The Spartan Nurse Podcast presented by the Michigan State University College of Nursing

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Mike Martell and Crista Reeves sit down with Jeanette Tanafranca, Assistant Professor and Detroit Campus Director at the Michigan State University College of Nursing. Jeanette shares her journey from ER nurse in Detroit to nursing educator. She also gives an inside look at the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, a fast-paced, 15-month path...

SEND US FAN MAIL Childhood cancer survival rates differ dramatically worldwide. In this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Courtney Sullivan, assistant professor and global pediatric oncology nurse scientist at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, discusses quality indicators, safe chemotherapy delivery, nurse safety, and how global health initiatives are working to reduce survival...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Mike Martel and Crista Reeves sit down with Joshua Winowiecki, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, an MSU alum, and Director of the Center for Practice Transformation. Josh shares his path from critical care nursing to academia and delves into the power of academic-clinical partnerships, such as INSPIRE and NPATHS. He also discusses mentorshi...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode, Dr. Mike Martel and Dr. Crista Reaves sit down with Alexa Andersen, PhD student at Michigan State University’s College of Nursing, to talk about her journey into nursing and her research on invisible disabilities. Alexa shares how her own health experiences inspired her to return to nursing school and pursue research that raises awareness and empathy for individua...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, hosts Mike Martel and Crista Reeves sit down with Desiree Love, an MSU College of Nursing BSN alumna and med-surg nurse at Butterworth Hospital (of Corewell in Grand Rapids). Desiree shares her inspiring journey to nursing, including overcoming challenges with TAR syndrome, the loss of a sister, and her own battles with anxiety and dep...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this inspiring episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, hosts Dr. Mike Martel and Dr. Krista Reaves sit down with Pia Love, a self-described “nurse of all trades” and passionate advocate for mental health in nursing. Pia shares how personal grief became the spark that led her into behavioral health, the journey of launching her own mental health business during the COVID-19 pandem...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode, Dr. Fabrice Mowbray joins the Spartan Nurse Podcast to break down how big data and predictive analytics are transforming healthcare. Mowbray shares how data can help predict patient needs, improve clinical decisions, and guide healthcare policy. He explains the difference between machine learning and traditional models, why nurses are key to building meaningful da...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode of The Spartan Nurse Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Mike Martell and Dr. Krista Reeves sit down with Dr. Eric Wallis, Senior VP & Chief Nurse Executive at Henry Ford Health, to discuss the powerful partnership between HFH and MSU College of Nursing. Dr. Wallis shares valuable career insights for future nurses, discusses the importance of workplace culture, and explains...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode, we talk with Dr. Veronica Bernacchi, a health disparity scientist and nurse researcher, about how social determinants of health (SDOH) impact cancer outcomes. Bernacchi explains SDOH—factors like income, access to healthcare, and living conditions—and how they contribute to cancer disparities, especially in rural and underserved communities. We explore how telehea...

SEND US FAN MAIL For those who don't know Dr. Rhonda Conner-Warren, she is a dedicated healthcare professional and educator with a deep focus on community health, health equity, and child development. Currently, Dr. Conner-Warren works as a Health Education Consultant at Focus: HOPE, where she provides physical assessments and monitors growth and development for children in the Center for Chi...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode, we welcome Crista Reaves as the new co-host of The Spartan Nurse Podcast alongside Mike Martel. Crista, an experienced nurse educator and researcher, brings her expertise in clinical partnerships and nursing education. Tune in as they discuss her journey, the MSU College of Nursing, and the future of nursing education. #SpartanNursePodcast #NursingEducation #Healt...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Calli Harris discusses her journey from a Med-Surg nurse to a researcher focused on LGBTQ+ health disparities, particularly cancer prevention among bisexual individuals. She emphasizes the need for better education and awareness in nursing programs to improve care for LGBTQ+ patients. Harris highlights the challenges posed by the lack...

