At the Nurses' Station with Kelly and Sam Podcast

Welcome back to At The Nurses’ Station, the podcast for nurses about everything except the patients 🩺✨In this episode, Kelly and Sam fully embrace the realization that they are… not young anymore. And honestly? That’s kind of the point.This conversation bounces from early internet nostalgia and T9 texting, to working Thanksgiving shifts, to inventing the greatest holiday tradition healthcare has ever seen: Trash Giving. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Fast food, queso, candy salad, and zero guilt.From there, things go exactly where you’d expect nurses to go: Facebook scams, online dating horror stories, and the humbling realization that technology has moved on without asking our permission.The heart of this episode is an honest, funny look at how technology has changed nursing. From Voceras and medication pumps to the skills we used to rely on daily, we talk about what tech makes easier, what it makes worse, and what it might be quietly taking away.It’s funny. It’s a little unhinged. It’s incredibly relatable if you’ve ever counted drip rates, worked a holiday, or realized you trust coworkers way more than the internet.If this episode made you laugh, nod along, or feel seen at all, make sure you’re subscribed here on Substack so you never miss a new episode, show notes, or behind the scenes thoughts from At The Nurses’ Station 💬🎧 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week on At The Nurses’ Station, we went fully off the rails, and honestly? It was perfect. What started as a rant about workplace thermostats (because somehow we are still fighting temperature wars with grown adults) turned into a full conversation about cold + flu season, kid sickness culture, and the unrealistic expectations we put on our bodies.Inside this episode, we break down:Why parents think kids “shouldn’t” get sick this oftenSpoiler: they should. Preschoolers are cute little germ sponges. They are meant to catch things — and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.What “sick” actually is (…and what it isn’t)A runny nose?A cough lingering for a month?A random toddler sneeze that makes someone cancel a whole birthday party?We talk about the difference between being ill and simply being alive with a respiratory tract.The culture of fixing everything FASTWhy we’re obsessed with “getting unsick” as fast as possible — and why that might be making things worse.Elderberry, zinc, fire cider… do they matter?A discussion that manages to be both respectful and brutally practical.The real “immune booster” most people ignore(Not a supplement. You already know.)RSV + newborn careA quick, honest look at the anxiety of winter viruses (especially with tiny humans), without fear-mongering.And of course, we sprinkle in:* Expert-level sarcasm* ER-nurse realism* Several moments of “what even is happening right now?”* A few stories featuring CT, lost labs, and IV-related nonsense that every nurse has lived throughIf you’re a parent, a nurse, a human, or someone who’s ever wondered why everyone suddenly thinks sneezing is a medical emergency — this one’s for you.Enjoying the show?Subscribe to At The Nurses’ Station so you never miss an episode — and so we can keep hanging out every week.Hit subscribe + share with a friend who has a kid in daycare. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week’s episode dives straight into the deep end — grief, birthday parties, musicals, foster parenting, emotional whiplash, and what it really feels like to be the “emotional head of the household.”It’s one of those episodes that’s tender, hilarious, chaotic, and painfully real… all at the same time.We talk about the kind of weeks where you go from saying goodbye to a family pet, to running an eight-year-old’s Wicked-themed birthday party. And just when the emotional tank is already blinking “empty,” life asks for more.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever carried the invisible emotional load at home, for the foster moms and foster-adjacent moms, for the nurses who know that whiplash is sometimes the most accurate emotional diagnosis, and for every parent trying to walk through big emotions with small humans.We also get into books we’re reading right now, why some writing makes you want to scream into the void, and why not all rom-com audiobooks are created equal.It’s honest. It’s comforting. It’s a little messy. And it’s exactly the kind of conversation we love to have here at The Nurses’ Station.If you enjoy this episode, make sure you’re subscribed here on Substack so you don’t miss the next one. Your support truly helps keep this community going. 