Real Nurses Real Talk

Welcome to Episode 8! In this episode, Brandon is flying solo, interviewing two current nursing students. We are "on location" in the school's sim center to learn from Taylor and Lacey. Their journey into nursing school is quite different, but they have become close friends through nursing school and have interesting insights. We get to learn from Lacey and Taylor as they share their own unique st...

In Episode 7, we provide a counter-argument to an idea that is quite pervasive in nursing; that new-grad nurses should only/primarily go to Med/Surg to get training. There is a thought that new-grad nurses shouldn't go into specialty areas such as the ICU. We push back against this notion and encourage new-grads who are told, "you should only go into Med/Surg" to reply with, "Don't tell me what to...

Welcome to Episode 6! While we are still recovering from COVID, we were excited to sit down and talk about an evidence-based intervention to improve patient outcomes; certifications. The research is clear, patients who are cared for by certified nurses have better outcomes. We explore the process of getting a certification, tips for passing/studying, and our journey to being certified. Brandon als...

We are excited about another interview! In Episode 5, Brandon flies solo with the interviewing and takes an opportunity to interview a colleague, Dr. Felisa Smith. Dr. Smith shares her story of entering nursing education and some of her unique perspectives. Dr. Smith challenges some of the conventional thinking around nursing education and provides innovative and thought-provoking solutions. She g...

Watercooler talk is when colleagues take a break from work and socialize with each other. After three heavy episodes, we felt the need just to talk. In this episode, we do some water cooler talk about the thought-provoking feedback received about Compassion and our last three episodes. We also dive into some current events around healthcare and provide our perspective. ----------------------------...

This episode wraps up our discussion around Compassion...kinda. Compassion in healthcare can't be contained to three discussions because it is central to nearly every (if not every) discussion we will be having. So...while the focused discussion around Compassion ends with this episode, it will NOT be the last time we talk about it! In this episode, we debunk the belief that caregivers don't have...

In the last episode, we made a Call to Compassion . In Episode 2, we will make the case that Compassion Changes Everything . Is it possible that compassion can substantially impact patient outcomes and adherence to treatment regimens and decrease medical errors? Spoiler...it does! In this episode, we discuss how compassion is evidence-based and explore some reasons why Compassion Changes Everythin...

Welcome to Season 2! We are excited to be back and begin a journey with you on A Call to Compassion . In this episode, we lay the foundation for compassion in healthcare. Over the next few episodes, we will be answering the question..."Is compassion really important, or is it just something nice to do?" We will be exploring several possible reasons there is a lack of compassion in healthcare (rega...

Did you know in a recently published meta-analysis of the available literature on incivility in nursing, over 50% of nurses have experience incivility? And don't blame it on covid...the timeframe was from 1996-2019. Over 50%! That number is both staggering and unacceptable. In episode 24, we explore the topic of incivility and, more importantly, what to do about it. Episode 24 will be the last one...

In Episode 23, we explore the concept of "difficult coworkers". We both believe no one is "difficult", it is the behaviors, communication, etc., that are difficult. We must learn strategies to work alongside the members of our teams. We share some of the strategies we have developed over the years to get through the shift. We also discuss our plans for the remainder of Season 1 and announce our re...

In healthcare, we can all point to those in our careers who have impacted us, whether positively or negatively. In episode 22, we take some time to reflect on those who have shaped us as nurses. While we spend quite a bit of time on the people who have had a positive impact on us, we do spend some time on those who have shown us what not to do. ----------------------------------------- Be sure to...

Have you ever asked yourself who invented the crash cart or who found a better way to treat infant jaundice? Hint...they were nurses. In this Thanksgiving episode, we express our thanks and tell the story of some nurses who changed the way we practice...for the better! We also take some time to express our sincere gratitude to each of you, our listeners, our colleagues, and our friends for your in...