SEND US FAN MAIL Mike and Harley speak with Grace Wojcik, the Director of the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) at Michigan State University. They discuss the resources and support that the GSCC provides for LGBTQIA2S+ students, including educational resources, fun events, and advocacy work. To learn more about the GSCC and resources it provides, please visit https://gscc.msu.edu/ To acces...

SEND US FAN MAIL If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to an available resource for help. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text 988 and speak with someone immediately. Immediate Crisis Intervention: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and resp...

SEND US FAN MAIL On this episode, Dr. Mike Martel and Harley Brown sit down with two students of Michigan State University's College of Nursing, Alli Walsh and Caleb Fraser. Both proudly showcased a day in the life of a Spartan Nurse via our Instagram “Takeovers.” Allí Walsh, a former BSN and first-year PhD student, works as a research assistant and hospital nurse on an inpatient child and ps...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode of the Spartan Nurse podcast, Harley Brown and Dr. Mike Martel sit down with Camila Rios and Dr. Larissa Miller. Camila Rios is a first-year undergraduate student at Michigan State University from Chicago, Illinois. As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, she currently navigates the pre-nursing path. Camila has been volunteering at Rush Hospital's Cancer...

SEND US FAN MAIL Join Dr. Mike Martel and Harley Brown in an engaging interview with Dr. Leigh Small, who earned her master’s degree and PhD from the University of Rochester and is a pediatric nurse practitioner by training. She has a passion for high-quality healthcare, evidence-based practice, and the implementation of thought-provoking educational strategies challenging learners to always seek...

SEND US FAN MAIL Join Mike and Harley in chatting with two of our Spartan nursing students, Alexandra Kaub and Jacob Bryde. Alex is a current undergraduate student in the Accelerated BSN program, based in the Detroit campus. She is set to graduate in August of 2024. In addition to attending lectures in Detroit, Alex has completed several clinical rotations in the Detroit area at Focus Hope and Hen...

SEND US FAN MAIL Join Mike and Harley in an engaging interview with Andy Greger, the Director of Technology & Digital Innovation and Co-Chair of the Wellness Committee at the Michigan State University College of Nursing. Andy leads a dynamic team dedicated to researching, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders, ranging from faculty and staff to students, university services, and vendo...

SEND US FAN MAIL Today, Mike and Harley sit down with Kelly Mays, a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set and a passion for making a difference. As a therapist, writer, and social activist, she has dedicated her career to advocating for mental health and equity. Kelly currently serves as the Community and Staff Training Program Manager at Hegira Health, Inc., where her responsibilities ex...

SEND US FAN MAIL Mike and Harley sit down in the Bott Building of Nursing to introduce themselves and the new video format to our listeners and thank Jackie and Patrick for setting a solid foundation with Is This Normal? We are so excited about this new era of the Michigan State University College of Nursing's podcast. To find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursin...

SEND US FAN MAIL Co-host, Dr. Patrick Crane speaks with his fellow co-host, Dr. Jackie Iseler, along with our college librarian, Jessica Sender, to discuss his experience in England leading a study abroad program for Michigan State University College of Nursing students. To find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You...

SEND US FAN MAIL In this episode, Patrick and Harley talk with Jennie Knight, a lifelong advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. She is working to make Grand Rapids a safe, affirming, and wonderful place for all to live, work, and visit. To learn more about Jennie, please visit her organizational page: https://www.grlgbtqhealthcareconsortium.org/who-we-are If you are looking for support, please visit...

SEND US FAN MAIL If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to an available resource for help. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text 988 and speak with someone immediately. Immediate Crisis Intervention : Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and res...

SEND US FAN MAIL Jackie and Patrick sit down with Dr. Kathy Dontje, an Associate Professor at the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Nursing (CON) and a Family Nurse Practitioner at the MSU Family Medicine Clinic to discuss SANE Nursing. Information, resources, and specialized support: NSVRC maintains a directory of organizations that lists state and territory sexual assault coalitions, vi...