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Are you a nursing student or new grad nurse looking for trusted, practical, and inspiring tools to support your journey? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, I’m sharing five incredible products and organizations created by nurses, for nurses—designed to make your life easier, more connected, and a lot more empowered.

Whether you're trying to coordinate shifts with your bestie, stay current on nursing news, boost your mental health, or streamline your job search, this episode has something for you.

✨ Here’s what you’ll discover:

• NurseGrid – the ultimate nurse scheduling app to sync shifts, share calendars, and simplify your schedule.

• The Nursing Beat – a free, nurse-led daily newsletter with bite-sized healthcare news, job tips, and wellness content.

• Nurses Inspire Nurses – a supportive movement founded by a pediatric nurse to uplift and connect nurses through mentorship and merch.

• Operation Happy Nurse – a nonprofit offering free mental health and wellness resources created specifically for nurses.

• Adni – an all-in-one platform for job searching, credential management, and community building—made by nurses for healthcare workers.

With over 4 million nurses in the U.S. and turnover at an all-time high, it’s never been more important to lean into tools made by people who understand this profession. These aren’t just businesses—they’re movements born from real nursing experiences, each designed to help you thrive inside and outside the hospital walls.

Organizations and Products Mentioned in this Episode: 

NurseGrid

Subscribe to The Nursing Beat

Nurses Inspire Nurses

Operation Happy Nurse

Adni

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠⁠

• TikTok: NurseCoachCaroline

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society 

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

Curious about travel nursing but not sure where to start? This episode is your no-fluff guide to understanding what travel nursing is really like—especially for new grad nurses and nursing students thinking ahead.

While I’ve never been a travel nurse myself (hello, homebody here!), I spent nearly two years as a travel nurse recruiter, and I’m pulling back the curtain to share the insider perspective you won’t get from the Instagram highlight reels.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• What travel nursing actually is (and isn’t)

• The real pros and cons of taking travel nurse assignments

• How much experience you really need before traveling

• The risks—like canceled contracts, housing headaches, and tricky schedules

• How to find a good recruiter (and avoid getting spammed!)

• Why Med-Surg, Tele, and PCU might be your best bets for travel specialties

• The truth about pay in 2025 (spoiler: it’s not COVID-level anymore)

• Whether travel nursing is still worth it—and how to decide if it’s right for you

Whether you’re a nursing student, a brand-new nurse, or just curious about this flexible and financially rewarding career path, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to explore it with both eyes open.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

As a new nurse, setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable—but it's one of the most important skills you can build early in your career. In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we’re talking about what healthy boundaries look like at the bedside and how to set them without guilt.

Caroline shares personal stories from her early days as a new grad nurse, including the hard lessons she learned from saying "yes" too often. You’ll learn practical ways to protect your time, energy, and mental health—while still being a team player. We’ll cover how to say no professionally, what to do when coworkers or patients push your limits, and how to manage guilt when you advocate for yourself.

If you’re a nursing student, new grad, or first-year nurse struggling with burnout or feeling stretched too thin, this episode is for you.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we sit down with the incredible Nurse Meg RN—aka Meg Harrel—a nurse educator, entrepreneur, and NCLEX prep expert with over 1 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. From starting her career as an LPN to launching one of the most trusted NCLEX study programs, Meg shares her inspiring journey and powerful insights for nursing students and new grad nurses alike.

Whether you're preparing for the NCLEX, overwhelmed in your first year on the floor, or looking for time management and communication tips as a nursing student, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-life strategies. Meg explains why many new nurses feel unprepared after graduation and offers step-by-step guidance to close the gap between nursing school and real-world practice.

You’ll learn:

• How to study smarter and reduce test anxiety for the Next Gen NCLEX

• Common NCLEX prep mistakes and how to avoid them

• Critical new grad nurse skills like shift organization, charting, and giving report

• Why test prep must include both clinical reasoning and emotional resilience

If you're a future nurse, a new grad RN, or a nurse educator supporting students through this transition, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to thrive in your nursing career.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to pass the NCLEX and confidently step into life after nursing school!

Connect with Nurse Meg RN

Nurse Meg’s blog, free resources, and signature NCLEX course at nursemegrn.com.

• Instagram @nursemegrn

• TikTok @nursemegrn

• YouTube

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

Happy Nurses Week! In this powerful episode of Life After Nursing School, we dive deep into the emotional and professional rollercoaster that is your first year as a nurse. Host and experienced nurse coach reflects on her early days as a new grad nurse and shares real data, hard truths, and encouragement for those navigating this critical transition.

We’ll unpack why nurse turnover rates are so high within the first year, what causes new nurses to question their career, and how burnout, imposter syndrome, and lack of support contribute to early exits from bedside nursing.

You’ll also hear research-backed timelines of stress, tips for thriving as a new nurse, and how to get the support you need—whether through your residency program, your preceptor, or a community like the New Nurse Society.

If you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or questioning your path—this episode is for you. You’re not alone, and you can make it through.

Perfect for nursing students, new graduate nurses, and those supporting them, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and truth bombs every nurse should hear.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

Struggling to stay confident and motivated in nursing school? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we dive deep into how your nursing school mindset can make or break your success. Learn why self-confidence in nursing school isn't just “nice” — it's essential for passing exams, succeeding in clinical, and starting your nursing career strong.

