Don't Eat Your Young: A Nursing Podcast

Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, host Beth Quaas sits down with Lexi Urman, a current MICU nurse and future SRNA set to begin her DNP in Anesthesia program in 2026. With over four years as a bedside RN — across surgical progressive care, same-day surgery, PACU, and MICU — plus six years as a CNA before that, Lexi brings a grounded, experienced perspective to the CRNA journey. It was during an early RN role working alongside CRNAs and MDAs that she first discovered her passion for anesthesia, and with their encouragement, spent the next three years building a path toward acceptance into her top choice DNP Nurse Anesthesia program. In this conversation, she opens up about navigating a COVID-impacted nursing education, the competitive CRNA application process, facing workplace stigma for pursuing advancement, and how she turned every doubt into fuel. Her message is clear: do the work, don't let anyone shrink your dreams, and never stop reaching.Key Topics Covered:Shadowing is non-negotiable.Use prep platforms wisely.The stigma is real, but survivable.Why is important to attend your state and national association meetings.How to use doubt as fuel.Resources & Links:Connect with Lexi by email.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:Running a 1099 business as a CRNA or healthcare professional can feel overwhelming — from tracking mileage and invoices to managing tax deductions, credential renewals, and scheduling across multiple facilities.In this episode of Don’t Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas sits down with CoryAnn, CRNA, entrepreneur, and founder of 1099 Pro LLC and the 1099 Hub app, to break down exactly how healthcare professionals can stay organized while building a profitable independent practice.CoryAnn shares her journey from pediatric ICU nurse to CRNA and business founder, along with practical strategies for managing the financial and operational side of 1099 work.Whether you’re a new grad exploring independent practice or an experienced CRNA ready to optimize your business systems, this episode gives you the practical roadmap you need.Key Topics Covered:What 1099 work means for CRNAs and nurses.Key differences between W2 vs 1099 employment.Why every CRNA should understand tax deductions and audit-proof documentation.Preventing burnout through flexible scheduling.How the 1099 Hub app simplifies business management for medical professionals.Resources & Links:Visit Go 1099 Pro website.Join the Facebook community.Follow the 1099 Hub app on Instagram and YouTube.Connect with CoryAnn on Instagram.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode, host Beth Quaas sits down with nurse, author, and wellness expert Giovanna Navarro to unpack the real science behind burnout, stress, and healing in nursing. With nearly three decades of clinical experience and deep training in neuroscience and behavioral health—including mentorship under Dr. Joe Dispenza—Giovanna explains why traditional “self-care” isn’t enough.This conversation dives into the physiological impact of chronic stress, the concept of “bracing” in healthcare environments, and how unresolved trauma stays stored in the body—affecting performance, relationships, and long-term health. Giovanna shares practical, science-backed tools nurses can use in real-time on shift to regulate their nervous system, recover faster, and prevent long-term burnout.Key Topics Covered:Why burnout in nursing is different (and deeper) than in other professions.The concept of “physiological bracing” and chronic nervous system activation.The difference between sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous system states.The power of gratitude and emotional regulation in high-stress environments.Why changing roles doesn’t fix burnout.Resources & Links:Find the book Burn Bright Not Out, Burnout Solutions for Nurses in a Broken System on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.Connect with Giovanna on LinkedIn and Instagram.Visit Giovanna's website.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:Resilience is more than completing mandatory wellness modules. In this episode of Don’t Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas welcomes nurse anesthetist, educator, and author Richard Wilson to explore a practical, real-world approach to building resilience in nursing and healthcare education. Richard shares how resilience directly impacts wellness, patient safety, leadership effectiveness, and long-term career success. He also discusses the importance of training preceptors and mentors to support learners through difficult clinical experiences, setbacks, and professional growth.Key Topics Covered:The difference between wellness and resilience and why both matter in healthcare.How resilience helps nurses recover from clinical stress, setbacks, and poor outcomes.Why preceptor training and mentorship are critical to building stronger nurses.How individualized support improves learner confidence, performance, and patient safety.Practical strategies leaders can use to create resilient healthcare teams.Resources & Links:Winning the CRNA Interview: A Step by Step Guide to Admissions Success.Visit the Pinnacle Preceptor Academy website.Connect with Richard Wilson on: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.Visit Richard's website.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this episode of Don’t Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas talks with Abby Kent, a board-certified nurse coach in Raleigh, North Carolina, about stepping off autopilot after post-COVID burnout, rebuilding self-trust, and creating lasting change through empowerment. Abby shares her 14-year nursing path (including a unique role as the RN for the North Carolina Highway Patrol) and how nurse coaching helped her shift from “giving people the worksheet” to creating space for sustainable, values-based change. Key Topics Covered:Why so many nurses feel numb and disconnected after COVID, and how “autopilot” can spill into personal life.Abby’s “winding road” in nursing and what a nontraditional nursing role can look like.What nurse coach training taught her: coaching skills, deeper listening, better questions, and stronger communication.Different ways nurse coaches work (leadership, units supporting nurses, corporate wellness, functional medicine, bedside enhancement).Abby’s message for nurses: You don’t have to leave nursing. There are other paths.Resources & Links:Visit Abby’s website https://www.abbykentcoaching.com/.Follow Abby’s journey on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, host Beth Quaas sits down with emergency nurse and ZooMates founder Laura Siwinski, a mom of five who transformed her personal journey with her autistic son into a powerful visual-communication tool. ZooMates is a free, ad-free platform using real animal photography to support communication for children, people with autism, patients with aphasia or dementia, and anyone who benefits from visual cues.Laura shares how her nursing background, her family’s experience, and her passion for helping others sparked this innovative resource. Beth and Laura discuss how nurses can use ZooMates at the bedside, in the ER, in neuro settings, pediatric units, and even at home to reduce fear, encourage communication, and improve patient connection.Key Topics Covered:Laura’s nursing journey and love for ER nursing.Using animal imagery for language development and emotional expression.Innovation in nursing and how simple ideas can become powerful tools.How ZooMates is expanding with new features, partnerships, and real photography.Encouragement for nurses exploring entrepreneurship.Resources & Links:Visit ZooMates website https://zoomates.org/.Follow ZooMates journey on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode, returning guest Amy Siple provides an urgent update on her legal battle with the Board of Nursing. What started as a missed license renewal during a family crisis has escalated into a years-long fight revealing major problems in nursing oversight and disciplinary systems. Amy explains her recent administrative hearing loss, her upcoming judicial appeal, and the constitutional concerns involved, including due process and First Amendment issues. She also highlights how minor clerical mistakes can end a nurse’s career and how little accountability state boards often face. Beyond her own case, Amy has become a national advocate driving legislative reform, gaining bipartisan support, and pushing for model laws to protect nurses from unfair and harmful disciplinary practices. This episode is essential listening for nurses, students, and healthcare leaders.Key Topics Covered:A lapsed license — even without practicing — can lead to discipline, permanent databases, and job loss.Kansas’ Board of Nursing faces bipartisan scrutiny for overreach, uneven discipline, and profit-driven fines.Real-life cases show nurses losing careers over button-click errors, credit card typos, and non-clinical issues.Legislative hearings revealed millions collected in fines and systemic inconsistencies in discipline.Resources & Links:Connect with Amy Siple on LinkedIn and Youtube.Get access to Amy’s Substack account.Visit Amy's website.