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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

Send us a text

In this episode, we’re diving into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory and how it can transform your nursing practice, especially if you’re a new grad or navigating the pressures of the job.

The “Let Them” Theory is simple yet powerful:

• Let Them: Release the need to control other people—their actions, emotions, or opinions.
• Let Me: Give yourself permission to focus on what you can control—your goals, growth, and well-being.

We will walk through real-life nursing scenarios - from being pressured to pick up extra shifts, to handling frustrated patients, to setting boundaries with family and show you how this mindset shift helps protect your mental health, reduce burnout, and boost your confidence at work.

Whether you’re a nursing student, new graduate nurse, or experienced RN, this episode will give you practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive in your career.

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

Send us a text

If you’re a nursing student or new grad nurse dreaming of financial freedom or just wanting more control over your career this episode is for you.

Today, I’m joined by Savannah Arroyo, The Net Worth Nurse, who went from hustling to land her first job in California’s saturated market to building a $3+ million real estate portfolio and leaving bedside nursing behind.

Savannah shares how she climbed the nursing ladder from bedside RN to nurse manager with her sights set on becoming a CNO. But motherhood changed everything, and she realized she didn’t want her life dictated by her job. That’s when she turned to real estate investing - with no finance background and created a new path for herself.

We cover:

• Landing your first nursing job in a competitive market
• Why nurses struggle with money and money mindset tips
• Budgeting tips for nurses and small changes that lead to big results
• How to invest even with student loans and a new grad salary
• The basics of real estate investing for nurses and creating passive income
• How to make your nursing career work for you - not the other way around

By the end of this episode, you’ll see that financial independence for nurses is possible and you’ll feel inspired to take the first step toward a career and life you truly love.

Connect with Podcast Guest: Savannah Arroyo - The Net Worth Nurse

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Youtube
• Tiktok
• The Net Worth Nurse Website

Books Mentioned in the Episode:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
• Passive Profits by Savannah Arroyo

*All books can be viewed here - Caroline may earn a small commission from purchases made through affiliate links of references mentioned in the show. This support helps keep the podcast going and is truly appreciated!

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

Send us a text

Are you a new nurse feeling overwhelmed by everything they didn’t teach you in nursing school? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m answering some of the most commonly asked questions from both listeners and members of The New Nurse Society.

We’re covering real-life topics every new grad nurse wants (and needs) to know about:
✅ What the heck is a 401(k) and how do you use it?
✅ What to do if your preceptor just isn’t a good fit
✅ How to handle scary nurse coworkers and build strong relationships on your unit
✅ What to do if you hate your first nursing job
✅ And yes - I’m sharing what’s actually in my work bag

Whether you’re starting orientation, struggling to adjust to night shift, or wondering if you made the right career choice, this episode is packed with relatable stories, honest advice, and practical tips you can take with you into your next shift.

You’ll also get an inside look at conversations happening in my online community, The New Nurse Society - where new grad nurses come for job search support, career coaching, and real-time answers to the challenges that come after you land the job.

✨ Topics like burnout, imposter syndrome, preceptor red flags, and toxic unit dynamics
✨ How to advocate for yourself as a new nurse (even when it’s uncomfortable)
✨ The truth about nurse benefits and how to maximize them
✨ Little things that make a big difference in your day-to-day (like StinkBalm, color-coded pens, and a solid scrub jacket)

If you’re a new grad nurse or nursing student preparing for your first job, this is a must-listen episode that will leave you feeling more confident, less alone, and better prepared for the real world of nursing.

🎧 Don’t forget to follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow nursing student or new nurse friend who could use the support!

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: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠
• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society
• Amazon Storefront: “Must Have” Items in my Work Bag

Resources Referenced in the show:

• Julia Joseph - Nurse Life Coach: @juliadelea
• Amazon Storefront: “Must Have” Items in my Work Bag

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

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Are you a nursing student or new grad nurse dreaming of a life that feels aligned, balanced, and fulfilling - both in and out of scrubs?

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we’re diving deep into manifestation, not the vague, "wish-upon-a-star" kind, but a grounded, step-by-step approach to creating the life and nursing career you actually want. Whether you’re spiritually curious, full-on into manifestation, or just looking for more clarity in your post-nursing school journey, this conversation is for you.

✨ Inside this episode, we’ll explore:

• How to get clear on what you truly want in your nursing career and lifestyle

• The power of visualization and why it’s more than just daydreaming

• How to match your energy to your goals and raise your frequency

• Practical tips for overcoming limiting beliefs and self-doubt

• The role of journaling, affirmations, and gratitude in attracting aligned opportunities

• Why trusting the timing is key to long-term success in both life and nursing

  
  

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next after nursing school, this episode offers clarity, tools, and encouragement to help you step into your dream life - on your terms.

💭 Whether you’re trying to land your first new grad nursing job, transition out of a toxic work environment, or explore alternative nursing careers, manifestation can help you get aligned, focused, and ready to take inspired action.

🎧 By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, 7-step manifestation framework that blends mindset, action, and belief—designed to help you create a nursing life that supports you.

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 ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

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

Send us a text

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, I share how I accidentally manifested my dream life and nursing career - without even realizing it. Whether you're a nursing student, new grad nurse, or feeling burnt out in your current role, this story will give you hope, clarity, and a new way to think about your career.

I open up about my early struggles as a cross-country runner and how a session with a hypnotist introduced me to the power of the subconscious mind. Years later, after burnout as a nurse manager, parenting through a pandemic, and feeling unfulfilled in my role, I began visualizing a different kind of life - one with more balance, joy, and intention.

We dive into:

• How different brain wave states (beta, alpha, theta, delta) affect mindset and manifestation

• Why daydreaming is more powerful than you think

• How clarity, mindset, and inspired action helped me shift my nursing career

  
  

If you’re wondering how to avoid nurse burnout, create real work-life balance, or pivot your career in a way that aligns with your life outside of nursing, this episode is for you.

You’ll hear how I moved from bedside and management roles to travel nurse recruiting, clinical instructing, and building a business that supports other new nurses.

✨ Manifestation isn’t magic—it’s clarity, consistency, and courage.

Follow the show for more conversations around new grad nurse success, nurse mental health, mindset shifts, and non-traditional nursing roles.

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 ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

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