AWHONN Insights Podcast

Maternal hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of severe maternal morbidity and mortality while the solutions continue to evolve. In this episode, Randi Boike and Devonee Germain explore emerging trends and innovations shaping hemorrhage care today, including the growing use of tranexamic acid, new technologies like vacuum-induced hemorrhage control devices, the role of antenatal anemia in...

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet many silently battle addiction behind the scenes. In this raw, heartfelt episode, Shari Benson — a nurse in long-term recovery — bravely opens up about her experiences from addiction to advocacy. She explains her powerful decision to speak openly about her recovery, the ripple effects of her vulnerability, and her mission to break the stigma. Tune in now...

Unlock the hidden long-term impacts of preterm birth that most health care providers overlook. Dr. Michelle Kelly breaks down the surprising health challenges preterm infants face decades later — from respiratory decline to hypertension, mental health issues, and more. If you’re a nurse, parent, or health care professional, understanding these connections can transform how you care for and advocat...

Bienvenidos! Join us on AWHONN Insights for our first bilingual episode shining a light on the nursing workforce in Puerto Rico. Drs. Danielle Jones, Angela Lober, and Noemy Diaz-Ramos discuss research after the COVID-19 pandemic that focused on a committed, yet overly stressed nursing workforce in Puerto Rico as well as AWHONN’s new initiative to build representation among the U.S. territories an...

Bienvenidos! Join us on AWHONN Insights for our first bilingual episode shining a light on the nursing workforce in Puerto Rico. Drs. Danielle Jones, Angela Lober, and Noemy Diaz-Ramos discuss research after the COVID-19 pandemic that focused on a committed, yet overly stressed nursing workforce in Puerto Rico as well as AWHONN’s new initiative to build representation among the U.S. territories an...

Drs. Lori Christ and Angela Lober delve into the complexities of caring for late preterm infants. They highlight what makes these babies unique and how early intervention and proper support from clinicians and parents can dramatically improve their health and development. Use this episode to learn about practical strategies, education points, and resources that can prepare you and your colleagues...

In today’s nursing world—AI is no longer optional, but essential. Dr. Linda Burke reveals how nurses can harness AI as a powerful support tool without compromising their humanity or wisdom. This conversation centers on shaping the role of ethical, effective AI in your EMR, eagerly streamlining workflows, and better predicting conditions based on patient data trends. The nurse’s role is irreplaceab...

How do trauma-informed care and Respectful Maternity Care converge to strengthen readiness across maternity care settings? Our guest experts discuss where practice gaps persist and how new and revamped tools support more consistent, respectful, and trauma-responsive care throughout the perinatal continuum. Listeners will gain practical perspectives on aligning these complementary frameworks, stren...

Dr. Helen Hurst emphasizes the rising rates of syphilis in pregnant individuals and pinpoints the critical need for open, nonjudgmental conversation and education between clinicians and their patients. Use this episode as a guide to discuss sexual health, address myths, implement talk, test, treat at the point of entry to care, and collaborate with community partners to create campaigns that will...

Dr. Nicole Rankins, a seasoned OB-GYN, shares her insights on empowering women during childbirth, particularly in hospital settings. Dr. Rankins discusses how evidence-based information can be shared by centering informed decision-making for patients. She emphasizes the critical role of L&D nurses in shaping patient outcomes and highlights the significance of collaboration between nurses and p...

This collective of guests has all significantly contributed to the success of AWHONN's Emerging Leaders Program. The discussion explores the program's impact on leadership development and personal growth through its immersive education, strategic networking, and advocacy training. Listen and keep watching for the greatness of these nurse leaders. Meet our guests: Miriam W. Yeung Read More Miriam Y...

Dr. Noor Al-Shibli, a board-certified OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine fellow, shares how remarkable advancements in antiretroviral therapy have drastically reduced HIV transmission rates during pregnancy. Listen to discover the collaborative efforts of health care professionals and community advocates in supporting pregnant individuals living with HIV and learn about the evolving guidelines tha...