💛 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week, Sam and Kelly sit down with a very special guest — Sam’s dad, Alan — for an honest and hilarious look at what it’s really like to be married to a nurse.Alan spent nearly four decades married to a night-shift ICU nurse, and he’s here to share everything he learned about patience, teamwork, jealousy, and learning to fold the laundry before it becomes a cold war.You’ll laugh, nod, and maybe even text this episode to your spouse after hearing stories like:👨‍⚕️ How he learned that “if Mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy” — nurse edition💤 The art of protecting post-shift sleep (and why friends never get the memo)🍲 His golden rule for every nurse spouse: “Feed them before work and feed them when they get home”❤️ How jealousy almost cost his marriage — and what saved it🤣 And the infamous prank involving a nurse, a morgue, and a terrified security guardIt’s part love story, part reality check, and all heart. Whether you’re a nurse, married to one, or just trying to understand the 12-hour-shift life, this one will stick with you.🩷 If you love hearing the real, funny, and sometimes raw side of nursing life, subscribe now to get every new episode straight to your inbox. Your shift stories deserve a place at the station too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Welcome back to At The Nurses’ Station, a podcast for nurses about everything except the patients!In this week’s episode, we’re talking about the real rules of holiday hosting — and confessing a few nursing faux pas along the way. From leaving a discharge for the next nurse (gasp!) to debating when it’s officially acceptable to start blasting Christmas music, we’re covering all the festive chaos that comes with the season.We’re diving into:🎄 The actual right time to decorate for Christmas (and why one of us says “not before Thanksgiving”)🍷 Hosting pet peeves, RSVPs, and why people who say they’ll “come early to help” never do🍕 How to handle dietary restrictions and guests who always show up late🎁 Our wildly different approaches to Christmas — one of us goes full Santa, the other banned presents entirely🧠 That “too much to do so I do nothing” feeling, especially around the holidaysIt’s an honest, funny, and slightly chaotic look at what it means to be a nurse, a host, and a human during the most wonderful (and stressful) time of year.🩷 Listen, laugh, and commiserate with us — and if you’re new here, hit subscribe to get every new episode delivered right to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week on At The Nurses’ Station, Kelly and Sam tackle a topic every nurse wrestles with at some point: when do you know it’s time to move on? 💭 From burnout to boredom, and from “losing your mystique” to outgrowing your comfort zone, the conversation takes a raw, funny, and honest look at how nurses evolve over time — both personally and professionally. The hosts dig into everything from team dynamics and skill stagnation to the myth that “every nurse can do any job.” Through laughter and brutal honesty, they reflect on the balance between fitting in socially and staying sharp clinically, and what happens when the scales tip too far either way. 💬 “You can love your unit, respect your coworkers, and still feel that itch for something new, and that’s okay.” Whether you’ve been in your department for two years or twenty, this episode offers a relatable glimpse into the self-awareness it takes to recognize when a chapter is closing. Plus, Sam and Kelly share how they’re adding new experiences without jumping ship, proving that growth doesn’t always mean goodbye. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. ✉️ Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about the realities of healthcare, the work, the people, and the laughter that keeps it all together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week on At The Nurses’ Station, we’re stepping into the glass booth, literally. Kelly and Sam unpack what it really means to sit in “the penalty box” of the emergency room: triage. From the stress of ranking patients in real time to the unspoken hierarchy of “sick, sicker, sickest,” this episode brings humor and humanity to one of nursing’s most misunderstood roles. Together, they break down how triage nurses decide who gets seen first, why waiting rooms move at a crawl, and the emotional tightrope of being both gatekeeper and caregiver. You’ll hear stories from the front lines, from clearing the lobby with a gunshot wound to the small victories of moving someone up the list just in time. Along the way, the conversation explores how perception shapes patience, what it feels like to be “stuck in the glass cage,” and why compassion doesn’t always look like an apology. It’s a candid, lively look at the skills, intuition, and humor that keeps the ER running (most days). 💬 “You can trust me as a nurse! I’m good at it. I’m not perfect, but I know my people. And if you really need to be seen, I’ll get you there.”🎧 Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.✉️ Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about the realities of healthcare. The work, the people, and the laughter that keeps it all together.#NurseLife #HealthcareStories #AtTheNursesStation #PodcastCommunity #TriageTalk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Hey, fellow night-shifters and coffee-chuggers! This episode? It’s a chaotic mix of post-procedure loopiness (shoutout to Kelly’s meds! 💊), mom-life rants, and that eternal break room drama. If you’ve ever dumped a trash can in frustration or side-eyed a fridge thief, this one’s for you. Friendship Feels in a Polarized World ❤️🤝Sam kicks things off with a surprise thank-you to Kelly for being her unexpected friend and podcast partner. In a world full of hot takes and divides, they celebrate having real convos – even when they disagree (remember that awkward vax chat? 😷). It’s all about finding common ground and keeping it respectful.* Key Takeaway: Polarization sucks, but true friends make space for tough talks. “We have a lot more in common than we realize.” Amen to that! 🌍✨Mom-Life Mayhem: Trash Cans, Toys, and Tantrums 🗑️👩‍👧‍👦These two dive straight into the trenches of motherhood. Sam’s post-four-shifts irritability? Relatable AF. Kelly’s post-procedure haze? Hilarious. They bond over dumping overfilled trash cans (on purpose! 😤) and tossing kids’ toys in cathartic rage fits.* Sam’s Mood: “I’ve been irritated since... trying to get over that.” (Who hasn’t? 🍫)* Kelly’s Hack: Grab a trash can and yeet those ignored toys! “If it’s not important enough to pick up, you don’t need it.” 🔥* Toy Purgatory: “I go through the toy area multiple times a year, and it’s always full... little things that don’t match and are slightly broken.” Sound familiar? 🧸🚮Pro tip: Eat junk food and skip workouts when life’s messy – your time is coming! 🍟💪Break Room Etiquette: The Ultimate Nurse Survival Guide 🍽️🚫Ah, the break room – that sacred (or smelly) space where nurses recharge... or rage. Sam and Kelly roast the unwritten rules (or lack thereof) with zero filter. From TV turf wars to fridge felonies, here’s the scoop:* Setting the Stage: First in? You own the vibe! Sports? Gun shows on YouTube? Brussels sprouts? Think twice – make it welcoming! 📺🥦* Pro Move: Earbuds in, no eye contact, silent lunch = peace. 🎧🤫* Con: TV on = open for chit-chat. Proceed with caution! 🗣️* Food Fiascos: No fish, popcorn, or sauerkraut microwaving! “I really love sauerkraut... but yeah, it really smells.” 😷🐟* Dish Drama: Who leaves dishes in the sink? “I can’t visualize the type of person that thinks it’s okay... and is responsible enough to work at a hospital.” 🧼🚫* Fridge Nightmares: Mystery smells after a clean-out? “Who leaves food in the fridge to make it smell like that?” 🤢 Clean your own mess!* Theft Alert: Stolen Indian food? Half-eaten lunches vanishing? “Kleptomaniacs when it comes to break room food.” Condiments = fair game? Debate! 🥤🚨* COVID Throwback: Plastic dividers and no shared sauces. “Do you really think that’s going to stop the germs?” 😂🦠* Other No-Nos: Napping in public? FaceTiming loudly? Inviting outsiders for powwows? Awkward AF. “Should I be here? Should I not?” 📞😴* Hierarchy Hot Takes: Comfy chair = seniority rules! “If there’s somebody older... you should stand up.” Nursing students? No fridge hogging! 🪑📚Nurse Station Chaos: Seats, Students, and Small Talk Struggles 💻👩‍🎓From break rooms to stations, the drama continues. Hierarchies? Real. Students? Adorably awkward.* Seat Wars: “Don’t you sit down unless somebody specifically gives you a chair.” Preceptors, no double seats! “One section does not get two seats.” 