The Conversing Nurse podcast

The Conversing Nurse podcast

Michelle Harris

Are you a nurse curious about the experiences of other nurses? For 36 years, I have only known the Peds/NICU realm but I am intrigued by the roles of nurse researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs. Through conversations with nurses from various specialties, I aim to bring you valuable insights into their lives. At the end of each episode we play the five-minute snippet, just five minutes of fun as we peek into the 'off-duty' lives of my guests! Listen as we explore the nursing profession, one conversation at a time.

CEO of Avail Health, Joseph Harrison, NP-C

CEO of Avail Health, Joseph Harrison, NP-C

Send us a textMy guest this week, Joseph Harrison, is a nurse practitioner who facilitates the creation of independent practices for other nurse practitioners through his company, Avail Health.Per his LinkedIn profile, Joseph states, “Weaving together many threads to help realize the quintuple aim of healthcare.” To be honest, I was unaware of this ambitious initiative before speaking with him, but he clearly and succinctly explained both our current successes and the areas where improvements ca

Feb 19, • 1:10:51

A Voice of Nurses,  Sachin Chauhan

A Voice of Nurses, Sachin Chauhan

Send us a textThis week my guest is Sachin Chauhan, the founder and CEO of An Extra M. This India-based organization has provided education and training to over 50,000 nurses and nursing students worldwide, focusing on the essential soft skills needed for effective interpersonal relationships with both patients and colleagues.You may wonder, what are soft skills? Soft skills include critical thinking, time management, teamwork, leadership and emotional intelligence, among others. While these ski

Feb 12, • 1:17:24

Your Favorite Pediatric Nurse, Deon Huffman

Your Favorite Pediatric Nurse, Deon Huffman

Send us a textImagine being a sick or injured child entering the healthcare system and being approached by nurses and doctors wielding strange objects, sharp needles, and unpleasant medications. Now picture being the parent of that child, who naturally wants to protect and advocate but lacks the health literacy to comprehend what is happening. Whether parent or child, you would likely be terrified and would want someone like Nurse Deon on your side.Fortunately, there is Deon Huffman, a pediatric

Feb 5, • 1:00:22

Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Lacy Hess

Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Lacy Hess

Send us a textSleep. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, quality sleep is as essential to survival as food and water. It is crucial for forming and maintaining the neural pathways in your brain that allow you to learn and create new memories. Lack of sleep can make it harder to concentrate and respond quickly.Now, imagine being a healthcare professional—a nurse, physician, or surgical technician—who is also the parent of a child who struggles to sleep and prevents anyo

Jan 29, • 1:01:20

Thought leader, nurse coach and keynote speaker, Angie Gray

Thought leader, nurse coach and keynote speaker, Angie Gray

Send us a textImagine for a moment if Angie Gray were a recipe. She would be equal parts professionalism, inspiration, and compassion, with just a pinch of badassery thrown in.But she is not a recipe. She is a thought leader, a nurse coach, a keynote speaker, and she has the challenging task of training C-suite executives to bridge the gap between them and the healthcare professionals on the front lines.Angie and I are soul sisters of a sort: we love sporting our rose-colored glasses, which is n

Jan 22, • 1:23:11

Vitamin D Researcher, Beth Sanford, DNP, RN

Vitamin D Researcher, Beth Sanford, DNP, RN

Send us a textBeth Sanford is known as the "Sunshine Nurse" for two reasons. First, she is a doctorally-prepared nurse who has conducted extensive research on the importance of vitamin D in improving patient outcomes. Her studies have explored how vitamin D levels affect ICU patients, long-term care residents, and global maternal health. Beth is passionate about addressing vitamin D deficiency in clinical practice, population health, and policy.Did you know that vitamin D is both a nutrient and

Jan 15, • 1:14:46

What's New for 2025?

What's New for 2025?

Send us a textHere's a quick look at some of the great interviews and plans for 2025!Contact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comYour review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-reviewWould you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-formCheck out my guests' book recommen

Jan 8, • 16:16

Tulare County Fire Chief, Charlie Norman

Tulare County Fire Chief, Charlie Norman

Send us a textThis week I stepped way outside my comfort zone and spoke with Tulare County Fire Chief, Charlie Norman.  I can confidently say that many nurses do not fully understand what firefighters do. We often see them in the ambulance bay and in our communities, but do we really take the time to SEE them? Do we know where the budget for fire services comes from? Do we understand how firefighters advance in their ranks? Sadly, do we realize that firefighter deaths by suicide exceed those who

Dec 18, 2024 • 59:26

Rebel Nurse, Erika Browning

Rebel Nurse, Erika Browning

Send us a textErika Browning is one of the most interesting guests I've had to date. She has a diverse educational background, earning degrees in Spanish, Biology, and Nursing. And the diversity doesn't stop there. Her nursing experience ranges from working in the emergency room to the ICU, from being a travel nurse to a sexual assault nurse examiner, and from a case manager to starting her own business as a Life Care Planner. Erika is truly living the tagline of her podcast, which is "basic nur

Dec 11, 2024 • 59:58

Nurse Blogger, Sallie Jessee

Nurse Blogger, Sallie Jessee

Send us a textI jumped at the opportunity to talk to my guest this week, Sallie Jessie. Sallie is an incredible person with a unique perspective! First, she has a niche job: she is a mobile wound care clinic nurse and I loved hearing all about that. She is also a blogger. When she became a wife and mother, she identified a gap in resources for nurses balancing family and career and then took the initiative to create a supportive community through her blog, Bandaids and Bedtime Stories. This is i

Dec 4, 2024 • 47:55

Bioethics with Sandra Shadley, LMFT, HEC-C and Dr. Ryan Howard, M.D.

Bioethics with Sandra Shadley, LMFT, HEC-C and Dr. Ryan Howard, M.D.

Send us a textIn my working days, I was a member of my institution’s Bioethics committee. I’m now a retired nurse and continue to serve as a community member. Constantly impressed by this committee’s work, I wanted you to meet two of these brilliant minds, so I recently sat down with Sandra Shadley, a licensed marriage and family therapist and our committee chair, and Dr. Ryan Howard, our hospice and palliative medicine physician.Sandra holds a unique certification: the HEC-C, or certified healt

Nov 20, 2024 • 59:04

ICU Revolutionist, Kali Dayton

ICU Revolutionist, Kali Dayton

Send us a textMahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Kali Dayton. Kali Dayton is an ICU nurse practitioner and like Gandhi, MLK Jr., and Parks, Kali is peacefully protesting the way ICU patients are cared for. Similar to the civil rights advocates before her, Kali fights for the rights of ICU patients. She believes they have the right to limited sedation, early mobilization, open communication, and family participation. Kali was born as a baby nurse into an Awake and Walking ICU

Nov 13, 2024 • 1:15:18

Rapid Response Nurse and Podcast Host, Sarah Lorenzini

Rapid Response Nurse and Podcast Host, Sarah Lorenzini

Send us a textPablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Sarah Lorenzini has a life filled with both meaning and purpose. She is a rapid-response nurse who utilizes her knowledge and storytelling skills to educate nurses in various critical care aspects through her popular podcast, Rapid Response RN, which has over 120 episodes. In the podcast, she effectively breaks down complex concepts such as cardiac tamponade, spinal cord ischemia

Nov 6, 2024 • 46:22

Your Spooky Stories!

Your Spooky Stories!

