Burnout is still very real in healthcare, and many nurses are carrying trauma from the pandemic — whether they realize it or not. 

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Carlson, nurse career coach and host of The Nurse Keith Show, to talk about how burnout shows up today, how to begin healing, and what support looks like — whether through coaching, therapy, or small moments of joy.

Keith shares his personal experience with burnout and how his late wife helped him take the first step toward change. We also talk about how to assess what’s within your control, when it’s okay to walk away, and how something as simple as a “glimmer list” can help you reconnect to what matters.

Tune in for honest insight, practical strategies, and the reminder that healing is possible — one step at a time.

Navigating workplace dynamics can be challenging, especially when addressing incivility, leading a team, or handling difficult conversations.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson discusses strategies for fostering a healthier work culture and handling workplace challenges, including using a left-brain/right-brain approach and having "lens conversations." She also advises repeating unprofessional remarks back to the person, questioning their intent, or disengaging to maintain composure.

Tune in for practical strategies to foster a healthier work culture, communicate effectively as a leader, and confidently respond to unprofessional behavior!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Creating a culture of gratitude and visibility is essential for fostering a healthy and respectful healthcare work environment. 

In this episode, Paula Schmidt shares her approach to fostering a positive work culture through gratitude, visibility, and open communication. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing employees, addressing workplace concerns through staff rounding and newsletters, and maintaining transparency in decisions on key issues like staffing, space, and compensation.

Tune in and learn how to start small and implement these strategies within your own team to foster a positive and supportive work culture!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

What does it take to create a truly safe, supportive, and accessible workplace in healthcare where leaders are present, staff feel valued, and workplace violence is actively prevented?

In this episode, Stephanie Gedeon discusses leadership accessibility, workplace safety, and fostering a positive work culture through relationship-building, streamlined meetings, and staff engagement. Stephanie emphasized the importance of using a structured framework like Pathway to Excellence and leading with genuine care to create a safe, efficient, and supportive work environment.

Tune in to uncover the leadership strategies that drive a thriving work culture!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill, far exceeding technical intelligence in importance for career advancement and team effectiveness. 

In this episode, Dr. Mitch Kusy explores the growing importance of emotional intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing interprofessional team building, leadership skills like boundary reinforcement, and the dynamics between teams. He also breaks down the key components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) while highlighting strategies for skill development and the critical role of empathy in coaching and decision-making.

Tune in and learn how to cultivate emotional intelligence within yourself and your team to foster a healthier and more productive work environment!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Confidence, clear communication, and professionalism are essential for navigating complex healthcare leadership challenges.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson offers practical solutions to nursing leadership challenges, such as workplace disrespect and managing difficult team members. She emphasizes the importance of assertive communication, professional boundaries, and confident leadership to strengthen team dynamics. 

Dr. Renee Thompson shares strategies for nurse managers to address leadership challenges, foster respect, manage conflicts, and improve team dynamics!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

By fostering ownership and addressing challenges constructively, leaders can create a drama-free workplace where individuals feel empowered and engaged.

In this episode, Dennis McIntee highlights that workplace drama often stems from a lack of ownership and "choice poverty" and emphasizes the importance of empowering teams by shifting language and viewing emotions as raw material to be processed. Leaders can reduce drama by coaching thinking instead of feelings, encouraging self-directed problem-solving, confronting issues with care to build trust and clarity, and by practicing self-awareness and accountability, as team dynamics often reflect a leader's blind spots.

Tune in for game-changing insights on taking ownership, coaching effectively, and creating a culture where collaboration and clarity replace conflict and chaos!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

What does it take to lead with purpose, retain top talent, and inspire a culture of collaboration in the face of unprecedented challenges?

In this episode, Dr. Janice Walker discusses how COVID-19 disrupted recruitment and retention, leading her to implement a candidate-centric approach with measurable metrics. She also emphasizes building strong relationships and a supportive culture to develop future leaders and retain talent, highlighting the importance of embracing purpose and fostering collaboration for long-term success in the nursing profession.

Tune in for powerful insights on building resilient teams, fostering psychological safety, and celebrating the meaningful work that keeps nursing at the heart of healthcare!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Nurse leaders are facing unprecedented challenges, but what if the key to thriving lies in setting boundaries, building community, and redefining leadership expectations?

In this episode, Lori Gabriel Gunther discusses the challenges neonatal and perinatal nurse leaders face, stressing the importance of leadership support, work-life balance, and a solution-focused workplace culture. She highlights how Synova provides leadership education and community support while encouraging nurse leaders to set boundaries, advocate for their needs, and prioritize well-being to create a more sustainable and fulfilling career.

Tune in for powerful insights and practical strategies to create a healthier, more sustainable work culture!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/

Are you ready to tackle the toughest workplace challenges and become a more confident, effective leader?

In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson addresses leadership challenges and offers practical strategies for workplace issues, emphasizing the importance of countering negativity with positivity and building trust. She distinguishes bullying from incivility and stresses the value of clear communication, proactive leadership, and understanding workplace dynamics to foster a healthier organizational culture.

Join Renee for her new monthly Q&A series, where she'll answer your burning questions and share actionable strategies to create a positive, thriving work environment!

Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/