The MICNP Podcast: Inspiring, Informing, and Advocating for Nurse Practitioners

This episode celebrates Nurses Week with Michigan State Representative Jamie Thompson, a nurse turned legislator. She shares her inspiring journey from bedside care to policy advocacy, highlighting the importance of nurse involvement in legislation, recent healthcare policy wins, and the impact of personal tragedy on her advocacy  Theme music Keyboard, Bass: Clementine Kanfom  Guitar: Tyler McDona...

In this episode of the MICNP podcast, Dr. John Mailey discusses the significant impact of transportation barriers on healthcare access and outcomes. He shares his extensive background in nursing and critical care, emphasizing the importance of understanding patient engagement and health habits. Dr. Mailey highlights real-life stories of patients affected by missed appointments due to transportatio...

TAPED LIVE FROM THE MICNP 2025 CONFERENCE IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN! In this episode of the MICNP podcast, hosts Rachel Hetzner and Jen McConnell engage with guests Lisa Golker, Ilana San Souci, and Louis Davis to discuss their experiences as nurse practitioners. They share insights on early career lessons, the importance of mentorship, navigating imposter syndrome, and the evolving role of nurse pr...

This episode is a legislative update as of 11/06/25 for Full Practice Authority (FPA) for Michigan Nurse Practitioners (NPs) with Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners' (MICNP) Legislative Committee Chair, Naila Russell. The updates for legislation will continue to change. As the voice of NPs in Michigan, we promise to continue to publish updates in our strive for FPA! Stay tuned for furthe...

In this episode, Rachel Hetzner and Justin Hooks discuss the upcoming Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners conference, highlighting the excitement surrounding the event, the various educational sessions, networking opportunities, and keynote speakers. They emphasize the importance of legislative engagement and the role of AI in healthcare, while encouraging attendees to register early to secure...

This episode is a legislative update as of 6/11/25 for Full Practice Authority (FPA) for Michigan Nurse Practitioners (NPs) with Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners' (MICNP) Legislative Committee Chair, Naila Russell. The updates for legislation will continue to change. As the voice of NPs in Michigan, we promise to continue to publish updates in our strive for FPA! Stay tuned for further...

In this episode of the MICNP podcast, Dr. Beth Kuzma discusses the critical aspects of adolescent health, focusing on HPV vaccination, sexual health education, and the challenges faced by today's youth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early education, the impact of technology, and the role of parents in guiding their children through complex issues like sexting and consent. Dr....

This podcast episode features a discussion with experts in transgender medicine, focusing on the history, challenges, and future of transgender healthcare. The conversation highlights personal experiences, the importance of advocacy, and the evolving understanding of gender identity. The guests share insights on the medical treatment of transgender individuals, the cultural sensitivity required in...

In this episode of the MICNP podcast, hosts Jen McConnell and Rachel Hetzner engage with guests Naila Russell and Karla Ruest to discuss the current state of full practice authority for nurse practitioners in Michigan. They explore the importance of understanding one's value as a healthcare provider, the legislative efforts underway to achieve full practice authority, and the role of lobbyist...

This introductory episode explores the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP), its vision, and the legislative process surrounding health policy. The discussion highlights the challenges nurse practitioners face in advocating for full practice authority in Michigan, the importance of networking and staying informed, and practical advice for new nurse practitioners. The episode emphasizes...