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Emergency medicine isn't what it used to be.

In this episode, Brittney and Felicia take a trip down memory lane, sharing how they each found their way into emergency nursing and reflecting on how the ER has evolved over the years.

From paper charting and handwritten orders to electronic medical records, increasing patient volumes, boarding, workplace violence, and the growing complexity of emergency care, they discuss what's changed—and what hasn't.

While technology and medicine have advanced, one thing remains the same: the heart of emergency nursing is caring for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Whether you're a seasoned nurse, new graduate, nursing student, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes in the emergency department, this conversation offers an honest look at how the profession has evolved.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  How Brittney and Felicia got started in emergency nursing 
•  What the ER looked like years ago compared to today 
•  The evolution of charting and healthcare technology 
•  Increasing patient acuity and staffing challenges 
•  Burnout, resilience, and why nurses stay 
•  The future of emergency medicine 

If you've been in healthcare for a while, we'd love to know:
 What's the biggest change you've seen in your career?

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To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

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It's been a little while, and we're finally back behind the microphones.

In this catch-up episode, we're sharing where life has taken us over the past few months. Felicia opens up about her latest pancreatic cancer scans, navigating conflicting medical opinions, and learning to live with uncertainty while holding onto hope. She also shares exciting news about a new opportunity as a nurse educator and what it feels like to move from burnout into a season of renewed purpose.

Brittney shares updates on growing Med Max Edu, launching ENPC courses, balancing entrepreneurship with emergency nursing, and a recent health scare that served as a reminder to slow down and prioritize self-care.

This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, faith, healing, career growth, and the importance of community. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply walking through your own challenging season, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Felicia's latest pancreatic cancer update 
•  Living with uncertainty after treatment 
•  Career transitions and finding purpose again 
•  Burnout and protecting your peace 
•  Why healthcare professionals struggle with self-care 
•  Faith through difficult seasons 
•  What's next for Hold My Stethoscope 

✨ We'd love to hear from you! Share this episode with a friend and let us know what season you're navigating right now.

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

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In this heartfelt episode of Hold My Stethoscope, Felicia and Brittney open up about life after adversity — the emotional highs, the unexpected lows, and the challenge of finding balance after everything changes.

From navigating health struggles and emotional exhaustion to learning how to reconnect with joy, this episode is an honest conversation about healing in real life. They discuss the pressure of balancing responsibilities while still making space to truly live, laugh, rest, and appreciate the little moments.

Whether you’re moving through grief, burnout, anxiety, illness, or simply feeling stuck in survival mode, this episode is a reminder that it’s okay to slow down, feel deeply, and choose joy anyway.

✨ In this episode:

•  Life after crisis and the emotional “crash” 
•  Why connection and support matter 
•  Learning to live in the moment again 
•  Balancing responsibilities with happiness 
•  Finding gratitude in ordinary days 

🎧 Perfect for healthcare workers, caregivers, survivors, and anyone trying to rediscover themselves after a hard season.

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

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Felicia and Brittney get real about something so many healthcare workers—and honestly, everyone—are feeling right now: burnout.

In this episode, they open up about emotional exhaustion, losing sight of purpose, and what it actually looks like to slow down in a world that glorifies staying busy. From ER life to everyday stress, this conversation dives into the pressure to keep going… even when you're running on empty.

They also talk about how faith, rest, and intentional self-care have helped them reset, rebuild, and reconnect with what truly matters.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just plain exhausted—this episode is for you.

Because burnout isn’t weakness… it’s a signal.

🔑 What We Cover:

•  Signs you're emotionally and physically burnt out 
•  Why "pushing through" isn’t always the answer 
•  The role of faith during stressful seasons 
•  How to prioritize rest without guilt 
•  Reconnecting with purpose beyond your career 
•  Simple ways to start taking care of yourself again 

🎧 Perfect For:

•  Nurses, healthcare workers, and high-stress professionals 
•  Anyone feeling overwhelmed or mentally drained 
•  People navigating burnout, life transitions, or stress 
•  Those seeking balance, faith, and personal growth

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

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Why do pediatric emergencies feel so intimidating — even for experienced providers?

In this episode, flight nurse Christopher Blake breaks down how to reduce the “pucker factor” and build real confidence in pediatric care.

Join Brittney and Felicia as they sit down with Christopher Blake — a flight nurse, pediatric advocate, and creator behind The Blakery Content — to explore the realities of pediatric emergency care.

