In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by a nurse comedian, Joscel James RN, CPR LOL HYFR, to explore the healing power of laughter in healthcare. They dive into fascinating research showing that just 15 minutes of comedy can melt away stress and even give your immune system a boost—proving that laughter really is medicine. The conversation highlights how nurse comedians skillfully use self-deprecating humor and “punching up” jokes to create a safe, supportive space for their colleagues, never at the expense of patients. You’ll hear how nurses navigate the delicate balance of humor in clinical settings, sometimes leaving themselves reminders to ensure laughter uplifts rather than hurts. The episode also peels back the curtain on the creative process, revealing how fleeting ideas are captured and shaped into powerful, relatable comedy.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Shakira Henderson, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing new nurses as they step into today’s complex healthcare landscape. The conversation dives into why many graduates feel unprepared for clinical realities, despite strong academic backgrounds, and explores the steep learning curve and high turnover rates in their first year. You’ll hear eye-opening insights about how current training often falls short in immersing students in interdisciplinary collaboration, leaving gaps in practical experience across departments. The episode also tackles the heavy documentation burden nurses face and why current tech solutions aren’t quite hitting the mark yet. Cara and Shakira discuss the urgent need for clearer role definitions to support fair nurse reimbursement, and reflect on the impact of losing seasoned mentors during COVID-19. Wrapping up, they highlight innovative dual roles for staff and faculty that could energize nursing education and build stronger connections.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments to discuss the intersection of nursing and environmental health. Katie shares her inspiring journey into the field, influenced by Dr. Barbara Sattler and her work at the University of Maryland. They dive into the environmental challenges faced by lower-income populations, particularly poor air quality and its impact on asthma. Katie also sheds light on the dangers of PFCs, known as "forever chemicals," and their widespread contamination. The conversation takes a practical turn as Katie offers actionable steps for reducing healthcare waste and emphasizes the power of nurses advocating for climate change action. Tune in to discover common-sense tips for minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and learn how nurses can make a significant impact.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by nurse leader, innovator, and disruptor Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL to discuss the forces shaping nursing pay, power, and purpose. Together, they peel back the layers on how nurses became hidden costs in the healthcare system—and what it will take to make them visible, billable, and better compensated. They dive into the deep roots of the gender pay gap, the burnout epidemic, and why many nurses are stuck in roles that drain rather than inspire. Rebecca shares the rise and rapid fall of travel nursing, revealing surprising truths about hospital economics and staffing strategies. Throughout the conversation, she makes a compelling case for transparency, risk-taking, and redefining worth in a system not built for nurses to thrive.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Lois James to delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology, and sleep research. Lois shares her journey into the world of sleep studies, sparked by her work at the Sleep and Performance Research Center. They discuss a revealing study from Washington State University that shows how fatigue can undermine therapeutic communication between nurses and patients, impacting patient safety. The conversation also highlights the alarming risks night shift nurses face, including drowsy driving and circadian misalignment, which can lead to serious health issues. Lois emphasizes the long-term consequences of night shift work, such as sleep disorders and mental health challenges. Tune in to explore promising solutions like rapid forward rotation shift schedules that could mitigate these health impacts.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Leilani Squire and Lorie Judson to discuss the transformative power of writing in healing trauma. Leilani shares her experiences working with veterans and nurses, drawing parallels between frontline nurses during Covid and soldiers in battle, and underscores the importance of community in the healing process. Lorie delves into her background in nursing and her advocacy work with the Chinn Family Institute, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of writing for nurses, especially during the pandemic. Cara reflects on the profound impact of the writing workshop on her own healing journey and its potential benefits for nursing students. Leilani wraps up by emphasizing the significance of sharing stories within a community for genuine healing and the challenge of turning therapeutic writing into art for public readings.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN to discuss the evolving challenges and critical issues nurses face in the post-Covid era. Ernest dives into the ongoing struggles with workforce shortages and the alarming rise in abuse against nurses. He sheds light on the dire need for proper PPE during the pandemic, highlighting the dangers of counterfeit masks. The conversation also touches on the importance of adapting to new information to ensure safety and efficacy. Ernest shares insights into the mental health struggles nurses endured and the supportive initiatives that were put in place. Finally, he passionately advocates for granting nurse practitioners full practice authority to enhance care access in underserved areas.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Allie Hall RN, BSN to discuss the transformative power of financial literacy. Allie shares her unique perspective on viewing debt as a tool rather than a burden, recounting her journey from initially rejecting nursing to embracing it due to financial and personal reasons. She opens up about her early struggles with debt and the strict budgeting practices she adopted to prioritize her health and wellness. Allie's passion for financial literacy, especially for women, stems from her own experiences with financial instability and burnout. She also delves into the crucial link between mental health and financial habits, highlighting her career pivot to focus on speaking engagements and podcasting. Tune in to discover how changing your relationship with money can lead to sustainable financial habits and a more fulfilling life.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!