Nursing is rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. In this heartfelt episode of Nurse Converse, four award-winning nurses share raw stories of burnout, bullying, chronic pain, and cultural challenges that left them questioning their place in the profession. They explore how finding community can change everything—showing that through online spaces, mentorship, and peer support, connection restores passion, builds confidence, and reminds us that none of us are alone.

Featuring:

• Brandy Pinkerton – Host, Nurse Mentor of the Year
• Travius Keandric – Nurse Content Creator of the Year
• Georgina Villarreal – Nurse Wellness Advocate of the Year
• Melanie Van Sistine – Mel's Crafty Corner, Nurse Founded Business of the Year

If you’ve ever questioned your place in nursing or felt like your voice didn’t matter, this episode will inspire you to find your people, embrace vulnerability, and tap into the power of community to reignite your purpose.

Jump Ahead to Listen: 

[00:02:37] Bullying in nursing.
[00:05:57] Finding community in nursing.
[00:08:10] Amplifying voices in nursing.
[00:13:44] Community support among nurses.
[00:15:14] Vulnerability as a strength.

Connect with the hosts on social media:

Instagram: 

• Brandy: @travnurse101, @nursementorbrandy
• Georgie: @nurse.georgie, @healthxstrong
• Melanie: @mels.crafty.corner 
• Travius: @traviuskeandric 

TikTok: 

• Brandy: @travelnurse101 
• Georgie: @healthxstrong
• Melanie: @mels.crafty.corner 
• Travius: @traviuskeandric 

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

In this episode of Nurse Converse, Maggie Ortiz continues the Protect Your Nursing License Series by busting myths about malpractice insurance and explaining why every nurse — from new grads to NPs — needs to understand how coverage protects their license, career, and peace of mind. Drawing on real cases, legal insights, and her 25 years of nursing experience, Maggie breaks down misconceptions that leave nurses vulnerable and offers practical steps to stay protected.

You’ll learn:

• Why malpractice insurance does not make you a target
• How it ensures unbiased legal protection during litigation
• The financial realities of lawsuits nurses often overlook
• Proactive steps to safeguard your nursing license and career

>>Malpractice Insurance Myths Debunked: Are You Putting Your Nursing License at Risk?

Jump Ahead to Listen: 

[00:01:32] Malpractice insurance misconceptions.
[00:05:59] Cost of nursing litigation.
[00:10:06] Professional liability insurance importance.
[00:12:35] Importance of nursing insurance.
[00:19:06] Protecting your nursing license.
[00:21:26] Protect your nursing license.
[00:25:02] Protecting your nursing license.
[00:28:47] Nurse professional practice protection.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn and on social media:
Instagram: @advocates4nurses

TikTok: @advocates4nurses

Facebook: Advocates4nurses

YouTube: @Advocates4nurses

Don't forget to explore her website, Advocates for Nurses

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

Courtney Jones isn’t just inserting IVs—she’s injecting new energy into what it means to be a nurse entrepreneur. After 17 years at Boston Children’s Hospital, she traded scrubs for business ownership and built I.V. League, a booming IV hydration and aesthetic biz in Boston and New Hampshire.
 
 Colton sits down with Courtney to talk IV therapy, the hustle of starting from scratch (hello, ferry dock marketing), and the real-talk ups and downs of entrepreneurship. From cold plunges to contour therapy, Courtney shares how she built a performance spa that’s more than hangover recovery—it’s about helping people feel better, inside and out.

>>How This Nurse Turned Hangovers Into an IV Hydration Empire

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:01:19] IV therapy benefits and applications.
 [00:06:01] IV therapy for hangovers.
 [00:09:59] Transitioning from nursing to aesthetics.
 [00:12:30] Flexibility in entrepreneurship.
 [00:16:21] Alcohol-related IV incidents.
 [00:19:20] Membership program for hydration.
 [00:21:24] Contrast therapy benefits.
 [00:25:52] Entrepreneurship and all-in mindset.
 [00:28:50] Business skills from nursing.

Connect with Colton on social media:
 Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @nursedaddies
TikTok: @nursedaddies

Connect with Courtney on social media:
 Instagram: @iv_league_hydration

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

Disclaimer: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including domestic violence, rape, suicide and death. Listener discretion is advised.