From EMS to flight nursing, Christopher shares practical, real-world strategies for improving pediatric readiness, communicating effectively with families, and delivering high-quality care in high-stress situations.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for nurses, EMS providers, and anyone looking to feel more confident when caring for pediatric patients.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

•  How to reduce anxiety in pediatric emergencies (“pucker factor”) 
•  What flight nursing is really like behind the scenes 
•  Strategies for improving pediatric readiness in EMS and hospitals 
•  How to communicate effectively with pediatric patients and families 
•  Why family-centered care improves outcomes 

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Christopher Blake is a flight nurse and pediatric content creator dedicated to improving pediatric emergency care through education and real-world insight.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

•  Pediatric Readiness Initiative: https://pediatricreadiness.org
•  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@theblakerycontent
  
  

 If you’ve ever felt unsure in a pediatric emergency — this episode is for you.
 Drop a comment with your biggest pediatric challenge 👇

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

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What does it mean when a tumor becomes unmeasurable?

In this powerful and emotional episode, Felicia shares her latest pancreatic cancer scan results — and the update is something we’ve been praying for.

 Join Brittney and Felicia as they open up about Felicia’s ongoing health journey, including her most recent scan showing that her pancreatic lesion is now no longer measurable as a distinct tumor.

This conversation goes beyond medicine — it’s about faith, resilience, and the power of community. Together, they reflect on the role of prayer, support systems, and maintaining hope even in the most uncertain moments.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or someone supporting a loved one through illness, this episode is a reminder of what’s possible — both medically and spiritually.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

•  What “unmeasurable” actually means in medical imaging 
•  Felicia’s pancreatic cancer journey and latest scan results 
•  The role of faith and prayer in healing 
•  How community and support systems impact recovery 
•  What comes next: MRI, follow-ups, and continued care 

 If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs hope today 💜
 And don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations from the frontlines of healthcare.

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

⭐️ Your review truly helps us reach more nurses who need this space

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In this episode of Hold My Stethoscope, we sit down with Gary—better known as Gary The ER Nurse—to explore his unconventional journey from broadcast journalism to emergency nursing.

Gary shares powerful insights from the frontlines, including the realities of working through COVID-19, the mental health toll on healthcare workers, and the systemic challenges nurses face every day.

We also dive into the growing influence of social media in nursing, how authenticity builds trust, and why many nurses are turning to content creation and education as a way to make a bigger impact.

This episode is a must-listen for nurses, students, and anyone curious about what really happens behind the scenes in emergency care.

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

⭐️ Your review truly helps us reach more nurses who need this space

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Are you a nurse feeling burned out or looking for ways to increase your income outside the hospital?

In this episode of Hold My Stethoscope, we break down 5 lucrative side hustles nurses are using to create financial freedom and career flexibility.

With rising burnout and the cost of living increasing, many nurses are discovering ways to leverage their clinical knowledge into additional income streams.

We discuss practical options that nurses can start while still working bedside — from travel contracts to content creation and consulting.

In this episode we cover:

• Why more nurses are starting side hustles
 • How travel nursing can dramatically increase your income
 • Turning your nursing knowledge into online education
 • Consulting opportunities for experienced nurses
 • Building a blog, YouTube channel, or nurse brand
 • The rise of mobile IV therapy businesses

Whether you’re a new grad nurse, ER nurse, travel nurse, or experienced clinician, this episode will help you explore new ways to build financial freedom and career flexibility.

🎧 Grab your stethoscope and listen in.

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

⭐️ Your review truly helps us reach more nurses who need this space

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In this episode of Hold My Stethoscope, we sit down with Melissa Sweet, a former ER nurse turned nurse entrepreneur and telehealth provider, to explore what’s possible when nurses step outside traditional roles.

Melissa shares her journey from CNA to ER nurse to autonomous nurse practitioner, the reality of burnout in nursing—especially after COVID—and how passion, education, and courage led her to build a multi-state telehealth business. We also talk about her move to Hawaii, lifestyle shifts, and why autonomy and innovation are shaping the future of nursing.

This conversation is for any nurse questioning their path, feeling burned out, or wondering what’s next beyond the bedside.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Mana Loa Health (Melissa’s Telehealth Business)
  https://www.manaloahealth.com/
• Mana Loa Health IG                               https://www.instagram.com/mana.loa.health/

🤝 Connect with Our Guest

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/melissa-fuentes-sweet
  
  
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/np.missa.sweet

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

⭐️ Your review truly helps us reach more nurses who need this space

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In this episode of Hold My Stethoscope, hosts Brittney and Felicia discuss the evolving landscape of nursing, addressing the challenges faced by bedside nurses, the impact of technology, and the importance of exploring alternative nursing paths. They delve into the issue of burnout, the value of experience, and the significance of faith in navigating the nursing profession. The conversation culminates in a reflection on whether nursing is still worth it, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and personal growth within the field.

Support the show

To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶
Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️

Stay connected & join the community ⬇️
 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts
 📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG
 🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7

 📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu
💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer

⭐️ Your review truly helps us reach more nurses who need this space