Welcome to Episode 20! To be completely honest with everyone, this episode was a difficult one but is a conversation we must have in healthcare. How do you continue to lead and care for others after the death of a colleague/friend? In this episode, Matt shares his story of doing just that. In 2021, fellow Emergency Department Nurse Leader, Mike, died. Mike was a colleague/friend not only to Matt b...

In Episode 19, we dive into a job role that is absolutely critical to patients receiving safe, high-quality, compassionate care...the Charge Nurse role. It doesn't matter if you are a new grad moving into a charge role, or an experienced nurse...doing charge requires skills to be successful. We explore what it takes to be an effective Charge Nurse, how to develop skills, and how the rest of the te...

For us, this is the time of year when we complete our Employee Engagement Survey and the subsequent results. However, engagement isn't just important when the survey comes around. In Episode 18, we explore what engagement actually measures, why it is essential, and how we can impact the engagement of each other. Here's a link to the new story about the Iowa Governor referenced during the "Random T...

Welcome to Episode 17! After four weeks of some pretty heavy material (and THANK YOU for all your positive feedback on the safety series), we take some time to interview our beautiful daughter, Sadie. Ever wondered what it is like to be the only child of two nurses? In this episode, we explore this topic, along with many more. This was a fun episode to record because we did it together! This episo...

This episode discusses suicide and self-harm. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, text TALK to 988, or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. It is estimated that nearly 50% of all health care professionals will experience Second Victim Syndrom at least once in their career. A study released in 2017 shed l...

Just culture is a framework for open and honest discussions around errors occurring in hospitals. In Episode 15, we share our experiences with Just Culture, and provide insights into creating an safe, trusting work environment. Healthcare is on a journey to Zero Harm, and Just Culture is one way to get there. Also, for all our Emergency Nursing colleagues...Happy Emergency Nurses Week! Thank you r...

In Episode 14, we explore our own experiences with medical errors and what we have learned through the years to help prevent errors. This is a practical discussion with walkways that will help make patient care safer. We also share the experience of a listener who shared their story. Erin also shares a random thought she had...which may quickly become a standing start to the podcast. Lastly, we qu...

98,000. A number that when put into context is really sobering. In 1999, the IOM published a study in "To Err is Human" finding that as many as 98,000 people die each year from medical errors. So what is the number today? While some have made educated guesses, due to a number of different factors, the true number is unknown. So, what do we as caregivers, as nurses do about it? This is the first ep...

You've just been put in charge of someone else's orientation...you've been asked to be a...preceptor!! Now what?!? Welcome to Episode 12, where we share practical tips and tricks for being a great preceptor, which will help create better caregivers, which will ultimately improve the care patients are receiving. Not in healthcare? That's OK! The tips and tricks can really be used in any setting. We...

Welcome to Episode 11! In this episode, we take a more 'light-hearted" approach to the conversation and surprise each other with various "Would you rather" questions. It is fun to hear not only the answers but also the "WHY" behind the answers. Also, a huge THANK YOU for all the love and support shown to our family with the death of Brandon's dad. We have an amazing support community, and words si...

It's Episode 10! In this episode, we build on last week's discussion by sharing our own "WHY" for the work we do, as well as sharing some "WHY's" listeners sent in. After hearing the "WHY's", we give some reactions and walk through what makes them so powerful. We also provide a quick life update for Brandon's family. --------------------------------- Be sure to connect with us on Instagram: @realn...

Healthcare is tough...and anyone who tells you any different is either lying or has no idea what they're talking about. But healthcare is also infinitely rewarding. So often, we attempt to find fulfillment in the tasks rather than our purpose. In this episode, we discuss how a focus on purpose will reignite the passion for healthcare for all caregivers. --------------------------------- Be sure to...

Welcome to Episode 8! Brandon is fired up and with good reason. In this episode, we give a quick life update, then discuss the insanity of visitation restrictions. We review the evidence debunking many of the current visitation restrictions and advocate for patient-centered visitation policies. Listen out for the "shame bell" because it gets used a few times in this episode! ----------------------...