In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Our trip to NurseCon at Sea, including what we did, our favorite things, and what we would have changed about it.
• Three things every nurse needs to hear right now.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

We’re back and ready to dive into a new episode, just in time for Nurses Week! Today, we’re covering our trip to NurseCon at Sea and the three things every nurse needs to hear. First, we’ll recap our incredible experiences at NurseCon and our top stories we can’t wait to share with you. What did we do there? What were our favorite things? What would we have changed? Then, we’ll go over three important things we think every nurse should hear. We have an exciting episode for you, so come and join in on the fun!

00:40 Our NurseCon at Sea recap!

02:40 How was our live episode at NurseCon?

03:20 What happened to our live event recording?

05:25 Staying up for 37 hours.

10:20 What did we do after boarding?

13:15 What makes NurseCon so fun? What can you do there?

16:50 What was Kristen’s favorite part of the trip and what would she have changed about it?

18:15 What was Maddi’s favorite part of the trip and what would she have changed about it?

20:40 How was the staffing at NurseCon?

23:05 What are three things every nurse needs to hear?

24:10 Is it okay to change your mind?

29:35 Why are you more than just a profession?

32:10 What helps you refill your cup?

34:50 Taking the time to appreciate you.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How to prep for nursing school.
• The tools and resources you’ll need to stay organized and plan ahead.
• How to enjoy yourself while in nursing school.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Today, we’re taking you to school! This episode is all about helping you prepare for nursing school before you go. We’ll be sharing our do’s and don’ts of nursing school prep, so you can head into the first semester ready to succeed and achieve! We talk about avoiding procrastination, planning ahead, setting goals, saving money, and more. You won’t want to miss out on the advice and tips you should know from experienced nurses who have been there and done that! Tune in and find out how to prep yourself, rock your classes, and most importantly of all: enjoy the journey!

00:40 What is new with us?

04:00 Going to NurseCon at Sea!

06:05 What was Maddi’s new experience over the weekend?

08:50 How do you prep for nursing school?

09:35 Why is procrastination your biggest enemy?

12:00 How much money should you spend on required items?

14:50 Setting semester goals for yourself.

17:10 How can you work on skills more efficiently?

19:10 What kind of rewards can you give yourself after you succeed?

20:40 What tools do you need to plan ahead?

25:25 Why should you do your research?

28:40 Taking the time to relax while you can.

32:00 What is the most important thing to remember?

• What integrative medicine is, and what makes it so important to the future of health and wellness.
• Tips for new grads and nurses interested in getting into integrative medicine.
• Why we should focus on making ourselves and our health a priority.

Resources + Links:

Create your Fusion Market Place Travel Nurse Profile!

Connect with Heather on Instagram | @naturally_heather

Follow @thatnurseheather on Tiktok!

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

What can you do to make your health a priority? Today, our guest is an integrative nurse, Heather, who is here to share her knowledge and expertise on all things integrative medicine! We’ll go over what integrative medicine is, what its benefits are, and how it can help take your health to the next level. What does the life and duties of an integrative nurse look like? What makes preventative treatments and self-care so important? What advice does she have for new grads and nurses interested in integrative medicine? It’s time to start living a healthier life for a healthier you!

00:40 Say hello to Heather, an integrative medicine nurse in NYC!

03:35 What was it like working as a new grad in New York during the pandemic?

07:10 How did you get into integrative medicine, and what is it?

08:45 Where did you first hear about integrative medicine?

11:10 Why are preventative treatments so important?

14:25 The day-to-day of an integrative medicine nurse.

18:20 What does your practice in NYC look like?

20:00 How do you approach remedies at your practice?

22:00 What tips and advice do you have for someone interested in integrative medicine?

23:40 How much experience does someone need to get into integrative medicine? Into IV?

26:15 The benefits of having experience.

28:00 How can nurses start to live a healthier lifestyle?

31:25 Why should we make ourselves a priority?

32:40 What are the four pillars of health?

36:10 What are your favorite products that you think nurses can benefit from?

39:00 What products do you like from an integrative health perspective?

42:40 What parting words do you have for the listeners?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How to live in and appreciate the now.
• Taking your own path at the right pace for you.
• The importance of being positive and staying open-minded.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Are you feeling restless? Can’t stop thinking about what comes next? This episode is your wake up call! Today, we want to focus on the now and why it’s so important to live in, appreciate, and embrace! We all know how important planning for the future and setting goals are, but sometimes we can forget to live in the present when that’s all we do. We’ll be talking about taking things at your pace, enjoying the little moments, and staying open-minded, so we can start living presently to enjoy life fully! The journey is just as important as the destination, so come and join us in the now!

