Meet our founder.

Diana Nelsen, RN BSN.

A Journey of Compassion, Courage, and Purpose

 

Born and raised in the tranquil Harz Mountains of Germany, Diana Nelsen grew up surrounded by nature’s quiet strength and harmony — qualities that would later define her nursing career. From an early age, she felt a profound calling to help others heal, not only through clinical care but through compassion, understanding, and education. For Diana, nursing was never simply a profession; it was — and remains — a mission of the heart.

After graduating from nursing school in Nuremberg in 1993, Diana began her professional journey in psychiatric nursing, where she provided care to individuals facing emotional and mental health challenges. The experience transformed her understanding of healing — showing her that genuine care extends beyond medicine. It is found in the dignity of human connection, in empathy, and in the courage to help others rebuild confidence and hope.

During her early years in Germany, Diana met the man who would become her husband — a dedicated U.S. military service member whose strength and purpose mirrored her own. Together, they dreamed of a life filled with love, growth, and shared purpose. When his military path brought them to the United States, Diana embraced the change with her characteristic determination, eager to continue her calling in a new land.

Arriving in Centreville, Virginia, in 1993, Diana faced the challenge of adapting to a new country and a new language. Undeterred, she began working as a hospital aide while dedicating her evenings to studying English and preparing for the U.S. nursing licensure exam. Her persistence paid off. In 2002, she proudly earned her Registered Nurse license, marking not just a professional milestone but a personal triumph over adversity and self-doubt.

Diana began her American nursing career on a progressive care unit, where she provided compassionate care to patients with complex medical needs. Her passion for continuous learning soon led her to pursue critical care training, which opened the door to the intensive care unit (ICU) — a place where precision, teamwork, and emotional endurance converge. For more than a decade, Diana served in critical care, mastering advanced clinical skills and earning deep respect from colleagues and patients alike for her calm leadership in moments of crisis.

In 2017, a new calling emerged. Diana realized that her heart was guiding her toward a setting where care could be more personal — one where she could connect deeply with patients and families in the place they feel most secure: their own homes. Transitioning into home health nursing and case management, she found her true professional home. Today, Diana brings her journey full circle—as a Nurse Case Manager and Home Care Agency leader, she continues to do what she loves most: blending science with empathy to guide patients toward healing, confidence, and a renewed sense of independence in the comfort of their own homes.

Diana’s journey — from a young nurse in Germany to a respected healthcare leader in Northern Virginia — is a testament to resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of care. She continues to inspire both patients and colleagues through her example, showing that nursing is not just about healing the body, but also uplifting the human spirit.

As she looks toward the future, Diana remains devoted to advancing compassionate, patient-centered care and mentoring the next generation of caregivers. Her philosophy is simple yet profound:

“Every act of care — no matter how small — carries the power to transform a life.”

Evergreen Nursing Health | Nurse-Led, Compassionate, Reliable Care at Home