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of Don't Eat Your Young, host Beth Quas sits down with Dr. Misty Wilkie, PhD, RN, and Director of the Center of Indigenous People Health and Nursing at the University of Minnesota. Misty shares her inspiring journey from being a young single mother to becoming one of the few American Indian nurses with a PhD.We explore how her Ojibwemowin heritage shaped her path in nursing, her commitment to mentoring minority nursing students, and her work developing culturally responsive simulation tools. Misty also discusses the importance of building trust, honoring traditions, and providing holistic support to Indigenous nursing students.Key Topics Covered:Supporting minority nursing students, particularly those from American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous backgrounds.Addressing healthcare disparities.Cultural humility in clinical training.The power of mentorship in nursing.Nursing education and retention strategies.Resources & Links:Connect with Dr. Misty Wilkie on LinkedIn.Visit Dr. Misty Wilkie’s University of Minnesota page. Dr. Misty Wilkie’s article about Doctoral Education Pathway for American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of Don’t Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas sits down with nurse practitioner, educator, and healthcare leader Amy Siple to share her shocking story. After 30+ years of spotless nursing service, Amy’s career was nearly destroyed due to a clerical licensing error during her husband's cancer treatment. Together, they uncover the harsh realities of board investigations, license renewals, and the lack of protections for nurses.Key Topics Covered:Why nurse licensing boards aren't your ally during investigationsHow failing to renew a license on time can result in accusations of unprofessional conductThe critical importance of malpractice insurance license protection ridersHow public shaming and broken systems are driving compassionate nurses out of practiceResources & Links:Connect with Amy Siple on LinkedIn and Youtube.Visit Amy's website.Amy Siple’s article about nurse practitioner-led care can be found on PubMed.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of Don’t Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas sits down with nursing leader Connie Delaney, Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, to explore transformational leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and the future of healthcare. Connie shares how her early experiences shaped her philosophy of leading with love, the impact of nursing informatics, and her unwavering support for full practice authority for nurse practitioners.Key Topics Covered:Connie’s journey into nursing and leadershipWhy honoring every voice in healthcare mattersLessons from transforming a nursing schoolHow nurses can advocate for change from withinThe future of AI in nursing and its human implicationResources & Links:Connect with Connie White Delaney on LinkedIn.Visit Connie's website.Igniting Transformational Change book.Find the School of Nursing on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Winning the CRNA Interview: A Step-By-Step Guide to Admissions Success.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this eye-opening episode, host Beth Quaas welcomes Dr. Beth Sanford, a seasoned nurse educator and passionate advocate for vitamin D awareness, to explore the critical role vitamin D plays in physical, cognitive, and emotional health. From personal stories to evidence-based research, Dr. Sanford shares powerful insights about how vitamin D deficiency affects not just the general population but especially nurses, night shift workers, students, and healthcare professionals.You’ll learn why this “low-hanging fruit” is often overlooked in clinical care, how to assess your own risk, and what steps you can take to improve your health—and maybe even save lives.Key Topics Covered:What vitamin D does in the body (and why it’s vital for nurses!)Common causes of deficiency (including medication use and sunscreen habits)How geographic location and skin tone impact vitamin D levelsThe connection between vitamin D deficiency and mental health, pregnancy, cognitive function, and cancer riskTools and resources for both patients and cliniciansResources & Links:Connect with Dr. Beth Sanford on LinkedIn.Visit Beth's website.Dr. Beth Sanford touches on this topic in her podcast episode:Vitamin D and Immune Health (2022)Vitamin D and Gut Health (2023)Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode of Don't Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas sits down with author and professor Melissa Pritchard to dive deep into the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale — the true original "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) in nursing.Melissa shares the incredible story behind her novel Flight of the Wild Swan and how a serendipitous visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum led her to chronicle Nightingale's groundbreaking impact on healthcare, nursing leadership, public health reform, and the modern role of nurses today.Learn how Florence Nightingale’s vision, statistical genius, and unwavering compassion still influence nursing practice, healthcare systems, and women's leadership more than 200 years later. If you’re a nurse, healthcare worker, history lover, or leader, this episode will leave you inspired and proud of your profession.Key Topics Covered:Melissa Pritchard’s journey to writing Flight of the Wild SwanFlorence Nightingale’s revolutionary contributions to nursing and healthcareNursing leadership lessons from Florence NightingaleHow Nightingale’s work in the Crimean War shaped modern healthcareThe power of calling, service, and compassionate leadershipResources & Links:Connect with Melissa Pritchard on Facebook and Instagram.Get your copy of Flight of the Wild Swan here.Visit Melissa's website.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of Don't Eat Your Young, host Beth Quaas sits down with Megan Carter—nurse leader turned consultant—to unpack the harsh realities of nurse leadership, burnout, and bullying in healthcare. Megan opens up about her own journey from bedside nurse to associate chief nursing officer, the toll it took on her well-being, and how a six-month sabbatical led to the creation of MC Healthcare Consulting.Together, they explore:Why many nurses resist leadership roles—and why we need them to reconsiderThe hidden toll of peer-to-peer bullying at the leadership levelHow Megan is helping nurse leaders reclaim time, purpose, and balanceTips to navigate toxic cultures and advocate for yourself with confidenceThe meaning behind the term “Chaos Whisperer”—and why it might be your next identityIf you're a nurse navigating your path in leadership or looking for hope in the chaos, this episode is your permission slip to thrive.Resources & Links:Connect with Megan Carter on LinkedIn.Visit Megan's website.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this episode of Don't Eat Your Young, we sit down with Maureen Metzger, a passionate advocate for nurse well-being and resilience. Maureen shares practical strategies to help nurses maintain their mental, emotional, and physical health while navigating the challenges of the profession. From self-care and mindfulness to workplace support and professional boundaries, we explore the essential ingredients for well-being in nursing. Tune in to gain insights and actionable tips to enhance your work-life balance and sustain a fulfilling career in healthcare.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The key components of well-being for nurses- How to manage stress and avoid burnout- Practical self-care strategies for busy healthcare professionals- The role of leadership in supporting nurse wellness- Tips for setting boundaries and advocating for your needsResources & Links:Connect with Maureen Metzger on LinkedIn.Visit Maureen's website.Free video & guidebook link.Subscribe, Rate, and Review Don't Eat Your Young!Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations to the nursing community. If you know someone in healthcare who's making a significant impact, we want to hear about them! Whether it's a nurse, NP, CRNA, student, aide, manager, supervisor, or even a patient advocate driving positive change and inspiring others, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their work. Nominate someone today by filling out this form. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Summary:In this exciting episode, Beth Quaas welcomes Richard Wilson, a knowledgeable DPA, CRNA, FAANA and educator, to discuss how generational differences impact communication, education, and mentorship in the healthcare field. From the challenges of teaching across generations to the evolving landscape of clinical training, Richard shares invaluable insights into fostering collaboration, improving preceptorship, and preparing the next wave of medical professionals.Key Topics Covered:✔️ The impact of generational differences on learning and communication✔️ How educators can adapt their teaching styles to better engage students✔️ The importance of mentorship and fostering a positive clinical environment✔️ How new graduates can bridge knowledge gaps and build confidenceResources & Links:Connect with Richard Wilson on: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.Visit Richard's website.Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on our latest episodes. Let's continue to build a nurturing and empowering nursing community together! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome to Season 5 of "Don't Eat Your Young," the podcast dedicated to empowering nurses and fostering a supportive healthcare community. In this premiere episode, host Beth Quaas reflects on the journey so far and sets the stage for an exciting new season focused on growth, resilience, and innovation in nursing. Connect with Us:Website: Don't Eat Your YoungInstagram: @donteatyouryoungFacebook: Don't Eat Your Young PodcastLinkedIn: Don't Eat Your YoungSubscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on our latest episodes. Let's continue to build a nurturing and empowering nursing community together! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jenn Johnson has been an ER nurse in Canada for many years. Through those years she was bullied and had to leave jobs because the toxic people she was working with were never dealt with, so she decided to move on. Jenn takes us through three different times she was bullied and how she dealt with each one based on her past experiences and how she grew every time it happened. With all of her experience at the bedside, she also realized that she could use her intuition, that gut feeling we all get sometimes, to get her patients the care they need much more quickly than if she waited for lab and diagnostic tests to come back. Her colleagues respect her as she uses her intuition to quickly communicate with others to get patients treated before they become even worse off. Jenn is waiting for her book, Nursing Intuition, to be published this fall. In the book, she will talk more about the science behind using intuition and how she incorporates it into her care of patients. Jenn has a wealth of information to share and I cannot wait to read her book when it comes out. You can find Jenn at www.nursejenn.ca. Check out her work!Connect:Follow Jenn's journey on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.Jenn's website www.nursejenn.ca.Jenn's Amazon profile Jennifer A Johnson RN.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Crow, RN, a dedicated nurse with over a decade of experience in the healthcare field. Jennifer’s journey began in 2013, and through the challenges of nightshifts and the demands of her profession, she developed a vision to empower and support her fellow nurses. This vision gave birth to Nurses for Nurses, a dynamic community set to launch in September 2024. Jennifer’s passion for nursing has driven her to create a platform where nurses can network, inspire, and uplift each other. Join us as we explore Jennifer’s inspiring story and the profound impact she aims to make on the nursing community.Connect:Follow Jennifer's journey on LinkedIn.Nurses for Nurses website www.nursesfornurses.org.Get in touch with Jennifer at [email protected]. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Karen Doiron knows that we don’t have to keep living with the stress we are used to and she wants to help nurses live healthier lives. In this episode, Karen shares some simple strategies that we can incorporate immediately to help us feel better today.Summary:Karen Doiron is The Rest RN and her goal is to improve the lives of nurses by teaching them to recognize and decrease their stress levels. She offers simple strategies that can be done at any time of the day. In her coaching, she also helps nurses set boundaries and develop awareness for what our bodies are telling us in relation to stress.The 3 pillars of The Rest RN are Rest, Reconnect and Restore. Karen says that resting is the state in which we heal and where our creative side lives. She knows that nurses find difficulty in being able to relax and take time to do nothing. Our brains tell us that periods of rest make us feel non-productive because we are used to always being on the go. This is increasing our stress and making it harder to break the cycle.Connecting with ourselves, which is what Karen helps her clients to do, will teach us to listen to our bodies, set healthy boundaries and start living healthier lives. Thank you to The Rest RN for helping to improve the health of nurses. Let’s keep this conversation going!Connect:Follow Karen's journey on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.The Rest RN website www.therestrn.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kasey Pacheco believes that collaboration is the key to improving healthcare and bringing nurses together. In this episode, Kasey talks about what she is doing to bring nurses success by teaching them about holistic health and guiding them to pivot into their passion. Summary:Kasey is a nurse and loves caring for patients, but found that her nursing colleagues also needed care. She helps others by offering holistic health and assisting them with sharing their stories. Kasey is the founder of Preservers of Life Digital Marketing Agency, where “we blend the nurturing essence of a nurse with the strategic prowess of a marketing expert. Our foundation rests on the belief that every valuable individual deserves a spotlight, a platform where their story shines brightly in the crowded digital landscape.”. Kasey is also involved in Nurses in Charge, a non-profit nursing community that is committed to empowering nurses, including students, CNAs, LPNs and RNs. By bringing together nurses from all areas, this group strives to inspire and lift up our profession.Anyone that meets Kasey sees a shining star that wants others to shine brighter than herself. For any nurse entrepreneurs that would like to be more visible, Kasey can do that. She can guide those that are looking for change and promote them on the platform that will serve them best. Connect:Follow Kasey's journey on LinkedIn and YouTube. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Beth Ramer empowers ambitious women to go from unfulfilled and burnt out to expanding their passion for possibility without blowing up their lives and careers.She is a speaker, coach, workshop facilitator and host of the Design your Vibrant Life podcast.Beth knows that we can get caught up in the busy-ness of life and work, constantly spinning, always doing everything for everyone else and feeling hollow and depleted when it comes time for ourselves.After experiencing burn out herself, she discovered how vital it is to be able to have control over our own energy.As an Energy Alignment Coach, she empowers ambitious women to align their energy, intentions, and actions to achieve personal and professional goals creating authentic life and career alignment.Links:Connect with BethJoin Beth's Mailing ListSchedule Complimentary BreathWork SessionSchedule Vision Breakthrough CallFollow Beth's journey on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.Listen to Beth's Podcast: Design Your Vibrant Life Podcast. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kerry Johnson has worn many hats in her time as a nurse: bedside nurse, FNP, and Functional Medicine NP. What better person than her to teach the new nurses coming into the profession. Listen today to hear how Kerry got into education and how her passion for health turned her to functional medicine.ABOUT KERRYKerry Johnson had been working as a nurse for several years when she decided to get her family nurse practitioner certification. Once she received that degree and was seeing patient’s in the clinic, she noticed how she wasn’t preventing disease, but just treating it. Patients were getting sicker and the healthcare system in which she was working just didn’t seem right to her. So she decided it was time to help patients in a different way and became certified in functional medicine. With that new knowledge and passion, she also decided it was time to teach others how to prevent disease, for their health and the health of their patients.Kerry is now seeing patients her way by getting to the root of the problem and finding a way to help them get better, without just band-aiding the issues. I know firsthand how Kerry can help with many ailments and can’t speak highly enough of her compassion and knowledge for helping others. She is a great educator, for her patients and her students.LINKSKerry’s website www.drkimwellness.orgFollow Kerry’s journey on Instagram and LinkedIn. