Nurse News: Nurses Mourn Dr. Janell Green Smith, The Pitt Wins Awards + Season 2 Launch, Nurse Brings HIV Care to Drag Race, 21K NYC Nurses Near Strike, and Flu Surge Hits Hospitals

Besties, we’re so back! After a little holiday break, Colton’s kicking off 2026 with a fresh Nurse News drop — and honestly? This week is packed.We’re talking:The heartbreaking loss of certified nurse-midwife & DNP Dr. Janelle Green Smith after childbirth — and why this tragedy is a painful reminder that Black maternal health disparities are still VERY real (even for healthcare leaders).“The Pitt” winning big at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards and actually getting hospital life right (aka finally not cringe medical TV). A literal HIV nurse competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race??? Mandy Mango is serving care + charisma and we are OBSESSED. 21,000 NYC nurses voting 97% yes to authorize a strike — safe staffing ratios, wages, and union power are the main character energy here. And yes… the flu is going absolutely feral this year. Like, hospitals bringing masks back feral.This episode is your reminder that staying informed = staying empowered. So grab your coffee, your scrubs, or your emotional support water bottle… and let’s get into it.>>Nurses Mourn Midwife and Leader Dr. Janell Green Smith, Who Died After Childbirth>>'The Pitt' Wins Big at the Critics Choice Awards + Season 2 Launch!>>Meet Mandy Mango: The Nurse Bringing HIV Care to ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’>>21,000 NYC Nurses on the Brink of a Strike After 97% Vote—What To Know>>Flu Surge 2026: Record Hospitalizations — What Nurses Need to KnowJump Ahead to Listen:[00:02:34] A Heartbreaking Loss[00:06:07] 'The Pitt' Wins Big[00:08:18] Nurse Competes on Drag Race [00:10:06] NYC Nurses Near Strike[00:13:23] Flu Surge Hits HospitalsConnect with Colton on social media:Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @club.nurseTikTok: @nursecolton🎙️ About the Club Nurse PodcastThank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a colleague.🌐 Connect With UsOfficial Website: Visit nurse.org/clubnurse for episodes, articles, and exclusive nursing resources.Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Club Nurse on YouTube to watch full video episodes and highlights.Follow Nurse.org:Instagram: @nurse_orgFacebook: @nurse-orgLinkedIn: @nurse-orgTikTok: @nurse.orgConnect with Colton on social media:Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @club.nurseTikTok: @nursecolton