Send us a textHappy Halloween Eve! Today's episode is all about the spooky. A few weeks ago on Instagram, I posted my call to action for your spooky stories and got some great responses! I was looking up the most haunted hospitals in the United States and here's what I found: Linda Vista Community Hospital, located in Boyle Heights, East LA. This hospital is considered one of the most haunted in the country. It closed in 1991 and has been featured in many films, television shows, and music video

Oct 30, 2024 • 31:21

Wound Care Expert, Karen Zulkowski

Wound Care Expert, Karen Zulkowski

Send us a textKaren Zulkowski is the GOAT of wound care nursing. Her professional journey began with earning a BSN in 1972 and culminated with a Doctorate in Nursing Science. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including business owner, associate nursing professor, and wound course instructor. Karen has also served on the National Pressure Injury Advisory Board and the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists. Her extensive research and publications in peer-reviewed articles, both

Oct 23, 2024 • 1:00:47

The Intuitive Nurse, Jennifer Johnson

The Intuitive Nurse, Jennifer Johnson

Send us a textThe current state of healthcare, especially under the strain of a pandemic, has put immense pressure on those in the field. Nurses are burning out in record numbers and leaving a profession they used to love. My guest this week, emergency room nurse and author, Jennifer Johnson, is on a mission to bring back the love and it all starts with intuition.Jenn is known as the Intuitive Nurse and after working 16 years in the emergency room, she has honed her intuition, trusting her gut w

Oct 16, 2024 • 1:11:09

Locum Tenen Family Nurse Practitioner, Ebony Thyme

Locum Tenen Family Nurse Practitioner, Ebony Thyme

Send us a textEbony Thyme does not let grass grow under her feet. Whether traveling for her job as a locum tenen family nurse practitioner or for leisure as a travel host, adventure is her game.As a teenager, Ebony was happily working at a Wendy's drive-thru, but her father urged her to aim higher. Perhaps it was her youthful spirit that made her laugh in the face of challenges or maybe it was her strong determination to see things through once she started them, but she took his advice to heart

Oct 9, 2024 • 1:02:27

Why are Nurses the Most Trusted Profession? Your Responses!

Why are Nurses the Most Trusted Profession? Your Responses!

Send us a textThis episode is a compilation of your responses to my Instagram post asking "Why are Nurses the Most Trusted Profession?"  Thank you for your responses and for being the most trusted profession for 22 years and counting!Thank you to:@coachsheena.johnson@yourrnjourney@honestlyleslie@potassium_iv_push_rn@nursestradeoffContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comYour review is so impor

Oct 2, 2024 • 12:30

CRNA, Investor and Podcast Host, Joshua Condado

CRNA, Investor and Podcast Host, Joshua Condado

Send us a textI don't know when side hustles became a thing but they are officially a thing. Instead of picking up extra shifts, nurses are picking up side hustles. Enter Josh Condado, a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist who co-owns a real estate investing company with his sister Jenn and brother-in-law Colin, also, you guessed it, nurses. Now, the current annual salary for a CRNA can be upwards of $250,000. Why do you need a side hustle if you’re making a quarter of a million dollars

Sep 25, 2024 • 53:50

Citizen Nurse, Gilanie De Castro

Citizen Nurse, Gilanie De Castro

Send us a textIf you're my age and can remember over 50 years ago, you might recall those lazy Saturday mornings spent watching Schoolhouse Rock. There was a clever cartoon skit called, “I’m Just A Bill” where we’d learn how a bill becomes law. This three-minute video was responsible for teaching an entire generation of kids about Civics.Enter Gilanie De Castro, also known as Citizen Nurse on social media, who through her bite-sized lessons titled Civics 101 for Healthcare highlights topics such

Sep 18, 2024 • 1:04:37

Critical Care Educator, Sarah Vance

Critical Care Educator, Sarah Vance

Send us a textAre you a critical care nurse or aspiring to become one? If so, you won't want to miss my guest this week, Sarah Vance. With over 15 years of critical care experience, Sarah is dedicated to educating and mentoring nurses, both new and new to critical care. Sarah has a knack for simplifying complex concepts and bringing a lighthearted approach to the often intense ICU environment.She shares valuable free open-access medical education content on social media, covering topics such as

Sep 11, 2024 • 1:05:26

Founder of Nurses for Nurses, Jennifer Crow

Founder of Nurses for Nurses, Jennifer Crow

Send us a Text Message.I want you to think outside the box for a moment. What if there was a platform where nurses could connect with other nurses to network, share ideas, build friendships, and support each other with valuable resources? A place where nurses can buy and sell with fellow nurses nationwide, amplify their voices, and advocate for their profession? You might think I’m indulging in fantasy, but it’s not a fantasy - it's a soon-to-be reality, all because one nurse, Jennifer Crow, dar

Aug 21, 2024 • 37:11

Project Management for Nurses with Kevin Pannell

Project Management for Nurses with Kevin Pannell

Send us a Text Message.Today's episode is all about project management. I'm sure many of you have heard of this topic, but what exactly is it? My guest today, Kevin Pannell, breaks it down for us.Kevin is a project management professional in addition to having over 25 years of experience in leadership roles, critical care, incident command, military service, homeland security, and information technology. By now, you may be wondering what the connection is between project management and nursing.W

Aug 7, 2024 • 1:09:14

Host of the Up My Nursing Game Podcast, Annie Fulton

Host of the Up My Nursing Game Podcast, Annie Fulton

Send us a Text Message.Are you an experienced emergency, acute, or critical care nurse who needs a refresher on some of nursing’s most complex conditions? Then you need Annie Fulton in your life.Annie hosts the popular educational podcast, Up My Nursing Game. Through it, she helps nurses level up their learning because, spoiler alert, learning doesn’t end when you graduate from nursing school. She collaborates with experts in their fields to answer common clinical questions so we can feel more e

Aug 7, 2024 • 1:06:13

The 100th episode interview of Michelle Harris, by Dr. Chris Patty

The 100th episode interview of Michelle Harris, by Dr. Chris Patty

Send us a Text Message.Wow, can you believe it's my 100th episode already? Before I dive into the details of this episode, I want to express my gratitude to you, the listeners! You listen from around the world, from Germany, the UK, the Philippines, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and many more, and of course to the many of you in the United States. Thank you for listening, sharing my work, sending emails, commenting, reviewing, rating, and engaging on social media. I do not take you

Jul 31, 2024 • 1:13:41

Surgical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Kim Kish

Surgical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Kim Kish

Send us a Text Message."Life is a journey, not a destination."  This quote perfectly describes the path of my guest this week, Kim Kish, a surgical oncology nurse practitioner. Kim's journey started as a lab research associate where she learned valuable skills and even got published. From there, she moved into cardiovascular circulatory support, where she found herself observing nurses, doctors, and patients. She was again picking up crucial work and life skills that would prepare

Jul 24, 2024 • 1:11:13

Physical Therapist and Burnout Coach, Dr. Ricky Fernandez

Physical Therapist and Burnout Coach, Dr. Ricky Fernandez

Send us a Text Message.According to Coachfoundation.com, passion is one of the most important qualities of a good coach. Enter Dr. Ricky Fernandez, a doctor of physical therapy and a burnout coach and I was eager to talk with him for those reasons.We talked about all the things he does as a physical therapist: his schedule (which is kind of sweet), what his patients need, and the importance of collaboration with allied health professionals.As we delved into the topic of burnout, his passion beca

Jul 17, 2024 • 1:19:51

Certified Enneagram Coach and Nurse, Gwen Sledge

Certified Enneagram Coach and Nurse, Gwen Sledge

Send us a Text Message.Meet Gwen Sledge, a retired nurse and Certified Enneagram Coach. Gwen has a deep understanding of the Enneagram and is passionate about using her healthcare experience to help nurses understand how their personality, communication style, and behavior affect their relationships. Not sure what the Enneagram is? I wasn’t either but I learned it’s a personality typing tool that categorizes individuals into nine distinct personality types, each with its own core fears, desires,

Jul 10, 2024 • 1:21:12

The New RN, Dave Dovell

The New RN, Dave Dovell

Send us a Text Message.As a student nurse or a new RN, Dave Dovell is someone you should know. Dave is a registered nurse working on a Progressive Care Unit, with a diverse work history that includes being an executive chef, an educator, working in the 911 system and the emergency room. And his story of why he became a nurse? Let’s just say it will put you in an, “I’m not crying, you're crying” situation.Dave is known as the New RN and his Instagram is chock full of nursing hacks, study tip

Jul 3, 2024 • 1:14:45

Flight Paramedic and Podcast Host, Samantha Brawley

Flight Paramedic and Podcast Host, Samantha Brawley

Send us a Text Message.When I hear the words “flight paramedic” I immediately think of aviator glasses, compact spaces, aircraft propellers, jumpsuits, highly trained professionals, and a general sense of badassery.Enter Samantha Brawley. As a flight paramedic, she cares for the sickest of the sick, and the occasional walking, talking patient, who may just be her favorite, wink, wink.We discussed the team she works with, the procedures in her scope of practice, the territory she flies, and the m

Jun 26, 2024 • 1:08:29

Stem Cell Transplant Nurse, Dora Loun

Stem Cell Transplant Nurse, Dora Loun

Send us a Text Message.I recently came across Dora Loun's LinkedIn profile, and her bio as a stem cell transplant nurse piqued my interest. However, when I had a conversation with her, I realized that what I thought she did and what she actually does are vastly different.Dora's experience in critical care nursing provided her with the perfect foundation for caring for some of the most severely ill patients. I usually ask my guests to walk me through a typical day in their life as a nur

Jun 19, 2024 • 56:55

Your Nurse Lawyer, Irnise Williams, Esq.