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Alex Whitefield knows what it’s like to be an exhausted bedside nurse. It isn’t ok for nurses to do the work that they do without a break away from their patients. So he decided to change that. Listen this week to hear what Alex is working on to help manage the complexities of scheduling our breaks.Alex Whitefield was an ER nurse before becoming a nurse leader. During the time he was working at the bedside, he realized how important it was that nurses needed their breaks so that they could come back and care for their patients. Once he became a manager, he saw how complex it can be to schedule an entire unit of nurses to get their breaks without missing anyone. So he developed Breakalgo, as in break algorithm, so that if it wasn’t a good time for a nurse to take a break, they wouldn’t get lost in the chaos.Alex Whitefield cares for the nurses he manages and it is clear when we discuss the importance of nurses caring for themselves. He has taken it upon himself to create a workplace that leads to caring for each other as well. It is nurse leaders like Alex that will change the landscape of the nursing profession.LINKSFind the Breakalago tool here www.breakalgo.comFollow Alex’s journey on LinkedIn ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ryan George, an experienced ICU nurse, offers a candid account of his decision to leave his job due to workplace bullying, ultimately leading him to exit the nursing profession altogether. As a gay man in a predominantly female field, Ryan sheds light on the reality of toxic workplace dynamics, particularly the "mean girls" phenomenon. Despite his proficiency as a nurse and dedication to teaching, Ryan found himself targeted and uncomfortable in his work environment. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, support, and camaraderie among nurses, advocating for a healthier workplace culture. Ryan's experience underscores the toll of toxic environments on both healthcare professionals and patient care, urging for a more compassionate and supportive approach within the nursing community. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome back to Don't Eat Your Young, the podcast that delves into the inspiring stories and impactful work of individuals shaping the landscape of healthcare. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Susan B. Davis, widely known as the Rescue RN, who has become a leading figure in cardiac arrest awareness, CPR training, and AED preparedness within communities.Susan B. Davis has dedicated her career to transforming public understanding and response to cardiac emergencies. In the hospital setting, Susan identified a critical gap in the preparedness of healthcare professionals to manage in-hospital cardiac arrests effectively. This insight led her to establish CodePRep, an innovative mock code training program designed to enhance the competency and readiness of hospital staff. Susan's impact extends into her role as the Resuscitation Education Manager for a prominent healthcare system in Southwest Florida. In this capacity, she oversees the development and implementation of all things related to resuscitation for healthcare professionals. Her leadership ensures that the system's staff are current with the latest cardiac care protocols and proficient in their application, ultimately enhancing patient survival rates and setting new standards in resuscitation education. Susan’s visionary approach and unwavering dedication have established her as a distinguished figure in resuscitation preparedness and response.LINKSFind the CodePRep Workshop here www.rescuern.com.Book Rescue RN for speaking events here www.rescuern.com.Follow Susan's journey on LinkedIn and YouTube. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Maggie Ortiz, a seasoned nurse with over 23 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the nursing community. Having worked in diverse roles, including bedside nursing, administration, and as a Texas Board of Nursing investigator, Maggie is well-versed in protecting nurses from litigation. As the Founder of Advocates for Nurses, she educates fellow nurses on navigating challenges, shares valuable tips on self-protection, and offers her connection for nurses dealing with licensing issues.Maggie returns this season to share insights into how nurses can protect themselves and provides her personal contact number to those facing potential issues regarding their license. She also teaches courses to empower nurses in safeguarding themselves while caring for patients. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mel Cortez has been a nurse for 15 years, and an entrepreneur for many of those years. She noticed a gap in nursing and took action. In this episode, she shares her experience facing a violent patient in a community hospital, leading her to initiate a "ground-up" approach to empower nurses. Collaborating with military friends, Mel developed Cortex Gold, a comprehensive training program for healthcare professionals to prevent and handle violence. Discover how Mel is making workplaces safer and explore Cortex Gold for essential knowledge in preventing harm.Mel Cortez is making the workplace a safer place. If you are threatened by violence or want the knowledge to prevent harm to yourself, your coworkers or your patients, Cortex Gold is something to check out. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jill Brandl was an RN who worked to become a Holistic Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Despite her education in mental health, Jill needed help with her own burnout from her years in healthcare, as well as dealing with trauma outside of her job. After what she describes as “total burnout”, Jill decided it was time to put herself first and begin the journey to a more healthy life. She stepped away from her job to focus on helping herself so she could continue to help others.Jill says that the mental health of nurses is her passion now. She says that step one to healing is admitting that things have to change and not allowing shame to get in the way of asking for help. Nurses have been taught to think that burnout just goes with the territory and we should just suck it up and move through the exhaustion and difficulty of caring for others. Jill tells us that we must set boundaries, know our worth as people, and not get wrapped up in how we may be perceived if we put ourselves first.Jill now offers help to nurses who are going through burnout or mental health issues. She utilizes evidence-based modalities to help others begin to heal themselves. Jill helps others by using mind-body healing and neuroscience-based flow-state coaching. She also focuses on the root cause of mental health, so that clients can make lasting changes. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

With the explosion of cannabis use in the U.S., Alicia Schaal saw a gap in knowledge for healthcare professionals. Without much evidence-based information to find, she decided to educate herself so she could share that knowledge with others, namely the nurses and physicians that were unsure how cannabis impacts the our patients and the care that we deliver. Alicia is currently taking pharmacology and other related courses to arm herself with the most up to date research. She is also a certified Cannabis Nurse in Minnesota. She recently  formed Midwest Cannabis Professionals, a consulting and education business. On her website, her goal is to “help improve your quality of life with medical cannabis”. Anyone can reach out to her for information so that they can make educated decisions for their own care. She also works with healthcare professionals so that they may feel more comfortable making decisions about their patient’s care regarding cannabis use.  Alicia is very knowledgeable when it comes to cannabis and if she doesn’t know the answer to a question, you can bet that she will find the answer to best help her customers. This is a much needed service in a time when there is such little information. Alicia is certainly moving us in the right direction. Links: Alicia's website midwestcannabisprofessionals.com.Follow Alice's journey on LinkedIn. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Being a nurse was the easy part compared to being a patient. Natalie D'Itri was an educator and was involved in oncology research as an RN. What she didn't anticipate was being a patient and learning how to navigate the healthcare system in a totally different capacity. In this week's episode, Beth talks with Natalie about her journey with breast cancer, from both perspectives – patient and nurse.Last season, we heard from Natalie as the podcast host of CareerWise Nurse. This season, she returns to discuss her life after a breast cancer diagnosis. From this experience, Natalie has started a podcast called Breast Cancer Life, where you can hear her personal story about what she endured from diagnosis through her treatment.Natalie approaches this episode with humility, education, and newfound compassion for the patients going through the same experiences she has endured. Check out her podcast to learn more about her story. Links:Listen to the Breast Cancer Life podcast here.Follow Natalie's journey on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome back to Season Four of "Don't Eat Your Young"! I'm your host, Beth Quass, and I am beyond excited to be back recording for this season. A huge thank you to all you amazing listeners who keep coming back to hear the incredible stories from nurses just like you.I'm incredibly grateful for the nurses who join me on the show, sharing their expertise, vulnerabilities, and experiences in this challenging profession. We all know how tough it is in healthcare right now, especially for nurses. That's why this season, I've brought on guests who I hope will inspire us all – whether it's to find renewed passion in our work, persevere through the challenges, or make the courageous decision to leave if that's what's best for our well-being. Because at the end of the day, we all want to be healthy and able to care for others, including ourselves.If you're interested in being a guest on the show, please reach out to me at [email protected]:Follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Neonatal nurse practitioner Rachel Murray joins your host Beth Quaas to talk about her shift from nursing to also start working as a professional development trainer. She studied at Dale Carnegie Training, which gave her a unique perspective on how to train others. The program fanned her passion to educate people. She and Beth discuss her training methods she’s learned and how these training methods could (and should!) be used in training nurses as well as administrators. ABOUT RACHAELRachael has been a Registered Nurse since 2004 and, subsequently, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner since 2011. As a clinician, she was frequently responsible for mentoring and training new staff and quickly realized she loved it! This lead her to pursue a second career in professional development training in 2014 through Dale Carnegie Training, in which she worked with individuals and teams from a variety of industries and eventually became certified as a Master Trainer responsible for developing and certifying prospective trainers. In 2020, she decided to combine her two passions of nursing and training when she started Elevate Nurses LLC, a business dedicated to providing quality training to Registered Nurses. Rachael has served as Chair of her organization’s Professional Practice Council, President of the San Diego Chapter of the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL), co-chair of the state-level ACNL Communications and Voice committee, as well as lead of several sub-committees for the San Diego Chapter. Rachael was born and raised in Wisconsin but has been escaping the cold in SoCal for almost a decade. LINKSEmail RachaelRachael on LinkedInElevate Nurses on Facebook and LinkedIn (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Rachael Murray ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Beth talks with Allison Twede about her journey through nursing – from toxic workplace environments to admin positions to finally finding her calling to help other nurses heal. It’s a powerful conversation as they explore her path to healing herself while also following her calling to heal others.Allison Twede is a registered nurse, teacher, podcast host and creative entrepreneur. Allison has been on a spiritual journey for years and is passionate about helping others on their journey as well. As a nurse, Allison discovered how many people struggle with self-love and resilience. Allison's hope is to share what she has learned through education, employment and her personal practice to bring others along on this journey of love and self discovery.LINKSAllison on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeAllison’s podcast From Weeds to Wildflowers on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and AmazonLearn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page! (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Allison Twede ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Nursing at SeaHer adventures started when she took a job as nurse on a Carnival Cruise at the turn of the century. The travel was a selling point, but Denise Gruzensky loved nursing in this unique environment. She worked as a nurse practitioner but could also work as a nurse when needed. Gruzensky’s taken advantage of the world of online consulting and sees a lot of good in this shift. When she found out her dog had diabetes, she used that as a teaching opportunity to write a children’s book that lets kids with diabetes know that they’re not alone. Beth has a wonderful conversation in this episode with Denise about all of this. Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About DeniseI am a certified family Nurse Practitioner with my master’s degree in Nursing from the University of San Diego.  I’ve worked in Emergency Medicine, Carnival Cruise Lines, Indian Health Services, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and a concurrent career for the last six years as a Legal Nurse Consultant. I love continuing education, career development and I’m passionate about patient education and preventative care. My practice philosophy: “I believe in treating the whole patient. They are best equipped to partner in their care and wellness when they understand why we make recommendations and are empowered to participate in their healthcare decisions.”In 2021, when our family moved, I remained with my practice and transitioned to a primarily virtual practice.I assisted with Adventist Health’s AHEAD (Adventist Health Early All-Around Detection) program, piloting remote cancer risk evaluation screenings. I am a graduate of the 2022 IC.I am a wife, a mother to four littles and a fur kid (dog). We love being outdoors hiking, biking swimming, camping and more.                                                                                                                 I grew up loving all animals. As an adult, I developed a passion for rescues. In addition to writing, I volunteer for local animal shelters, work as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and I’m a mom to four humans-and a dog. We are a forever family through adoption which all started when I rescued Harley.In “Not Like the Others” you are introduced to Harley, my rescued Yorkshire terrier. He will learn the meaning of a forever family and unconditional love.How do you talk to your child about their newly diagnosed illness? How do you tell your child their pet has an illness like diabetes? What can you do to explain loving unconditionally? The answer is “Harley’s Story”.I believe pets teach us important life lessons. “Not Like the Others” is the first book in my series “Life Lessons from Fur Friends”.LinksDenise on the web, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail Denise (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Denise Gruzensky ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

With the launch of NursePreneurs, Catie Harris created a mentorship program that empowers nurses to monetize their knowledge, develop business skills, and help healthcare delivery evolve. Join us today as Catie talks about her program and her journey to start it.Catie talks about her exploratory approach she takes with clients, and the varieties of areas nurses have ideas for great business ventures. Her approach is to help them nurture those ideas and share them with the world as new businesses. She also talks about the importance of networking and how she helps. And of course there’s the challenge of asking for money, but she has ways to help there as well. Plus, she has some tips on what to look for when finding your own coach.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!LinksNursePreneurs website, the podcast, and the blogNursePreneurs on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Catie Harris (00:53) - Catie Harris (01:29) - Catie's Background (03:24) - Her Business Now (05:08) - Her Approach (06:48) - Obstacles (09:07) - Her Podcast (12:41) - Networking (14:12) - Who She Follows (14:54) - Ideas (18:02) - Asking for Money (21:38) - Getting Out There (24:11) - Looking to the Future (25:25) - When Looking for a Coach (27:54) - Tips (28:55) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Meet RachelAfter a discriminatory incident at work showed Rachel how the system thought of her and her fellow nurses, registered nurse Rachel Dick decided she needed to be in a place where she didn’t have to answer to anyone but herself. That led her on a journey to become a certified holistic nurse coach, working with nurses to unlock their own potential. Rachel coaches nurses and runs workshops, helping them to unlock their own creativity and find their own voices. She also works to help them process trauma through writing. In this conversation, Rachel and Beth talk about her journey, her coaching, the political discrimination that led her to make the change in her life, and more. Tune in!About RachelRachel is a registered nurse and certified holistic nurse coach. Her passion lies in helping individuals unlock their creative potential. Along with Tilda Shalof, nurse and bestselling author, she has founded The Nurse’s Way, an interactive workshop geared to helping nurses find their voice and master the art of storytelling.LinksRachel Dick CoachingEmail RachelRachel on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramLearn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page! (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Rachel Dick ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Meet SonyaI was born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina. I was told that at the age of three, I told my family that I wanted to be a nurse.  