In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments to discuss the intersection of nursing and environmental health. Katie shares her inspiring journey into the field, influenced by Dr. Barbara Sattler and her work at the University of Maryland. They dive into the environmental challenges faced by lower-income populations, particularly poor air quality and its impact on asthma. Katie also sheds light on the dangers of PFCs, known as "forever chemicals," and their widespread contamination. The conversation takes a practical turn as Katie offers actionable steps for reducing healthcare waste and emphasizes the power of nurses advocating for climate change action. Tune in to discover common-sense tips for minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and learn how nurses can make a significant impact.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by nurse leader, innovator, and disruptor Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL to discuss the forces shaping nursing pay, power, and purpose. Together, they peel back the layers on how nurses became hidden costs in the healthcare system—and what it will take to make them visible, billable, and better compensated. They dive into the deep roots of the gender pay gap, the burnout epidemic, and why many nurses are stuck in roles that drain rather than inspire. Rebecca shares the rise and rapid fall of travel nursing, revealing surprising truths about hospital economics and staffing strategies. Throughout the conversation, she makes a compelling case for transparency, risk-taking, and redefining worth in a system not built for nurses to thrive.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Lois James to delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology, and sleep research. Lois shares her journey into the world of sleep studies, sparked by her work at the Sleep and Performance Research Center. They discuss a revealing study from Washington State University that shows how fatigue can undermine therapeutic communication between nurses and patients, impacting patient safety. The conversation also highlights the alarming risks night shift nurses face, including drowsy driving and circadian misalignment, which can lead to serious health issues. Lois emphasizes the long-term consequences of night shift work, such as sleep disorders and mental health challenges. Tune in to explore promising solutions like rapid forward rotation shift schedules that could mitigate these health impacts.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Leilani Squire and Lorie Judson to discuss the transformative power of writing in healing trauma. Leilani shares her experiences working with veterans and nurses, drawing parallels between frontline nurses during Covid and soldiers in battle, and underscores the importance of community in the healing process. Lorie delves into her background in nursing and her advocacy work with the Chinn Family Institute, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of writing for nurses, especially during the pandemic. Cara reflects on the profound impact of the writing workshop on her own healing journey and its potential benefits for nursing students. Leilani wraps up by emphasizing the significance of sharing stories within a community for genuine healing and the challenge of turning therapeutic writing into art for public readings.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN to discuss the evolving challenges and critical issues nurses face in the post-Covid era. Ernest dives into the ongoing struggles with workforce shortages and the alarming rise in abuse against nurses. He sheds light on the dire need for proper PPE during the pandemic, highlighting the dangers of counterfeit masks. The conversation also touches on the importance of adapting to new information to ensure safety and efficacy. Ernest shares insights into the mental health struggles nurses endured and the supportive initiatives that were put in place. Finally, he passionately advocates for granting nurse practitioners full practice authority to enhance care access in underserved areas.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Allie Hall RN, BSN to discuss the transformative power of financial literacy. Allie shares her unique perspective on viewing debt as a tool rather than a burden, recounting her journey from initially rejecting nursing to embracing it due to financial and personal reasons. She opens up about her early struggles with debt and the strict budgeting practices she adopted to prioritize her health and wellness. Allie's passion for financial literacy, especially for women, stems from her own experiences with financial instability and burnout. She also delves into the crucial link between mental health and financial habits, highlighting her career pivot to focus on speaking engagements and podcasting. Tune in to discover how changing your relationship with money can lead to sustainable financial habits and a more fulfilling life.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Katrina Mullen, RN, to discuss her extraordinary journey of taking custody of her patient, Soraya, and her newborn triplets. Katrina recounts the emotional moment she was asked to step in, sharing her extensive background as a neonatal nurse with over 25 years of experience. She vividly describes the challenging conditions the triplets faced, born prematurely during the pandemic, and her initial interactions with their young mother, Soraya. Katrina delves into how she became the primary nurse for the triplets, building a trusting relationship with Soraya, who often felt alone and overwhelmed. A critical moment arose when one of the triplets needed urgent medical attention, prompting Katrina to take Soraya and the babies into her home. The episode also highlights Soraya's incredible resilience, her early graduation from high school, and her aspirations for the future.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all episodes, and more!

In the Season 6 premier, host Cara Lunsford takes a heartfelt look back at seasons 1 through 5, reflecting on the stories, voices, and moments that have shaped our podcast community. From groundbreaking interviews with pioneers in nursing to deeply personal conversations about resilience, advocacy, and transformation, Cara revisits some of her—and our listeners’—most memorable episodes. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just tuning in, this retrospective is a celebration of the powerful stories that connect us all and a reminder of the incredible journey we’ve taken together.

Visit Nurse.com to learn more about the podcast, view all available episodes, and more!