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, The Devil Wears Prada and gave me some flack about not having seen it. So right then and there, I committed to watching and inviting him back for an episode in which we give our commentary.  It's been seven months since I made that commitment and all I can say is TEMPUS FUGIT- time flies! I recently celebrated my 60th birthday and have vowed not to let time slip away from me because I found out what the secret to life is: friends. Best friends. Patrick is my friend and I could not let this promise go unfulfilled. In the end, instead of the five-minute snippet, I test Patrick’s knowledge with Prada trivia (if you ask me, I’m not sure he’s even seen it!) Sit back, relax, and enjoy your low-calorie popcorn and assorted confections. Well, here goes nothin’! For Patrick's bio, visit my website (link below).Patrick's InstagramContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 founded Third Eye Nurse, LLC, offering burnout education, integrative health coaching, and doula services for end-of-life care. She became a death doula, and her expertise as a certified death educator has allowed her to promote accessible and inclusive death care, looking at death, not solely as a physical event, but also as a mental, emotional, and spiritual transition. Through the education of nurses and patients, Haley destigmatizes death and dying by valuing the sacredness and creativity that can exist when we find the courage to participate in and acknowledge death, not only as a natural process, but a natural part of life. And she is making a difference, one death at a time. In the five-minute snippet: She’s a witchy woman. For Haley's bio, visit my website (link below).Third Eye Nurse InstagramThird Eye Nurse Facebook GroupThird Eye Nurse websiteHaley's bio and contact infoContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 can advocate for cannabis use within their communities. Ashley is a pioneer in this field and established cannabis patient care programs in Maryland. She also lobbies for its use.Ashley is also the author of the book, Stigmatized. Through it, she sheds light on her path to finding freedom through entrepreneurship and building a brand around cannabis medicine. The research is growing on medicinal cannabis use and the opportunity for nurses to enter this field is great. So if Ashley’s page shows up on your feed, consider yourself lucky because you are about to learn something.In the five-minute snippet: we’re going back, wayyyyyy back. For Ashley's bio, visit my website (link below).Cannabis Nursing Solutions InstagramAshley's LinkedInHIGHlights for Healthcare NewsletterCannabis Nursing Solutions FacebookCannabis Nursing School website"Stigmatized" the bookAshley's YouTubeAshley's bio and contact infoContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 creativity. She lost her cherished grandmother to early Alzheimer's, and 20 years later she wrote a poem in her grandmother's memory which started on a path to healing. She has since authored the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing...Sharing the Caring and advocates for the creative use of poetry for nurses to express what we feel daily: wonder, frustration, grief, and love for the profession and our patients. But Susan's creativity is not limited to just writing. She is also an accomplished wildlife and nature photographer, a Haiku teacher, an actor, a blogger, a public speaker, a frequent podcast guest, and even runs her own public relations company. Susan's advice to fellow nurses: cultivate your creativity, be open to new ideas, and always be willing to learn and change. Reinvent yourself.  Evolve. Love your life. In the five-minute snippet. Is the kazoo an instrument? Poetic Expressions in Nursing... Sharing the CaringSJF Communications websiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookSusan's bio and contact infoContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 nothing. Our episode was flatline. Susan did not skip a beat and graciously agreed to give her precious time to do Susan and Michelle 2.0. Our second conversation was equally as memorable as our first. We discussed the challenges of running a code, teamwork, egos, and that darn defibrillator. Why are we all scared of the defibrillator? But Susan makes it as easy as one, two, three. Really, it's that easy! Our conversation is full of useful information to make saving lives more efficient with better outcomes. And as Susan says, outcomes equal people. In the five-minute snippet, I see a Game of Thrones remake. Susan's LinkedInRescueRNThe Rescue RN YouTubeCode Prep CPR InstagramNTI 2024 AACN ConferenceCASAhearts – Cardiac Arrest Survivor AllianceParent Heart Watch | Sudden Cardiac Arrest In Youth Prevention | SCAHome | Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (sca-aware.org)Homepage - Citizen CPRSusan's bio and contact infoContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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, substance use in adulthood, and suicide. Gaby's not new to nursing. They've been a nurse for eight years and are currently the clinical educator for a Level I trauma emergency room and a DNP student. Through their work, they've encountered many healthcare professionals who were completely unaware of ACEs and how they affect the health of their patients. So Gaby has made it their mission to educate healthcare professionals about the impacts of adverse childhood trauma. They are taking what they call the "Tour de ACE" on the road and have even titled their presentation "The Greatest Unaddressed Public Health Threat That Most Healthcare Professionals Don't Know About."  