Real Nurses Real Talk

Welcome to PART 3 in our series How is this Possible? . In this episode, we explore the culpability of Yale Fertility Center and the ramifications of their decisions. We finish up with some key takeaways from this story that EVERY caregiver should hear! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- New website: https://www.purposedrivenpx.com/real-nurses-real-talk-podcast...

Welcome to PART 2 in our series How is this Possible? . In this episode, we introduce you to Donna, the RN responsible for diverting narcotics at the Yale Fertility Center and subsequently causing the horrific experiences we detailed last week. We explore the legal and regulatory ramifications of Donna's actions, specifically the impact to her nursing license. So is Donna practicing as an RN today...

In 2020, over a 5-month period, 65 women entered The Yale Fertility Center, which is part of Yale New Haven Hospital for fertility care. Their experience can only be classified as horrific. These women were perplexed by their unexplained excruciating pain during the procedure, and even the doctors and clinic staff were unable to provide answers. In the absence of concrete information about the tru...

Solving the nursing staffing shortages across the country is a complex issue. Recently both the AONL (American Organization of Nurse Leaders) and the ANA (American Nurses Association) came out with statements on minimum staffing ratios. While the statements are quite different, there are also some similarities. in episode 30, we explore both statements and positions, as well as dive into the evide...

According to the AHA, there are 6,129 hospitals in the US. Of those, 220 are a Level 1 Trauma Center, and 77 are Pediatric Level 1. That represents 3.6% and 1.3% of hospitals, respectively. What is it like to work in an organization that is both Level 1 for adults and pediatrics? In Episode 29, we take a deep dive into the fast-paced world of Level 1 Trauma Nursing. We explore some of the intricat...

Welcome to Episode 27! In this episode, we cover some recent healthcare news you should know about. We cover some fascinating topics and discuss the implications for us in healthcare. Of course, we offer our unique insights and perspectives to each story. -------------------------------------------- New website: https://www.purposedrivenpx.com/real-nurses-real-talk-podcast Interest form to tell yo...

Welcome to Episode 27! For some in healthcare, a "Code Blue" is something they have experienced once, or maybe almost countless times. However, for others, the experience of working within a code blue to save someone's life is something they have never done. In this episode, we explore our unique experiences with codes and share insights on how to help them run smoothly (because, ultimately, that...

We're back and excited to get into the second half of Season 2! We're introducing a new introduction and hope you like it! In Episode 26, we get into some Real Talk about a recent post from a nurse explaining why they left ER nursing. While there are a number of things we agree are issues, we push back on some others. Importantly, we discuss improvement ideas and walkways because let's face it...f...

Welcome to Episode 25! This is a very special episode for us because we get to interview Erin's Dad, Dr. B! Honestly, Dr. B. is one of the smartest physicians we know, and his care and compassion for his patients are a model for others. In this episode, Dr. B. shares his unique insights based on decades of experience as a Family Physician. He provides some hard-hitting truths for other Family Phys...

Welcome to Episode 24! This is part two of our discussion about Patient Experience, and in this episode, we answer the question...What is Patient Experience? Patient Experience is evidence-based and it is Brandon's belief that if caregivers truly understood what Patient Experience is, everyone would be a Patient Experience champion! Within this chat, we also explore what Patient Experience is not...

Suffering. It is a word we don't like to use in healthcare because it can make us feel like we are doing something wrong. In this episode, we push back against that notion. In this first of a two-part series, we lay a foundation of what suffering is and make the case that every patient we serve is suffering and what we can do about it! -------------------------------------------- GoFundMe to Suppo...

Welcome to Episode 22! This is a "lighter" episode after some pretty heavy stuff last episode. In this Episode, Sadie returns! We spend some time asking her some questions to test her medical knowledge...then hilarity ensues. How many does Sadie get right?? Test the kids in your family...how many do they get right? Let us know! Special thanks to Sadie, our None-Your-Business Business Manager for b...