🪑⚔️* Student Etiquette: Be an extension of your nurse? Nah – absorb, ask questions, but no rudeness! “This newest generation... they sure think a lot of themselves.” 😏* Transport Shoutout: “Would you ever be a transporter? Yeah... just driving people around.” But small talk for 12 hours? Exhausting! 🛒🗨️* Overtime Real Talk: Working OT then calling in? Pet peeve! “That one pisses me off.” 💸😠Random Q&A: 80s Flicks, Love Languages, and Halloween Hijinks 🎥❤️🍬The episode wraps with fun rapid-fire questions – because why not?* Favorite 80s Movie* Love Languages* Best Halloween Costume* Personality Swap with Hubby* Least Favorite Fall Thing* Favorite Halloween CandyDisclaimer: Views are ours, not our employers’. Not medical advice – consult pros!xoxo, Sam & Kelly 🩺❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Hey, Nurse Squad! 👋 Sam & Kelly here from At The Nurses Station – your go-to pod for ER vibes, zero patient talk, and all the “real life” chaos. This ep? We’re shaking it up! Ditching heavy healthcare chats for back-to-school drama, education system shade, and a sprinkle of silly. Sam’s fresh from homeschool community day (stress vibes incoming 😩), Kelly’s post-night-shift glowin’ (despite a face-kickin’ patient! 😤). Grab your pumpkin spice (it’s October, y’all! 🎃), and let’s unpack the fun.Shift Shenanigans & PTSD Ponders: Work Woes First! 💉🤔Night shifts got us like... exhausted but unbreakable. Kelly’s busy bee and Sam’s homeschool hustlin’.* Kelly’s wild night: Busy ER, no besties – but stared down a kicker like a boss. “Don’t do that again. Knock it off!” 💪* PTSD deep dive: High-stress gigs (nursing, cops, military) = trauma city. Voluntary? Sure, but should we get FMLA/benefits for the grind? “Unexpected horrors? Cover it. But 40 years in? Tough call – peeps abuse systems!” (Sam: “We’re built different... mostly. 😅”)* Line draw: Boss harassment? No good! But daily ER drama? Part of the job. You can take advantage anywhere – muddy waters ahead.Big Q: Nurses with PTSD – benefits or bust? Spill your takes! 👇Education Nation: Homeschool Hype vs. Public School Pitfalls! 🏫✏️Back-to-school szn? We’re divin’ in! Sam’s homeschool queen (community days FTW! 👩‍🏫), Kelly’s public school survivor. College debt? System fails? Let’s roast!* Homeschool highs: Sam: “Tailored vibes, no bullying drama. But social skills? Community days save the day!” (Kids: “Mom, can we do public? Pleeease? 😏”)* Public pains: Bullying blues, IEP wins, funding flops. Teachers = Overworked + underpaid. Kids suffer – one bad teacher? Ruins a year! * Private perks?: Elite vibes, but $$$. Too poor for that! No thanks – homeschool’s free(ish). 🤑* College conundrum: Debt traps + worthless degrees? Trade schools rising! But nursing? Worth it... mostly. 📈* System shade: More than we disagree on – but fix bullying, fund schools, value trades. Who’s with us? Pro tip: Education’s messy – but passion wins. What’s YOUR school story? Homeschool hero or public survivor?Silly Side Quests: Jokes, Ghosts & Flu Faves! 😆👻🤮We can’t stay serious forever – cue the laughs!* Mom joke mania* Ghostly guests* Flu face-off* Dreamy deetsThese tangents? Pure pod magic. Got a fave joke or ghost tale? Share!Wrap-Up: School’s In, Chaos Out! 🛑✨We didn’t solve education (shocker! 😜), but we agree: More fixes needed, less debt drama. Loved this detour? Us too! Drop comments: Your wild school memory? PTSD takes? Flu fears? 👇 Smash subscribe, rate us (5 stars = eternal love ❤️), share with your squad. Seat saved next week!xoxo, Sam & Kelly At The Nurses Station Pod P.S. Not med advice – chat your doc, not ghosts. 📞 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Hey, Nurse Squad! 👋 This week's episode? Total gem. We roped in our rockstar pal Andie Daisley, certified Child Life Specialist extraordinaire, for laughs, life hacks, and low-key therapy sesh. Summer's fading (smoke + heat = grumpy town 😤), but our chat? Pure fire. Grab your iced latte (or EpiPen – more on that! 💉), and dive in.Summer Slump & Walgreens Woes: Real Talk Starter! ☀️😩End-of-summer blues? We're feelin' it. Smoke's choking us, heat's melting brains – full moon weirdness without the moon? Yikes.* Kelly's epic beef: Fought a Walgreens warrior over son's EpiPen (bee allergy drama 🐝). "Two weeks of nonsense? Fired! Never stepping foot again." (No ads here, folks. 🚫)* Weekend wins: Sam & Kelly teamed up – traumas, great crew, even schooled a sassy teen on mom respect. "Fun all around! 