AACN Voices in Nursing Podcast

Nurse leaders face relentless demands that often leave little room for self-care. In this episode, Dr. Robbin Young shares practical strategies to address leader burnout, from structured well-being initiatives to fostering a culture where rest and support are prioritized. Explore how investing in leadership health creates a ripple effect: strengthening teams, improving retention and elevating patient care outcomes across organizations.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at www.aacn.org/managerskills

Caring for a pregnant patient in the ICU can feel overwhelming — after all, you're supporting two lives at once. In this episode, Julie Kruithof breaks down a simple, memorable framework — the 3 Ps — to help you stay grounded in high-stakes moments. From understanding normal physiologic changes to building the best partnerships and plan, you’ll gain practical insights to provide support safe, confident care throughout the stages of pregnancy and postpartum.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Career Center, offering career resources, free resume reviews and personalized job alerts, with information available at www.aacn.org/careercenter

Bullying and incivility remain persistent challenges in healthcare, affecting nurses’ well-being, team dynamics and patient safety. In this episode, AACN podcast hosts speak with Dr. Renee Thompson, founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute, about why disruptive behaviors occur and how they differ from bullying. She shares practical strategies for nurses and leaders to address harmful behaviors, strengthen accountability, and build cultures grounded in respect, professionalism and psychological safety.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at www.aacn.org/preceptorskills

Night-shift fatigue increases the risk of nurse burnout, patient errors and drowsy driving, yet many hospitals still prohibit on-shift rest. In this episode, Dr. Pamela Linds and PJ Eschbach share how they implemented a research-based nurse napping program to improve patient safety, retention and night-shift wellness. Learn how to overcome policy barriers, engage HR and leadership, and use a practical fatigue mitigation toolkit in your organization.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at www.aacn.org/csiaacn

Dr. Karen Cox, president of Chamberlain University and former president of the American Academy of Nursing, reflects on a leadership journey shaped by empathy, curiosity and a commitment to nurse well-being. In this episode, she explores the power of listening, shared governance and bold advocacy. Discover how her early experiences continue to guide her leadership style and why amplifying the nursing voice, especially in times of crisis, continues to guide her approach to leadership.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, offering unit-level recognition for exceptional units, with information available at www.aacn.org/unitrecognition

At 23, Erika Breivogel, an ICU nurse, experienced a sudden illness that made her a patient. In this episode, Erika recounts her harrowing experience with delirium, including vivid hallucinations and fear, and how her story reveals critical gaps in symptom recognition, prevention and care. Learn why early mobility, reorientation and compassionate nursing are key not only to managing patients in the fog, but also preventing the onset and severity of ICU delirium. This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Certification, offering specialty, subspecialty or advanced practice board certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/getcertification

This gripping episode follows Andrea Schmitt, a critical care nurse who faced sudden heart failure days after delivery. Diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy, she went from caregiver to patient in a heartbeat. Her story reveals how easily this rare condition can be missed and how nurses can save lives by recognizing the signs early. Tune in for lifesaving insights every nurse should bring to their next shift.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Membership, offering members special discounts, clinical resources, and unlimited free CEs, with information on how to join available at www.aacn.org/discoveraacn

Virtual nursing is transforming healthcare delivery, but misconceptions remain. Paul Malito, University of Alabama at Birmingham eMedicine, talks about real-world examples of how virtual nursing strengthens rather than replaces bedside care. This episode explores how virtual nursing improves workflow, mentoring, nurse satisfaction, retention and patient outcomes while giving bedside nurses more time for direct patient care.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at www.aacn.org/managerskills

Explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing with two visionary nurse leaders, Dr. Olena Svetlov and Dr. Fiona Winterbottom. From early-warning systems to wearable tech and even robotics, the conversation dives into how AI can reshape clinical workflows, improve patient outcomes and empower nurses. This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc

Thinking about a career in flight nursing? This episode is your liftoff. Veteran flight nurse Cindy Goodrich joins us to talk about the reality of caring for critically ill patients midair, how flight teams work together under pressure, and what nurses need to know before stepping into this high-intensity role. This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at www.aacn.org/preceptorskills

Is a human-AI partnership possible for the future of pediatric critical care? Explore how a groundbreaking pediatric tele-critical care program transformed one of the nation’s busiest cardiovascular ICUs. Guests Menchee Berris and Kellie Swink discuss the challenges behind high-acuity pediatric cardiac care and the constant pressure created by staffing shortages. Listen as they reveal how their tele-ICU model transformed the environment from reactive crisis management to predictive and proactive surveillance.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course, Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at www.aacn.org/preceptorskills

As legalization increases, patients are using cannabis more than ever and not always telling you. Pharmacist Dr. Meagan Good joins Voices in Nursing to unpack the hidden risks, gray areas and clinical blind spots that come with caring for cannabis users. If you've ever felt unprepared to respond, this conversation will change how you assess, advocate for and protect your patients.This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal: AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc

When nurse leadership at her health system felt fractured, Dr. Holly Muller, Chief Nursing Officer at Presbyterian Healthcare Services, didn’t start with a plan. She started by listening. Learn how she sparked a culture shift by trusting the voices closest to the bedside. This episode of Voices in Nursing dives into the messy, meaningful work of rebuilding trust, restoring purpose and making shared governance real again.This episode is brought to you by AACN Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at www.aacn.org/csiaacn

ECMO saves lives, but at what emotional cost? In this episode of Voices in Nursing, Christina Block, an ECMO transport nurse, and Jennifer Popies, an ICU clinical nurse specialist, share findings from their CVICU research on moral distress. They discuss prognostic uncertainty, the burden of treatment, and the emotional toll of high-stakes decisions. Explore themes of identity, teamwork and resilience, and learn strategies to support care teams on the front lines of ECMO’s toughest challenges.This episode is sponsored by The ECMO Course, providing nurses with a comprehensive understanding of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with information available at www.aacn.org/ecmo-course

Nurses face long shifts and sleepless nights, but fatigue creates real risks for clinicians and patients. In this episode of Voices in Nursing, Dr. Susan Weaver and Dr. Terri Wurmser discuss their research on nurse fatigue, drowsy driving, and the impact of poor sleep on care. They also share practical strategies such as power naps, improved scheduling, and organizational support to promote nurse well-being, reduce errors, and strengthen patient safety.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Membership, offering members special discounts, clinical resources, and unlimited free CEs, with information on how to join available at www.aacn.org/discoveraacn

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare, but what does that mean for nurses? In this episode, Dr. Carl Goforth, retired Navy nurse and educator, joins AACN’s Dr. Vicki Good and Andrea Schmitt to explore the promise and pitfalls of AI in nursing. From clinical decision support to ethical safeguards, Dr. Goforth shares how nurses can use AI as a supportive tool without losing their human touch at the bedside. Learn how to stay informed, safe and engaged in this new era.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Knowledge Assessment Tool, helping educators identify knowledge gaps and educational needs of nurses new to the unit, or new to ICU or PCU patient care, with information available at www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse

Could silence in healthcare be as dangerous as a clinical mistake? Joseph Grenny, co-founder of Crucial Learning and co-author of “Crucial Conversations,“ joins AACN’s Dr. Vicki Good and Brandee Pak to unpack the updated Silence Kills 2.0 study. Together, they reveal why speaking up matters more than ever, how behavioral agility drives innovation, and practical ways nurses and leaders can build psychologically safe teams that strengthen care, trust and collaboration.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, offering unit-level recognition for exceptional units, with information available at www.aacn.org/unitrecognition

What if well-being wasn’t a program but a practice embedded in every corner of a health system? Kristi McClure shares how OhioHealth created a long-term, data-informed strategy for clinician well-being — years before the pandemic made it urgent. She discusses how they’ve scaled support across 16 hospitals, leveraged the power of peer connection, and how dog therapy can become a symbol of care culture that starts from within an organization.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s online course, Essentials of Critical Care Orientation or ECCO, providing modular, interactive case-based orientation for ICU or PCU patient care, with information available at www.aacn.org/orientationcc

Technology can be a powerful tool — especially if it truly supports the people using it. Dr. Sarah Rossetti, nurse informaticist and researcher, shares her work designing and studying digital systems in critical care. She discusses what happens when nurses shape technology from the ground up, why documentation fatigue matters, and how human-centered design can improve care delivery and nurse satisfaction.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at www.aacn.org/aacncommunities

Human trafficking often goes undetected — even in clinical settings. Forensic nurse Ashley McAree shares how healthcare professionals can recognize signs of trafficking, debunk common myths and offer trauma-informed care. Learn how her team in Maryland transformed their SAFE program to meet the needs of some of society’s most vulnerable patients and how nurses everywhere can take part in building safer, more responsive systems of care.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at www.aacn.org/managerskills

What if the key to reducing patient mortality lies in the workplace? Dr. Margo Brooks Carthon shares compelling research on how Healthy Work Environments empower nurses to deliver better outcomes—especially for patients facing social and economic barriers. This episode highlights how nurse-driven care, support, and advocacy can make a critical difference for underserved patients during health crises like COVID-19. A must-listen for every nurse-leader and changemaker.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Certification, offering specialty, subspecialty or advanced practice board certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/getcertification

Authentic leadership is personal. In this episode, Allison Steuber and Ryan Miller share how they tailor recognition and support to meet each team member where they are — from new parents who are adjusting work hours to nurses preparing for advanced practice. Join hosts Andrea Schmitt and Dr. Vicki Good for a conversation on leading with intention and empathy. When we see the individual, we lead with authenticity — and that’s where real connection begins.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course, Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at www.aacn.org/preceptorskills

