• Ep #022 PT 1 - Empowering the Future: Mind-Body Healing and Autonomy in Nursing
    Jan 12 2025

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    Can the mind truly serve as a powerful healing tool in the future of nursing? Join us for an enlightening discussion on how the profession is poised for transformation, shaped by evolving laws, unionization, and the importance of personal growth. We promise a journey through history and innovation, exploring how past societies faced disease, and how modern advancements are forging new pathways in healthcare. By reflecting on historical shifts in life expectancy and health challenges, we underscore the pivotal contributions of the medical field in enhancing public health.

    As we explore the growing importance of mind-body healing, the role of technology takes center stage. Imagine a world where blockchain empowers nurses as independent entities and the dynamics between physicians and nurses shift towards a more collaborative approach. Our conversation touches on the future integration of waveform technology and quantum physics, opening doors to unconventional treatments that complement traditional medicine. This is not just about technology but about a holistic view of healing, where personal accountability and autonomy become crucial in the nursing profession.

    Looking ahead, we envision a future where nurses enjoy greater autonomy, flexibility, and specialization. Consider a model where nurses operate with the freedom akin to an Uber-like system, picking their schedules and work locations. Technological advances could redefine healthcare delivery, emphasizing personal agency and self-awareness as key components of success. We wrap up with a call to nurture both body and soul, encouraging healthcare professionals to embrace self-awareness and personal development as they navigate the evolving landscape of nursing and work towards a brighter future for all.

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    51 mins
  • Ep #021 - Charting a New Era of Nursing with AI
    Jan 5 2025

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    What if our lives are more influenced by the unseen mechanics of time than we ever imagined? We explore this captivating idea as we kick off a new year on Nursing U, inviting you to journey with us through the intricate world of calendars and time. From the solar-based Gregorian system to lunar calendars and astrological approaches, we delve into how these constructs shape our perception of time. We challenge societal norms such as time zones and daylight savings, wondering if there is a path to living more mindfully, untethered from the arbitrary structures that often dictate our daily routines.

    Our conversation then transitions into the heart of nursing, where we shine a spotlight on hospice care. By amplifying the voices of nurses on the ground, we confront common misconceptions and highlight the critical need for informed decision-making around end-of-life care. Join us as we discuss the imperative of early education in hospice and how a platform like ours can empower families and caregivers with the knowledge required to navigate challenging healthcare landscapes. We also touch upon the evolving role of technology in nursing, including the ethical and practical implications of AI advancements.

    As we cast our gaze towards the future, the potential of AI to revolutionize nursing becomes a central theme. We reflect on AI's promise to streamline data management while preserving the core human connections that define nursing. Drawing parallels with past technological shifts, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the benefits and ethical dilemmas AI brings. By contemplating AI's role as a tool that enhances rather than replaces, we embrace the opportunities a new year holds, encouraging a sense of hope and renewal as we look forward to the possibilities ahead.

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    52 mins
  • Ep #020 PT 2 - From Adversity to Empowerment: Courage, Growth, and Innovation in Nursing
    Dec 29 2024

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    Rene, a resilient nurse with a compelling personal story, joins us to share her journey from adversity to empowerment in the world of nursing. Discover how her challenging upbringing equipped her with the courage to face fears head-on, a vital skill in her professional life. We explore the emotional complexities nurses encounter daily, emphasizing the power of empathy and the unique privilege of being present during patients' most critical moments.

    Our conversation also serves as a healing space for nurses, especially in the face of the emotional toll the COVID pandemic has exacted on healthcare workers. We highlight the importance of supportive environments that not only prevent burnout but sustain the passion that draws individuals to this noble profession. This episode underscores the transformative power of storytelling and sharing experiences as a form of debriefing and emotional processing.

    We also traverse the paths of personal growth and career evolution within nursing. Julie's transition from traditional nursing roles to a fulfilling career in wilderness medicine exemplifies the potential for reinvention when following one's passion. We discuss the importance of systemic change and continuous learning in revolutionizing nursing care, while also questioning traditional educational pathways. This episode invites listeners to rethink what nursing can be and how it can evolve to meet future challenges head-on.

