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Takeaways
- Education multiplies impact: By supporting and educating nurses across the organization, Janis helps improve care for countless patients beyond her direct reach.
- Compassion drives excellence: Janis’s commitment to service reflects the culture at Huntsman Cancer Institute, where every team member is united in delivering exceptional cancer care.
Impact: Through leaders like Janis Gunnell, Huntsman Cancer Institute strengthens patient care by equipping nurses with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to make a meaningful difference.
For Janis Gunnell, nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, education, and service.
Janis began her nursing journey with a love of science and a desire to help others. While she knew she wanted meaningful work that combined learning with caring for people, it wasn’t until she participated in a nursing internship at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah that she discovered where she truly belonged.
During that internship, Janis spent time on different units and was introduced to the world of oncology care. She was inspired not only by the complexity of the work, but by the people around her working together through some of life’s hardest moments.
“Working with patients is what drives me. I saw amazing people helping amazing people, and I knew this was the environment I wanted to work in.”
That early experience shaped the path of her career and helped define the purpose that continues to guide her today.
Now, as clinical nurse manager for Clinical Staff Education, Janis leads a team of nursing professional development practitioners who ensure clinical staff across Huntsman Cancer Institute are prepared to provide safe, compassionate, high-quality care. Her team supports onboarding, education, and ongoing training for nurses across inpatient units and outpatient clinics, helping staff stay current on best practices, research advances, and clinical protocols.
It is a role with far-reaching impact—one that touches every part of the patient experience.
Though her work is no longer at the bedside, Janis sees the connection between education and patient care every day. She understands that when nurses feel prepared and confident, patients benefit.
“I hope everyone feels competent and confident in their role—like they have a source to provide the best care for patients.”
That commitment to empowering nurses is what drives Janis. She finds deep fulfillment in helping others succeed in their practice.
“I love that ‘a-ha’ moment, when someone gets it. Having my staff feel successful in their role is the most rewarding part of my job.”
For Janis, education is more than teaching—it is an opportunity to multiply the impact of nursing care. By equipping nurses with knowledge and confidence, she knows the benefits extend far beyond any one classroom or training session.
“On the floor, you can reach two to four patients, but in this role, you can exponentially increase that number.”
That perspective was reinforced in a powerful moment when a nurse approached Janis after an EKG class and shared that something they had learned helped them recognize a critical issue and save a patient’s life.
For Janis, it was a meaningful reminder that the work happening behind the scenes can make a lifesaving difference at the bedside.
“That was a reminder that our work is important.”
Moments like that affirm what Janis has always believed: Education is patient care. Every lesson taught creates a ripple effect that reaches patients and families when they need it most.
Janis also carries deep pride in what it means to be a nurse. To her, nursing represents trust, compassion, and service—values that extend beyond the workplace and into everyday life.
“It is a label I’m very proud of. It’s a position that’s trusted. I’m grateful for this role where I get to serve others.”
That sense of service remains her “why,” even through the challenges that come with the profession. Nursing can be demanding, but Janis says the opportunity to help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives makes it all worthwhile.
“There’s nothing better than helping someone through their most difficult times. It’s its own reward.”
That same spirit of service is what Janis believes makes Huntsman Cancer Institute special. In her experience, there is a shared commitment among staff to provide exceptional care and work toward a common purpose.
“Everyone here wants to provide an atmosphere that excels in patient care. We want to eliminate cancer, and everyone is working toward that goal. It’s an alignment other places don’t have.”
It is that alignment—between compassion, expertise, and mission—that has kept Janis inspired throughout her career.
Janis’s story is a reminder that the impact of nursing extends far beyond the bedside. It lives in every life touched through the dedication of those who choose to serve.