Across 135 nursing units in 45 hospitals, nurses, leaders and interprofessional teams are driving lasting, culture-based change — guided by AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards. Dr. Brenda Pun and Dr. Michelle Balas share the work of the HWE National Collaborative and how better work environments start with nurses — and create ripple effects across care teams.This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc

What does it mean for nurses to own their power? In this Voices in Nursing episode, Dr. Lisa Johnson shares her journey from ICU direct care to hospital leadership — and why empowerment is more than a concept; it’s a call to action. With personal stories, valuable insights and practical advice, she challenges nurses to lead from every level and shape the future of care. This conversation will change how you see your role.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at www.aacn.org/csiaacn

What if we measured nursing by its healing impact — not only by harm avoided? Dr. Martha Curley shares a bold call to action to redefine the value of direct care nursing. Learn how a new blueprint aims to measure what matters most: advocacy, vigilance, human connection and the outcomes only nurses can deliver.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Knowledge Assessment Tool, helping educators identify knowledge gaps and the educational needs of nurses new to the unit, or new to ICU or PCU patient care. Information available at www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse

From microaggressions to outright bullying, incivility in nursing takes many forms. Dr. Shalanda Perkins shares her personal journey, from experiencing workplace hostility to becoming a leader in promoting a culture of respect and civility. Hear her powerful insights and evidence-based strategies for creating a culture of respect in nursing.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at www.aacn.org/aacncommunities

Dr. John Gallagher, DNP a critical care expert and former AACN board member, shares his journey as the only nurse on the NIH COVID-19 treatment panel—and how he worked to ensure nursing expertise influenced patient care at a crucial moment in both his personal life and in our nation’s history.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Membership, offering members special discounts, clinical resources, and unlimited free CEs, with information on how to join available at www.aacn.org/discoveraacn

Have you ever considered yourself a last responder? While first responders are widely recognized, those who provide care in life’s final moments sometimes go unnoticed. In this episode, Clinical Nurse Specialist Melinda Mayorga shares the powerful story that led her to define this role and why it matters. Tune in to reflect, reframe and recognize the profound positive impact you may already be making.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at www.aacn.org/aacncommunities

After the sudden and tragic death of her husband, Dr. Sue Hassmiller channeled her grief into a blog that later became her acclaimed book “Resetting: An Unplanned Journey of Love, Loss, and Living Again.” She reflects on her experiences as both a nurse and a grieving spouse, her advocacy for compassionate care, and living through unimaginable challenges.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, offering recognition for exceptional units, with information available at www.aacn.org/unitrecognition

Yolanda G. Smith, a former critical care nurse and CNO, transformed personal tragedy into a powerful catalyst for change. In this inspiring episode, she shares her journey of resilience and how the loss of a beloved friend due to preventable errors motivated her to develop innovative programs that enhance nurse well-being and improve patient safety.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at www.aacn.org/managerskills

In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a light on the inspiring story of Dr.Virginia Allen and the 'Black Angels,' whose bravery and compassion transformed nursing and patient care during a time of fear and segregation. Their legacy has left an indelible mark on history and continues to inspire generations of nurses.This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc

Dr. Vicki Good and guest co-host Dr. Devin Bowers sit down with Dr. Sylvain Trepanier, chief nursing officer at Providence Health Systems, to explore how the innovative co-caring model is transforming nursing practice, supporting appropriate staffing and fostering joy in the work environment.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course, Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at www.aacn.org/preceptorskills

Discover how direct-care nurses Annie Nguyen and Randy Padua teamed up to transform their unit’s infection management protocol. This episode explores their inspiring journey through AACN’s CSI Academy and how they created sustainable practices. Learn how structured guidance, teamwork, and innovative solutions empowered them to improve patient outcomes and drive change.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at www.aacn.org/csiaacn

Join hosts Vicki Good and Andrea Schmitt as they talk with Kelly Kester, nursing director at Duke University Health System, about fostering healthy work environments and improving staffing in critical care. Kelly shares her leadership journey and how AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards helped her enhance nurse retention and engagement. Discover strategies for onboarding new nurses and empowering teams to create resilient workplaces in this inspiring and informative conversation. This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, www.aacn.org/advancedcc

In this premiere episode of "Voices in Nursing," Tim Dorman, managing partner of Dorman Leadership Group, and his daughter Abby Pledger share their experiences as a patient and family navigating critical care after a life-altering heart attack. The conversation unfolds as a story of resilience, the compassionate care of ICU nurses, and how their journey was recognized Through the DAISY Foundation; highlighting the profound impact of nursing beyond medical treatment — touching lives and fostering trust, empathy and healing.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Certification, offering specialty, subspecialty or advanced practice board certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/getcertification