Your Nurse Lawyer, Irnise Williams, Esq.

Send us a Text Message.My guest this week, Irnise Williams, has been a nurse for 16 years. Starting with her eye on medical school, she opted for nursing school, fell in love, and never looked back. Because if you’re looking back, you can’t look forward, and forward was the direction Irnise wanted to go. She could have advanced her degree by becoming a Nurse practitioner or a CRNA, two popular paths over a decade ago.  Instead, she attended Howard University School of Law, became a lawyer, and e

Jun 12, 2024 • 59:54

Hallmarks of a Great Nurse Leader with Kirsten Ferren

Hallmarks of a Great Nurse Leader with Kirsten Ferren

Send us a Text Message.Meet Kirsten Ferren, a nurse who has been serving in healthcare for over 23 years. She brings to the table her experience as a former Chief Nursing Officer and currently holds the position of Vice President of Patient Care. She is also an author, mentor, and leadership consultant at the company she owns, Nursing Inferno Coaching.  We had a stimulating conversation about how leaders can show up for those they lead, strategies that help prevent staff burnout, and the qualiti

Jun 5, 2024 • 57:16

Closet Cocktails with Prada and Patrick

Closet Cocktails with Prada and Patrick

Send us a Text Message.What happens when two friends have cocktails and dish on a movie? Magic, pure magic. My first returning guest this week is Patrick Pickarts. Patrick debuted in episode 56 when he told us all about being a nurse in tech. And if you don’t remember him, well, how could you forget about Patrick, it would be like putting Baby in a corner and nobody puts Baby in a corner (Let’s see how many movie references I can get in here). In episode 56, Patrick referred to the hit movie, Th

May 29, 2024 • 1:32:16

Death Doula, Haley Diltz

Death Doula, Haley Diltz

Send us a Text Message.Meet Haley Diltz, an exceptional woman who had a childhood dream of being Indiana Jones but instead grew up to become a Neurotrauma ICU nurse. She knew early on she had an affinity for the dying and helping families navigate through some of life’s most tragic experiences. It took one very tragic experience in the ICU for Haley to take pause and re-evaluate how she could better serve the dying and is now dedicating her career to end-of-life and palliative care. Haley founde

May 22, 2024 • 54:33

Cannabis Nurse, Ashley Wynn-Grimes

Cannabis Nurse, Ashley Wynn-Grimes

Send us a Text Message.Do you ever come across someone on Instagram who is meant to teach you something? For me, that person is Ashley Wynn-Grimes, also known as The Cannabis Nurse.Ashley is the owner of Cannabis Nursing Solutions, LLC where she teaches nurses the ins and outs of the cannabis industry. Cannabis nursing is a nursing specialty recently recognized by the American Nurses Association.Through Ashley, I learned about where cannabis nurses can work, who their patients are, and how they

May 15, 2024 • 51:42

Nurse, Poet, and Author, Susan Farese

Nurse, Poet, and Author, Susan Farese

Send us a Text Message.Susan Farese is a nurse who has done it all. Well, let me rephrase that. Susan is a nurse who has done a lot. Maybe not all, but her career includes clinical nursing, education, staff development, research, legal nurse consulting, management and coaching. She's also a veteran, having served in the Navy and as a former Major in the Army. How has she been able to manage these stressful, demanding positions? Throughout her career and her life, Susan has tapped into her c

May 8, 2024 • 47:59

Founder and CEO of CodePRep, Susan Davis

Founder and CEO of CodePRep, Susan Davis

Send us a Text Message.Susan Davis is a class act. She's also a doctorally-prepared nurse and CEO of Code PRep, an in-hospital cardiac arrest mock code training program that helps teams prepare, execute, and evaluate codes more effectively. Now, I opened with Susan is a class act, and let me explain. Susan and I recorded an entire 1-hour podcast episode, or at least I thought we recorded. There was just one small problem, I never hit the record button. It pained me to tell Susan that we had

May 1, 2024 • 1:00:49

Adverse Childhood Experiences with Gaby Morales

Adverse Childhood Experiences with Gaby Morales

Send us a Text Message.When I heard Gaby Morales speak about adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, on the Nine One One Nonsense podcast, I knew I had to bring their message to you. Gaby explained that ACEs are adverse childhood experiences such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as other forms of household dysfunction like mental illness or substance use problems, and living with a violent or incarcerated parent. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, substa

Apr 24, 2024 • 59:49

Chief Happiness Officer, Sarah Ratekin

Chief Happiness Officer, Sarah Ratekin

Send us a Text Message.I was completely captivated by my guest this week, Dr. Sarah Ratekin. Sarah is the Owner and Chief Happiness Officer of Happiness is Courage, LLC. I’m all about the happy and if there’s one thing the nurses need right now, it’s more happiness. With a background in organizational ethics and a doctorate in business administration she helps her clients, which include healthcare institutions, improve the employee experience, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t involve pizza parties.

Apr 17, 2024 • 1:09:15

The Break Nurse,  Alex Whitefield

The Break Nurse, Alex Whitefield

Send us a Text Message.In 375 BC, the ancient philosopher Plato wrote, "Our need will be the real creator." But over time, the phrase has been condensed to its current form,  "Necessity is the mother of invention." Alex Whitefield, aka "The Break Nurse", is an innovator and nurse leader who identified a need: hospitals were using outdated break systems which were making it difficult for nurses to get breaks. So he co-invented Breakalgo, a software program that optim

Apr 10, 2024 • 48:48

Host of the Direct Admission podcast, Brian Cerezo

Host of the Direct Admission podcast, Brian Cerezo

Send us a Text Message.Brian Cerezo is a nurse who likes to have fun, but he's also passionate about the nursing profession and proud about being able to financially support his family. And he doesn't solely rely on his W-2 job. He's made some risky moves by investing in real estate, stocks, and the dreaded crypto. We agreed investing can sometimes be uncertain, but as his portfolio grows, so does his comfort in knowing he's got a backup plan. Brian is also the host of the po

Apr 3, 2024 • 1:09:07

Emotional Intelligence Consultant, Tiffany Gibson

Emotional Intelligence Consultant, Tiffany Gibson

Send us a Text Message.Tiffany Gibson is a radical nurse leader who has been featured in Oprah Daily and Ebony magazines and proudly shares her two cents on social media and through her podcast. So when she manifested her goal on LinkedIn to book twelve speaking engagements this year, I jumped at the opportunity to invite her to be my guest because her wisdom for nurses cannot go unheard. Tiffany is an emotional intelligence consultant and the founder of New Nurse Academy, LLC. During our conver

Mar 27, 2024 • 54:07

NICU Nurse Manager, Felicia Torres Vaughn

NICU Nurse Manager, Felicia Torres Vaughn

Send us a Text Message.According to Forbes magazine, the relationship between managers and their employees has a significant impact on their mental health, similar to the effect of a partner. My guest this week, NICU Nurse Manager, Felicia Torres Vaughn, understands this and works hard to build strong relationships with her staff. During our conversation, Felicia clarified some common misconceptions about managers and emphasized the importance of mentorship. She also encouraged the idea of embra

Mar 20, 2024 • 1:08:23

Nurse and IBCLC, Rochelle Caldwell

Nurse and IBCLC, Rochelle Caldwell

Send us a Text Message.It was great reconnecting this week with my old friend and colleague, Rochelle Caldwell. Now let me rephrase that: we are not old, our friendship has just happened to span 43 years.  Rochelle is a labor and delivery nurse and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and since that’s a mouthful, let’s just say an IBCLC. She was inspired to pursue this career path by another nurse, also an IBCLC who witnessed her interactions with postpartum mothers and recog

Mar 13, 2024 • 1:00:11

CRNA School Prep Academy Founder and CEO, Jenny Finnell

CRNA School Prep Academy Founder and CEO, Jenny Finnell

Send us a Text Message.This week, I had an informative conversation with the Founder and CEO of the CRNA School Prep Academy, Jenny Finnell. Like a great nurse entrepreneur, Jenny identified a need: CRNA candidates were struggling to get into these highly competitive schools. So she created the Academy, a place where potential students can find resources on how to land the all-important interview, how to make themselves stand out in a crowd of candidates, how to improve their emotional intellige

