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In this episode of Life After Nursing School, I chat with Nicole Johnson, BSN, RN, CCRN - Critical Care Nurse and founder of Unwound Retreats. Nicole knows firsthand the challenges of burnout and has built a career around helping nurses reconnect with themselves and their purpose. With certifications in Happiness at Work, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Psychological First Aid, she blends evidence-based wellness with real-world nursing experience.

Since 2019, Nicole has led Unwound Retreats across Mexico, Morocco, and California, offering nurses a chance to rest, reflect, and build community. Her retreats combine yoga, meditation, journaling, and CE-accredited education with meaningful connection and plenty of fun.

In our conversation, Nicole shares her own life after nursing school, how one season of burnout shifted her path, and why creating space for nurses to breathe is so important. She also gives us a preview of her upcoming Sayulita, Mexico retreat—with luxury lodging, daily wellness practices, paddleboarding, chef-prepared meals, and up to 8 CE credits.

Whether you’re a new grad nurse or an experienced RN, this episode will inspire you to prioritize self-care and community.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Connect with Nicole & Unwound Retreats:

*SPECIAL Discount Code: ‘NEWGRADNURSE’ - $200 off Unwound November 2025 Retreat!

Unwound Retreats Instagram → @unwoundretreatsfornurses

Nicole Johnson Instagram → @nicolejohnson.rn

Nicole Johnson TikTok → @nicolejohnson.rn

Retreat Website → Unwound Retreats Website

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

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Fall is here - pumpkin spice, busy schedules, and all the chaos that comes with it. Whether you’re a nursing student heading back to clinicals or a new grad nurse starting your first job, this season can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple strategies to help you stay organized, reduce decision fatigue, and actually enjoy pumpkin spice season. From creating a weekly reset routine to building a bedtime wind-down and protecting your energy, these practical nurse tips will help you move through fall with more calm and confidence.

👉 Perfect for new nurses, nursing students, or anyone juggling school, shifts, and family life.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

• Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

• Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠
• TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠
• Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠
• Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Episode Mentioned Resources:

Factor75 Meal Service Link Here

Hatch Alarm Clock

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

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Starting your first nursing job is exciting, but what if your preceptor isn’t the right fit? Orientation sets the foundation for your nursing career, and a mismatched preceptor can make it harder to build confidence and independence as a new grad nurse.

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we’ll break down what a supportive orientation should look like, the red flags of an ineffective preceptor, and how to advocate for yourself if you’re struggling. You’ll hear practical scripts you can use when speaking with your manager, plus strategies to keep the conversation professional and solutions-focused.

We’ll also cover how to be a strong orientee - asking the right questions, taking initiative with skills, and using your unit’s resources to accelerate learning. And if your preceptor’s behavior is unsafe or crosses the line, I’ll share steps you can take to protect yourself and your practice.

This episode will help you navigate preceptor challenges with confidence and set yourself up for nursing success.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

• Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3