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    1 hr
  • Ep #020 PT 1 - Trading Scrubs for Solitude: A Nurse's Journey from ICU to Adventure
    Dec 22 2024

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    Ever wondered what it's like to trade a traditional career for an adventurous life on the road? Meet Renee, a remarkable nurse with nearly two decades of experience, who swapped her scrubs for a school bus turned home. Join us as we sit down with Renee to explore her unconventional journey from an ICU in Kansas City to the stunning landscapes of America's national parks. Her path is sprinkled with serendipitous encounters and humorous misunderstandings that have led her to a life of freedom and fulfillment. Through her story, we celebrate the courage it takes to redefine what a nursing career can look like and the unique paths that passion can carve.

    Renee’s career is a testament to the resilience and adaptability inherent in the nursing profession. We journey through her nurturing beginnings, including the nurturing hands that guided her through labor and delivery, and the intense yet rewarding environment of the ICU. Learn about the pivotal role of a great preceptor and the invaluable lessons she gathered along her journey from labor and delivery to becoming a house supervisor. Her story underscores the versatility required in nursing and highlights the significance of community and support in professional growth.

    In a world turned upside down by a pandemic, Renee embraced the chaos as a traveling nurse, living through unimaginable challenges and unexpected adventures. From surviving blizzards in a school bus to facing the harsh realities of a COVID-19 unit, Renee’s experiences reveal the grit and camaraderie that sustain healthcare workers. Beyond the hospital walls, nature and adventure became her solace, offering healing and self-discovery. We invite you to engage with us in redefining nursing and inspiring positive change as we wrap up this episode, encouraging a continuous dialogue about the evolving landscape of healthcare.

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    56 mins
  • Ep #019 - Embracing Imperfections: Discovering Meaning and Purpose in Nursing Care
    Dec 15 2024

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    What if our greatest strengths as caregivers stem from embracing our own imperfections?" Join us in a profound exploration of the emotional complexities that healthcare professionals face, with a spotlight on PTSD and the weighty responsibilities that caregiving entails. Caleb shares transformative insights from "The Enlightenment: Pursuit of Happiness," guiding us through the historical shift from metaphysical to material reasoning and its impact on understanding human experiences. By reflecting on how our cognitive and emotional minds interact, particularly within the healthcare realm, we strive to engage with our whole selves amidst suffering and joy.

    The conversation deepens as we navigate the intersection of metaphysical inquiry and scientific understanding in medicine. We discuss how crises can serve as catalysts for discovering a more grounded sense of self and purpose and explore how religion and spirituality offer intellectual frameworks that support meaning beyond the constraints of our minds. By embracing higher structures of meaning, we consider how individuals can navigate life’s myriad challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and happiness.

    Lastly, we tackle the allure of oversimplified psychological terms often seen on social media and the challenges of maintaining objectivity in healthcare settings. Personal nursing experiences highlight the emotional disconnect that can arise from strictly following protocols, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Through mindfulness and intentionality, routine caregiving tasks transform into meaningful interactions, emphasizing the importance of self-care, spiritual practices, and structured routines. We redefine selfishness as necessary self-care, illustrating how true wealth is measured not just in material terms, but in love, joy, and satisfaction with life.

    Resources mentioned on the Episode;

    The Enlightenment: The Pursuit of Happiness, 1680-1790 by Ritchie Robertson

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    57 mins
  • Ep #018 - Navigating "Suicide Season": Mental Health Challenges and Resilience in Nursing
    Dec 8 2024

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    For Individuals Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts

    Hotlines and Immediate Support


    1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S
      • Dial: 988
      • Website: 988lifeline.org
      • Free and confidential support 24/7.

    2. Crisis Text Line
      • Text: HOME to 741741
      • Website: www.crisistextline.org
      • Text-based crisis support available 24/7.

    3. Trans Lifeline
      • Dial: 877-565-8860
      • Website: www.translifeline.org
      • Peer support by trans individuals for trans individuals.

    4. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
      • Dial: 1-866-488-7386
      • Text: START to 678678
      • Website: www.thetrevorproject.org

    5. SAMHSA’s National Helpline
      • Dial: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
      • Website: www.samhsa.gov
      • Information and referrals for mental health services.