Mar 6, 2024 • 1:04:00

PICC Nurse, Kristin Hansen

PICC Nurse, Kristin Hansen

Send us a Text Message.Kristin Hansen is an enthusiastic, energetic, and highly skilled PICC nurse. However, she admits that it wasn't always easy for her to transition from starting IVs on premature babies in the NICU to placing PICC lines on adults. But with practice and persistence, she learned everything about this interesting nursing specialty and we are so lucky she is sharing her knowledge with us. Kristin explained the criteria for becoming a PICC candidate, the technologies used, t

Feb 28, 2024 • 1:02:37

Nurse and Finance Coach, April Waddell

Nurse and Finance Coach, April Waddell

Send us a Text Message.This week I had an informative and fun conversation about money with my guest, nurse, and finance coach, April Waddell. Yes, you heard me right, I said fun. Talking about money can create anxiety in some and I’m no different but April’s positive and hopeful spirit helped me keep calm and carry on.After retiring from her work as a Pediatric ICU nurse, April founded Nurse Money Date, a financial coaching business and you’ll love hearing the reason behind the name. I never co

Feb 21, 2024 • 51:52

Trauma ICU Nurse and Travel Host, Myra Gamble

Trauma ICU Nurse and Travel Host, Myra Gamble

Send us a Text Message.Myra Gamble is so chill and laid-back, it’s hard to believe she’s a Trauma ICU nurse. She’s also done emergency room nursing, hospice, home health, cath lab, interventional radiology, and telemetry. And I imagine that such a wide range of experience has only made her a better ICU nurse. As I listened to her recount stories from the COVID ICU, I remembered the toll it took on so many healthcare professionals. I loved hearing how she organizes her day (she may have a touch o

Feb 14, 2024 • 1:08:22

Nurse and Real Estate Investing Consultant, Lynn John

Nurse and Real Estate Investing Consultant, Lynn John

Send us a Text Message.My guest this week, Lynn John, is a smart, tenacious woman. Deciding in high school to become a nurse, Lynn was told that would never happen. Armed with a prove-them-wrong attitude, she forged on and obtained her Master's in nursing. But after several years of working under institutional abuse in the form of unsafe staffing and mandatory overtime, she realized she did not want to be boxed into a W-2 job until retirement. So she switched gears and started a real estate

Feb 7, 2024 • 53:40

Fertility Nurse, Cassidie Thomas

Fertility Nurse, Cassidie Thomas

Send us a Text Message.Cassidie Thomas is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. This week, I had a conversation with her about fertility nursing, which is a fascinating field that I knew little about until now. I learned that fertility nurses take care of a diverse group of patients, including couples who struggle with infertility, egg donors, individuals, surrogates, and cancer patients who want to preserve their eggs for future use. These patients often undergo hormone treatments and surgical pro

Jan 31, 2024 • 1:07:34

Registered Nurse First Assist, Bill Patty

Registered Nurse First Assist, Bill Patty

Send us a text**This episode discusses suicide, depression, and addiction, which may be triggering topics for some. Reach out to a mental health professional if you are experiencing depression, addiction, or suicidal ideation**Mental Health Resouces for Healthcare Workers and First Responders:National Alliance on Mental Health (Nurse-Led):Debriefing the Front LinesDon't Clock OutIf you like wild rides, you will love listening to my guest this week, a Registered Nurse, First Assist, and my l

Jan 24, 2024 • 1:36:50

Retirement from Nursing- Is it all it's cracked up to be?

Retirement from Nursing- Is it all it's cracked up to be?

Send us a Text Message.Hey guys! Today I’m talking about retirement because it's been two years since I retired from nursing! And for anybody who's been with me for a while, you've heard me talk about the challenges of retirement, and there certainly have been some. There have also been many blessings and we'll talk about those too, so let’s get to it!The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory Becker's Clinical Leadership article: Crisis Looms as 800,000 Nurses Plan to Exit t

Jan 17, 2024 • 22:48

Remote Nursing with Maggie Lajaunie and Blaire McElroy

Remote Nursing with Maggie Lajaunie and Blaire McElroy

Send us a Text Message.This week I had a great conversation about all things remote nursing. My guests are Maggie Lajaunie, Head of Clinical Services, and Blaire McElroy,  Clinical Services manager for the remote care company, Veta Health. I came into the conversation with ZERO knowledge about what remote nursing entailed and I left with a new appreciation of it. Like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes that day because once again, I was blown away by these two dynamic nurse leaders. They elev

Jan 10, 2024 • 56:54

NICU Nurse and Military Wife, Kari Replogle

NICU Nurse and Military Wife, Kari Replogle

Send us a Text Message.It was a thrill to reconnect with my colleague and friend, Kari Replogle. Kari has a gentle personality that perfectly suits her role as a NICU nurse. But don't let that delightful personality fool you. Kari is also a highly skilled practitioner and self-proclaimed lover of the adrenaline rush. In our conversation, Kari reflected on seeing her mom help people as a nurse, whether in a hospital or a camp setting and became inspired to follow in her footsteps. It's

Dec 20, 2023 • 58:11

Bullying and Incivility in Nursing with Dr. Phyllis Quinlan

Bullying and Incivility in Nursing with Dr. Phyllis Quinlan

Send us a Text Message.If you've been listening to the podcast for a while you’ve heard me say that we would be discussing bullying and, I’m happy to report that after over 65 episodes, I'm finally doing that.  And I'm not only talking about it, I'm talking to the expert about it. My guest, Dr. Phyllis Quinlan, a Ph.D.-prepared nurse,  literally wrote the book on Bullying and Chronic Incivility in Nursing. With a combined 45 years as a nurse, educator, LNC, and executive coac

Dec 13, 2023 • 1:03:31

PMHNP and Powerlifter, Tara Kittrell

PMHNP and Powerlifter, Tara Kittrell

Send us a Text Message.**CAUTION** In this episode we discuss mental health, including suicide. If you are experiencing mental health challenges and have thought of harming yourself, there is help for you. Call or text 988, the Suicide/Crisis Hotline. Help is available 24/7/365. Please reach out.What do psych nursing, powerlifting, and The Walking Dead have in common? My guest for this week, Tara "Taz" Kittrell. Her long career serving the mental health needs of women and children has

Dec 6, 2023 • 1:23:03

Trauma Nurse, Healthcare Lawyer, and Innovator, Kwamane Liddell

Trauma Nurse, Healthcare Lawyer, and Innovator, Kwamane Liddell

Send us a Text Message.Ever since I started this podcast, I have been looking forward to talking with a nurse who is also a JD. Recently, I got the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Kwamane Liddell. Kwamane is a healthcare visionary. You only need to glance at his LinkedIn profile to see the many accolades he has received from various sectors, including healthcare, business, innovation, and technology. Here are just a few examples:- He was the first African-American male to gra

Nov 29, 2023 • 1:12:52

Medical mission nurse and humanitarian, Paras Barnett

Medical mission nurse and humanitarian, Paras Barnett

Send us a Text Message.Paras Barnett was leading a robust life as a nurse. She worked at a prestigious institution, provided expert nursing care to her patients, was a strong organizational leader, and a loving wife and friend.However, despite all this, she felt like something was missing and was on the verge of burnout. So she became a Caritas coach, and in the process, learned how to prioritize self-care in order to be able to fill the cup of others. This single act catapulted her into humanit

Nov 22, 2023 • 1:03:18

Pediatric Nurse Scientist, Danielle Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC

Pediatric Nurse Scientist, Danielle Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC

Send us a Text Message.Meet Danielle Sarik, a dedicated pediatric nurse scientist who is committed to improving the lives of our most vulnerable population. I always enjoy hearing about how nurses first entered the profession, and I was surprised to learn that Danielle was inspired to become a nurse after working on global health policy with a nurse leader. As the Director of Nursing Research for Nicholas Children's Hospital in Florida, she helps nurses engage in research and become change