🎉"* Smoke squad: Heat making peeps squirrely? ER vibes confirm: Chaos incoming.Meet Andie: Kid Whisperer & Hospital MVP! 🧸❤️Andie's our guest glow-up: MA in Child Life (thesis on grief support? Deep!), BA in Human Services + psych/sociology minors. Since 2017, she's been slaying at our hospital – from ER to peds oncology, PICU, and even adult units for kiddo visits.* Role rundown: "Help kids/families cope with hospital hell. Play's the kid language! 🛝" Prep for procedures, diagnosis education, grief support – she's the advocate normalizing scary stuff.* Swing shift superstar: 12-hour hustles, solo after 5 PM. "Collaborative team – we cross-cover like pros!"Pro tip: Elevator pitches? Andie's got 'em. "Kids in uncharted territory? We're the guides." 🗺️Kid Coping Magic: From IV Drama to Grief Hugs! 💉😢Andie's wisdom bombs? Gold for any nurse/parent. Play heals, honesty rules, and teens? Handle with care (and sass checks).* Play power: "Universal kid lingo! ER's fast – no full sessions, but bubbles/iPads distract like bosses. 🎈" Normalize the wild: "This is scary – let's chat at your level."* Procedure prep: Age-tailored truths. Toddlers? "Cold & squeezy!" Teens? Full deets. "No surprises – builds trust. 🤝"* Grief guru: Sibling support post-loss? "Memory boxes, books, honest talks. 'Mom's body stopped working.'" (Heart-wrenching but healing. 💔➡️❤️)* Family fails: Parents blocking prep? "Step out if needed – kid's calm > your panic." Siblings? Include 'em safely.Bonus: Andy's "zone of proximal development" flex – pushing just enough for growth. "First cardio version? Nailed it. Now I know!" ⚡Rapid-Fire Fun: Tapeworms, Taxes & Trauma Thrills! 🐛💸🚨We hit Andy with the silly Qs – laughs ensued!* Illegal but should be legal?* Legal but should be illegal?* Fave ER scenario?* Tapeworm tolerate?Wrap-Up: Kiddo Coping Queens Unite! 👑🩹Andie's energy? Infectious. We're obsessed with her kiddo magic – more collabs soon? Fingers crossed! What's YOUR wild ER story or kid-coping hack? Spill below! 👇 Smash subscribe, rate us (nice vibes only ❤️), share with your crew. Seat saved next week!xoxo, Sam & Kelly (ft. Andy!) At The Nurses Station Pod P.S. Not med advice – consult pros 📞 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Hey, Nurse Squad! 👋 Sam & Kelly here, fresh off At The Nurses Station – your no-patients-allowed zone for ER giggles, life hacks, and "oh god, why me?" moments. This ep? Total chaos fuel. Sam's rocking post-night-shift zombie mode (blame the 7-min wake-up 😴), Kelly's fresh-faced after acing a forensic nursing interview (detective vibes? Yes please! 🔍). We dish on pre-nurse neuroses, stair-counting drama, and high school horrors that still make us blush. Grab your scrubs (or PJs), and let's bullet-blitz this bad boy! 💉✨Wake-Up Woes & Job Jitters: Morning Mayhem Alert! ☕😵‍💫* Sam's survival mode: Night shift queen, but oops – hit record 7 mins after eyes open. "Rough? Understatement. Coffee IV stat!" ☕💉* Kelly's boss babe energy: Nailed that per diem forensic gig interview. "20 years in? Take me or leave me. Hi, it's me!" (Pro tip: ER beats the nerves out of ya. 💪)* Tea time twist: We spill on ditching control-freak eras. Kelly's ex-OCD (food-touching freakout? Gone. 🥦🚫) Sam's teen rage? Tamed by water polo & mom life. "Nursing: The ultimate chill pill... mostly." 😎Stair Counting Showdown: OCD or Just Us? 🪜🤔The saga lives! Last ep's bombshell: Most peeps don't count stairs. Mind. Blown. 🤯* Sam's stance: "Eight from the garage? Still tallying. Natural brain glitch? Fight me!" (Kelly: "Ask around – you're the weirdo now. 😂")* Kelly's glow-down: Used to obsess, but ER chaos cured it. "No brain space for nonsense. Priorities: Patients, not steps!"* Squad callout: Do YOU count? Spill – we're collecting allies (or eye-rolls). 👇Shift Shenanigans: Underwear Wars & Dream Teams! 👙🏆Two nights, 16 hours of gold. Best crew ever? Check. 😍* Team triumph: "We can handle ANYTHING – laughs included!" Epic vibes when the squad clicks.* Control freak flashbacks: ER's the great equalizer. "ICU neurotic? Nah. Flow with the chaos or drown." 🌊Sick Kid Spotting: Monitor Lies vs. Gut Feels! 👶📈That gut-wrenching tale: Vomiting toddler, no IV luck, grunting but "stable" on screen? Yikes. 😱* Scarier scenario: Good numbers, crappy patient look. "Kids crash FAST – vitals lie!" (Vs. bad vitals/good look? Still sus, but less panic.)* Quick-scan hacks (5-sec rule):* Color first: Pale/gray? Red flag city. 🚩* Cap refill + chest rise: Slow refill? Trouble brewing.