The Conversing Nurse podcast

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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/brianmakesbenjaminsContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

**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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

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.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

This week I had a great conversation about all things remote nursing. My guests are Maggie Lajaunie, Head of Clinical Services, and Blaire McElroy,  Clinical Services manager for the remote care company, Veta Health. I came into the conversation with ZERO knowledge about what remote nursing entailed and I left with a new appreciation of it. Like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes that day because once again, I was blown away by these two dynamic nurse leaders. They elevate the patient experience by first enhancing the nurse experience and provide nurses with the necessary tools and training to be successful and happy in their remote work. I have always admired nurses who help other nurses, and Maggie and Blaire have my utmost respect.In the five-minute snippet: we switched it up to a version of the Newlywed Game and it’s evident Maggie and Blaire’s partnership is truly inspiring. For Maggie's and Blaire's bio, visit my website (link below).Veta HealthVeta Health LinkedIn Maggie's LinkedInBlaire's LinkedInContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

It was a thrill to reconnect with my colleague and friend, Kari Replogle. Kari has a gentle personality that perfectly suits her role as a NICU nurse. But don't let that delightful personality fool you. Kari is also a highly skilled practitioner and self-proclaimed lover of the adrenaline rush. In our conversation, Kari reflected on seeing her mom help people as a nurse, whether in a hospital or a camp setting and became inspired to follow in her footsteps. It's no mystery how she adopted a service philosophy. Her parents, Lynne, a nurse, and Paul, a teacher, both had long careers in service. They are now retired but continue to help impoverished communities in Mexico. And while we're on the subject of service, Kari's husband, Craig, a Navy veteran, served our country for over 20 years, and Kari spoke candidly about the challenges of being a military wife and family. Nevertheless, her faith and kind nature drive her to be the best she can be. Her three prayers as a nurse? That her care is helpful to her patients in body, mind, and soul, that she is a positive contributing teammate, and that she never stops learning or striving for excellence. It's safe to say that she is well on her way to achieving those goals.  In the five-minute snippet, cows over dogs any day.Contact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

If you've been listening to the podcast for a while you’ve heard me say that we would be discussing bullying and, I’m happy to report that after over 65 episodes, I'm finally doing that.  And I'm not only talking about it, I'm talking to the expert about it. My guest, Dr. Phyllis Quinlan, a Ph.D.-prepared nurse,  literally wrote the book on Bullying and Chronic Incivility in Nursing. With a combined 45 years as a nurse, educator, LNC, and executive coach, and having experienced bullying herself, she is well-equipped for the difficult conversation and has some insightful solutions to end it.And let’s talk about emotional intelligence for a moment. Dr. Quinlan defines this for adults as the secret sauce to success in your personal and professional life. Well, Dr. Quinlan’s emotional intelligence score must be off the charts. This was truly one of the best conversations.In the five-minute snippet: move over Barack. For Dr. Quinlan's bio, visit my website (link below).Bringing Shadow Behavior Into the Light of DayLinkedInMFW ConsultantsAssociation of Perioperative Registered NursesTwitterContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

**CAUTION** In this episode we discuss mental health, including suicide. If you are experiencing mental health challenges and have thought of harming yourself, there is help for you. Call or text 988, the Suicide/Crisis Hotline. Help is available 24/7/365. Please reach out.What do psych nursing, powerlifting, and The Walking Dead have in common? My guest for this week, Tara "Taz" Kittrell. Her long career serving the mental health needs of women and children has progressed from a foster care case worker to a counselor, then as a sexual assault nurse examiner to a pediatric post-op nurse, to what she does today, serving college students as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Now, I could stop here, but I won't because there is so much more to her story. Tara is currently enrolled in an EMT Basic program, and when I asked her why, her answer just lifted her higher on the pedestal I had put her on. And did I mention she happens to competitively deadlift? When Tara wants to get out of her head, she gets into the gym. Her powerlifting efforts have won her several prestigious awards. She strongly believes in the power of movement to improve mental health, and she shares this love with her colleagues and students. In the five-minute snippet, there are 27 callers ahead of you. For Tara's bio, visit my website (link below).Tara's InstagramTara's LinkedInLifting Heavy Things- Healing Trauma One Rep at a Time by Laura KhoudariBuilt to Move-The Ten Essential Habits to Help you Move Freely and Live Fully by Kelly StarrettContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

Ever since I started this podcast, I have been looking forward to talking with a nurse who is also a JD. Recently, I got the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Kwamane Liddell. Kwamane is a healthcare visionary. You only need to glance at his LinkedIn profile to see the many accolades he has received from various sectors, including healthcare, business, innovation, and technology. Here are just a few examples:- He was the first African-American male to graduate from Southern Illinois University's College of Nursing.- He is an Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow- He is a Johnson and Johnson  JLABS Innovator- He is the Founder of Nutrible, a company that utilizes AI social workers to help families access community resources on demand.Could he have done all of this without a law degree? I’m convinced Kwamane can do whatever he puts his mind to. When he founded Nutrible, he needed to know more about the underlying causes of health disparity, which was leading to the suffering and death of his patients in the emergency room. So by furthering his education and earning a Juris Doctor degree, Kwamane became well-equipped to change health policies and address this issue. Kwamane is changing health equity, one person at a time, and in my book, he embodies the definition of a hero. In the five-minute snippet: food, glorious food!Johnson & Johnson articleContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!

Paras Barnett was leading a robust life as a nurse. She worked at a prestigious institution, provided expert nursing care to her patients, was a strong organizational leader, and a loving wife and friend.However, despite all this, she felt like something was missing and was on the verge of burnout. So she became a Caritas coach, and in the process, learned how to prioritize self-care in order to be able to fill the cup of others. This single act catapulted her into humanitarian work. She is now affiliated with Jordan International Aid and travels to underdeveloped countries multiple times a year to provide medical and surgical care. These medical missions are not funded by any organization, and the medical professionals themselves bear the cost of travel, housing, and food, which can often be between three to five thousand dollars. Paras offsets this cost by creating and selling beautiful jewelry. Her loving, generous nature brilliantly shines through in all she does. In the five-minute snippet: OMG, incredible elephants! https://www.peaceofparas.org Watson Caring Science InstituteJordan International AidContact The Conversing Nurse podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.comGive me feedback! Leave me a review! 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 see you soon!