And with Gaby's passion and efforts, I think very soon that will change. In the five-minute snippet: There are no aces in this card game. For Gaby's bio, visit my website (link below).Gaby's InstagramACE questionnaire PDFContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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.She explained the formula of happiness at work is determined by only two factors: solid relationships with the people we work with and that the work we do is meaningful. I can’t think of a healthcare professional who does not have those two factors on their radar.Sarah has been accused of being a Pollyanna and vehemently rejects that label. Her approach to gratitude and happiness at work comes from both academic research and personal experience. Sarah’s passion for transforming workplace cultures as well as her optimistic outlook has me hopeful for the future of nursing.In the five-minute snippet: Watch out Wilbur, Sarah’s comin' for you! For Sarah's bio and bookstore, visit my website (link below).https://www.happinessiscourage.com/https://www.facebook.com/HappinessIsCourage/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7JAmIvjCfVKUcZE0EXXrJw https://www.linkedin.com/in/happinessiscourage/ https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Threads-Positivity-Gratitude-Journal/dp/1074789911Contact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 optimizes break performance through smart scheduling in real-time.Why do we need breaks? Consider the cognitive, emotional, and physical load nurses endure in a typical twelve-hour shift. Now add to that little time to pause from witnessed trauma, nourish the body, or rest, and recover. Numerous studies show our ability to critically think diminishes with physical, mental, and emotional depletion. But our nursing culture continues to view breaks as a luxury, not a necessity. Alex has made it his mission to change this narrative and is proving to us that over two millennia later, Plato's axiom still holds true. In the five-minute snippet: Alex, you need a raise. To see Alex's bio, visit my website (link below).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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 popular podcast called Direct Admission,  and if you know, you know. He started his podcast to talk to nurses about nursing and all the doors it can open for them, as well as helping them on their journey to financial independence by sharing his knowledge and experiences. And remember what I said about fun. Well, his Instagram is packed full of nursing memes and will have you chuckling in no time. When you watch him on YouTube, you'll see he always has a smile on his face. And during our conversation, I did, too. In the five-minute snippet: Honey, did you order the lumpia? For Brian's bio, go to my website (link below). Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianbenjiern/Direct Admission Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/brianmakesbenjaminsBrian's bio and contact info: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/person/brian-cerezoContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 conversation, she stressed the importance of emotional intelligence for nurses. She says managing oneself is crucial before managing others, and that entails understanding one's core values. Tiffany has designed a life that aligns with her core values: time, financial and recreational freedom. She believes that when nurses reevaluate their why, their core values will align, enabling them to show up authentically. Her message isn't just for nurses, it's one that we all need to hear. Her work is vital and I am delighted she is sharing it with you. In the five-minute snippet: Royalty is so overrated. For Tiffany's bio, visit my website (link below).YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfHESB9nFK8VfehmzXU6nQX: https://twitter.com/NewNurseAcademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newnurseacademy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewNurseAcademy/Podcast: https://new-nurse-academy.mykajabi.com/podcasts/my-2-centsOprah Daily feature: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/work-money/a38203383/theyre-taking-a-shot-at-innovation/Ebony magazine feature: https://www.ebony.com/the-national-black-nurses-association-holds-its-50th-annual-conference-to-support-and-empower-healthcare-professionals-%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/National Black Nurses Association Conference July 2024: https://whova.com/portal/registration/niac_202407/Moxie Scrubs feature: https://www.moxiescrubs.com/a/blog/10-black-nurses-you-must-follow-in-2023How Past Trauma Impacts Emotional Intelligence article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1067509/fullContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 embracing failure, as it provides an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve had many mentors throughout my journey, and Felicia taught me a valuable lesson on what it means to be a compassionate and thoughtful leader. She does this most profoundly, by example, not expecting her staff to do anything she wouldn't do herself. As she spoke of her love for Mother Teresa, I noticed similarities in their service mindset, humble spirit, and desire to bring love and light to the people they serve.  Her advice for nurses who aspire to be leaders? Find a mentor and be a mentor. In the five-minute snippet: start spreading the news! For Felicia's bio, visit my website (link below).LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicia-torres-vaughn-79a71517b/American Organization for Nurse Leadership: https://www.aonl.org/Association of California Nurse Leaders: https://www.acnl.org/#!event-listFrom the Full Focus article: https://fullfocus.co/batteries-included/#:~:text=Don't%20Hire%20People%20Unless%20the%20Batteries%20Are%20Included%20%2D%20Michael%20HyattForbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2023/01/29/managers-have-major-impact-on-mental-health-how-to-lead-for-wellbeing/?sh=202944ec2ec1Contact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 recognized her potential. As a labor and delivery nurse, she is uniquely poised to observe newborn baby behavior, provide lactation education, and advocate for the breastfeeding needs of the mother/baby dyad.  According to Rochelle, empathy is the most critical characteristic a nurse can have when working with breastfeeding families. It requires the ability to understand their perspective and meet them where they are.  