Nurse Dot Podcast

In this week's episode, Cara and Joscel dive into the fascinating world of emotional intelligence and why it often matters more than traditional IQ, especially in social and professional settings. They explore how most people recognize only a handful of emotions, but expanding that emotional vocabulary can deepen our understanding and connection with others. The conversation highlights the pow...

In this week's episode, Cara and Joscel explore the deeply human experience of death and dying, shedding light on how language, rituals, and personal choices shape our relationship with the end of life. They discuss how the clinical term "expiration" can create emotional distance, urging a shift toward more compassionate ways of speaking about death. The two dicsuss the emotional toll...

In this week's episode, Cara and Joscel discuss the often surprising and challenging journey of perimenopause and menopause. They dive into how women in their mid-40s can face unexpected symptoms like brain fog, weight gain, and joint pain, even when lifestyle habits remain unchanged. The conversation reveals that perimenopause can last nearly a decade, bringing systemic inflammation and mood...

In this week's episode, Cara and Joscel are joined by Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, The DAISY Foundation Co-Founder, to explore the inspiring story behind the organization and its mission to honor nurses for their compassionate care. The foundation was born from a heartfelt tribute to Patrick Barnes, whose battle with an autoimmune disease highlighted the profound impact nurses have beyond medical trea...

In this week's episode, Cara and new co-host Joscel James to discuss the gripping medical drama "The Pit" and its powerful portrayal of emergency room realities. The conversation dives into how the show captures the intense, minute-to-minute stress healthcare workers face, offering a validating glimpse into their world. They explore poignant moments like the communication barriers deaf...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Monica Woodward Luberto, RN to discuss the evolving landscape of skilled nursing facilities, focusing on wound care advancements and the upcoming CMS audit changes. Cara and Monica dive into how innovative equipment like specialized beds and wound vacs are transforming patient care, though challenges around access and cost persist, especially in rural...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Viola Pierce to discuss her inspiring entrepreneurial journey and the unique challenges and opportunities in building businesses for nurses. Viola opens up about how she found her true focus after several attempts, emphasizing the power of resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming skepticism. Cara shares her passion behind cr...

For this special Halloween episode, Cara is joined by Joscel James, RN, to explore some of Hollywood’s most iconic horror movie moments, from the suspenseful shower scene in Psycho to the gory chaos of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. As the clips play, they trade jump scares for clinical insight, breaking down the gruesome injuries and explaining how real nurses would actually treat those wounds. Ble...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Jenni Hamann, DNP, RN, NI-BC, NE-BC, to explore how technology is transforming healthcare delivery. They dive into the vital role nurse informatics professionals play as change champions, driving adoption of new tools that enhance workflow efficiency across hospital teams. The conversation highlights exciting innovations like mobile "Rover"...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Hollye Briggs, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN to discuss the dynamic world of emergency nursing and the powerful role of certification in professional growth. Hollye shares her inspiring journey from emergency nursing to becoming a specialist in professional development, emphasizing how leadership encouragement can spark a nurse’s pursuit of certification. T...

In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by Pamela Roman, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN to explore the urgent need for pediatric hospice and respite care options beyond hospital walls. Together, they shine a light on how limited choices force many families into stressful acute care settings, and why specialized facilities can make a world of difference. The conversation dives into the unique communication skills...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Maria Smilios, Author of the The Black Angels to uncover the untold story of the Black nurses at Seaview Hospital and their courageous fight against tuberculosis in the 1920s and 1930s. Together, they explore how these nurses stepped into dangerous roles abandoned by others, seizing rare professional opportunities despite facing broken promises and low...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP, FAAN, to shed light on the hidden realities of human trafficking and the critical role healthcare professionals play in recognizing and responding to victims. The conversation reveals how easily signs of trafficking can be missed, even in well-resourced hospitals, and challenges stereotypes by highlighting that b...

In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by a nurse comedian, Joscel James RN, CPR LOL HYFR, to explore the healing power of laughter in healthcare. They dive into fascinating research showing that just 15 minutes of comedy can melt away stress and even give your immune system a boost—proving that laughter really is medicine. The conversation highlights how nurse comedians skillfully use self-deprec...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Shakira Henderson, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing new nurses as they step into today’s complex healthcare landscape. The conversation dives into why many graduates feel unprepared for clinical realities, despite strong academic backgrounds, and explores the steep learning curve and high turnover rates in their first year. You’ll...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments to discuss the intersection of nursing and environmental health. Katie shares her inspiring journey into the field, influenced by Dr. Barbara Sattler and her work at the University of Maryland. They dive into the environmental challenges faced by low...

In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by nurse leader, innovator, and disruptor Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL to discuss the forces shaping nursing pay, power, and purpose. Together, they peel back the layers on how nurses became hidden costs in the healthcare system—and what it will take to make them visible, billable, and better compensated. They dive into the deep roots of the gender pay gap...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Lois James to delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology, and sleep research. Lois shares her journey into the world of sleep studies, sparked by her work at the Sleep and Performance Research Center. They discuss a revealing study from Washington State University that shows how fatigue can undermine therapeutic communication between nurses...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Leilani Squire and Lorie Judson to discuss the transformative power of writing in healing trauma. Leilani shares her experiences working with veterans and nurses, drawing parallels between frontline nurses during Covid and soldiers in battle, and underscores the importance of community in the healing process. Lorie delves into her background in nursing...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN to discuss the evolving challenges and critical issues nurses face in the post-Covid era. Ernest dives into the ongoing struggles with workforce shortages and the alarming rise in abuse against nurses. He sheds light on the dire need for proper PPE during the pandemic, highlighting the dangers of counterfeit masks. The co...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Allie Hall RN, BSN to discuss the transformative power of financial literacy. Allie shares her unique perspective on viewing debt as a tool rather than a burden, recounting her journey from initially rejecting nursing to embracing it due to financial and personal reasons. She opens up about her early struggles with debt and the strict budgeting practic...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Katrina Mullen, RN, to discuss her extraordinary journey of taking custody of her patient, Shariya, and her newborn triplets. Katrina recounts the emotional moment she was asked to step in, sharing her extensive background as a neonatal nurse with over 25 years of experience. She vividly describes the challenging conditions the triplets faced, born pre...

In the Season 6 premier, host Cara Lunsford takes a heartfelt look back at seasons 1 through 5, reflecting on the stories, voices, and moments that have shaped our podcast community. From groundbreaking interviews with pioneers in nursing to deeply personal conversations about resilience, advocacy, and transformation, Cara revisits some of her—and our listeners’—most memorable episodes. Whether yo...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by the legendary Ann Wolbert Burgess, DNSc, APRN, DHumLett (Hon), FAAN, to discuss her groundbreaking work in psychiatric nursing, criminal psychology, and her pioneering efforts in assessing and treating trauma and abuse survivors. Ann delves into the complex psychology of offenders and the vulnerabilities that make victims targets, reflecting on her ear...

In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Bob Bacheler, Managing Director, Flying Angels, to explore the unique world of flight nursing and patient transport. Bob shares his unconventional path into nursing, transitioning from entrepreneurship to the fast-paced environment of trauma ICU, all in pursuit of becoming a flight nurse. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the field in m...