Melanie Van Sistine, BSN, RN
SPEAKER

Melanie Van Sistine, BSN, RN

Melanie "Mel" Van Sistine, BSN, RN, is the founder of Mel's Crafty Corner, an award-winning custom apparel and accessories brand built for healthcare professionals, educators, and caring professionals everywhere. Mel started her career in 2013 as a CNA before becoming a Registered Nurse in 2018, going on to work as an acute care pediatric nurse specializing in endocrine, pulmonary, GI/GU, and mental health care. She served as a charge nurse, mentor, and preceptor, and was a three-time DAISY Award nominee. In 2020, during a slow season brought on by the pandemic, Mel designed a simple rainbow t-shirt as a symbol of hope ~ and Mel's Crafty Corner was born. After a back injury led her away from bedside nursing, she leaned fully into the business, going full-time in 2022. She's since been named Nurse.org's 2023 Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year and 2024 Best Nurse-Founded Business, and 2025 Best Nurse Entrepreneur Creator; all while running MCC from her Milwaukee, Wisconsin studio, one Happy Mail package at a time.

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What to Expect at Nursing Careers Week 2026

What to Expect at Nursing Careers Week 2026

Nursing Careers Week 2026, presented by Health Carousel, returns November 9–13 for its third annual global virtual experience — created to help nurses explore what is possible next in their careers. Designed for nurses at every stage, this free online event brings together students, bedside nurses, travel nurses, international nurses, educators, nurse leaders, and seasoned professionals for five days of inspiration, practical career development, and global connection. This year’s event is focused on helping nurses take intentional steps toward careers that are fulfilling, flexible, sustainable, and future-focused. Whether you are looking to grow in your current role, explore a new pathway, protect your well-being, prepare for a U.S. nursing career, or simply reconnect with your sense of purpose, Nursing Careers Week 2026 is built to meet you where you are. Registration is open for nurses who are ready to save their spot.

What to Expect at Nursing Careers Week 2026
Health Carousel
Announcements
Discover the World of Travel Nursing at TravCon

Discover the World of Travel Nursing at TravCon

Unlock an exclusive early bird discount to TravCon through Nursing Careers Week and take the first step into the exciting world of travel nursing. Discover how Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health supports nurses beyond the contract with career-long guidance and growth.

Discover the World of Travel Nursing at TravCon
TravCon
Career Resources
Catalyst Scholarship Winner: Cynthia

Catalyst Scholarship Winner: Cynthia

Health Carousel proudly announces Cynthia Ginikachi Ubah-Uchenna as the 2025 recipient of the $5,000 Catalyst Scholarship. Awarded during Nursing Careers Week, this scholarship supports nurses advancing their education and preparing for leadership roles in clinical practice and patient advocacy. Cynthia’s journey—from her early perioperative nursing experience in Nigeria to pursuing her BSN at the University of Suffolk—reflects resilience, precision, and a deep commitment to compassionate care. With aspirations to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and later earn a DNAP, Cynthia is driven to align her practice with global standards and expand her impact. The Catalyst Scholarship will allow her to reduce educational expenses, focus on her studies, and continue shaping her path toward advanced practice nursing. Her story exemplifies the power of determination, empathy, and vision in transforming healthcare.

Catalyst Scholarship Winner: Cynthia
Health Carousel
Scholarship
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Empowerment
Resilience
Nurse Stories
Empowered

Nurse-Led: Turning Experience Into Entrepreneurship

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
10:00 am
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
10:00 am
Anthony Scarpone-Lambert, BSN, RN
Co-Founder & CEO @ Adni
Melanie Van Sistine, BSN, RN
Nurse Entreprenuer @ Mel's Crafty Corner
Shannon McPeek, BSN, RN
Founder, CEO @ Operation Happy Nurse

Today’s nurses are redefining what a nursing career can look like—building businesses, creating content, launching wellness communities, and developing platforms that support and strengthen the nursing profession. In this energizing panel discussion, nurse entrepreneurs and creators will share how they transformed their clinical experience and personal passions into impactful businesses and communities serving nurses in new ways. From social media influencing and content creation to mental health advocacy and career-focused platforms, panelists will discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, overcoming self-doubt, building a brand, and creating meaningful opportunities beyond traditional roles. Attendees will leave inspired by the evolving possibilities available to nurses today and empowered to think differently about the future of their own careers.