Leah Nolan is a Critical Care Registered Nurse and Board Certified Patient Advocate with more than 15 years in healthcare. After earning her BSN from the University of Texas at Arlington and completing a rigorous Critical Care Fellowship, she built her clinical foundation in high-acuity settings including the ICU, ER, and PACU.

 

Much of that career was spent at Parkland Hospital in Dallas—her "first love" in healthcare and where she delivered both of her children. To this day, she maintains a part-time position at Parkland as a float pool ICU nurse (the "Swiss Army Knife" of the hospital) to keep her clinical skills sharp and at the forefront of medical advancement.

​

Leah was originally drawn to the ICU for its intense critical thinking and the collaborative nature of the nurse/physician environment. In 2022, she earned the prestigious Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, reflecting her advanced expertise in caring for the most vulnerable patients.

 

However, after a particularly riveting TED Talk, the intense tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the encouragement of her mentor, Deidra Kindred, she realized her true passion and favorite aspect of nursing was advocacy.

​

This epiphany led her to open Garnet RN Patient Advocacy and earn her Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) credential in 2024. Her rigorous training and fiery spirit are the perfect combination for a healthcare advocate and navigator.

 

Leah understands that healthcare can become intense fast, and she excels at conflict resolution and collaboration. Her main goal is to help patients and families navigate the system, understand their healthcare and advocate for shared decision making while preserving respectful and  productive partnerships with medical teams. 

​

At home in the Park Forest neighborhood of Dallas, Leah is supported by her husband of 13 years, their two children, and their elderly Blue Heeler, Oreo. Whether she’s sneaking in early morning Pilates, fussing over her greenhouse, collecting random new skills, or serving as VP of Fundraising for the North Dallas Early Childhood PTA, she constantly strives for self-improvement, community service, and a full and balanced life.

​

Fun Facts:

• She has traveled to 23 countries, with highlights including scaling Machu Picchu with her mother, kissing the Blarney Stone, and attending Oktoberfest in Munich.

• She is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States and speaks “hospital” Spanish.

• She is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and an enthusiastic, if average, Mahjong player.

• In 2017, she placed fourth in Libertine's corndog eating contest as the only female competitor, finishing with 9.5 corndogs.