So many nurses feel the tension between caring deeply and feeling powerless inside broken systems — especially in high-stakes environments like the NICU. Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s often a systems problem. But what if nurses didn’t have to leave healthcare to create meaningful change?

In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Phillips, DNP, RN — a nurse leader, systems thinker, and founder of Nursing the System — to talk about how nurses can influence change without burning out or walking away from the work they love. Claire brings a unique lens shaped by emergency care, hospital leadership, health innovation, and global health tech.

We explore how nurses can map their impact, identify where they actually have influence, and shift from feeling stuck to becoming strategic change-makers. Whether you’re a bedside nurse, NICU nurse, educator, or leader, this conversation offers a refreshing, empowering way to think about leadership, advocacy, and sustainability in healthcare. 

Stay Connected with Mary:

Instagram: @thenicutranslator

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Guest Spotlight: Claire Phillips, DNP RN

Claire Phillips, DNP, RN, is a nurse leader, educator, and systems strategist with a background in emergency care, hospital leadership, and healthcare design. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Innovation and Leadership and currently manages a team of clinicians at a health tech company in Amsterdam.

Claire is the founder of Nursing the System, where she teaches nurses how to think in systems, lead strategically, and influence meaningful change without burning out. Through her teaching, courses, and tools, Claire helps nurses reclaim agency, build sustainable careers, and make impact from exactly where they are.

Connect with Claire:

nursingthesystem.com

Instagram: @nursing.the.system

Apple Podcasts - Nursing the System Podcast

Spotify - Nursing the System Podcast

Inside This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Nursing and Systems Thinking

06:26 Understanding Systems Theory in Healthcare

09:53 The Impact of Burnout on Healthcare Providers

14:51 Mapping Your Impact in the NICU

22:15 Navigating New Roles and Embracing Frustration

25:27 Integrating into Established Systems

29:05 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics

31:16 Sustaining Change in Healthcare

34:57 Designing for Ease and Efficiency

38:38 Empowering Change Makers in Healthcare

Links, Resources & Mentions:

Check out Claire's "What’s Your Change Maker Move? Quiz"

Check out Claire's Map Your Impact Mini Course

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Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.

Until next time, remember:

The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.

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