Life After Nursing School

Send us Fan Mail Are you curious about how nurses can build flexible, remote careers? In this episode of Life After Nursing School , Caroline sits down with David Rosenbeck, co-founder of Go Beyond the Bedside, to talk about breaking free from traditional hospital roles. David shares his journey from bedside nursing to launching a platform that connects nurses with remote nursing jobs, virtual car...

Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m joined by a very special guest - my husband, Bryan Danna, PA-C and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Together, we’re celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary with a conversation that blends love, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as a dual healthcare couple. From marathon training to raising three kids, from military commitments to launching...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life After Nursing School , I chat with Nicole Johnson, BSN, RN, CCRN - Critical Care Nurse and founder of Unwound Retreats. Nicole knows firsthand the challenges of burnout and has built a career around helping nurses reconnect with themselves and their purpose. With certifications in Happiness at Work, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Psychological Firs...

Send us Fan Mail Fall is here - pumpkin spice, busy schedules, and all the chaos that comes with it. Whether you’re a nursing student heading back to clinicals or a new grad nurse starting your first job, this season can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple strategies to help you stay organized, reduce decision fatigue, and actually enjoy pumpkin spice season. From creating a w...

Send us Fan Mail Starting your first nursing job is exciting, but what if your preceptor isn’t the right fit? Orientation sets the foundation for your nursing career, and a mismatched preceptor can make it harder to build confidence and independence as a new grad nurse. In this episode of Life After Nursing School , we’ll break down what a supportive orientation should look like, the red flags of...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re diving into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory and how it can transform your nursing practice, especially if you’re a new grad or navigating the pressures of the job. The “Let Them” Theory is simple yet powerful: Let Them: Release the need to control other people—their actions, emotions, or opinions. Let Me: Give yourself permission to focus on what you can cont...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re a nursing student or new grad nurse dreaming of financial freedom or just wanting more control over your career this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Savannah Arroyo, The Net Worth Nurse , who went from hustling to land her first job in California’s saturated market to building a $3+ million real estate portfolio and leaving bedside nursing behind. Savannah share...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a new nurse feeling overwhelmed by everything they didn’t teach you in nursing school? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m answering some of the most commonly asked questions from both listeners and members of The New Nurse Society. We’re covering real-life topics every new grad nurse wants (and needs) to know about:  ✅ What the heck is a 401(k) and how do you use i...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a nursing student or new grad nurse dreaming of a life that feels aligned, balanced, and fulfilling - both in and out of scrubs? In this episode of Life After Nursing School , we’re diving deep into manifestation, not the vague, "wish-upon-a-star" kind, but a grounded, step-by-step approach to creating the life and nursing career you actually want. Whether you’re...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life After Nursing School , I share how I accidentally manifested my dream life and nursing career - without even realizing it. Whether you're a nursing student, new grad nurse, or feeling burnt out in your current role, this story will give you hope, clarity, and a new way to think about your career. I open up about my early struggles as a cross-country ru...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling stuck in survival mode as a nursing student or new grad nurse? In this episode, I sit down with ICU nurse, fitness coach, and content creator Niko Saunders (@officialfitrn) to talk all things nurse burnout, healthy habits, and building a life outside the bedside. Niko opens up about the moment he realized he wasn’t okay, how a medical diagnosis led to a wake-up call, and t...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary This episode is a little different - it's a personal one. After six months of podcasting, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing more about who I am beyond the mic. From my journey through nursing school and loss, to marriage, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery in my 30s - this is the real, unfiltered story behind the podcast. Whether you'...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is a must-listen if you’re a new nurse wondering what it’s like to jump into the ER right after graduation—or if you're curious about building an online presence as a nurse. I’m joined by Alyssa Jobs, a new grad ER nurse and content creator based in California. We talk about her nursing school journey, what it actually felt like to land her first job (after ap...

Send us Fan Mail In this empowering episode, nurse career mentor Caroline shares three essential strategies every nursing student and new grad nurse needs to take control of their nursing career and avoid burnout. She explores the importance of achieving financial stability as a new nurse , building a work-life balance in nursing , and recognizing limiting beliefs and societal pressures that can s...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about what it’s really like to be an OR nurse? Wondering if the operating room could be your future home as a new grad? In this episode, Caroline sits down with Dr. Yasmin Sharifi , also known as The OR RN Mentor , to give you a behind-the-red-line look into perioperative nursing. With over 30 years of experience, Yasmin shares her journey from med-surg burnout to falling...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling nervous about your first rapid response or code blue?  You’re not alone—and you’re not unprepared. In this episode, Nurse Coach Caroline chats with Sarah Lorenzini, The Rapid Response RN , who brings 20+ years of critical care experience to help new nurses feel more confident in emergencies. Whether you’re still in nursing school or fresh on the floor, this episode is pack...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a nursing student or new grad nurse looking for trusted, practical, and inspiring tools to support your journey? In this episode of Life After Nursing School , I’m sharing five incredible products and organizations created by nurses, for nurses —designed to make your life easier, more connected, and a lot more empowered. Whether you're trying to coordinate shifts with...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about travel nursing but not sure where to start? This episode is your no-fluff guide to understanding what travel nursing is really like—especially for new grad nurses and nursing students thinking ahead. While I’ve never been a travel nurse myself (hello, homebody here!), I spent nearly two years as a travel nurse recruiter, and I’m pulling back the curtain to share the...

Send us Fan Mail As a new nurse, setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable—but it's one of the most important skills you can build early in your career. In this episode of Life After Nursing School , we’re talking about what healthy boundaries look like at the bedside and how to set them without guilt. Caroline shares personal stories from her early days as a new grad nurse, including the har...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life After Nursing School , we sit down with the incredible Nurse Meg RN —aka Meg Harrel—a nurse educator, entrepreneur, and NCLEX prep expert with over 1 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. From starting her career as an LPN to launching one of the most trusted NCLEX study programs, Meg shares her inspiring journey and powerful insights for...

Send us Fan Mail Happy Nurses Week! In this powerful episode of Life After Nursing School , we dive deep into the emotional and professional rollercoaster that is your first year as a nurse . Host and experienced nurse coach reflects on her early days as a new grad nurse and shares real data, hard truths, and encouragement for those navigating this critical transition. We’ll unpack why nurse turno...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to stay confident and motivated in nursing school? In this episode of Life After Nursing School , we dive deep into how your nursing school mindset can make or break your success. Learn why self-confidence in nursing school isn't just “nice” — it's essential for passing exams, succeeding in clinical, and starting your nursing career strong. We’ll break down si...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life After Nursing School Podcast , host Caroline Danna sits down with Ashleigh Small , a seasoned NICU nurse, certified critical care expert, and founder of Flip the Shift . With over a decade of experience working nights in a Level 4 NICU, Ashleigh knows exactly what it takes to go from sleep-deprived zombie to thriving night shift nurse—and she's her...

Send us Fan Mail Stepping into your first nursing job can feel like a mix of excitement, fear, and pure exhaustion. In this episode, I sit down with my younger nurse self—fresh out of school, full of ambition, and completely unprepared for what was ahead. If you're a new grad nurse or in your first year of practice, this one's for you. I’m sharing the five things I wish I had known when...

Send us Fan Mail Landing your first nursing job as a new grad nurse can be overwhelming, but avoiding key mistakes can make all the difference! In this episode, we dive into the most commonly asked questions from my wildly popular New Grad Nurse Interview Webinar. From crafting an impactful resume objective statement to understanding the best way to stand out in a competitive job market, I break d...