After high school, I attended college for two years at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where I thought I wanted to major in Industrial Psychology.  Somehow, nursing was not on my compass at the time and I took a different path.I left Spelman and came home to hold various jobs. I became a career administrative assistant for various industries, such as financial (working for CFO, Controller, Credit Manager) and legal (assistant for corporate bankruptcy, immigration, school education, and environmental lawyers).  When presented with the opportunity to attend law school, I decided then that, although I liked what I did, it was not what I truly wanted to pursue for a career.I decided to go back to school at Trident Technical College in 2003.  I finished with my ADN in 2006.  I had begun as a Student Tech on 8D during my last year at Trident but I had always been interested in the OR so I decided to take a job in the Main Operating Room as a new grad.  I started in 2006 and since then, I have become the Unit Magnet Champion, RNIII, Selecting Talent Peer Interviewer, member of the OR Shared Governance Council, CNOR, and Unit Certification Champion.  I became a mid-shift staff nurse where I was exposed to multiple services:  Urology, GYN, DaVinci, ENT/Plastics/Oral, Ortho, Neuro and Pediatrics.  This gave me a wealth of knowledge and I became a resource and mentor to many. I decided to go back to school in 2014 to receive my BSN, which  I received from University of Texas – Arlington in December 2016.  I also received my MSN program in Nurse Education there in 2018.   I am one of the Nursing Professional Development Specialists for the ORs at a large academic medical center, where I am the lead for orientation/onboarding for 50 ORs. LinksSonya on InstagramLearn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page! (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Sonya Spruill (34:02) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Meet LizLiz Burkholder from Charlotte, North Carolina, joins Beth today. Liz Burkholder is an integrative, double-board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, hypnotherapist, trauma specialist, and mind-body practitioner. She and Beth talk about holistic well-being and how to take care of yourself through deconstructive transformation.About LizLiz began her own healing journey at age 17 after a divine intervention changed the trajectory of her life. After her experience with trauma as a child, she found herself as a lost, self-loathing, depressed, and anxious high school dropout with no sense of self-worth.Liz has spent her life healing herself and becoming a healer for others. Her biggest passion is teaching others how to heal themselves. She uses hypnotherapy, meditation, breathwork, and yoga as some of her primary interventions. She developed Transpersonal and Trauma Healing Hypnotherapy (TTHH) to help people actually process, release, and heal traumatic events that have negatively affected their body, mind, and life. Her motto is “Anything can be healed.” Liz is currently pursuing a PhD in Mind Body Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Mental Health from Saybrook University.LinksReach out to Liz at Burkholder WellnessLearn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page! (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Liz Burkholder ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Antra Boyd met Karen DiMarco when Karen was teaching nurses how to work and advocate for our patients by thinking outside the box. Through that chance meeting, they formed a company called RNegade. They are changing the way that nurses and others learn and make it fun and informative. RNegade offers continuing education credit by listening to podcasts with guests from various backgrounds and experiences, but all knowledgeable in the content they are speaking on. No more boring grind to get CE credit, but learning on the go that is fast and simple. Antra and Karen are also expanding to offer more content to nurses. They are looking for content creators to bring even more information. If you feel you have something to share, check out their link and learn more about it. We all benefit when we share our knowledgeLearn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!LinksRNegadeEmail AntraEmail KarenAntra on LinkedInRNegade Pro on FacebookThe RNegade Podcast (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young •Antra Boyd & Karen DiMarco ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

From Caring for Patients to Caring for CaregiversTammy Ward has been in healthcare for 23 years. She moved from bedside nursing to becoming a CRNA. Throughout that process, she has realized that she has more to give. Her love for taking care of patients has moved out of the hospital setting to one of caring for the caregivers. She works with clients on a more personal basis, teaching them to put themselves first. Tammy wants others to succeed just as she has and helps others find what works for them to live their healthiest lives, both physically and mentally.About TammyI am here to inspire and empower clients to prioritize themselves, let go of limiting beliefs and build their best life! I am a nurse anesthetist and have been working in health care for 23 years. My coaching journey stemmed from the love of caring for others. With the burnout in health care, I experienced the importance and necessity of daily self-care practices. Being coached myself helped me prioritize my personal needs and desires for my life. As I dove deeper into self care, it inspired me to become a certified health & life coach and create my own business, Elite Health & Life Coaching. Coaching has given me the opportunity to help people who are looking for change and transformation in their own lives. If you don't know where to start, look no further! Through coaching I help women and men prioritize themselves, reduce stress, increase energy and shed excess weight. I will help guide you to an empowered position of self love, positive body image and maintain sustainable weight loss goals. LinksElite Health & Life CoachingFind Tammy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramLearn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page! (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Tammy Ward ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Chris came into nursing as a second career. For seven years, he has worked with cardiac patients in a large hospital where he takes care of some of the sickest patients. In order to do his job well, Chris needs time with each patient, resources to assist him in that care, and a safe environment to do so. But as we've seen, staff to patient ratios are not aligned, and resources are diminishing. Violence in healthcare settings is at an all time high.Early on in his nursing career, Chris got involved. He quickly realized the impact he could make by advocating for nurses so started working with the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). Through that work, he helps lead the historic strike that involves 22,000 nurses in Minnesota. Determined to fight for safe staffing levels, safer work environments, and benefits that will keep nurses at the bedside, Chris is part of a movement that will shape our profession.LinksMinnesota Nurses AssociationFacebook: Chris for MNA VPEmail Chris (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young •Chris Rubesch and the Historic MN Nurses Strike ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

