Have you ever considered yourself a last responder? While first responders are widely recognized, those who provide care in life’s final moments sometimes go unnoticed. In this episode, Clinical Nurse Specialist Melinda Mayorga shares the powerful story that led her to define this role and why it matters. Tune in to reflect, reframe and recognize the profound positive impact you may already be making.

This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at www.aacn.org/aacncommunities

After the sudden and tragic death of her husband, Dr. Sue Hassmiller channeled her grief into a blog that later became her acclaimed book “Resetting: An Unplanned Journey of Love, Loss, and Living Again.” She reflects on her experiences as both a nurse and a grieving spouse, her advocacy for compassionate care, and living through unimaginable challenges.

This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, offering recognition for exceptional units, with information available at www.aacn.org/unitrecognition

Yolanda G. Smith, a former critical care nurse and CNO, transformed personal tragedy into a powerful catalyst for change. In this inspiring episode, she shares her journey of resilience and how the loss of a beloved friend due to preventable errors motivated her to develop innovative programs that enhance nurse well-being and improve patient safety.

This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at www.aacn.org/managerskills

In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a light on the inspiring story of Dr.Virginia Allen and the 'Black Angels,' whose bravery and compassion transformed nursing and patient care during a time of fear and segregation. Their legacy has left an indelible mark on history and continues to inspire generations of nurses.

This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc

Dr. Vicki Good and guest co-host Dr. Devin Bowers sit down with Dr. Sylvain Trepanier, chief nursing officer at Providence Health Systems, to explore how the innovative co-caring model is transforming nursing practice, supporting appropriate staffing and fostering joy in the work environment.

This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course, Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at www.aacn.org/preceptorskills

Discover how direct-care nurses Annie Nguyen and Randy Padua teamed up to transform their unit’s infection management protocol. This episode explores their inspiring journey through AACN’s CSI Academy and how they created sustainable practices. Learn how structured guidance, teamwork, and innovative solutions empowered them to improve patient outcomes and drive change.

This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at www.aacn.org/csiaacn

Join hosts Vicki Good and Andrea Schmitt as they talk with Kelly Kester, nursing director at Duke University Health System, about fostering healthy work environments and improving staffing in critical care. Kelly shares her leadership journey and how AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards helped her enhance nurse retention and engagement. Discover strategies for onboarding new nurses and empowering teams to create resilient workplaces in this inspiring and informative conversation. 

This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, www.aacn.org/advancedcc

In this premiere episode of "Voices in Nursing," Tim Dorman, managing partner of Dorman Leadership Group, and his daughter Abby Pledger share their experiences as a patient and family navigating critical care after a life-altering heart attack. The conversation unfolds as a story of resilience, the compassionate care of ICU nurses, and how their journey was recognized Through the DAISY Foundation; highlighting the profound impact of nursing beyond medical treatment — touching lives and fostering trust, empathy and healing.

This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Certification, offering specialty, subspecialty or advanced practice board certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/getcertification