Nursing Uncharted

What if the secret to a stress-free holiday season started months in advance?  In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann welcomes back Bianca O., Recruitment Director at AMN Healthcare, to unpack everything you need to know about winter seasonal orders. From snagging your dream location in California or New York to locking in your shift and holiday preferences, you'll learn why these highly c...

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes during a nursing strike? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we kick off a special mini-series with Zach C., Senior Director of Fulfillment for AMN Healthcare’s strike division. Zach gives us real-life details of strike nursing assignments, from the rapid-fire logistics and our concierge-level support to the incredible camaraderie bui...

In Part 2 of our special Nurses Month series on Nursing Uncharted, we welcome back pediatric ER travel nurses Jess and Sam. They dive deeper into their experiences traveling the country, sharing their experiences adapting to new ER environments, building rapid trust with anxious parents, and developing the emotional resilience required in pediatric care. You'll feel inspired by their camaraderie a...

Key Topics Covered Finding and holding onto your core "Why" in the nursing profession. The unique challenges and immense emotional rewards of pediatric emergency nursing. A brief look back at the history and evolution of Nurses Month and Nurses Week. Hilarious and heartwarming memories of hospital appreciation efforts, from expired skincare baskets to unit spirit weeks. The profound importance of...

Have you ever arrived at a travel assignment only to discover your new home is a nightmare? Do you want greater control of your living situation while on the road? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann sits down with veteran travel nurse Natalie to share her wildest "Housing of Horror" stories. From snooping landlords to being locked out in bunny slippers, Natalie’s experiences will make...

We all desire greater control of our nursing careers. To feel empowered, capable, and equipped to take on our daily challenges, we must boldly embrace new experiences. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we discuss the inspiring journeys of travel nurses stepping into the unknown. Join us as we sit down with incredible NICU travel nurses, Akila and Jazmine, who share their powerful stories of he...

Welcome back to Nursing Uncharted ! In this episode, host Ann reconnects with the inspiring Laurel Prince, a returning guest who brings her unique perspective on navigating the challenges of nursing and life. Together, they discuss the power of embracing change, finding positivity in difficult moments, and staying true to yourself.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The serendipitous story of ho...

Nursing is changing fast, and new degrees, more travel gigs, and bedside tech are all part of the ride. In this episode, we chat with neurosurgery nurse Taniqua Mighty about how to roll with these changes, spot new opportunities, and stay connected to what matters in nursing. If you’re ready to grow in your career and rethink what’s possible, this one is for you.   Chapters:  [02:31]  Taniqua shar...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we sit down with Alex, a dedicated nurse with nearly 12 years of experience, from rehab facilities to Level 1 trauma centers. Alex joins us to share her personal and inspiring journey. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and the "why" behind her passion for nursing. Alex's emotional story begins with how her mother's battle with stage...

Episode Highlights & Key Themes The Power of the Recruiter Relationship: We discuss why the bond between a travel nurse and their recruiter is the cornerstone of a successful assignment. Trust, vulnerability, and clear communication help navigate the ups and downs of travel healthcare. Why Nurses Travel Today: The motivations for hitting the road are changing. We explore factors like flexibility,...

Episode Highlights Reflecting on 2025 & Setting Intentions Ann shares how embracing the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of 2025 helped shape her current perspective. Rather than setting rigid resolutions that can lead to failure, the focus shifts to setting up a state of being. The chosen word for 2026 is "Manifest." This isn't about passively wishing for success or happiness; it is about visualizin...

Episode Overview In this solo episode, Ann wraps up 2025 by looking back on a year filled with growth, change, and plenty of new experiences. Her word for the year, "embrace," set the tone for everything she did—good, bad, or in between. From going back to her favorite travel nursing assignment to making new friends and tackling the ups and downs of adulting, Ann shares what she learned along the...

In this second part of the series of “Unlocking Mobility,” we dive into the critical role of mobility and fitness in the nursing profession. Hailey Abell, a physical trainer dedicated to helping nurses prioritize their health, shares practical tips and routines designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules. This episode highlights the importance of breathing techniques, core strength, and self-lo...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we dive into the critical role physical health plays in the lives of nurses. Hailey Abell, a personal trainer with a passion for fitness, shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a fitness advocate. Together, we explore the mental and physical benefits of staying active, practical strategies for incorporating fitness into a nurse's bu...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , Nicole Obra, Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, joins host Ann to discuss their experiences and highlights at TravCon 2025. Together, they discuss the vibrant atmosphere, the importance of networking, and the value of face-to-face interactions in fostering collaboration and understanding within the travel nursing community. The episode also highlights...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we explore the evolving world of travel nursing, with a spotlight on the recruitment process and the lasting effects of COVID-19 on nursing demand. Bianca Otero, a Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, shares her expertise on high-need contracts, the critical role of compensation, and the dynamics of the nurse-recruiter relationship. The conversation high...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Ann takes listeners on a reflective journey through her six transformative years as a travel nurse. She dives into the personal and professional growth she’s experienced, the freedom and flexibility that travel nursing offers, and the lessons learned from navigating different life seasons. Ann opens up about the importance of mental health, finding a sense of home,...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann connects with Camille Ferraro, an international travel nurse from Jamaica, to uncover her inspiring journey in the U.S. healthcare system. Camille shares her experiences navigating cultural differences in nursing practices, the importance of patient education, and the honor of receiving the Daisy Award for her compassionate care. The conversation del...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , Dr. Everett Moss takes us on an extraordinary journey from battling fires to saving lives as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). With passion and purpose at the heart of his story, Dr. Moss dives into the diverse opportunities within nursing, the power of effective communication, and the importance of creating positive, lasting patient experience...

In Episode 94 of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann sits down with Ashley White, a NICU travel nurse, to explore the heart and soul of nursing: advocacy. This episode takes a deep dive into the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of NICU nursing, where patient advocacy is not just a skill but a lifeline. Ashley shares compelling personal stories that highlight the barriers nurses face when speak...

Join us for this insightful conversation with Kathryn Williamson, a nurse anesthetist and educator, as we explore the exciting and challenging journey to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Kathryn shares her experiences, offering an inside look at the role of CRNAs, the educational path to anesthesia nursing, and the importance of clinical expertise. The episode also touches...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Anne sits down with Dr. Bonny Kehm, the Founding Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Columbia Southern University. Together, they explore Bonny's inspiring journey from LPN to leadership, her experiences navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her dedication to empowering nurses through education. Bonny also shares innov...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we dive into the critical topic of mental health for nurses. Ann is joined by Dr. Matt Boland to discuss the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges within the nursing profession, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they explore key concepts such as emotional regulation, the effects of suppression, coping w...

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , certified dietitian Sydney Navarro shares valuable insights on maintaining proper nutrition as a nurse. The conversation explores practical strategies for meal planning, prepping balanced meals, and overcoming common challenges in healthy eating. Sydney explains the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, incorporating protein and carbs in...

In this special Nurses Month episode, host Ann celebrates the incredible contributions of nurses by spotlighting Mel Nolasco, a Daisy Award recipient and seasoned travel nurse. Together, they delve into the significance of the Daisy Award, Mel's impactful experiences in the ER, and the profound ways he inspires patients and colleagues alike. Mel also shares his journey as a travel nurse, highlight...