Bullying and incivility remain persistent challenges in healthcare, affecting nurses’ well-being, team dynamics and patient safety. In this episode, AACN podcast hosts speak with Dr. Renee Thompson, founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute, about why disruptive behaviors occur and how they differ from bullying. She shares practical strategies for nurses and leaders to address harmful behaviors, strengthen accountability, and build cultures grounded in respect, professionalism and psychological safety.

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

Night-shift fatigue increases the risk of nurse burnout, patient errors and drowsy driving, yet many hospitals still prohibit on-shift rest. In this episode, Dr. Pamela Linds and PJ Eschbach share how they implemented a research-based nurse napping program to improve patient safety, retention and night-shift wellness. Learn how to overcome policy barriers, engage HR and leadership, and use a practical fatigue mitigation toolkit in your organization.

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

Dr. Karen Cox, president of Chamberlain University and former president of the American Academy of Nursing, reflects on a leadership journey shaped by empathy, curiosity and a commitment to nurse well-being. In this episode, she explores the power of listening, shared governance and bold advocacy. Discover how her early experiences continue to guide her leadership style and why amplifying the nursing voice, especially in times of crisis, continues to guide her approach to leadership.

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

At 23, Erika Breivogel, an ICU nurse, experienced a sudden illness that made her a patient. In this episode, Erika recounts her harrowing experience with delirium, including vivid hallucinations and fear, and how her story reveals critical gaps in symptom recognition, prevention and care. Learn why early mobility, reorientation and compassionate nursing are key not only to managing patients in the fog, but also preventing the onset and severity of ICU delirium. 



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

This gripping episode follows Andrea Schmitt, a critical care nurse who faced sudden heart failure days after delivery. Diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy, she went from caregiver to patient in a heartbeat. Her story reveals how easily this rare condition can be missed and how nurses can save lives by recognizing the signs early. Tune in for lifesaving insights every nurse should bring to their next shift.



This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Membership, offering members special discounts, clinical resources, and unlimited free CEs, with information on how to join available at www.aacn.org/discoveraacn

Virtual nursing is transforming healthcare delivery, but misconceptions remain. Paul Malito, University of Alabama at Birmingham eMedicine, talks about real-world examples of how virtual nursing strengthens rather than replaces bedside care. This episode explores how virtual nursing improves workflow, mentoring, nurse satisfaction, retention and patient outcomes while giving bedside nurses more time for direct patient care.

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

Explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing with two visionary nurse leaders, Dr. Olena Svetlov and Dr. Fiona Winterbottom. From early-warning systems to wearable tech and even robotics, the conversation dives into how AI can reshape clinical workflows, improve patient outcomes and empower nurses. 

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

Thinking about a career in flight nursing? This episode is your liftoff. Veteran flight nurse Cindy Goodrich joins us to talk about the reality of caring for critically ill patients midair, how flight teams work together under pressure, and what nurses need to know before stepping into this high-intensity role. 

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

Is a human-AI partnership possible for the future of pediatric critical care? Explore how a groundbreaking pediatric tele-critical care program transformed one of the nation’s busiest cardiovascular ICUs. Guests Menchee Berris and Kellie Swink discuss the challenges behind high-acuity pediatric cardiac care and the constant pressure created by staffing shortages. Listen as they reveal how their tele-ICU model transformed the environment from reactive crisis management to predictive and proactive surveillance.

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

As legalization increases, patients are using cannabis more than ever and not always telling you. Pharmacist Dr. Meagan Good joins Voices in Nursing to unpack the hidden risks, gray areas and clinical blind spots that come with caring for cannabis users. If you've ever felt unprepared to respond, this conversation will change how you assess, advocate for and protect your patients.

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