Sarah Smith Foster

Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide

Health EN ↓ 6 episodes

Chaos to Competence is the ultimate survival guide for the novice nurse. Clinical tips, emotional support, and honest conversations to help you find your footing in the fast lane. From conquering pre-shift anxiety to surviving your first code, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone, you’re not incompetent, and yes—everyone feels this way. Grab your caffeine of choice and let’s start our shift report. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect any organization or employer with which the hosts may be affiliated.

Author

Sarah Smith Foster

Episodes

Coffee Break Mini - Unit Lore: Rituals and Superstitions 01.07.2026 14:10

Every nurse has heard of them, or maybe even follows a few! In this coffee break mini episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide Podcast, we're diving into the fun (and surprisingly common) world of nursing rituals and superstitions. From never saying the "Q-word" out loud, to the full moon "scaries", we explore the traditions, habits, and little rituals nurses swe...

Code Blue and You: Preparation, Performance, Processing 25.05.2026 30:30

This episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide Podcast breaks down the reality of responding to a code blue as a nurse, focusing on three key phases: preparation, performance, and processing. Join Sarah and Savannah as they share personal stories and practical advice on familiarizing yourself with crash carts, finding your voice in a chaotic environment, and taking care of yourself and y...

Needles, Shocks, and Controlled Chaos 23.04.2026 44:17

Pressure is part of the job, confidence is built. In this episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide , Sarah and Savannah are joined by ER nurse Jimmy McRedmond (“Nurse Jimmy”) to tackle three essentials for high-stress nursing: IV access, cardiac monitoring, and managing deterioration with composure. From choosing the right catheter and improving IV success to simplifying EKG interpretat...

Preceptor Roulette: Navigating the Luck of the Draw 01.04.2026 42:20

Orientation can feel overwhelming, but the right preceptor relationship can turn chaos into competence. In this episode, Savannah and Sarah, joined by guests Kristen and Michaela, dive into the dynamics between new nurses and their preceptors—exploring the different archetypes you might encounter, from the drill sergeant to the bestie to the sink-or-swim mentor. The conversation unpacks real exp...

Shift Happens: Your First Shift as a New Nurse 11.03.2026 34:30

In this episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide, Sarah and Savannah unpack what really happens during those early days on the unit: rookie mistakes, role confusion, time management struggles, and the quiet pressure to "have it all together". Through real stories, honest reflection, and practical advice, they explore how confidence is built - not through perfection, but through learning, te...

Welcome to the Madness: Orientation & First Impressions 12.02.2026 44:04

Starting nursing can feel like drinking from a fire hose. You're excited, overwhelmed, anxious, and suddenly responsible for real people. In this first episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide, emergency nurses Savannah Hauberg and Sarah Foster walk you through what orientation actually looks like and why feeling unsure doesn't mean you're failing. Think of this episode as y...