After struggling with the ever-shifting challenges of nursing during the pandemic, Angie Bailey realized she’d had enough. That’s when she retired from the profession and moved to a focus on the art of calligraphy. She found an incredible peace with it and now teaches it to help others find that sense of calm. Angie joins Beth in this episode to talk about her struggles in the nursing field and how this shift has led to a more positive, peaceful life for not just her but also for the people taking her classes.About AngieAs a 33-year veteran RN, Angie understands the mounting stresses of working in a demanding and intense hospital environment. After struggling to practice meditation as a form of stress reduction, Angie rediscovered the therapeutic benefits of the art of calming calligraphy, a love from her childhood. Now it's her mission to share this revelation with other nurses, healthcare workers, and hospital staff so they can enjoy the same relief she has obtained from this restorative practice.LinksSupport Don’t Eat Your Young on PatreonAngie Bailey Art and SoulFind Angie on LinkedInConnect with Angie Bailey Art and Soul on Facebook or Instagram (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Angie Bailey (00:53) - Angie's Background (13:17) - Calligraphy (18:48) - Intention, Attention, Attitude (19:55) - Calming Calligraphy Classes (27:53) - Last Thoughts (29:28) - Wrap Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Meet Natalie D’ItriIn this episode, Beth talks with Natalie D’Itri, a coach for nurses who want to grow in their professional lives as well as host of the Careerwise Nurse podcast. Their conversation ranges through Natalie’s background and how and why she moved into coaching. They talk about their goals to help nurses realize their career dreams and realize them. Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About NatalieNatalie D’Itri is living her dream of helping nurses find fulfillment in their work. Natalie is host of the Careerwise Nurse podcast and is a coach to nurses looking for expert guidance to launch, grow, and thrive in their professional lives. She is an experienced RN, having worked inpatient and outpatient settings as a direct caregiver, an educator and a clinical mentor. Nurses are tasked with taking care of the sickest people and populations. Natalie helps nurses take ownership of their career and identify resources to build a rich nursing life. LinksCareerwise Nurse podcastCareerwise Nurse on LinkedIn, Facebook and InstagramSchedule a Time to Talk with Natalie or Email Natalie (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Natalie D'Itri ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Meet Laurel AshBeth and Laurel have a conversation about Laurel’s start in hospice and home care, working as a nurse practitioner, her transition to academia, her mentorship program, and more. Laurel currently goes out doing healthcare with seniors and is loving what she’s doing. She loves working in this capacity, and they talk about the return to a system where healthcare workers go out into the field to work instead of at a facility.The transition to practice and mentoring is critical for Laurel as it’s an opportunity to help retain MPs and PAs. It’s also an opportunity to work on a reduction in bullying in the field. “As a leader, for me to develop a culture of belonging – where people feel they belong, that they are valued, that they are respected – can really set the stage for giving each person that safety so that they can perform at their highest level.” Being non-judgmental is key as a mentor, and everyone needs those people to help them in the field. Mentoring is critical.Part of mentoring may be doing more training to learn how to communicate better. It’s also important to get away from the blame-and-shame system that still happens. The field may not be perfect, but it’s important to build a place for everyone to be that’s safe and working according to your values.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!LinksConnect with Laurel on LinkedIn (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Laurel Ash (01:47) - Meet Laurel (02:03) - Laurel's Career (07:01) - Do you have to be a nurse practitioner? (09:07) - Transition to Practice (10:11) - Bullying (17:52) - Communication (20:33) - Root Cause Analysis (22:25) - Bridge Between Board of Nursing and the Facility (24:48) - Strong Background (25:45) - Something to Leave Nurses With (26:55) - Connecting with Laurel (27:40) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Susan Farese, a Force of NatureSusan has been a nurse, but has also worn many other hats as she’s moved through life. Currently, Susan runs SJF Communications – her own PR firm – where she helps pretty much anyone, including nurses market themselves and find the directions for their own lives they’re most excited about.It’s invigorating to listen to Susan as she is full of positive energy and believes in people. She knows nurses are powerful forces in their roles, but also sees that many nurses need other outlets. Whether it’s a hobby, a side job, or a new career path, she’s here to help.Susan and Beth talk about coaching and why it’s so important to find a coach or a mentor to help find your direction in life. They also talk about the importance of finding outlets – especially with the world of the pandemic in which we’re all living, which has broken many spirits.They also talk about finding inspiration, career mapping, as well as Susan’s book, which has recently been re-published.It’s an exciting and inspiring conversation that will certainly get you thinking about how best to shape your own lives.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About SusanSusan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA. SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Legal Nurse Consulting services. Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research and consulting.She has a Masters Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University(PA). Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes. Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku’ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics…In addition to her being on the advisory board of San Diego Film Week, Susan is a member of SAG-AFTRA,  American Legion Post 43, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, San Diego Writers Ink the San Diego Press Club, the Southern California Writers Association, the Army Nurse Corps Association.Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.Complete list of clients at https://sjfcommunications.com/list-of-clients/Contact SJF Communications at: 408-398-5940 or [email protected]’s WebsiteSusan on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinktreeSusan’s book ‘Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring’ (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young (00:53) - About Susan Farese (04:04) - The Joint Commission (06:07) - What She's Doing Now (07:44) - Moving Into Entrepreneurial Directions (12:39) - Coaching and Mentorship (17:06) - Susan's Book (19:52) - Finding Outlets (21:47) - Change Is Coming (23:20) - Career Mapping (26:58) - Inspiration (29:22) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Public Utility ModelJohn Silver joins Beth to discuss the Public Utility Model, a plan to shift the healthcare insurance structure, bringing needed healthcare to everyone. A central council led by nurses – which would also include physicians and other allied healthcare professionals – would work to provide a better and stronger foundation for preventative healthcare for the people of the US, not just disease care. John talks about his look back through history to find a model that could work as a way to fund healthcare, and found that the public utility companies were managed locally and with great success. Healthcare spending is like a runaway train and is not sustainable. John’s ideas about a new twist with an old concept is worth listening to, as it just may be the way to reimagine the administration of healthcare funding.They discuss John’s Declaration of Independence for Nurses and why John felt it was critical to put it together. They also talk about John’s program, Nurses Transforming Healthcare, and why it’s critical for nurses in this country to come together as a force to bring impactful change to policies of all sorts.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About JohnDr. Silver started in healthcare in 1974, and became a Respiratory Therapist in 1978. After receiving his nursing degree, he worked extensively in critical care, including medical and surgical ICU’s, trauma units, burn units, and neurological ICU’s. He spent the last decade of practice in the emergency room. Dr. Silver writes and speaks about political issues in nursing and healthcare. He has presented both nationally and internationally on health policy, the restructuring of healthcare systems, and the role of nursing in that process. He has also spoken to a variety of nurse practitioner groups on political tactics for prescriptive authority and independent practice. In 2004, he led Spectrum’s international on-line chat prior to the election. He also studies nursing leadership and has a particular interest in the political fracturing of nursing. Dr. Silver started at NOVA Southeastern in 2005 as an adjunct professor and became an Associate professor full time in 2010. He teaches a variety of courses including health assessment, the second medical-surgical nursing class, as well as problem solving and the trends in nursing class taught in the last term. He has also taught ethics, health policy, and the introductory class in the Master’s program. Currently, Dr. Silver is a Program Chair in an ADN program of nursing.LinksNurses Transforming HealthcareJust a Union... of Nurses: The Rise to Political Power of the California Nursing Association by John Silver (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young •John Silver (00:53) - Intro to John Silver (01:17) - John's Background (04:43) - The Public Utility Model (10:25) - Insurance (14:06) - Figuring Out the Budget (16:36) - The Central Council (19:10) - The One Step (21:08) - Nurses Transforming Healthcare (24:10) - Declaration of Independence for Nurses (27:55) - Advice & Tips (29:37) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this week’s episode, Beth is joined by new nurse Troy McMullen, a nurse of three years who started just before the pandemic hit. Beth and Troy talk about his journey to become a nurse and what that meant when COVID took over the world. He talks about the various locations he worked as a travel nurse and how similar they all were in the frustrations he had with the system’s lack of proper care for the patients. Troy and Beth remind everyone that you have to know when to say no, even if that makes co-workers frustrated. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page! (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young •Troy McMullen (01:19) - Troy's Background (03:40) - The First Few Months of COVID (05:45) - Deciding to Work (07:43) - Shifting to Long Term Care Facility (12:59) - Next Stops (15:37) - Causes (16:27) - Okay to Say No (22:10) - Patient Mentality (23:57) - Aides (26:19) - CNAs and Techs (27:57) - Troy's Current Work (30:30) - Last Thoughts (31:45) - Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Maggie OrtizIn today’s episode, nurse advocate Maggie Ortiz joins your host Beth Quaas to talk about the challenges in our nursing system today. Why is it so frustratingly complicated and why does it seem to be working against the nurses in it? What can nurses do to protect themselves? How do they deal with liability? Do they need their own insurance? There’s a lot of information in today’s episode so make sure you tune in to this one!Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About MaggieI have been a critical care nurse for 22 years. I started in the ICU, step down, telemetry moved to the ER and started doing local agency work which included Interventional Radiology to do procedural sedation and I enjoyed doing that type of work. From there I started working PACU and Pre-Op, Pre-Assessment testing nurse, surgery centers and once I moved to San Antonio Texas from Omaha received a security clearance and worked at Lackland Air Force Base in the Level I trauma center during the war and then moved over to Brook Army Center in the Level I Trauma Center ICU. Moved to Austin working pretty much all their hospitals to include their Level I ICU working in the float pool and again doing local agency. Helped open a free-standing ER and then soon took a job at the Texas Board of Nursing as an Investigator. Stayed for about 6 months couldn’t take the lack of due process being extended to nurses left went to the cath lab where I have worked primarily now for the last 8 years. I started doing some grassroots activist work while I finished my bachelors and went onto get my Master’s in leadership and Administration which I have opted never to use, and I’ve stayed at the bedside with my people.LinksGet in touch with Maggie via email or just text or call 512-766-8945 (Text works best!)Get in touch with Maggie on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young •Maggie Ortiz (01:27) - Maggie's Background (02:32) - Masters in Leadership (03:11) - Board of Nursing (05:01) - Treated Differently (06:37) - Nurse Advocate (09:00) - Scapegoats (11:08) - Criminal Charges? (14:40) - Nurses' Liability (16:38) - Case Examples (19:24) - Protecting Yourself (26:47) - Travel Nursing (29:19) - Advocates for Nurses ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Sandra CapitoIn today’s episode – which was recorded September 2021, so information may be a bit out of date – nurse Sandra Capito joins your host Beth Quaas all the way from Melbourne, Australia, to talk about her work as a nurse to bring more compassion and empathy to the workplace for patients and fellow nurses. The goal? Making everyone feel worthy.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About SandraI’ve been a Registered Nurse for 30 years. This amazing profession has provided me with knowledge and experiences in hospital care, community support, public health management, teaching, and disability. I have learned from and worked with some amazing human beings. These include both colleagues and patients and their families.Looking back, the hours were long and at times relentless. The workloads were massive and exhausting – but we showed up everyday to provide care and safety to our patients.Having returned into the “clinical setting” in 2021 during the worldwide pandemic, I was able to work again in a team – which I have always enjoyed. I began to observe the interactions around me. These were between nurse and patient; nurse to nurse and doctors; and nurse with student nurses and support staff-patient services assistants. As an outsider, you could easily conclude that it was a very well oiled machine – things seemed to be running well and everyone knew their role/function. As I have always been a very curious person, I would talk to and observe people. I would often be asked to lead the team and provide advice to nurses if they required it. As is my leadership style, I always made sure that everyone in my team was acknowledged and seen every shift.What I observed was this:The attitudes from senior staff directly affected the mood and “vibe” of the whole shift. Lack of effective and consistent communication left nurses vulnerable and disconnected. I noticed disengagement ( which looked like laziness) which then further perpetuated disconnection. I tended to aim for people who were in this category. I would ask them questions about themselves and how they felt about working. I would also share about myself.Finding commonality has always been “my jam”. The interactions were often brief. My only goal was to acknowledge each individual as worthy and appreciated and that they mattered. Without fail, this changed their attitude. They were more likely to come to me if they had an issue or concern. They worked better and happier. They felt safe knowing we were all in this together. Simple I know, but effective.We need as a profession to acknowledge each other's paths, similarities and differences and embrace them. Everyone has hidden talents and skills and we need all of them to help evolve and shape the future of nursing.Sandra onLinkedInFacebookInstagramß (00:00) - Season Three Intro (01:17) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young •Sandra Capito (02:24) - Life Down Under (04:04) - How Pandemic's Affected Nurses (08:22) - Retaining Nurses (10:51) - Equity (12:56) - Technological Advances (14:44) - Shifting Attitudes (18:40) - Personal Stories (25:48) - Helping Supervisors (27:35) - New Directions (30:19) - Teaching Others (33:03) - I'm Sandra (33:55) - Tips or Advice (35:38) - Wrap Up ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Rachel Chianakas and Compassionate CareRachel Chianakas lost her ability to work as a bedside nurse after a knee injury with a subsequent failed surgery. Following her first surgery, she was made to feel “crazy” and “embarrassed” when she was told that she was fine and was healing normally. With her symptoms continuing, she was losing hope until a complete stranger told her she should seek a second opinion. She did just that and found that her symptoms were real. She finally felt validated.Through her experience, she has become a fierce patient advocate and now works with low-income patients and assists them in navigating the immensely confusing healthcare system. Rachel is very grateful to the donor of a ligament graft placed in her knee and is able to function because of that selfless act of a stranger. Because of that, she encourages others to become donors and honors those that have donated organs and tissues so that others can continue to live.Rachel is working to create a website where people can be educated on traversing the healthcare system and wants those that need help to reach out to her. She also would like to work with healthcare providers to educated them in delivering compassionate care to every patient they encounter and always be a patient advocate.Learn more about supporting the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast with a membership — visit Don’t Eat Your Young’s membership page!About RachelRachel Chianakas is a Registered Nurse living in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She obtained her degree from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois and began her career in the Emergency Department where she became passionate about providing both safe and quality care to each and every patient she cared for. Rachel has always taken pride in delivering safe care as a nurse and has helped foster change in her working environments to improve patient safety. After personally experiencing harm during a routine surgical procedure, Rachel’s passion and desire to advocate for patients grew exponentially as she learned firsthand the true impact a surgical error can make on one’s life. Rachel is here to give others a voice who have also been affected by patient harm and believes in the importance of being an advocate for yourself, transparency between healthcare workers and patients, the importance of second opinions, and effective communication amongst healthcare providers.LinksRachel’s WebsiteEmail RachelRachel on LinkedIn (00:00) - Welcome to Don't Eat Your Young • Rachel Chianakas ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★