First Best Nurse

Nurses see the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things medical. In this episode, we discuss a wide variety of topics - not all nursing related. In celebration of nursing week, get to know Advocate Health Chief Nursing Officer Mary Beth Kingston.

This episode features a farewell from Atrium Health's CNE Dr. Maureen Swick. Lot's of laughter as she talks about the next steps in her journey, living out her "preferment".

In this episode, Carmen shares the process and outcome of the development of Atrium Health's Nursing Professional Practice Model, along with some members of the team who helped in its creation. 

Carmen and Stephanie chat about episodes in 2022 and possible future episodes for 2023.

In this episode, we speak with some experts on drug diversion to learn why this may occur, and how we can help prevent it.  As uncomfortable as this topic may be, we talk about why it is important to have the conversation, and touch specifically on what Atrium Health offers for mitigation and support. 

Human trafficking is a billion dollar criminal industry which denies people their rights and freedom.  In this episode, some Atrium Health nurses discuss how they identify and assist victims of human trafficking.  Polaris operates the U.S. human trafficking hotline.  To get help or advice, call 1-888-376-7888 or text "BeFree" to 233733.

In this episode, we spend time with Cathy Carson, a certified holistic nurse and integrative therapy practitioner at Atrium Health Cabarrus.  You can hear what this work entails, and the effects of her treatment on her patients, and her colleagues in the emergency department!

This episode features a great conversation between Dr. Tim Porter O'Grady, Dr. Carmen Shaw, and Stephanie McDonald.  The discussion centers around the meaning and value of professional governance for nursing.

Nurses advocating for nurses.  Hear from Michelle Hewitt, LPN and Catherine Opladen, RN on why they are running for election for the 2022 NC Board of Nursing.  NC nurses have a unique and important opportunity to elect their board - voting is open through August 15, 2022. 

Carmen and Stephanie talk to some Atrium Health nurses about mentoring, how it is different than orienting, and how it adds value to a teammates work experience. 

This episode, recorded live at the Atrium Health Nursing Summit, features a conversation with Dr. Maureen Swick and Dr. Lindsay Munn regarding research they conducted around nurse well-being and burnout.  Also featured in the conversation are Atrium Health nurses Kristen Henry and Bridgette Burch, who share their perspective on what burnout looks like at the bedside. 

In this episode, Stephanie interview Brenda, a nurse in Uganda.

In this episode, Carmen Shaw leads a dialogue with some nursing researchers. This episode was recorded live at the Atrium Health Nursing Research Symposium.

Becky Fox and Sarah Francis talk about how nursing innovation is helping to enhance care delivery through design.  This episode is also Meghan Hirth's last episode!

Carmen, Meghan and Stephanie were honored to have some time with Dr. Watson. Dr. Jean Watson is Distinguished Professor and Dean Emerita, University of Colorado College of Nursing Anschutz Medical Center, USA; founder of the original Center for Human Caring in Colorado; a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN); Founder and Director of non-profit organization, Watson Caring Science Instit...

In this episode, we are privileged to have a conversation with Dr. Amy Hester, co-creator of the Hester Davis Falls Score and HD Nursing.  She shares her insights on patient safety, innovation and entrepreneurship.  

In this bonus episode, you will hear a prerecorded message from Dr. Jeni Stepanek.  Jeni is not a nurse, but a frequent consumer of healthcare.  Her story is meant to inspire us during trying times.  Since it was a recording, it doesn't follow our normal episode format, but we think you will still enjoy the message.  If you wish to see the video played within the message, you c...

In our first episode of season 3, Carmen, Meghan and Steph talk with some experts about the significance of Magnet and Pathways to Excellence designation. 

This episode features a conversation with Atrium Health nurses who serve on boards.  You'll hear how it ignites their passion, and how you can get started, too!

What brought you into this profession?  Hear stories from Atrium Health nurses about their nursing journey and how we can encourage others to join and to stay in this profession of honor. 

We were able to assemble a group of Atrium Health nurses attending the 2021 Annual Convention for a great conversation about nursing advocacy and development.  Listen in and enjoy!

In this episode, Carmen, Meghan, and Stephanie sit down with International Nurses Reymond and Georgette, who are working at Atrium Health to hear their perspective on nursing and belonging at Atrium Health.

A tribute to Barbee Whisnant-Burgess, who is soon to retire after a career spent entirely practicing and enhancing nursing at Atrium Health.

In Day 2 of our Atrium Health Nursing Summit, we got to sit down for a live podcast recording with some of our inspirational and innovative Chief Nurses.

Just in time for Florence Nightingale's birthday, we are bringing you an episode that talks about the essence and passion of our calling - the heart of a nurse.  Hear from some committed Atrium Health nurses about the stories that stick with them.