Nov 15, 2023 • 1:09:28

USAF Veteran Nurse, Captain Jennifer Savage-Cawley

USAF Veteran Nurse, Captain Jennifer Savage-Cawley

Send us a Text Message.As we approach Veterans Day this week, I want to introduce Captain Jennifer Savage-Cawley, a long-time friend and colleague who served as a nurse in the United States Air Force. Since starting this podcast, I've been eager to talk with a military nurse and Jennifer made that possible. I was immediately curious to know why Jennifer joined the Air Force. Her response was hilarious and did not disappoint. Jennifer shared that military nursing can be challenging. It invol

Nov 8, 2023 • 34:09

Nurse, Author, and Philanthropist,  D.D. Finder

Nurse, Author, and Philanthropist, D.D. Finder

Send us a textIn this week's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing D.D. Finder, aka, Delta Delta Finder. D.D. has had a remarkable 20-year healthcare career which has taken him from the Peace Corps to an EMT, from flight nursing to the ICU, and landing in Interventional Radiology. Now, there is a new chapter in his life: author. And what does he write about? Something he is intimately familiar with.His debut novel, Ready Left, Ready Right gives us a cockpit view of the intense pressur

Nov 1, 2023 • 1:31:08

Angela Gonzales, BSN and Founder, A Legacy of Love

Angela Gonzales, BSN and Founder, A Legacy of Love

Send us a Text Message.** WARNING** During this episode, we discuss infant loss, suicide, and grief **PROCEED WITH CAUTION** On a recent Sunday morning in October, I sat down with my long-time friend and colleague, Angela Gonzales. The month of October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and we brought awareness to this all too common and often minimized topic by remembering Angela’s son, Daniel. Daniel was born to Angela and her husband David on June 9th, 2010 at 32 weeks gestation and

Oct 25, 2023 • 1:28:42

Real Estate Investor and Nurse, Savannah Arroyo

Real Estate Investor and Nurse, Savannah Arroyo

Send us a Text Message.I recently looked up the word 'mogul' in the dictionary and found this definition: an important or powerful person. This perfectly describes Savannah Arroyo, who is a nurse by profession and an accomplished real estate investor as well. After years as a nurse administrator, Savannah was seeking a better balance between work and life, aka less work and more life. And that's when she ventured into real estate investing. In just three years since her journey be

Oct 18, 2023 • 40:38

Holistic Nurse Coach and Researcher, Giovanna Navarro

Holistic Nurse Coach and Researcher, Giovanna Navarro

Send us a Text Message.I had so much fun talking with Giovanna Navarro, her passion and energy were palpable! She’s a dynamic and accomplished nurse with a remarkable range of abilities. With over twenty years of nursing experience, she is also a devoted wife and mother, as well as a savvy businesswoman. As a HeartMath practitioner, she is highly regarded for her exceptional emotional intelligence. She travels around the world conducting biomedical research as the lead researcher on a team of sc

Oct 11, 2023 • 59:05

Health Policy Expert, John Silver, Ph.D. RN

Health Policy Expert, John Silver, Ph.D. RN

Send us a textWhen you hear the words "health policy", what comes to mind? A dry, barren desert? Not for John Silver, a nurse who has dedicated decades of his life to studying it and believes it’s anything but dry and lacking in substance. He was so passionate about understanding it that he left nursing to pursue a Ph.D. in comparative studies. He serves as President of the organization, Nurses Transforming Healthcare, whose mission is to transform healthcare into a model based on well

Oct 4, 2023 • 1:06:18

Certified Nurse Midwife, Sarah Waldron

Certified Nurse Midwife, Sarah Waldron

Send us a textSarah Waldron is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Nurse Midwife who started out in High School volunteering in L&D, was pulled into a room to watch a birth and was hooked! After becoming a nurse, her path to midwifery was not linear. Along the way, she worked in Med-Surg and pediatric emergency care but her experience in these different areas of nursing has been invaluable in her work as a midwife.  After many successful home births, Sarah opened her own

Sep 27, 2023 • 1:09:13

Licensed Vocational Nurse, Andres Perez

Licensed Vocational Nurse, Andres Perez

Send us a Text Message.With so many unknowns in the world, it was nice to talk with someone who knows himself so well. Licensed vocational nurse,  Andres Perez knows his motivation to be a nurse, knows his scope of practice, knows he loves emergency nursing, and knows he wants to continue his education to be a registered nurse. He also knows what brings down his stress level: music.  Between the voice and the violin, he's got self-care literally at his fingertips. After speaking with Andres

Sep 20, 2023 • 50:06

Nurse in Tech, Patrick Pickarts

Nurse in Tech, Patrick Pickarts

Send us a Text Message.How do you move from emergency nursing to technology? Patrick Pickarts did it with enthusiasm, his get-out-of-jail-free card, and a smidge of reckless abandon because that's how he rolls. He admits that learning how to tweak an electronic health record is not as easy as caring for a patient with a tweaked back. Patrick's current project involves utilizing technology to assist hospitals in freeing up busy nurses from the tedious task of calling staff for open shif

Sep 13, 2023 • 1:06:10

Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Lakeisha Falwell

Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Lakeisha Falwell

Send us a Text Message.Meet Lakeisha Falwell, an oncology nurse practitioner who is truly inspiring. Her passion and commitment to her craft shine through in her words as she shares insights about her work. She talks about the patients she serves, the collaborations she engages in, and the setting she works in. Lakeisha also emphasizes the importance of active listening skills to improve communication with her patients. What sets her apart is her unwavering compassion towards those she cares for

Sep 6, 2023 • 1:18:33

Nurse Medical Writer, Janelle Barowski

Nurse Medical Writer, Janelle Barowski

Send us a Text Message.I was fascinated by Janelle Barowski's profile on LinkedIn and knew I had to connect with her. She's a nurse and a talented freelance medical writer, having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. Janelle found her calling in medical writing after realizing that bedside nursing no longer fulfilled her, and has since achieved the work-life balance that many strive for. She explained that nurses are highly sought after in medical writing due to their

Aug 2, 2023 • 50:43

The Brains Behind The Nursing Beat

The Brains Behind The Nursing Beat

Send us a textToday’s episode is all about THE premier digital newsletter made by nurses, for nurses and it’s called the Nursing Beat.  At its helm are CEO Tamara AL-Yassin and COO, Hannah Berns. This power duo mustered up their courage, left the emergency room for the board room, and haven’t looked back. It takes a village to create a newsletter this good so Tamara and Hannah have surrounded themselves with brilliant content contributors, advisors, and out-of-the-box thinkers. Nurses are busy!

Jul 26, 2023 • 1:18:42

TCNP turns ONE!

TCNP turns ONE!

Send us a textWelcome to The Conversing Nurse podcast's anniversary episode! Today marks a year since we started this journey, and it has been an incredible one, full of challenges and accomplishments. This year in podcasting has been full of firsts: creating a website, managing social media, recording, publishing, and just all the techy things in general. After retiring from 36 years in nursing, it’s been important to me to stay connected to the nursing community and after this year, I fee

Jul 19, 2023 • 1:01:30

Physician Assistant, Jennifer Carlquist

Physician Assistant, Jennifer Carlquist

Send us a textMeet Jennifer Carlquist, a Physician Assistant who is a true expert in her field with a wealth of experience in both cardiology and emergency medicine. Somewhat of a private detective with her patients, she has a keen ability to get to the heart of the matter, which is not always the presenting problem. She achieves this by connecting with them on a personal level, understanding their human condition in addition to their medical condition. As a PA, Jennifer practices with great aut

Jul 12, 2023 • 1:01:25

Independence in Nursing

Independence in Nursing

Send us a Text Message.Enjoy this episode on the day after Independence Day!Contact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comYour review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-reviewWould you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-formCheck out my guests' book recommendati

Jul 5, 2023 • 10:40

Nurse Innovator, Nicole Weathers

Nurse Innovator, Nicole Weathers

Send us a Text Message.In my conversation with Nicole Weathers, I had a moment that made me wonder, "Why didn't I think of this?" Nicole is a pioneering nurse who cofounded STAT PD, a medical marketplace that empowers nurses and allied health professionals to purchase and sell resources for their professional development. She started her career in a rural hospital where she had to take on multiple roles, but she prioritized her professional development and gained invaluable experi

Jun 28, 2023 • 1:02:57

Emergency Room Nurse, Emily Brown

Emergency Room Nurse, Emily Brown

Send us a textIf you have an interest in becoming an emergency room nurse, you came to the right place. My guest for this episode, Emily Brown tells us the ins and outs of this seductive nursing specialty, especially if you are an adrenaline junkie like her. We discussed the skillset ER nurses need and the many certifications she has. We touched on new grads in the ER, the disciplines she works with, and the importance of a well-oiled code team. She’s cross-trained for pediatric emergencies, cha

