Cody Shumaker

Cody Shumaker is drawing inspiration from his mother’s career in nursing leadership to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree at Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Scheduled to graduate in December 2026, Cody believes the degree with a concentration in Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership will bring him closer to his goals.

“Earning a master’s degree in nursing not only validates the work I’ve done but also opens doors to leadership roles and opportunities that I wouldn’t be eligible for otherwise,” he said. “It equips me with the advanced knowledge needed to speak confidently on nursing issues, advocate for meaningful change, and help shape solutions that directly impact nursing practice today.”

Cody received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2018. His mother, a nurse who worked her way up from nursing management to CEO of a hospital in Mississippi, motivated him.

“I’ve always admired how selflessly she serves her community,” Cody shared. “Growing up, we were very active in church, homeless shelters, and other community-based organizations, and that early connection to people deeply shaped who I am today.”

Cody said he always felt a strong pull to help others, and nursing seemed like the perfect way to turn that passion into a career. He credits mentors like Dolores Deffner and Nurse India Reed, his preceptors in the trauma unit in New Orleans, for shaping his understanding of holistic, collaborative care and the vital leadership role nurses play in health care teams.

In his current role as a trauma case manager at Broward Health, he has been deeply influenced by patients who face prolonged hospital stays due to complex challenges, learning lasting lessons in resilience, gratitude and the fragility of life.

“Their strength in the face of adversity has shaped my approach to nursing more than any textbook ever could,” Cody shared.

He recently received the Barbara Lumpkin Institute Scholarship, which allowed him to attend Advocacy Hill Days in Tallahassee, Florida in 2024 to advocate on behalf of the Florida Nurses Association and nurses across the state.

“I spoke directly with legislators about bills impacting our profession and our patients,” he said. “It was an empowering experience that reinforced my passion for nursing policy and the importance of using our voices to shape the future of health care.”

Cody volunteers as a Disaster Health Services Nurse with the American Red Cross, providing support to individuals impacted by hurricanes, floods and house fires. He also advocates for environmental and climate policy to improve public health outcomes with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments.

As a member of the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement, a national initiative, he is working to ensure nurses are properly reimbursed for the care they provide. He also serves as a liaison between the Broward County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Broward Health during disasters. After earning his MSN degree, Cody plans to continue working within the Broward Health system.