Welcome to Episode 21! In this episode 9, we get to learn from Don! Don is an amazing Pediatric Emergency Nurse. We get to discuss a range of topics, and Don shares some unique insights into nursing, shares a few stories, and leaves us with some great walkaways for every nurse caring for other humans. If you would like to share anything with Don, send it to our email address, and we will ensure sh...

Welcome to Episode 20! In this episode, we discuss the very important topic of "Failure to Rescue." Although Brandon dislikes the term (and provides an alternative), Failure to Rescue (FTR) is a serious issue in healthcare today. We tackle this topic by discussing what FTR is, give examples, and most importantly...we provide ideas, walk-aways, and solutions to prevent it from happening. ----------...

Happy Nurses Week, 2023!! Also, Happy National Hospital Week. In episode 19, we have some Real Talk about Nurses Week, the fact that it coincides with National Hospital Week, and the impact this has on both celebrations. We also give a sneak peek into some upcoming episodes we are excited about (we are really excited about every episode)! -------------------------------------------- New website: h...

Welcome to Episode 18! In this episode, we cover some recent healthcare news you should know about. We cover five fascinating topics and discuss the implications for us in healthcare. Of course, we offer our unique insights and perspectives to each story. -------------------------------------------- New website: https://www.purposedrivenpx.com/real-nurses-real-talk-podcast Interest form to tell yo...

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In Episode 17, Erin leads us in a great conversation about the very difficult topic of Child Abuse...risk factors, signs, and most importantly, what we can do about it. This is an extended episode packed full of valuable information to help protect children. State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers Contact your local child protective services office or...

So you just took the NCLEX and failed (or know someone who did). Now what? In Episode 16, we give our perspective on the next steps for success. If you did fail, please know you aren't alone. Recent data from NCSBN shows 2022 NCLEX pass rates fell below 80% (US first time test takers) for the first time. We talk about some possible reasons, but the most important part is creating a plan for succes...

Episode 15 is a different discussion than we initially planned on having. However, our commitment to you is that we will never release something that isn't authentically Real Nurses, Real Talk. So, for this episode, we decided to change our plans and discuss the all-new Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). What is it? Why was the change needed? What impact will it have? What now? It was a really fun conve...

Welcome to Episode 14. This is part 2 of our discussion about the case of Lucy Letby, a former nurse from Chester, England, who has been accused of murdering several infants while working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Countess of Chester Hospital. In this episode, we explore some of the concerns raised by physicians and the hospital's response. We dive into the lessons learned,...

Welcome to Episode 13. This is a unique episode for us, but one that needs to happen. We dive into the case of Lucy Letby, a former nurse from Chester, England, who has been accused of murdering several infants while working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Letby's case has shocked the world, as she stands accused of some of the most heinous crimes im...

Welcome to Episode 12! In the last episode, we discussed breaking down stereotypes in nursing. This week, we shift focus to our patients. In this episode, we make the case that words matter when talking about our patients and explore how labeling patients as opposed to behaviors results in adverse outcomes. We also discuss the APA recommendations for words to use and words to avoid and advocate in...

Nursing Stereotypes...We are sure everyone has heard at least one of these stereotypes. In Episode 11, we push back against them! There is an argument to be made that many (if not all) existing nursing stereotypes are harmful to both the profession and the communities we serve. We also discuss some exciting developments with a new website (details below), the addition of two new platforms to share...

It's Episode 10! In this episode, we get the opportunity to catch up on some of your feedback from the last few episodes and discuss your thoughts. But first...Sadie is back because Erin has some March trivia for us to test our wits against. Who will win...Sadie or Brandon? Also, we spend some time thanking y'all, our amazing friends and family, who spend time listening to the podcast each week. W...

In episode 9, we are introduced to and get to learn from Sam! Sam is an amazing nurse who is responsible for onboarding every new nurse entering the Level 1 Trauma Center where she works (among many other things). We get to discuss a range of topics, and Sam shares some unique insights into being successful when you are entering into a new role, advice for mentors, and a great walk-away for every...