* Nuance ninja: Tachycardic + tachypneic? Double trouble. "Screaming baby at 220? Meh. But add grunting? STAT!"* Advocacy alert: Providers brush off "feels off"? Push back. "Nurses: The real MVPs." 🦸‍♀️Rapid-Fire Realness: Colors, Critters & Cross-Gender BFFs? 🎨🐶🤝Buckle up – we blitz the fun stuff!* ** fave color?**: Sam: "Beige. Neutral queen – it's safe!" 🧡 Kelly: "Every shade by mood. Too much? Nah, that's me." 🌈* Men + women friends?: Polarized AF! Kelly: "Slippery slope post-marriage. Jealous redhead vibes – what's he missing from US?" 😤 Sam: "Totally fine if married – safety net! But boundaries: No spouse tea or TMI. Electron clouds, baby!" ⚛️ (Backlash incoming? Bring it.)* Talking animals' nicest?: Dogs, duh! "Dumb, happy loyalists. Cats? Sassy villains. Bunnies? Sneaky. Pit bulls? Pass." 🐕💕 (House cats as faves? Sam owns it.)High School Horror Stories: Cringe Level 1000! 😳📚Embarrassment Olympics? We win gold (and scars).* Kelly's smash: Funeral face-plant into glass door. "Mid-rites, hay fever blowout – bloody nose + stares from the whole congregation. Hid in the foyer FOREVER." 😭 (Pro: Catholic family laughs now?)* Sam's catastrophe: Daisy Dukes on a ropes course? Took YEARS to process the wardrobe malfunction. 👖💔 (MIL fail: No pants pep talk? Rookie move.)* Bonus bombshell: Kelly's now-MIL's car-ride lecture: "Don't trap my son with a baby!" At 17. On a 6-hr drive. "Harassment? 100%. Wild." 🚗🚫Outro Vibes: From Cringe to Clutch – We Made It! 🏅Whew – we laughed, cringed, and survived (no bloody noses here). Nursing: The ultimate plot twist. What's YOUR most epic fail? Stair counter? Drop it below – we heart the chaos! 👇 Subscribe, review (thumbs up = love ❤️), and share with your squad. Next week: More nurse nonsense. Seat saved! 🪑xoxo, Sam & Kelly At The Nurses Station Pod P.S. Not med advice – text your BFF, not your ex. 📱 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Crunch Wars: Hippie Hacks vs. Nurse Real Talk! 🌿💉😂Hey, Nurse Fam! 👋 Sam & Kelly here from At The Nurses Station – your chaotic escape pod for nursing gossip, zero patient drama, and a side of "wait, you do WHAT?!" vibes. This week's ep? Pure gold. We dove headfirst into Crunch Wars: that epic clash between crunchy granola life (think essential oils & moon phases) and our no-BS ER reality. Spoiler: We agree on 20%, disagree on 80%, and laugh through 100%. 😆Woke up grumpy. (Guilty – diet changes got me feral. Sam? Marshmallow fluff to the rescue. 🍬) But by the end, we were cackling. Grab your kombucha (or IV fluids ☕💉), and let's unpack the madness. Bullet points incoming – because who has time for paragraphs?What Even IS "Crunchy"? Granola Goals or Hippie Hype? 🌱✨We hashed the def: Liberal, eco-warrior, off-grid vibes with a side-eye to mainstream. (Mildly shady tone? Guilty. 😏) Sam's 70s hippie dreams (homeschooling FTW!); Kelly's modern "MAGA? Nah, MAHA – Make America Healthy Again!" (Health over politics? We stan.)* Sam's crunchy cred: Farm eggs, homemade bread, rendered tallow. "No million-acre farm? Canned beans it is. Realist mode activated! 🥫"* Kelly's vibe: Whole30 warrior – ditched sugar, felt amazing. "Pimples? Swollen rings? Blame the processed comeback. No bugs for dinner, tho. 🚫🐛"* Overlap alert: Both have healthy distrust of the government trust. (But pro-hospital births – NICU horror stories sealed that. 🚨❤️)Dream world: Zero processed. Reality: Kids eat dyes. We're winning at not eating bugs. High-five! ✋Crunch Wars Battle Royale: Thumbs Up or Hard Pass? ⚔️We sparred on the wild stuff. No punches pulled – just popcorn. 🍿* Chiropractors 🦴* Processed/Organic Obsession 🥦* Acupuncture/Reflexology 🪡* Red Dye Hyperactivity 🔴* Homeopathics/Essentials 🧴* Butter & Fats 🧈: Pro-natural! * Lotions/Deos/Sunscreen ☀️* Home Births 👶: Hospital or bust! Polarization peak: "If you're breathing, body heals!" Nah – RIP to trauma victims. Reality check, crunchy podcasters. 🙄Superstitions, Intuition & Moon Magic: ER Witchcraft? 🌕🔮Nursing's got vibes. We spill:* Superstitions 🐱‍👤:* Intuition/Psychic? 👻: Yes to gut feels. * Leeches/Bot Flies 🦠:Rapid-Fire Fun: Cele Crushes, Hype Tunes & Dream Dinners! 🎤🍽️End on highs – because we're volatile, not volatile-only. ⚡* First Cele Crush 💕: Atreyu (NeverEnding Story) + JTT. "Horse death? Hug therapy needed. Artax vibes forever. 🐎😢"* Hype Song on Entry 🎶: Sam: "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" (Spin Doctors – sassy AF). Kelly: "Bad B***h O'Clock" (Lizzo – thick 30 energy! "I've been through a lot, but I'm still flirty. Do-do-do! 