Meet Pilar Burmeister

Pilar Burmeister, MSN, RN, CNE, is a nursing educator and leader dedicated to advancing nursing education in Maine. She has served as Director and Nursing Chair at Eastern Maine Community College, where she expanded access to nursing education, particularly in rural communities, through partnerships with local hospitals and community-based clinical sites. She is also served at the University of Maine School of Nursing. Holding a Master of Science in Nursing and certification as a Nurse Educator, Pilar is committed to strengthening the nursing workforce, addressing rural nursing shortages, and advocating for ethical, community-centered care through both education and public engagement.

What excites you about nursing?

For me, the most exciting part of nursing is patient education. I love being able to explain things to people about their health in a way they can understand, how to best fit their health care provider's recommendations into their lifestyle, and how and why they are doing the things prescribed or recommended. I have always felt that an educated patient will make more informed decisions regarding their healthcare. I also love the fact that nursing is such a versatile career.  There are so many different options out there; if you don't like one job, you are sure to find another that suits you.

Why ANA-Maine?

ANA-Maine is a wonderful organization that is dedicated to supporting Maine nurses, advocating for nurses in the legislature, and speaking up on important health care decisions in the state and country. The nurses I work with in this organization are some of the hardest-working, most dedicated, knowledgeable, and wonderful people I know!

What do you want members to know about you?

I have devoted my life to nursing and could not be more proud of my profession. Nursing has given me so much, aside from a wonderful career; the knowledge I have gained has been invaluable in my life. I have been passionate about nursing education, school nursing, and neonatal nursing. Although I am retired now, I still use my nursing skills and knowledge as a volunteer in my community. I have raised 4 wonderful children, who are all adults now, and are also passionate about their careers. My husband of nearly 37 years and I love to travel, spend time with our children, garden, and volunteer together. I love to bake delicious sweet treats, scrapbook, and plan trips!

Check out this amazing picture of her as a Senior Student Nurse from 1988!