Jun 21, 2023 • 58:55

The last Florence Nightingale minisode: Observations

The last Florence Nightingale minisode: Observations

Send us a Text Message.Well, we have come to the end of the book, Notes on Nursing by Florence Nightingale. Again, I want to thank my brother, Dr. Chris Patty for the loan of this book and more importantly, his brotherly mentorship over the course of my life.  We are at the last chapter titled “Observation of the Sick.” Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.org    **affiliate link**This is the LAST giveaway of the commemorative edition of Florence’s book

Jun 14, 2023 • 15:49

Artist and Nurse, Nicole Cromwell

Artist and Nurse, Nicole Cromwell

Send us a Text Message.In my interview with Nicole Cromwell, we didn't talk a lot about the specifics of nursing, though Nicole has a long history of practicing in some of the most high-intensity, high-stress areas, including oncology, intensive care, Covid ICU, and flight nursing. The cumulative stress of this took a toll on her in the form of burnout. After losing a young patient in the ICU, an artist, Nicole discovered art as a healing modality and the ultimate form of self-care. What sh

Jun 7, 2023 • 46:17

Nurse Career Coach, Farah Laurent

Nurse Career Coach, Farah Laurent

Send us a Text Message.Let me tell you about Farah Laurent. This woman has done it all and she still has more to do! Long-time nurse, check. Master's degree, check. Doctoral student, check. Board certifications, six of them. Now add to that mix, nurse career coach and nursepreneur. I know, I didn't know what it was either, but you guys, she’s amazing! She teaches nurses how to become business owners! Brilliant, right? AND, straight from her website (which is beautiful BTW), if you wann

May 31, 2023 • 1:02:07

Nightingale minisode #8 Cleaning and Chattering

Nightingale minisode #8 Cleaning and Chattering

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to the Florence Nightingale Miniseries. This is minisode number eight, Cleaning and Chattering, where Florence discusses cleanliness both of a home or hospital room and of a person. She also tells us about the chattering of hopes and advices. Sounds mysterious. Let's get into it.*Evidence-based Medicine and Hospital Reform: Tracing Origins back to FlorenceNightingalehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Contact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.in

May 24, 2023 • 12:06

PACU Nurse and Travel Writer, Katherine Leamy

PACU Nurse and Travel Writer, Katherine Leamy

Send us a Text Message.Katherine Leamy set out in life to become a physical therapist but instead became a fantastic nurse and we talked about all things PACU nursing: the ratios, the time spent with each patient, her autonomy, how she involves the family for support, and the importance of critical thinking skills because, after all, the PACU is a critical care unit!  We even dished on the funny things patients say when waking up from anesthesia (I can’t imagine what I said!). She sold me on PAC

May 17, 2023 • 1:00:14

Adult Micro Preemie Survivor, Christina Gagnon

Adult Micro Preemie Survivor, Christina Gagnon

Send us a Text Message.Christina Gagnon was born at 25 weeks gestation, weighing just 1 pound, eight ounces. Now, this is incredible in its own right but Christina was born in 1986 when micro preemies of her birthweight and gestational age only had a 14% chance of survival, and of the few that did survive, often suffered the effects of extreme prematurity throughout their lives: blindness, asthma, cerebral palsy, and many others.  In comparison, a baby born like Christina today would have an 80%

May 10, 2023 • 53:40

Family Nurse Practitioner, Alisha Sandidge-Renteria

Family Nurse Practitioner, Alisha Sandidge-Renteria

Send us a Text Message.I've often said on this podcast that many nurses choose this profession for reasons that aren't noble or lofty. Alisha Sandidge-Renteria changed that for me.  As a teenager, she witnessed the economic disparity in healthcare after seeing her mother, who was fighting cancer, be forced to choose a cheaper, experimental, and less effective regimen which ultimately ended her life. Since then, Alisha has embodied the words of Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to se

May 3, 2023 • 53:56

Hospice Nurse, Cydney Alvarado

Hospice Nurse, Cydney Alvarado

Send us a Text Message.I was eager to talk to Cydney Alvarado because I've always been curious to know what a hospice nurse does. I mean, I was reading Elizabeth Kubler Ross's, On Death and Dying at age 13. I never said I was normal! As a float nurse, Cydney got exposure to many different specialties, which helped her tremendously in her role as a hospice nurse, which she says has become her favorite nursing specialty. She explains the details about the people she cares for, opening a

Apr 26, 2023 • 1:17:02

Doctorate of Nursing Practice student, Carla Stanley

Doctorate of Nursing Practice student, Carla Stanley

Send us a textI had the best conversation with Carla Stanley about her journey as a DNP student. I have to admit, I was a little intimidated when I saw all the letters behind her name but I had no need to be; she’s delightfully down to earth. We discussed the types of programs, the application process, and the blood, sweat, and tears required to achieve such a goal. My respect and admiration only grew when I learned the ‘why’ behind her multiple board certifications; Carla strives to be the expe

Apr 19, 2023 • 1:15:15

BSN pre-licensure student Sabreen Qassem

BSN pre-licensure student Sabreen Qassem

Send us a Text Message.Life has not been easy for Sabreen Qassem. As a Muslim immigrant, she has endured frequent relocations and deeply rooted cultural expectations that are in conflict with her dream of becoming a nurse. But I was smiling the entire time we talked because Sabreen is as charming as she is intelligent, well-spoken, and hardworking. She has taken on a lot. Not only is she a full-time BSN pre-licensure student, but she also works the front desk at her college and as a student nurs

Apr 12, 2023 • 53:14

Australian BSN student Caitlin McKenzie

Australian BSN student Caitlin McKenzie

Send us a Text Message. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Australian BSN student, Caitlin McKenzie. First of all, she's a pleasure to listen to. Between her accent and her humor, I could listen for hours. But the stories of her challenges, triumphs, and her future dreams are really what captivated me and I'm sure they will you as well. She's in her last few months as a nursing student and went from absolutely hating school as a young person to absolutely loving it as a mature lea

Apr 5, 2023 • 58:08

Beds and Bedding-Nightingale minisode #7

Beds and Bedding-Nightingale minisode #7

Send us a Text Message.Florence makes me want to lie down on soft bedding...z...Z..zNotes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.org    **affiliate link**During these minisodes, I will be giving away three of the commemorative editions of Florence’s book, Notes on Nursing. This is an extraordinary Lippincott edition with fancy, gilded pages and introductions by nurse leaders, past and present. There will be more information on my Instagram so be sure to go over

Mar 29, 2023 • 9:22

School Nurse Victoria Gutierrez

School Nurse Victoria Gutierrez

Send us a Text Message. I had so much fun talking with school nurse, Victoria Gutierrez! Honestly, I was enchanted by her excitement and enthusiasm, and I know you will be too. The skills she learned as an ICU nurse: critical thinking, organization, and delegation, have served her well in her role as a school nurse. Although she misses the acuity of the ICU, she’s not missing out on the joy she has found in this niche nursing specialty. She schools us in the education required, responsibilities,

Mar 22, 2023 • 49:47

Pediatric Complex Care Nurse, Monty Anderson

Pediatric Complex Care Nurse, Monty Anderson

Send us a Text Message.Monty Anderson’s entire nursing career prepared him for where he was meant to be now: a Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care nurse.  His time with psychiatric patients gave him valuable insight into the complex emotions of our fellow humans, his pediatric nursing experience taught him the developmental stages of children and family-centered care. As a Charge nurse, he became competent in decision-making and prioritization and as a Quality Improvement nurse, he developed h

Mar 15, 2023 • 1:26:28

The Journey to Nursing with Derick Pedigo, RN

The Journey to Nursing with Derick Pedigo, RN

Send us a Text Message.Many nurses practicing today entered healthcare knowing they absolutely wanted to be a nurse. But Derick Pedigo’s journey was different. Starting as an EMT and observing the nurses in the Emergency Department, he said, “I want to do that.” When he didn’t get into the program the first time, he decided to go the LVN route. Working as an LVN with very sick renal patients, he learned valuable skills to propel him further in his quest to be an RN. And now, he’s a new nurse wit