💃")* Dream Instant Meal 🥩: Kelly: Ribeye (medium-rare grill magic), twice-baked potato, asparagus. Sam: Broccoli rice cheese casserole, Ritz-cracker chicken, lima beans. "Grandma's Divinity? Sentimental slay. 🧀🍗"Wrap-Up: Who's Winning Crunch Wars? You Decide! 🏆We survived (mood upgraded – fluff forgiven 🍬), but vaccines? Tabled for friendship's sake. 😂 Big Q: What's your crunchy hill to die on? Red dye ban? Moon rituals? Spill in comments – we read 'em all! 👇Loved this? Smash subscribe, share with your squad, and join us next week for more nurse chaos. Seat saved at the station! 🪑✨xoxo, Sam & Kelly At The Nurses Station Pod P.S. Not med advice – call your doc, not your crystals. 🔮📞 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

# From ER Chaos to Crunchy Vibes: Our Chat with NP Levi Bell! 🚑🌿Hey, Nurse Squad! 👋 Welcome back to *At The Nurses Station* – your go-to pod for all things nursing (minus the patients). This week's episode was a total vibe: We sat down with the legendary Levi Bell, a pediatric nurse practitioner who's got stories for DAYS. From wild ER shifts to blending Western meds with natural remedies, we covered it all. If you're into healthcare drama, functional medicine magic, and a sprinkle of "what the heck?!" moments, this one's for you. 🎙️💉Grab your coffee (or bone broth, if you're feeling crunchy ☕🌱), and let's dive in with some fun highlights. We promise emojis, bullet points, and zero boring lectures!## Levi's Epic Nursing Origin Story: From EMT to ER Boss 🦸‍♂️Levi didn't just stumble into nursing – he *leveled up* like a video game hero. Here's the tea on his journey:- **Started as an EMT right out of high school** 🚑: No clue what he wanted, but his dad (a hospital pilot!) nudged him in. Loved it so much, he craved more!- **Became a nurse, then dove into peds pulmonary and ER** 🏥: Worked with trach vent kids (heartbreaking stuff 😢), then switched to a level-one pediatric ER for the adrenaline rush.- **NP transition in the SAME ER? Yikes!** 😱: At 25, he went from nurse to NP overnight. Earned respect the hard way from salty old-timers. Pro tip: Being a kickass nurse first helps!- **Bonus gigs: ICU stint and moonlighting across 7 sites** 🌍: Even got bored in the ER (who does that?!) and tried ICU – spoiler: It was a "forever super resident" nightmare. Back to ER full-time!Levi's energy? Chef's kiss. He walks in, stuff gets DONE, and it's fun. We stan! ❤️## Functional Medicine: Crunchy Meets Clinical! 🌿🧪Okay, this is where it got JUICY. Levi's not just an ER pro – he's trained in functional medicine and even ran a peds practice. We talked blending "alternative" stuff with Western meds without the eye-rolls. Key gems:- **How Levi got crunchy** 😎: Grew up with home remedies (essential oils under a towel? Hippie vibes! ✌️). Then his daughter's chronic issues pushed him to dig deeper.- **Functional vs. Western: Not enemies!** ⚖️: Western fixes acute stuff (appendicitis? Surgery, duh! 🔪). Functional tackles root causes like microbiome, diet, and mold. Placebo power is real – up to 30% effective! 💥- **Evidence check** 📊: Levi believes in it (backed by physiology and new research), but admits it's newer. Trained pros like GI docs are jumping ship to functional for chronic fails.- **Challenges for families** 💸😩: It's lifestyle-heavy (cut dairy/gluten? Easier said than done with toddlers! 🧀🍞). Cash-pay only, so it's "rich person" territory. Insurance? Blow it up! 💣- **ER overlap** 🏨: Levi segments his brain – ER for emergencies, functional chats if families are open (and he has 5 mins!). Pro tip: For eczema flares, steroids short-term, then go root-cause hunting.Big takeaway: Polarized sides (anti-vax vs. vax-everything) need to CHILL and collab. Vaccines have risks (rare, but real), Miralax has long-term studies showing issues... let's talk! 🗣️## Ridiculous ER Tales & Crunchy Myths Busted 😂🤦‍♀️No pod is complete without the LOLs. From Levi's "worst job ever" (part-time ICU + ER = burnout city 🔥) to patient demands:- **Silly specialist snubs** 😤: Some docs hate mid-levels calling – Levi's like, "It's your JOB to help!"- **Protocol waffles** 🧇: Inconsistent orders? Nurses guessing games on labs/swabs. Sepsis alert or nah? Chaos!- **Crunchy crazies** 🌿🤪: Sunscreen causes cancer? (Sam's take – guilty! ☀️) Grounding in non-native grass? Empath vibes? Levi believes in grounding... Kelly? Not so much. 