00:40 Where is today’s special recording location?

01:50 Kristen’s new job and our busy schedule updates.

02:55 What did we do over the weekend? 

05:50 How can we live in the now?

07:30 What happens when we focus too much on the future?

11:00 How can we start living presently?

13:35 Why do we always need to get to the next step? How can we get out of that mindset?

15:25 Do things happen for a reason?

18:45 How to avoid the negative and find the positive.

20:50 Why is it important to be open-minded?

23:40 The sign you’ve been waiting for.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

Nikki’s experience diving into being an ER nurse in Manhattan as a New Grad.

Each of our experiences navigating the pandemic, and what that was like in New York City.

Advice for New Grads considering going directly into a specialty unit.

How creating social media content has given us a sense of community and gratitude for nursing!

Resources + Links:

Check out Nikki’s TikTok videos | @nikkialvarezz

Follow Nikki on Instagram | @nikkialvarezz

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Whether you were navigating the pandemic as a seasoned nurse, new grad, or nursing student these past two years we’ve all worked and learned through uncharted territory. In this episode we’re excited to welcome our very first ER nurse on the podcast, Nikki Alvarez! Nikki graduated nursing school in 2019 and dove right into being an ER nurse in New York City. With COVID hitting Manhattan hard, Nikki shares her experience having her fellowship cut short, navigating the pandemic, and discovering a whole new appreciation for her career as an ER nurse. Whether you share Nikki’s experience, are curious about what it was really like working as an ER nurse in NYC, or you want details on the process of becoming a nurse in the city…there is something for everyone in this episode! Including what it’s like to create TikTok videos that resonate with nurses everywhere! 

01:15 Meet NYU Nursing School Alumni and ER nurse, Nikki!

03:00 Did you have previous experience in the medical field before becoming a nurse?

05:40 What are characteristics that make a great ER nurse?

07:15 Nikki’s experience working in the ER in New York City during the pandemic.

12:30 What is the fellowship process like for new grads in NYC?

13:15 Nikki’s first interview changing from her cap and gown to interview clothes after graduation!

15:50 Different experiences transitioning from nursing school to your first year as a new grad.

18:15 How did you get started creating your TikTok?

21:30 Ways creating content has helped Nikki gain a whole new appreciation for her career.

22:40 What are your goals for this upcoming year?

24:50 Creating content and a shoutout to the Instagram husbands and boyfriends out there!

27:00 What are some Pros and Cons of being a New Grad in the ER?

30:00 Advice for New Grads jumping immediately into a specialty unit.

33:30 The importance of self care and taking care of your health!

35:00 Where can everyone connect with you?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The pros of being an ICU nurse, including scheduling, autonomy, opportunities, and more.
• The cons of being an ICU nurse, including high stress, difficult patients, physical labor, and more.
• How to know if ICU is right for you.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Do you want to know if ICU is right for I-C-you? Today, Maddi is flying solo and sharing her top favorite and least favorite things about being an ICU nurse! What are the pros and cons of working ICU? Do the positives outweigh the negatives? How do you know if you’re a good fit for ICU? From the highest highs to the lowest lows, this episode will cover everything you’ll need to know about what life as an ICU nurse actually looks like!

00:40 Why is today a solo episode?

02:25 How did I get involved in ICU?

04:50 What are the patient ratios in ICU?

07:45 Having easy access to the medical team.

10:05 What is so nice about flexible scheduling and extra shifts?

11:10 What drew me to ICU?

12:25 How does nursing provide opportunities for growth?

14:00 How does ICU give nurses more autonomy?

15:35 Working in a high stress environment.

16:20 What does physical labor look like in ICU?

17:40 How to deal with difficult patients and/or family members.

19:10 What is the most heartbreaking thing about working ICU?

21:05 How do you know if ICU is right for you?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What Nurses Inspire Nurses is, and how it has been positively impacting nurses and nursing students.
• The importance of inspiring each other.
• How to foster a supportive community.

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Nurses Inspire Nurses!

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Are you ready to feel inspired? This episode, we have the CEO & founder of Nurses Inspire Nurses, Cat Golden, here to share her nursing & business journey with us! Together, we’ll explore the power and importance behind nurturing a strong, supportive community for all nurses. What can we do to inspire and uplift others? And how can we not only take care of others, but also prioritize ourselves? Today is an ultra-positive, ultra-supportive episode you won’t want to miss! Join us and learn how to get inspired so you can go inspire!

00:40 Meet the incredible Cat Golden, CEO & founder of Nurses Inspire Nurses!

02:10 Who is Cat Golden?

05:35 What was your nursing journey like before Nurses Inspire Nurses?

08:35 Knowing your secret superpower.

