Inspiring Conversations with AnneMarie West of The Transformed Nurse, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to AnneMarie West.

Hi AnneMarie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Arizona, my early years were far from easy. My family life was chaotic, marked by alcoholism, abuse, and instability. I lost several people close to me at a young age, some who took their own lives, which left a significant mark. These experiences ignited a fire in me to save others, and I knew from a young age I wanted to be a nurse. Instead of leading me down a darker path, my childhood fueled my independence and determination to create a better life. I understood the profoundly negative impact of substance abuse on the lives of those I loved and wanted something different for myself, security and peace.

At 18, I moved out on my own, working full-time while pushing through college with very little family support. It wasn’t easy, but I was relentless about not giving up until I earned my degree. Nursing felt like a calling. It offered both security and a way to care, to lead, and to make an impact. My early days as a nurse taught me not only about patient care, but also about people, leadership, and the importance of creating environments where others can thrive. From a young age, I learned that people carry a lot on the inside that others do not see. As humans, we tend to judge others by their outward appearance or behaviors. Watching my family members struggle gifted me a deep level of empathy and compassion. I strive to see the whole person in everyone I encounter. This trait became a core value and strength that followed me throughout my nursing career.
Over the years, I stepped into nursing leadership roles, and what I found most fulfilling wasn’t just managing processes or meeting organizational goals. It was learning more about people, understanding the complex environments we worked in, and navigating different leadership archetypes and company cultures. Most importantly, it was about coaching and supporting others. I loved seeing nurses grow in confidence, take on new challenges, and realize their potential. That passion became a throughline in my career: lifting others up while navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership myself.

Eventually, my passion ignited something new. I wanted to take everything I had learned; the lessons, the struggles, and the victories and create a space where nurse leaders could feel supported, seen, and equipped to thrive. I am proud to be an ICF Certified Coach which is considered the gold standard credential for coaching. Combining over 30 years of nursing and executive leadership experience with coaching training and passion, I embarked on a new journey. That’s how The Transformed Nurse, LLC was born. Today, I work with nurse leaders who are either on the verge of burnout or ready to step into their full potential, grow, and lead with confidence. Becoming a coach feels like the most natural extension of the journey I’ve been on all along.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My obstacles began long before my professional life. Losing loved ones and being brought up in a chaotic environment fueled by substance abuse and instability forced me to grow up quickly. These experiences taught me the fragility of life in a way most kids don’t face. I learned early what it meant to survive in chaos.
Leaving home at 18, I had to figure out how to survive while pursuing my education. I worked full-time jobs, stretched every dollar, and pushed myself through nursing school without a safety net. Those years were exhausting, but they shaped my grit and gave me the ability to persevere when everything around me felt uncertain. Perseverance paid off, and I became a registered nurse at the very young age of 21 years old.
As I advanced in my nursing career, I faced the same challenges many leaders’ encounter: imposter syndrome, burnout, and the pressure of balancing competing priorities. As a new leader, I had to gain the trust of the team I was leading. This was a challenging yet rewarding experience that taught me the importance of building relationships and leading by example. There were moments early in my leadership journey when I questioned my capabilities, especially as I transitioned from being a bedside nurse to a leadership role where I was suddenly responsible for budgets, strategies, and leading nurses across multiple states and dozens of hospitals.
Each of these challenges, both personal and professional, pushed me to grow. They taught me the importance of boundaries, support systems, and the need for coaching. More than anything, they gave me empathy and perspective. Today, when I sit with a nurse leader who feels overwhelmed, I can honestly say, “I’ve been there,” and I can walk alongside them as they find a path forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Transformed Nurse, LLC?
Today, as the founder of The Transformed Nurse, LLC, I coach nurse leaders to step into their full potential. My focus is on building confidence, setting healthy boundaries, overcoming imposter syndrome, and developing the skills to lead with clarity and presence. This transformation leads to stronger teams and better patient care.
What sets my work apart is my personal journey. With over 30 years of nursing experience, including 15 years in leadership roles and 5 years as an executive leader, I bring both professional expertise and a deep understanding of leadership. As an ICF-certified coach, I create a supportive space for leaders to discuss challenges, determine the best path forward, and leave with practical tools they can use immediately.
I’m most proud when I see my clients transform. Whether it’s finding their voice in a difficult conversation, stepping into a new leadership role, or rediscovering their confidence, watching nurse leaders believe in themselves and lean into their potential inspires me to continue this work every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Professionally: What makes me happiest is seeing growth in others, and in the world around me. Whether it’s watching a client step into their confidence, seeing a nurse leader take a leap they didn’t think they could, or noticing the ripple effect of healthier leadership in a team, those moments bring me joy. Helping others transform and realize their own potential is the most rewarding part of my work.
Pulling from my personal experiences as a nurse and a leader, I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with these roles. My journey has been marked by overcoming obstacles, from a chaotic family life to working full-time while pursuing my education and navigating complex work environments and personalities. These experiences have shaped my grit and determination, and they fuel my passion for helping others.

Personally: Happiness for me comes from connection and adventure. Spending time with my wife, kids, friends, and family is incredibly important to me. I also love being outdoors. Whether it’s walking in the Arizona desert, hiking in the mountains, or hitting the road for a trip with my wife and our two little dogs, those moments of togetherness and exploration keep me grounded and inspired.
Growing up in Arizona, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. These experiences have always been a source of solace and inspiration for me. They remind me of the importance of balance and taking time to recharge. Just as I encourage my clients to find their own sources of strength and joy, I prioritize these moments of connection and adventure in my own life.

Pricing:

• $250 one-time (50-minute session)
• $400/month for 4 months ($100/session)
• $675/month ($225/session — save $25 per session)
• $600/month for 3 months ($200/session — save $150 per month)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetransformednurse.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarie-west-mba-bsn-rn-ne-bc-acc-70a17b2a/

Image Credits
The pictures in the white suit and green suit in studio were taken by : Anjeanette Photography: anjeanettephotography_ziovcg1g9wb@mailer.pixiesetmail.com. The others were taken by my spouse.