In this episode of The Empowered Patient Podcast, host Maria Cortina sits down with nurse Mary Collette to discuss the realities of patient care, the challenges of nursing post-COVID, and the critical role of advocacy in healthcare. Mary shares her journey from studying neuroscience to becoming a nurse, reflecting on how her experiences as an EMT and medical assistant shaped her perspective. The conversation covers workplace violence, gender disparities in nursing, and the stigma surrounding substance use disorder in medical treatment. With an honest look at the struggles and triumphs of modern healthcare professionals, Mary offers insight into the resilience of nurses and the importance of patient-centered care. Tune in for a powerful discussion on the evolving landscape of healthcare and the push for systemic change.