Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates

08/07/2026

Please join us in welcoming Vanessa Flynn, BSN, RN, to Guardian Nurses as our new Vice President of Business Development!

With more than 20 years of experience working with health plan sponsors, employers, and healthcare organizations, Vanessa brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and benefits consulting experience that will help us expand our impact across the country.

"Our team is very excited to welcome Vanessa! As a nurse and as a previous benefits consultant, she deeply understands the value that Guardian Nurses brings to employers and plan sponsors. As she helps us grow our services throughout the U.S., we all look forward to helping more patients!" — Betty Long, President & CEO

Welcome to the team, Vanessa! We're excited for all that's ahead.

08/07/2026

“I didn’t set out to become the CEO of a national company. I just wanted to be a nurse and help people.”

In a recent Philadelphia Business Journal feature, Guardian Nurses CEO Betty Long, RN, MSN, shares the personal moment that inspired her to create a new kind of healthcare advocacy — and how that mission has grown into a nation wide supourt system, helping patients and families navigate the complexities of healthcare.

Read the full article to hear Betty’s story: https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/mentoring-matters/2026/07/in-her-own-words-betty-long.html

08/03/2026

After 30 years, Jennifer Donahue, RN, is hanging up her stethoscope and setting sail into retirement!

Since joining Guardian Nurses in 2020, Jenn has been a dedicated advocate for the members and families of Plumbers Local 690, helping more than 2,500 members navigate their healthcare journeys with compassion and expertise.

Her commitment to making a difference will be deeply missed by our team and all those she supported. Now, Jenn and her husband, Joe, are ready to chart a new course and explore the waterways ahead.

Thank you, Jenn, for your years of service and the impact you’ve made. Wishing you smooth sailing and endless adventures in this next chapter!

07/22/2026

The hottest day deserved the coolest treat.

Guardian Nurses was proud to sponsor gourmet popsicles for IBEW Local 98 members last Thursday at the union office and training center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Jacki Bloom and Alicia Spataro kept everyone smiling from the Frios Popsicle truck, and we even made sure the young women in the Women in Construction program got to enjoy one while they powered through a test.

As Business Manager Mark Lynch put it, it was the "coolest treat" of the summer. We're always grateful for opportunities to support the hardworking people who keep our communities running.

07/17/2026

You never know when your impact will come full circle.

While traveling to New York on Amtrak, Guardian Nurses' Damali struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger who recognized her Guardian Nurses shirt. As it turned out, the woman had worked with one of our nurses years ago, and that nurse was also on the train.

The passenger found Jen Prater and shared something she'll never forget: "You changed the trajectory of our family's life."

Years ago, Jen helped the family's daughter navigate a difficult health journey, advocating through multiple levels of care and appeals. Today, that daughter is thriving and heading to MIT this August.

Sometimes, the impact of advocacy isn't fully seen until years later.

07/14/2026

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of healthcare.

This month's issue of The Flame explores a reality many patients know all too well: long waits for appointments, test results, and specialist visits. Betty Long, RN, MHA, shares why these delays are happening and, more importantly, practical ways to manage the stress and uncertainty while you wait.

Read here: https://www.guardiannurses.com/the-lost-art-of-patience/

07/10/2026

$5,000 Grant is available to a nurse entrepreneur who is starting a business or who is less than two years in to that business…applications are being accepted until August 3rd.

The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania presents the $5,000 Guardian Nurses Entrepreneurial Award at its annual gala.

06/29/2026

Getting a doctor’s appointment these days can feel like trying to score tickets to a sold-out World Cup match. Long wait times, packed schedules, and staffing shortages are making it harder than ever to access care when you need it.

In our June Flame newsletter, we explore what's driving these delays and share practical tips to help patients navigate today's healthcare system with less frustration.

Read more:

At Guardian Nurses, our team spends a lot of time helping people navigate healthcare, but over the last year — maybe two — we’ve noticed something interesting: one of the hardest parts of healthcare right now is simply getting in the door. Lately, it seems like everywhere I go, people are aski...

06/11/2026

What a day at the Benefits Innovation Summit hosted by Conner Strong & Buckelew at Citizens Bank Park! ⚾️

From hearing insights (and sharing lots of laughs!) with keynote speaker Dave Raymond to connecting with industry leaders and joining meaningful conversations around nurse advocacy, the event brought together passionate voices for an afternoon of learning, collaboration and connection.

Our own Betty Long was proud to join a panel discussion on nurse advocacy alongside Joyce Hess. Favorite moments also included catching up in the press room with Charlotte Jaroma and connecting with Kerry Noone from Wondr Health.

And as expected… everyone loves the Phanatic. 💚

05/29/2026

Please join us in congratulating Guardian Nurses’ own Crystal Santoro on being recognized by Main Line Today as one of the area’s Best Nurses in Case Management!

Crystal’s compassion, advocacy, and dedication to helping patients and families navigate their healthcare journeys make a difference every single day, and we couldn’t be more proud to see her recognized for the incredible care she provides.

Congratulations, Crystal, on this well-deserved honor!