Episode 23: Say My Name: How to Advocate for Yourself When Healthcare Isn't Listening

“Say my name, say my name…” 🎶 Every patient deserves to be seen, heard, and believed. Yet too many people—especially in Black communities—leave healthcare appointments feeling dismissed, rushed, or unheard. In this episode of CRxOWN Talks, we're talking about one of the most important skills you can have: self-advocacy in healthcare. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, asking questions about your treatment plan, or speaking up when something doesn't feel right, your voice matters. Joining me is Maria Jasanya, MSN, RNC, CLC, CNM, CNE, a nurse educator, certified nurse midwife, and passionate advocate for patients and nurses alike. Together, we discuss: 🗣️ Why self-advocacy can improve your health outcomes 🤝 How providers can create space for patients to feel heard About Our Guest: Maria Jasanya, MSN, RNC, CLC, CNM, CNE is a Nurse Educator, Adjunct Nursing Faculty, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Freelance Writer, and has recently become a guest on several podcasts. She received her BSN from CUNY Hunter College in 2007, MSN in Nurse Midwifery from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2012, and a post-MSN in Nursing Education from SUNY Stony Brook in 2019. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 15 years specializing in maternal-child and general medical-surgical nursing. Maria currently serves full time as the Nurse Residency Coordinator (NRP) and Registered Nurse Instructor at a multi-site academic teaching hospital in Brooklyn, New York. She has worked with several companies as a Subject Matter Expert to participate in the review and development of nursing curriculum, job aides, and policies; formulate NCLEX-style questions; create modules for nursing textbooks; fact-check nursing information; and write nursing blogs. Maria is passionate about educating nurses, promoting self and patient advocacy, and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes. Your health is too important to stay silent. Ask the questions. Share your concerns. Trust your instincts. You are your best advocate. 🎧 Tune in to Say My Name and learn how finding your voice in healthcare can change your outcomes. #CRxOWNTalks #SayMyName #PatientAdvocacy #HealthEquity #BlackHealthMatters #HealthcareAdvocacy #BlackNP #EmpoweredPatients