In the five-minute snippet: I’m cold just thinking about it! For Rochelle's bio, visit my website (link below).International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners: https://iblce.org/ International Lactation Consultant Association: https://ilca.org/ The United States Lactation Consultant Association: https://uslca.org/ National Lactation Consultant Alliance: https://nlca.us/Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification:https://milcc.org/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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 intelligence, and important financial coaching because CRNA school is expensive! If being a CRNA is even remotely on your radar, you need to find Jenny now. And she's easy to find. When I said she’s everywhere, she is, she’s everywhere. Her website, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, podcast, and blog are packed full of highly sought-after information for the CRNA candidate to find and secure placement in a school, making them one step closer to achieving their dream. And Jenny’s generosity of mentorship makes this possible. In the five-minute snippet: who needs the lottery? For Jenny's bio, visit my website (link below).FREE 29-pg Guide on How to Become a CRNA: https://www.cspaedu.com/3m9jgffp Website: https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crnaschoolprepacademyFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crnaschoolprepacademy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crnaschoolprepacademy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teachrn/American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology: https://www.aana.com/Coursera Free Writing Courses: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=freeJenny's bookshop on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/lists/crna-jenny-finnell-founder-ceo-of-crna-school-prep-academyContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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, the teamwork required, professional organizations, and much more. If you have decent IV skills, can work independently, and have an affinity for bright, shiny objects, PICC nursing could be for you. And if your hospital doesn’t have a PICC team, step up and start one! In the five-minute snippet: well, you’ll just have to hear this one for yourself. For Kristin's bio, visit my website (link below)InstagramProfessional Organizations:Certified PICC Ultrasound InserterVascular Access Certification (VA-BC)Vascular Access SocietySociety for Vascular Nursing (SVN)Association for Vascular Access (AVA)Infusion Nurse SocietyKristin's go-to for teaching:The IV Guy InstagramContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 considered seeking out a fellow nurse for financial advice but this may have been a mistake because April helps nurses feel comfortable with money through leveraging their experience in nursing and by using language they understand: the nursing process. And this is genius.April’s goal is to uplift nurses financially so they can stay in the profession they love and feel in control of the work they do. In the five-minute snippet: it’s a 1970s disco flashback. LinkedInApril's websiteApril's InstagramApril's FacebookMoney Personality QuizContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 of OCD), and how it's vital in a busy ICU to have appropriate ratios and break nurses.We talked about what it means to be part of a tribe and for Myra, the deep connections she has with her coworkers have certainly enriched her life. She’s now enriching others’  lives through her business, Travel with a Tribe, LLC. Myra helps travelers find joy in experiencing new places, cultures, people, and food, don’t forget the food. She makes it so easy, all you have to do is show up and what could be more alluring to busy medical professionals than to have everything done for you? Maybe more PTO? Yeah, more PTO. Myra’s philosophy is life is too short to not use your PTO so get off the couch, get on a plane, and see the world!  In the five-minute snippet: Food, don’t forget the food! For Myra's bio, visit my website (link below).Traveling with Myra IGTravelJoy websiteTravel with a Tribe FacebookMyra Gamble LinkedInEmailContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 investment consulting business. And what she's accomplished in a few short years is no less than phenomenal. She now teaches fellow nurses how to create financial freedom through real estate investing. And no, she is not encouraging nurses to leave the profession. Nurses are coming to her because, like her, they love being nurses, but want more freedom over when, where, and how much they want to work. So, in a way, she's saving the nursing profession. In the five-minute snippet, does anyone have an EpiPen? For Lynn's bio, visit my website (link bio).Lynn's InstagramBoss Nurse Lynn websiteContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 procedures, and they are going through emotionally challenging times. Therefore, if you want to pursue a career in fertility nursing, you need to have a high level of emotional intelligence.I could hear Cassidie's enthusiasm as she spoke about the importance of building rapport and maintaining relationships with people who are facing major life changes. And speaking of major life changes, Cassidie herself is a few months away from becoming a  DNP-FNP! She pursued this goal so that as a school nurse consultant, she’ll be instrumental in educating school nurses on the mental health needs of students. In the five-minute snippet: Hot feet? She's got a remedy for that! For Cassidie's bio, visit my website (link below).American Society for Reproductive MedicineNurse Certificate Course in Reproductive MedicineNASM ConferenceWIN ConferenceCassidie's LinkedInContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

Send us a Text Message.**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 little brother, Bill Patty. With 38 years of operating room experience, from a surgical tech to a circulating nurse and culminating as an RNFA, he paints a very clear picture of what the job entails. And as Bill says, 'church mice need not apply.' We talked about the schooling and experience you need for this advanced practice degree, the certifications, professional organizations, and the roles of all the OR players. I learned that the job is highly technical and physically demanding, but also extremely rewarding, and for Bill, the joy of his life. We had a candid discussion about his medical retirement from the OR and how the loss of his nurse identity catapulted him into the darkness of suicidal ideation and fueled his alcoholism.His answer to my question, 'What do people misunderstand about you?' made me rethink my judgment towards addicts.In the five-minute snippet: Customer service, what's that? For Bill's bio, visit my website (link below).Association of PeriOperative Registered NursesNational Assistant at Surgery CertificationCertified Nurse-Operating RoomContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!

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 the Workforce by 2027Top 10 Financial Mistakes After Retirement PDFContact 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 recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast Email: theconversingnursepodcast@gmail.comThank you and I'll talk with you soon!