After nearly 200 forensic exams and 16 years in nursing, Leah Helmbrecht opens up about the emotional toll of working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. In this raw and powerful episode, Leah shares the moments that shaped her career—and the one that led her to walk away from forensic nursing. She talks about the weight of vicarious trauma, the importance of setting personal boundaries, and why self-care isn’t optional in a system that too often fails both patients and providers. Though she stepped away from the role, Leah continues to advocate fiercely for survivor support and systemic change.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, text TALK to 988, or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. 

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence relationship, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text the word START to 88788. 

>>When Caring Turns to Trauma: A Forensic Nurse’s Breaking Point

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:01:06] Vicarious trauma in nursing.
[00:07:45] Forensic nurse examiner experience.
[00:12:45] Systematic betrayal of assault victims.
[00:15:29] Vicarious trauma in healthcare workers.
[00:20:49] Self-compassion in challenging times.
[00:25:15] Red flags in relationships.
[00:27:48] Love in abusive relationships.

Connect With Leah on social media:

Instagram: @offtheclocknurse
TikTok: @offtheclocknurse
FB: Off The Clock Nurse Travels

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

Colton chats with David Rosenbeck—former oncology nurse turned remote work evangelist and co-founder of Go Beyond the Bedside. They spill the tea on what it really looks like to ditch the floor and take your nursing skills online. From burnout and identity crises to freedom, flexibility, and finding your spark again, this convo’s all about helping nurses make bold moves, get that work-life balance back, and remember: you’re more than your scrubs. 

>>WFH Isn’t Just for Tech Bros—Nurses, Here’s Your Remote Job Guide

Jump Ahead to Listen: 

[00:04:32] Remote job benefits for travelers.
 [00:08:23] Remote nursing job opportunities.
 [00:10:15] Remote nursing job success stories.
 [00:15:07] Remote nursing work benefits.
 [00:17:10] Identity and career transitions.
 [00:19:48] Alternative ways to use nursing.
 [00:21:37] Patient-facing vs. behind-the-scenes roles.
 [00:25:18] Nurse burnout and workplace flexibility.
 [00:30:07] Live your life now.
 [00:33:22] Remote work benefits and challenges.
 [00:38:21] Freedom in career choices.

Connect with Colton on social media:
Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @nursedaddies, @club.nurse
TikTok: @nursecolton

Connect with David on social media:
 Instagram: @davidrosenbeck, @gobeyondthebedside

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

In this powerful 30-minute panel episode, Nurse.org brings together four inspiring Best of Nursing Award winners—including your host Melanie, a two-time winner herself—to share how being recognized by their peers has shaped their lives, careers, and businesses.

These aren’t just accolades—they’re community-driven honors. Each guest was nominated and selected by thousands of nurses across the country, making the recognition deeply meaningful and unique in the nursing world.

Featuring:

• Melanie Van Sistine – Host, Mel's Crafty Corner, Nurse Founded Business of the Year
• Travius Keandric – Nurse Content Creator of the Year
• Georgina Villarreal – Nurse Wellness Advocate of the Year
• Brandy Pinkerton – Nurse Mentor of the Year

>>Nurse.org Celebrated Our Award-Winning Nurses on the Reds Field—The Trip of a Lifetime!

Jump Ahead to Listen: 

[00:01:32] Best of Nursing Awards.
[00:04:34] Nurse health coaching journey.
[00:09:03] Entrepreneurial journey in nursing.
[00:12:59] Collaboration, connection, community in nursing.
[00:16:24] Empowerment through nursing awards.
[00:19:39] Legacy in nursing community.
[00:21:57] Social media and personal branding.

Connect with the hosts on social media:

Instagram: 

• Brandy: @travnurse101, @nursementorbrandy
• Georgie: @nurse.georgie, @healthxstrong
• Melanie: @mels.crafty.corner 
• Travius: @traviuskeandric 

TikTok: 

• Brandy: @travelnurse101 
• Georgie: @healthxstrong
• Melanie: @mels.crafty.corner 
• Travius: @traviuskeandric 

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

Liam’s story isn’t just about transition—it’s about guts, grace, and finding your truth. In this episode, he opens up to Colton about what it really feels like to live with gender dysphoria, the messy beauty of coming out, and the rollercoaster of medical steps that shaped his journey from female to male. We talk about the heartbreak and healing that comes with self-discovery, the power of having the right people in your corner, and how social media became both a lifeline and a megaphone for his story. Liam also drops some real talk for healthcare pros on what true support for trans folks should look like. 