10:25 How did you start your business?

15:55 Why should we be supporting each other?

18:05 Why do we need to support nursing students?

19:40 How did it feel to take Nurses Inspire Nurses full time?

23:40 Prioritizing your happiness.

26:00 What made you realize you needed to make a change?

27:40 Pushing through the fear.

31:50 What can people take away from Nurses Inspire Nurses?

36:50 What final advice do you have for anyone listening?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What goes on before, during, and after a 12 hour shift.

How to survive your shift.

How to prepare for a 12 hour shift.

The best way to reduce stress and anxiety & decompress.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

What really goes on during a 12 hour shift? More importantly, how do you survive!? Today, we’re going over everything you need to know to help you get through those long hour shifts! We’ll discuss what you can do to prepare for your shift, including how to relax and lessen your anxiety so you can set yourself up for success. Then, it’s time to dive into what happens during the shift and what you can do to stay organized and updated. Finally, we’ll share our tips on the best ways to decompress and recuperate afterwards. By the end of this episode, you won’t have to fear the 12 hour shift any longer!

00:40 How do you make it through a 12 hour shift?

02:20 Prepping the day prior to a shift.

05:20 How do you cut down anxiety?

07:05 What should you do when you’re on shift, from a day perspective?

09:45 What should you do when you’re on shift, from a night perspective?

11:05 Tips for charting.

13:25 Why is taking breaks so important?

14:45 Staying updated with chart reviews.

17:30 What can you do during downtime?

18:45 What do you need to do at the end of your shift?

21:35 What do you do after you get off shift?

24:10 How to burn energy before sleep.

27:25 What is the best way to get through 12 hour shifts?

In This Episode, We Chat About:

Ways to prepare for your shifts, personally and professionally!

Things to watch out for during report.

Examples of trusting your gut and times you’ll likely need help.

The reminder that it’s ok to ask for help AND ask questions! (Seasoned nurses need this too!)

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Check out Maddi’s daily tips on TikTok | @nurse.maddi

Show Notes:

The season of your career as a New Grad is exciting, nerve wracking, and full of SO MUCH LEARNING! As this happens to be the beginning of Season 5, it felt like the perfect time to reflect on the beginning of our careers as nurses. This episode is full of things we wish someone would have told us when we were getting started as new grads! From avoiding drama, to tips when receiving report, we hope this gives you the confidence to know things you can do to set yourself up for success! One of the things we love about nursing, regardless of the first job you dive into, is there are seasoned nurses there to support you! We know what it felt like to get started, and we’re glad to be part of the nursing community to support you too!

01:40 The first mistake to avoid (and red flag to watch  out for during your preceptorship!)

04:30 What is the policy?

06:20 How to avoid burnout and spreading yourself too thin.

08:00 What if there is drama on the unit?

10:40 Do your actions show that you are dependable?

13:15 Extra benefits of showing up early for your shifts as a new grad!

13:50 Benefits of doing bedside report!

18:40 Maddi’s experience being able to pick up a change quickly because she did bedside report.

20:00 What should I do when I make mistakes? (Mistakes happen! Here’s how to handle it!)

20:40 Communicate if you don’t feel safe and comfortable with a patient assignment.

23:20 What should I do when I have questions?

24:40 Take this as permission to ASK FOR HELP! You’ll have opportunities to help too!

26:20 Examples of trusting your gut!

29:30 How can I keep myself a priority on the list of people I’m taking care of?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How to overcome imposter syndrome and boost your confidence.
• Advice for nursing students and the NCLEX.
• The first steps you should take to become a nurse.
• What we’ve learned from our past mistakes.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

You asked for it, so we’re answering it! For our Season 4 finale, we’re doing a fun, chill Q&A session going over the questions you’ve all sent in for us! If you’ve ever wondered how we deal with imposter syndrome, our goals for this year, or what our favorite color of scrubs are, then look no further than this episode. We’ll talk about travel nursing, studying for NCLEX, learning from past mistakes, and more. Let’s wrap up this season by exploring your questions together!

01:15 What is your favorite lunch bag for work?

04:15 What is your favorite thing to order from the cafeteria?

05:30 How do you overcome imposter syndrome?

08:35 Learning how to accept compliments.

10:45 When should you start studying for NCLEX?

14:45 If you could wear one color of scrubs forever, what would it be?

17:10 What would you tell your nursing student self?

21:00 What would you like to see happen in your life this year?

23:55 If you did travel nursing, which city would you apply to?

25:35 The appeal of travel nursing.

28:25 What is the first thing you should do to become a nurse?

31:20 What is a mistake you’ve made, and how did you learn from it?

35:55 What is coming up in Season 5?