Many nurses face barriers in advancing their careers due to limited access to structured professional development, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities. While clinical expertise is well-developed through practice, gaps remain in areas such as leadership skills, strategic decision-making, health care business knowledge, and professional networking. These gaps can limit opportunities fo...

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is life-threatening, unpredictable, sudden, and complex. Miranda Klassen and Kayleigh Summers are two remarkable survivors and leading voices in AFE advocacy, education, and research. In this episode, they describe their life changing experiences, reflect on how AFE can impact nurses and other health care professionals, and share their mission driven work to heal. Imm...

Delve into the groundbreaking Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) program, a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross and AWHONN. Experts Jonathan Epstein and Julie Bacon discuss the critical need for innovative education in neonatal resuscitation as well as how to bridge the gap and provide this evidence-based training in maternity care deserts. Learn how NALS differs from existing p...

Jessica Irrobali, AWHONN Director of Collaborative Clinical Programs is joined by Drs. Carrie Eaton and Kendra Coles at the 2025 AWHONN Convention. They delve into the critical topic of POST-BIRTH Warning Signs sharing their experiences and research findings from a multi-site study across 17 states. Tune in and discover the challenges and triumphs of implementing the POST-BIRTH Warning Signs educa...

Laura Scalise, MSN, RN, a nurse manager, discusses the development and impact of programs "HeartSafe Motherhood" and "Healing at Home." These programs were designed to leverage technology to improve patient care and engagement. The dialogue with AWHONN Insights highlights the challenges and successes achieved in implementing these programs, emphasizing the importance of patient feedback and contin...

In anticipation of the first AWHONN Rural Health Summit, Mandy Pugh and Teresa Horak highlight the adaptability and innovation rural health nurses need to solve unique challenges. Tune in to this inspiring conversation on resilience to overcome obstacles, creativity in personalized care, and community relationship building, sprinkled with a couple of myth busters. Meet our guests: Teresa Horak, MS...

Disparities in the NICU are a critical issue, with many families facing barriers to equitable, high-quality care and support during some of their most vulnerable moments. Jenné Johns from Once Upon a Preemie and Adriauna Davis from the Harmonie Grace Foundation are inspiring leaders who transformed their personal experiences into powerful advocacy and support for families. Listen to learn how your...

To continue our conversation from 2024, research professionals from the University of Alaska Anchorage share their insights on the evolving landscape of polysubstance use across the lifespan and its complex implications for health care. Tune in to learn evidence-based strategies for screening and how to provide patient-centered treatment through innovative methods. Empathy, education, and open dia...

Local Chapters are the heart of AWHONN member engagement. Listen to how three dedicated volunteers transformed into influential AWHONN Section Leaders. They welcomed mentorship and leveraged diverse networking opportunities that are also available for you. Be inspired to elevate your nursing career path and learn new resources that can give you and your statewide colleagues a boost. Meet our guest...

Two different paths into nursing brought Mandy Irby and Maggie Runyon to the same place. Listen as they discuss that nurses bring their psychological histories into the birth space and that most adults have experienced trauma at some point in their life. Open yourself to the vulnerability of connection with patients and accept that you’ve been complicit in obstetric violence in order to advocate t...

In this poignant episode of AWHONN Insights, Jose Perez shares the tragic story of the loss of his fiancé, Christine Fields. Pause as you listen to the details in order to identify the loopholes where a clinician or advocate could have intervened. Jose has now taken up the mantle to fight for respectful care, better parent preparation for childbirth, legislative changes including passage of the Gr...

Since its inception in 2018, AWHONN on Capitol Hill has seen increasing attendance and engagement. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of the critical role nurses play in shaping health care legislation. It also highlights how AWHONN’s advocacy program is designed to empower nurses to share their personal experiences, illustrating how proposed bills impact their workplace, their health, an...

This rockstar team of nursing, medical, and legal experts kick off AWHONN Insights live in Phoenix, AZ. Nurses and providers at any career stage caring for pregnant, laboring, and postpartum people will learn more about your best defense for when litigation occurs. The time to improve your clinical practice is now.    Support for the AWHONN Insights episode How Nurses Are Coping in the Current Cli...