>>More Than a Transition: Liam Lazore on Truth, Transformation & Living Authentically

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:02:20] Transgender experiences in healthcare.
[00:05:20] Understanding childhood gender identity.
[00:09:06] Coming out experiences.
[00:12:01] Transitioning process overview.
[00:14:13] Transitioning while in college.
[00:19:40] Social media and mental health.
[00:22:34] Positive experiences with surgeons.
[00:26:12] Fitness journey and body image.
[00:29:15] Importance of patience in growth.

Connect with Colton on social media:
Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @nursedaddies, @club.nurse
TikTok: @nursecolton

Connect with Liam on social media:
Instagram: @liamlazore
TikTok: @liamlaz23

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

What’s it really like to be a man in a profession traditionally dominated by women? In this episode, nurses Brian, Joscel, and Zac share their personal journeys into nursing, shedding light on the motivations that led them to the field—and the unique challenges they’ve faced along the way.

From tackling stereotypes and navigating gender dynamics to showing how compassion and emotional intelligence are game changers, this conversation gives an honest look at the male perspective in nursing.

Jump Ahead to Listen: 

[00:01:34] Male nurses' career choices.
[00:04:54] Family expectations in nursing careers.
[00:09:24] Gender dynamics in nursing.
[00:12:30] Unconscious bias in healthcare interactions.
[00:17:46] Leadership roles in nursing.
[00:19:26] Nursing as a career destination.
[00:22:37] Emotional intelligence in nursing.
[00:26:10] Men in nursing profession.

Connect with the hosts on social media:

• LinkedIn: Joscel, Zac
• Instagram: @brianmakesbenjamins @josceljames @zacshepherdrn
• TikTok: @brianmakesbenjamins @josceljames @zacshepherdrn

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

Colton's getting real with Hospice Nurse Julie—ICU nurse turned hospice educator and unexpected TikTok trailblazer. She shares how working so closely with death has completely reshaped the way she lives: slower, more present, and with a deep sense of purpose.

They talk about the beauty in end-of-life moments, the wild reality of visioning (yes, people really see loved ones before they pass), and how grief, sobriety, and stepping outside traditional nursing norms led Julie to a fuller, more authentic life. If you're craving perspective, permission to slow down, or just a little reminder of what actually matters—this one’s for you.

>>How Hospice Nurse Julie Made Death Go Viral—and Life More Meaningful

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:02:07] Starting hospice education online.
[00:05:09] Living versus dying perspectives.
[00:09:39] Reflection on life and death.
[00:10:20] The importance of discussing death.
[00:16:20] Love and connection at death.
[00:19:12] Survival against all odds.
[00:22:03] Hospice visions of deceased loved ones.
[00:26:01] Connection through mediumship experience.
[00:29:00] Near-death experiences and validation.
[00:30:43] Importance of discussing dying process.

Connect with Colton on social media:
Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @nursedaddies, @club.nurse
TikTok: @nursecolton

Check out Julie's website and connect with her on social media:

• Instagram: @hospicenursejulie
• TikTok: @hospicenursejulie
• YouTube: @hospicenursejulie

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org

Colton gets real about the rising anxiety over world events, nurse draft rumors, and why everyone on TikTok is spiraling (again). He breaks down the actual history of nurses in the military, shares his own COVID-era trauma, and offers a much-needed reality check: you’re probably not getting drafted, but you are overdue for a screen break. With equal parts sass and sincerity, this episode is your reminder to log off, breathe, and take care of the only thing you can control—yourself.

>>Nurses and the Medical Draft: What Would Really Happen?

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:02:06] Hard times throughout history.
 [00:04:02] Managing anxiety in a chaotic world.
 [00:08:13] Nurses and the draft.
 [00:09:36] Military nursing and trauma.
 [00:12:58] Nurses and potential draft concerns.
 [00:17:44] Honoring military nurses' service.

Connect with Colton on social media:
Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @nursedaddies, @club.nurse
TikTok: @nursecolton

For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcast
Join our newsletter at nurse.org/join
Instagram: @nurse_org
TikTok: @nurse.org
Facebook: @nurse.org
YouTube: Nurse.org