    Support Groups and Counseling


    1. BetterHelp
      • Online therapy platform.
      • Website: www.betterhelp.com

    2. Suicide Anonymous
      • Twelve-step program for individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts.
      • Website: www.suicideanonymous.net

    3. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
      • Peer-led support groups for individuals and families.
      • Website: www.nami.org


    For Nurses Dealing with Patients Who Have Attempted or Committed Suicide

    Support for Healthcare Professionals


    1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
      • Resources for mental health and workplace trauma.
      • Website: www.nursingworld.org

    2. Nurses’ Peer Support Network
      • Focuses on peer-to-peer support for healthcare professionals.
      • Website: www.nursepeersupportnetwork.org

    3. Code Lavender Program
      • Emotional support programs for caregivers after traumatic events.

    4. International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
      • Resources for understanding and dealing with traumatic stress.
      • Website: www.istss.org


    Education and Training


    1. QPR Institute (Question, Persuade, Refer)
      • Training for suicide prevention.
      • Website: www.qprinstitute.com

    2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
      • Provides education on suicide prevention for healthcare professionals.
      • Website: www.afsp.org

    3. The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare
      • Offers tools for emotional resilience and self-care.
      • Website: www.theschwartzcenter.org


    Peer Support and Counseling


    1. Healer’s Art Program
      • Support and healing for medical professionals.
      • Website: www.thehealersart.org

    2. The Joyful Nurse Project
      • Emotional support and peer resources.
      • We

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    55 mins
  • Ep #017 - From Hidden Grief to Healing: Navigating Emotional Overload in Nursing
    Dec 1 2024

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    What if the hidden grief nurses experience is the unspoken burden shaping their lives? Join us, Julie and Caleb, as we navigate the emotional labyrinth of nursing, from the haunting stories of young nurses on the COVID-19 frontlines to the emotional toll of managing intense grief while striving for resilience. Through our conversations, we lay bare the often-unrecognized grief that shapes the nursing profession, underscoring the urgent need for better support systems.

    Reflecting on personal stories, Julie shares her own journey through the heart-wrenching experience of handling a deceased infant and the challenge of processing these emotions without detachment. These narratives reveal how unresolved grief can seep into personal lives, igniting a quest for meaningful coping mechanisms. From the necessity of compartmentalization to the risks of emotional escapism, we discuss the critical importance of finding healthy outlets for trauma and grief, with humor serving as both a balm and a bridge to understanding.

    As we explore the challenges of maintaining a balanced life, we spotlight the overstimulation nurses face and its impact on family dynamics. We emphasize the importance of self-care and the power of setting boundaries, whether it means carving out moments of quiet or creating personal rituals for closure. This episode not only acknowledges the intoxicating aspects of nursing but also questions the sacrifices made in the pursuit of professional success. Tune in to hear our candid discussion on transitioning away from nursing and exploring a healthier work-life balance, all while embracing the shared struggles and triumphs of this profound profession.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep #016 PT 2 - Resilience and Reflection: Navigating Ethics, AI, and Purpose in Nursing
    Nov 24 2024

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    Why is it that some individuals, despite facing overwhelming challenges, are drawn to the nursing profession? Julie and Caleb share personal tales of unexpected journeys into nursing, shaped by cultural norms and unique life experiences. They unravel the complexities of evidence-based practice, spotlighting the lurking shadows of bias and manipulation in healthcare data. This episode invites you to ponder the critical role of data integrity and the diverse perspectives that enrich our understanding of caregiving—from philosophy to art.

    Imagine a world where artificial intelligence grapples with the same timeless questions about consciousness that have baffled humans for centuries. We explore this fascinating intersection, drawing connections between AI's quest for information and humanity's ancient pursuit of knowledge. Reflect on personal stories from the field of electrophysiology, which demonstrate the nuanced dance between human data and AI, guiding us to question what it truly means to be human.

    Purpose steers our every action, and within this episode, it becomes a beacon guiding the ethical use of data and AI in healthcare. We traverse history, examining how figures like Florence Nightingale have leveraged purpose to transform care, and consider the ethical implications of AI-driven practices today. Through tales of resilience and survival, we address pressing issues like nursing suicide, urging listeners to find meaning not just for themselves, but for the greater good of their communities. Join us in this quest for understanding and solutions in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

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    58 mins