😂## Final Thoughts: Empathy Wins Every Time ❤️🩹Levi dropped wisdom bombs: Assume 100% intelligence, 0% knowledge. People aren't dumb – they're scared, siloed, or burned by the system. Open convos disarm drama. In a broken system (mental health fails, anyone? 😔), join their team: "This sucks, let's try."Loved this ep? We did too! Drop comments: Your wildest ER story? Functional wins/fails? Sunscreen: Yay or nay? 👇 Subscribe for more nurse chats, hit that like, and share with your squad. We'll save you a seat next week at the station! 🪑✨xoxo, Sam & Kelly *At The Nurses Station* Pod P.S. Not medical advice – chat with your doc! 📞 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week Kelly and Sam share what makes a good stick, why they would personally pass on an NG and all the other ways they shove things in peoples’ places. * Family Pet Drama 😸: Kelly recounts the chaos of her kids adopting a stray cat, leaving everyone in a whirlwind of emotions.* ER Skill Secrets and Struggles 💉: Tourniquets, can you have too much of a good thing? What should you say, or not say, during a good report?* Nurse Confessions 😂: The duo dives into quirky habits, debating shower routines and revealing unexpected personal quirks from their off-duty lives.This week is skills fair, so grab a note pad, fill your cup and get ready to laugh and learn! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

This week we have a hilarious deep-dive into the ever-evolving world of nursing fashion. From tight scrubs and spiky eyebrows to bows and bras, this episode is packed with laughs and relatable moments for anyone who’s ever donned a pair of scrubs.* The Evolution of Nursing Fashion 👗* Professionalism vs. Self-Expression 💄* Generational Judgments 😆 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Today we are chatting with the amazing Dr. Barger! This episode dives into the chaos and variety of pediatric ER life—staffing woes, burnout, and teamwork triumphs. We also get into global health, what make healthcare in the States unique and challenging! It’s raw, honest, and inspiring. 🌟* Team Dynamics 🤝: From ER to inpatient, communication’s key—Dr. Barger calls for empathy across floors. Shadowing each other? Game-changer for understanding! 👏* Future Fixes 🔧: More staff, better training, and tech upgrades could ease the load. Dr. Barger’s vision: A collaborative, efficient ER dream team! 🚀* Fun Vibes 😂: Light moments include homeschool tales and dream teams—Sam and Kelly shine with Dr. Barger’s wisdom! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Strings Attached 🩺🎸Kelly and Sam kick off their post-summer hiatus episode with fun chit-chat about hobbies clashing with nursing life, the imperfect mental health system and how they protect their patients and theirselves down in Pyschland!* Yips and IO’s 💉: What’s a girl to do when she can’t hit the broad side of a barn? … get the drill out of course.* Psych Ward Real Talk 🧠: From young kids to adults in crisis, Kelly and Sam navigate aggression, heartbreak, and a broken system with grit and heart. 😥* Boundaries & Burnout 🚨: Some are the mom figure, reading bedtime stories to foster kids stuck in the ER. Others sets hard boundaries, frustrated by inappropriate cases and endless paperwork. We all agree: nurses shouldn’t play security guard! 💪* Pulse Check Fun 🎉: We talk prom, aliens and vacation stays!Fill your cup and grab a seat At The Nurses’ Station! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

We all already know, it’s not about the job, it’s about who you do it with. Enjoy some banter as we recount a shared shift from two vantage points and remind ourselves why it’s always good to have a friend in the trenches!* Shift Vibes 🎢 😤 😂* Tantrum Triggers 😡 🤦‍♀️* Team Dynamics 🤝 💪 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Today we’re chatting about what we do to stay sane and keep it together on our days outside the hospital. And we explore what makes a hobby a hobby, do we have to be doing something? Naps anyone? 🫠 🙌* Hobby Hustle or Bust 💪* Quirky Quests 🎨 🎭* Escape Routes 🌴💃* Reading Rants 📚 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com

Should nurses train like firefighters? We ponder physical standards, physical safety and shift by shift pressure we take on to do what we do!Back Pain Battles 💥Body Image Blues 🌈Physical Prep Puzzle 🏋️‍♀️Fad Frenzy & Advice 🤷‍♀️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atthenursesstation.substack.com