We’ll break down simple, proven techniques like visualization for nursing students, positive affirmations, and mental resilience strategies to help you manage stress, conquer self-doubt, and perform at your best. 

Whether you’re tackling hard exams, challenging clinical rotations, or burnout, this episode will give you the mental tools you need to shift your mindset and boost your performance.

Tune in and discover how to unlock the mental toughness you need to succeed in nursing school — and set yourself up for a thriving future as a confident, compassionate nurse!

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: ⁠https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm⁠ 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠⁠

• Website:⁠ ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

In this episode of the Life After Nursing School Podcast, host Caroline Danna sits down with Ashleigh Small, a seasoned NICU nurse, certified critical care expert, and founder of Flip the Shift. With over a decade of experience working nights in a Level 4 NICU, Ashleigh knows exactly what it takes to go from sleep-deprived zombie to thriving night shift nurse—and she's here to share her wisdom.

Whether you're a new grad nurse struggling to adjust to nights or an experienced RN feeling the burnout, this episode is packed with practical advice, real stories, and actionable strategies to help you find balance and actually enjoy your off-hours.

Ashleigh dives into the three biggest mistakes new nurses make on night shift—from falling for the “night shift is terrible” stigma to living without boundaries—and how to fix them fast. You’ll also hear her inspiring journey from bedside nurse to business owner, and get the inside scoop on Night School, her coaching program for nurses ready to reclaim their sleep, schedule, and sanity.

We talk burnout, circadian rhythms, mental health, and what every new nurse needs to know to survive and thrive on night shift—before you find yourself crying in the frozen food aisle (trust us, we’ve been there).

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The top 3 mistakes new night shift nurses make

• How to protect your energy, sleep, and mental health

• Why mindset matters more than melatonin

• Ashleigh’s journey from NICU to nurse entrepreneur

• Tools to transition smoothly into night shift life

If you're a new nurse, night shifter, or just need some nurse-to-nurse real talk, this episode is your lifeline.

Connect with Ashleigh Small:

• Instagram: @that.nightshift.nurse https://www.instagram.com/that.nightshift.nurse

  TikTok: @that.nightshift.nurse https://www.tiktok.com/@that.nightshift.nurse

  Website: www.fliptheshift.com

• 
  

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community for New Grad Nurses: The New Nurse Society

Send us a text

Stepping into your first nursing job can feel like a mix of excitement, fear, and pure exhaustion. In this episode, I sit down with my younger nurse self—fresh out of school, full of ambition, and completely unprepared for what was ahead. If you're a new grad nurse or in your first year of practice, this one's for you.

I’m sharing the five things I wish I had known when I started my nursing career—from building resilience and setting boundaries, to letting go of perfectionism and rediscovering your identity outside the scrubs. We’ll also touch on burnout, pivoting in your career, and why it's okay to change direction.

Grab a coffee, take a breath, and join me for some honest, heart-centered nursing advice to help you survive—and thrive—through your transition to practice.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

Landing your first nursing job as a new grad nurse can be overwhelming, but avoiding key mistakes can make all the difference! In this episode, we dive into the most commonly asked questions from my wildly popular New Grad Nurse Interview Webinar. From crafting an impactful resume objective statement to understanding the best way to stand out in a competitive job market, I break down actionable tips that will help you secure your dream nursing job.

We also tackle tricky topics like when to expect a salary offer, if you can negotiate pay, and whether a nurse residency program is worth it. Plus, if you've ever wondered about creating a nursing portfolio for your interview—I've got thoughts!

With years of experience as a hospital recruiter, nurse manager, and hiring committee member, I’m sharing insider secrets to help you shine in the application and interview process. If you’re ready to level up your job search, join the New Nurse Society for exclusive resources, resume templates, interview coaching, and live Q&A calls!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it truly helps! Let’s get you hired, nurse! 🎉👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ #NewGradNurse #NurseInterviewTips #NursingCareer #FirstNursingJob #NurseResidency

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: ⁠https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm⁠ 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠⁠

• Website:⁠ ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

Send us a text

Networking is one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for career growth—especially in nursing. In this episode, we dive into why networking is essential, even in a competitive job market for new grad nurses. I’ll share practical strategies for making meaningful connections at job fairs, leveraging clinical rotations, and engaging with recruiters to land your dream nursing job. Plus, learn how to craft a compelling elevator pitch and master follow-up emails that get noticed. Don’t miss out on the free Job Fair Networking Template below! Tune in and take your nursing career to the next level.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm 

Free Resource: Job Fair Networking Template https://stan.store/nursecoachcaroline/p/life-after-nursing-school-podcast-networking

Resources & References in this Episode: 

• Young and Profiting (YAP) Podcast Episode 273 | Charles Duhigg: Become a Superconnector, How to Build Lasting Relationships that Matter 

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline 

• Instagram: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline⁠

• TikTok: @NurseCoachCaroline ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠www.nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

• Caroline's Online Community: The New Nurse Society

⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/the-new-nurse-society-5514/about⁠ ⁠

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3