profession. Instead of accepting this barrier, Anne did what she does best: she fought. Through networking, lobbying, and relentless advocacy, she pushed for the CCM to be recognized as the gold standard for nurse case managers in workers' compensation. Today, thanks to her efforts, the CCM is a widely respected credential countless professionals hold. 

A Pivotal Moment: Becoming the Patient 

In 2014, Anne's world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This experience changed everything. She was on the other side of the system for the first time as the patient, not the nurse. And she quickly realized how difficult it was to navigate healthcare without a strong advocate. Her fellow case managers and her husband became her lifeline, ensuring she received the best possible care at a top-tier facility. 

That experience solidified her passion for advocacy even more. If navigating the healthcare system was this difficult for someone with her level of knowledge and experience, how could the average patient possibly manage? It was a wake-up call and a turning point. From that moment on, Anne dedicated herself to workers' compensation and patient advocacy, ensuring that others wouldn't have to fight alone. 

Fighting for Nurses in a Time of Crisis 

Today, Anne's work has taken on a new urgency. Nurses nationwide are under attack—physically, emotionally, and professionally. From violence in hospitals to legislative battles over working conditions, the profession is in crisis. Anne is using her voice to shed light on these issues. 

Through her writing, she exposes the harsh realities nurses face and calls for systemic change. She is unafraid to tackle difficult topics, from burnout to inadequate staffing to the emotional toll of a system that often fails those on the front lines. Her work isn't just about raising awareness—it's about demanding action. 

Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Advocacy 

Anne Llewellyn is more than a nurse. She is a leader, a trailblazer, and a relentless advocate. She has spent decades shaping the future of case management, influencing policy, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. Her leadership within the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) has been instrumental in defining the field and ensuring that case managers are recognized as essential healthcare team members. 

Even with all she has accomplished, Anne is not slowing down. She continues to write, educate, and speak out on the issues that matter most. Her mission is clear: to empower nurses, case managers, and patients to take control of their healthcare journeys. She believes in leaving a legacy that future advocates can build upon, ensuring that the work she has dedicated her life to continues long after she steps away. 

Words of Wisdom for Future Generations 

Anne's advice is simple for those entering the field today: remember why you are here. The healthcare system is complex, frustrating, and often unfair. But at its core, it is about people—patients who need care, families who need support, and professionals who have the power to make a difference. Stay focused on your mission, be willing to fight for what's right, and never take "no" for an answer when advocating for those who need you. 

A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced 

Anne Llewellyn is a woman of influence in every sense of the word. She has built a career on advocacy, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to justice in healthcare. She is a warrior for nurses, a champion for patients, and a voice that refuses to be silenced in the face of adversity. 

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor Anne for her incredible contributions, fearless leadership, and dedication to making healthcare—and the world—a better place for all. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, the strength of conviction, and the lasting impact one woman can have when she refuses to accept the status quo. 

Anne, we see you. We celebrate you. And we thank you for the work you continue to do, ensuring that no patient, no nurse, and no advocate stands alone in the fight for better healthcare. 

Share This Article: