Emerging Leaders Under 40 Spotlight: Fayoke Fatade, DNP, RN NEA-BC

Leading with Heart, Empowering Through Surgery, and Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurses

Fayoke Fatade has always been drawn to healthcare. But it was the human connection in nursing that truly inspired her.

As someone who initially considered becoming a surgeon, Fayoke discovered that her passion lay in the direct patient interaction that nursing offers. Now, with 15 years of experience, she leads a team at Stanford Health, ensuring that each patient receives compassionate, high-quality care.

“I love the ability to bring people from a state of not being well to health,” Fayoke said. “It’s about restoring their lives through the procedures we perform, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Early Passion for Perioperative Nursing Inspired by Global Healthcare

Fayoke’s passion for healthcare began early in life, shaped by her upbringing in Nigeria. Both of her parents were advanced practice nurses—her father among the first master’s-trained nurses to open a clinic in their hometown. Fayoke often found herself drawn into the clinic, eager to learn and observe.

“They were always chasing me away,” she said. “I wanted to see everything—who was having surgery, who was laboring.”

Her natural curiosity fueled her early dream of becoming a surgeon, but as she grew older, she discovered that nursing offered something even more meaningful: deep, personal connections with patients.

These early experiences solidified her love for perioperative nursing, where science and human connection converge to improve patient outcomes.

Achieving Nursing Leadership: Balancing Family, Work, and Education

One of Fayoke’s proudest accomplishments was earning her doctorate in nursing. As a single mother of three children —aged 16, 10, and 8 — Fayoke navigated the challenges of full-time work, rigorous studies, and a busy family life.

“It was a lot,” she said. “Managing work, school, and raising three kids involved constant juggling, especially since they’re all very active in sports.”

Graduation was an emotional moment for Fayoke. “I remember crying that day. I didn’t know how I did it, but somehow, I made it through,” she said.

Dynamic Perioperative Leadership Focused on Patients and Team

In her role as a nurse manager at Stanford Health, Fayoke focuses on providing excellent care at every stage — from pre-procedure planning to post-surgical recovery. She encourages her team to continually improve, ensuring that each patient receives personalized, thoughtful care.

“Every patient interaction is personal,” Fayoke said. “I tell my team to treat each patient as if they were family, because it’s all about ensuring every individual feels seen, heard, and cared for.”

Fayoke also makes it a priority to check in with her team regularly to ensure they feel supported in their roles. “On a daily basis, I like to know what’s going on with each team member — how I can help them learn and navigate the work environment,” she said. “It’s about striving for balance, both at work and in their interactions outside of work.”

Her patient care doesn’t end after surgery either. Fayoke emphasizes the importance of follow-up to ensure the best outcomes.

“It’s not just about getting them through the procedure—it’s about helping them return to their lives and doing even better the next time,” she said.

Addressing Nursing Recruitment and Retention Challenges in a Changing Healthcare Landscape

Fayoke identifies workforce recruitment and retention as some of the biggest challenges in nursing today, especially for specialized roles like surgical techs.

“It’s tough when you invest in training someone, only to have them leave after a year,” she said.

“Compensation plays a role, but culture matters just as much. People need to feel supported and motivated to stay. A positive environment can make all the difference.”

Fayoke has also adapted her leadership style to manage a diverse, multi-generational team effectively. “I’ve had to adjust my approach to meet the needs of different generations,” she said. “It’s a constant learning process, but one I’ve embraced.”

Leading with Empathy and Human Connection

For Fayoke, empathy represents the bedrock of her leadership philosophy. She says her team spends so much time together, it’s important to function like a family.

“I want my team to feel comfortable sharing their challenges, and I’m here to help them navigate those,” she said.

Beyond working as a cohesive unit with her team, Fayoke’s passion for nursing shines brightest during patient interactions.

“Healthcare can be overwhelming for patients if they don’t understand the jargon,” Fayoke said. “I make it a point to explain things in simple, clear language. It’s important they know what’s happening and feel in control of their care.”

Staying True to Nursing’s Core Mission

Despite her leadership responsibilities, Fayoke remains deeply connected to direct patient care. Whether working in trauma centers, assisting with open-heart surgeries, or supporting families during childbirth, she finds joy in being present during life’s pivotal moments.

“It’s a privilege to support people during their most vulnerable times,” she said. “That’s why I keep choosing nursing—it’s a calling that will always matter.”

About AORN's Emerging Leaders Under 40

This recognition highlights outstanding AORN members under 40 who have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas over the past five years: Teamwork, Communication, Collaboration, & Equity; Mentorship or Preceptorship at national, community, or organizational levels; Involvement in AORN Governance or Volunteerism; Impactful Change or Innovation; and Educational Achievements or Certifications earned in 2023. Nominees were self-nominated or nominated by others. All were recognized at AORN’s Annual Conference.