Mar 8, 2023 • 43:41

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Amanda Silva

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Amanda Silva

Send us a Text Message.There’s nothing like doing a face-to-face interview, even if it IS in my closet of dolls. And there’s nothing like talking with social worker Amanda Silva. Social workers are a crucial part of any medical team. In this interview, Amanda and I talk about it all: communication, collaboration, and the key to keeping your social worker happy, all with Amanda’s comedic flair! In the five-minute snippet, Amanda, just take the money and run! For Amanda's bio, visit my websit

Mar 1, 2023 • 56:36

Preemie Dad, Author, and Advocate, Adam Wood

Preemie Dad, Author, and Advocate, Adam Wood

Send us a Text Message.Adam and Jenn Wood,  with their son Brady, born at just 25 weeks, lived in the NICU for 135 days. And what did Adam do in those 135 days? He paid attention. And then he became the fiercest advocate for preemies, their families, nurses, and doctors everywhere. Listen as Adam recounts NICU stories of heartache, hope, and humor, with even a budding bromance thrown in. In the five-minute snippet, Adam has the cleanest house, and ears on the block! For Adam's bio, visit my

Feb 22, 2023 • 1:19:00

Closet fun with Jessica

Closet fun with Jessica

Send us a Text Message.Enjoy this short! Sit back and laugh with me and my girl, Jessica, as we have a bit of fun in the closet!Jessica's Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/dream.2.b.free/ICYMI: Conversing with a Flight Nurse: Jennifer Caposella: https://www.buzzsprout.com/Conversing with a Flight Nurse: Jennifer CaposellaContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comYour review is so import

Feb 15, 2023 • 4:41

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Kirby Williams

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Kirby Williams

Send us a Text Message.I really enjoyed talking with Kirby Williams, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  She gave us the deets on where a PMHNP can work, the training required, the subspecialties, as well as the heaviness of the job, and how she cares for her own mental health. Her students are lucky to have her as a mentor and her patients, as their provider. In the 5-minute snippet, I absolutely love her advice for babies: explore ALL the possibilities. For Kirby's bio, visit

Feb 8, 2023 • 1:02:52

Food- Nightingale Minisode #6

Food- Nightingale Minisode #6

Send us a Text Message.Florence gives us the dish on food!Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.org    **affiliate link**My website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comFind me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/This is the SECOND giveaway of the commemorative edition of Florence’s book, Notes on Nursing. This is an extraordinary Lippincott edition with fancy, gilded pages and introductions by nurse leaders, past and prese

Feb 1, 2023 • 16:55

Nutrition for Nurses with David Ledgerwood

Nutrition for Nurses with David Ledgerwood

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Nutrition for Nurses, the first person I thought of as a guest was David Ledgerwood. David's personal story of how good nutrition improved his performance as a CrossFit athlete is inspiring. His deep understanding of human physiology and how the body utilizes nutrients are instantly apparent. I absolutely love it when he said, "food shouldn't make you feel bad!" Amen! He gives us actionable strategies for using food as fuel to increase

Jan 25, 2023 • 1:01:58

Postpartum Nurse, Tammy Dunehew

Postpartum Nurse, Tammy Dunehew

Send us a Text Message.EP 26: Well, what can I say about Tammy Dunehew? I can tell you she’s experienced, capable, compassionate, and funny, all the qualities you want in a nurse! Yes, you want your nurse to have a sense of humor and Tammy fulfills that requirement perfectly. In this episode, she tells us what it means to be a postpartum nurse, including being a Charge nurse.  She was great at clearing up the misconception that “postpartum nurses just hold babies.”  In fact, their work in helpin

Jan 18, 2023 • 51:45

Pediatric Nurse, Monica Reyes

Pediatric Nurse, Monica Reyes

Send us a Text Message.Wow, when you hear my interview with Monica Reyes, you will realize what I’ve known for a while, that she was born to be a pediatric nurse. Her playful nature aligns perfectly with this nursing specialty. She tells us that IV skills are extremely valuable to pediatric nurses and shares her heartbreaking experience of losing a patient. We gained insight into her personal story of the challenges of having a daughter with a chronic disease. In the five-minute snippet, Monica

Jan 11, 2023 • 55:22

Variety- Nightingale minisode #5

Variety- Nightingale minisode #5

Send us a Text Message.Florence says variety is the spice of life!Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.org    *affiliate link*During these minisodes, I will be giving away three of the commemorative editions of Florence’s book, Notes on Nursing. This is an extraordinary Lippincott edition with fancy, gilded pages and introductions by nurse leaders, past and present. There will be more information on my Instagram so be sure to go over there and look for

Jan 4, 2023 • 8:31

Noise-Nightingale minisode #4

Noise-Nightingale minisode #4

Send us a Text Message.Florence says too much noise is bad for your patients and you!Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.org   *affiliate link*During these minisodes, I will be giving away three of the commemorative editions of Florence’s book, Notes on Nursing. This is an extraordinary Lippincott edition with fancy, gilded pages and introductions by nurse leaders, past and present. There will be more information on my Instagram so be sure to go over t

Dec 28, 2022 • 12:45

Petty Management-Nightingale minisode #3

Petty Management-Nightingale minisode #3

Send us a Text Message.Florence reminds us to have a work-life balance! Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.org  (affiliate link) During these minisodes, I will be giving away three of the commemorative editions of Florence’s book, Notes on Nursing. This is an extraordinary Lippincott edition with fancy, gilded pages and introductions by nurse leaders, past and present. There will be more information on my Instagram so be sure to go over there and look

Dec 21, 2022 • 18:06

Transplant Nurse, Annette Needham

Transplant Nurse, Annette Needham

Send us a textAfter speaking with Annette Needham, I can truthfully say she is the expert on all things transplant nursing. She is a doctorally-prepared nurse practitioner who has done it all: worked as a transplant nurse on busy floors, as a transplant coordinator, as a nurse manager, as an inpatient NP, and most recently as a quality transplant manager. She is also a donor advocate and is active in professional transplant organizations. She calls herself bossy, but after getting to know her a

Dec 14, 2022 • 55:30

Dialysis Nurse, David Wilson

Dialysis Nurse, David Wilson

Send us a Text Message. It was such a pleasure to talk with my long-time friend and colleague dialysis nurse, David Wilson. In this episode, he discusses the intense training dialysis nurses get, dialysis emergencies, and the emotional connections that are formed with these chronic, long-term patients. I love his empathetic approach of “meet the patient where they are, not where we think they should be.” When you hear his story of why he became a nurse, you will understand divine intervention. I

Dec 7, 2022 • 42:35

Forensic Nurse, Heather

Forensic Nurse, Heather

Send us a Text Message.**Content warning** This episode contains graphic, sensitive content relating to adult and pediatric sexual assault and abuse. Please proceed with caution** This week I talk with Heather, a sexual assault nurse examiner, or SANE nurse who provided comprehensive information about the field of forensic nursing. She also gave us insight into the life of the victim and what they endure during the thorough examination process. With law enforcement and victim advocates as allies

Nov 30, 2022 • 1:01:04

The Five Essentials for Health-Nightingale minisode #2

The Five Essentials for Health-Nightingale minisode #2

Send us a Text Message.Florence says we need all five! Pure air, pure water, efficient drainage, cleanliness, and light. Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not by Florence Nightingalebookshop.orgDuring these minisodes, I will be giving away three of the commemorative editions of Florence’s book, Notes on Nursing. This is an extraordinary Lippincott edition with fancy, gilded pages and introductions by nurse leaders, past and present. There will be more information on my Instagram which

Nov 23, 2022 • 16:33

Informatics Nurse, Taofiki Gafar-Schaner

Informatics Nurse, Taofiki Gafar-Schaner

Send us a Text Message.Before speaking with Taofiki Gafar-Schaner, I had very little knowledge of Informatics Nursing. He was terrific at giving us a window into this interesting nursing specialty. Taofiki’s knowledge of the role is apparent and he taught us much: from how electronic health records are built to the vulnerability of these records to cyber attacks, from what kind of schedule to expect, to the education required. I think the most important lesson he taught us is just,  how to be a

Nov 16, 2022 • 1:00:29

Legal Nurse Expert, Dr. Leah Elliott

Legal Nurse Expert, Dr. Leah Elliott

Send us a Text Message.I have to admit before I interviewed Leah Elliott, I knew very little about the legal nurse expert role. With Leah’s thorough explanations about the process she goes through, from accepting the case, to research, and finally, to the presentation, I found this nursing specialty to be fascinating! I love that she says participating as a legal nurse expert is a little like solving a mystery. Being a lifelong learner, Leah feels strongly that nurses should belong to profession

Nov 9, 2022 • 50:16

Nightingale Minisode #1: Who was Florence Nightingale?

Nightingale Minisode #1: Who was Florence Nightingale?

Send us a Text Message.     Welcome to the first Florence Nightingale minisode! This first minisode is an introduction to Florence, who she was, and what she was all about. There will be nine minisodes in total and are commentaries on one of Florence's many publications and I think one of her best, Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not, written in 1859. This book was recommended and loaned to me by my brother, Dr. Chris Patty, my guest for Episode 4 of this podcast. Be sure to che

Nov 2, 2022 • 11:43

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist, Flo Schenke

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist, Flo Schenke

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever driven an expensive sportscar, you know, one that goes from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds? You’ll have the same experience talking with Flo Schenke, she’s fast and furious! She’s also kind, compassionate, highly skilled, brilliantly intelligent, and funny as hell! In this interview, she talks about all things CRNA, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist. What she does, who she works with, her education, her business, legal challenges, and maybe the most importa

Oct 26, 2022 • 58:09

Perspective of a Male Nurse with Larry Logsdon

Perspective of a Male Nurse with Larry Logsdon

Send us a Text Message.I'm so glad Larry Logsdon, MSN Ed., PHN, RN, RNC-NIC, CLC came on the show to share his perspective of being a male in nursing. He didn’t think twice about his decision to become a nurse; he just followed his heart. And what a heart he has, you can hear it in everything he says. He dispelled many of the stereotypes attributed to male nurses and he did it expertly. After almost 15 years as a nurse, his newest adventure as a NICU Clinical Nurse Educator has him so excit

Oct 19, 2022 • 47:40

Daughters of a Nurse- Kendra and Hannah Oliveira

Daughters of a Nurse- Kendra and Hannah Oliveira

Send us a Text Message.As Kendra and Hannah Oliveira discuss their shared experience as the daughters of NICU nurse Cheryl Oliveira, you get the distinct feeling that they didn’t miss out on anything, in fact, I would say their lives were enriched in many ways. The American novelist, James Lane Allen said:  “Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.” Kendra, a future nurse, and Hannah, a journalism major reveal their characters as they remember their childhood experiences of being awake

Oct 12, 2022 • 46:19

Labor & Delivery Nurse, Christine Daniel

Labor & Delivery Nurse, Christine Daniel

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever wanted to know what a labor and delivery nurse does? Well, in this episode, Christine Daniel, a labor and delivery nurse for over two decades tells us all about the highs and lows of this interesting nursing specialty. The lows?  Well, the pace is fast, you can stand for long periods, it's very physical and there’s dealing with loss, as well as the social issues surrounding pregnancy. But then there are the highs: the individuality of each delivery exper

Oct 5, 2022 • 43:45

Travel Nurse, Brenna Frigulti

Travel Nurse, Brenna Frigulti

Send us a Text Message.My interview with Brenna Frigulti, BSN, RN, CCRN was so informative! She brought us everything travel nursing, from what to expect at a new hospital, how to avoid sketchy housing, how to negotiate a contract, make friends and explore your surroundings.  Listening to Brenna, you can just hear her knowledge and passion about critical care travel nursing in every word. I was inspired by her story about what travel nursing enabled her to do financially. She survived my hot clo

Sep 28, 2022 • 52:51

Physician-Nurse Communication with Dr. Christine Nelson, M.D.

Physician-Nurse Communication with Dr. Christine Nelson, M.D.

Send us a Text Message.I had a lovely time reconnecting with one of my most highly regarded colleagues, pediatric hospitalist and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Dr. Christine Nelson, M.D.  With many decades of experience in her pocket, she was my top pick for discussing the physician-nurse relationship and how good communication between the disciplines can promote patient safety, and prevent physician and nurse burnout. Charged with teaching our newest physicians, her message for them to prom

Sep 21, 2022 • 49:30

Octogenarian Nurse Beverly Hoffman

Octogenarian Nurse Beverly Hoffman

Send us a Text Message.Have you wanted to know what nursing was like more than six decades ago? Well, Beverly Hoffman, an 86-year-old retired nurse, gives us a peek inside. I loved everything about this interview: hearing Beverly's experiences as a new nurse in a pediatric unit, how she got to closely know her patients as a clinic nurse; sharing their family vacations and pictures of grandchildren. She gave us a reminder from the ancient Stoics: memento mori; "remember, you must die,&q

Sep 14, 2022 • 40:18

Ehlers-Danlos Warrior, Heather Vails

Ehlers-Danlos Warrior, Heather Vails

Send us a Text Message.Heather Vails, MSN Ed. RNC-NIC, is definitely in my badass nurse category. She has lived with the rare genetic disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or EDS, for decades. She has not only lived, she’s thrived. After a long career as a NICU nurse, she recently left the bedside, a place she loved dearly to venture into teaching our new generation of nurses as a Professor of Pediatrics. Listen as she educates us about this rare condition and how she has not let EDS slow her down. h

Sep 7, 2022 • 45:40

NICU Nurse, Kathleen Wardell

NICU Nurse, Kathleen Wardell

Send us a Text Message.I'm so glad Kathleen said "yes" to being on the podcast because you get to experience what I've known for quite a while; what a compassionate, experienced NICU nurse she is.  She has worked all four levels of neonatal care, and she has excelled at every one of them. I'm excited to see what her future holds as she embarks on obtaining her Master's in Public Health with her focus on the environment. We also had a lot of laughs in my hot closet w

Aug 31, 2022 • 1:00:50

Nurse Entrepreneur, Joan Ortiz

Nurse Entrepreneur, Joan Ortiz

Send us a Text Message.Joan Ortiz is a multi-faceted woman: she’s a BSN, RN, IBCLC, an inventor, and an accomplished businesswoman and Vice President of Limerick. She gives us practical advice on how to make the jump from the bedside to the business sector and makes it look easy. In the five-minute snippet, her love of baseball is contagious; take ME out to the ball game! For Joan's book recs visit: https://bookshop.org/lists/joan-ortiz-bsn-rn-ibclc https://limerickinc.com/ Airports in the

Aug 24, 2022 • 42:59

Nurse Researcher, Dr. Chris Patty

Nurse Researcher, Dr. Chris Patty

Send us a Text Message.Dr. Chris Patty is living his best life as a nurse researcher.  He tells us, "every nurse can learn, every nurse can discover." His stories are incredible and oh, he's funny too.For Dr. Patty's bookstore on Bookshop.org visit https://bookshop.org/lists/dr-chris-patty-dnp-rn-cppsContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comYour review is so important to th

Aug 17, 2022 • 56:43

Flight Nurse, Jennifer Caposella

Flight Nurse, Jennifer Caposella

Send us a Text Message.Jennifer is an engaging person with a varied nursing background spanning almost two decades. From L&D, critical care, flight nursing, and now in a Director role, she tells us how her experiences made her a better flight nurse.  I especially love our 'Five Minute Snippet' at the end where we get to see Jennifer on a more personal level. Lots of laughs were enjoyed! For Jennifer's book recs, visit:  https://bookshop.org/lists/jennifer-caposella-bsn-rn-cfrn

Aug 10, 2022 • 47:26

Nurse Educator, Dr. Dianthe Hoffman

Nurse Educator, Dr. Dianthe Hoffman

Send us a Text Message.Di's passion for teaching our new generation of nurses is evident in all she does. From her start in the Navy mentoring corpsmen to her Peds and NICU days as a bedside nurse, then managing a busy NICU and now as a nurse educator, she brings her knowledge and her gift for communication to a higher level. I love that she teaches her students to imagine their loved ones in that hospital bed, driving them to care for others empathetically. She told us ‘nursing is more tha

Aug 3, 2022 • 39:51

Let me introduce myself!

Let me introduce myself!

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to my podcast! I'm your host, Michelle. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a flight nurse? Or a nurse educator? Or a nurse researcher? After 36 years in pediatric and neonatal nursing, I have! Each week I will talk with knowledgeable, experienced, and inspiring nurses and together we'll learn about the nurses who make our profession great. This podcast is for you so feel free to weigh in, give feedback and tell me what you'd like to hea

Jul 26, 2022 • 4:22

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