Episode Description

This week's episode covers historic nurse strikes reaching critical turning points, celebrates two incredible Magnet designation achievements, and reveals the career portfolio secret that makes candidates unforgettable in interviews. Plus, we discuss the importance of preventive health in light of a tragic loss, and preview an exciting conversation with The Mama Coach founder Carrie Bruno.

In This Episode

Introduction & This Week's Topics

Overview of breaking news in nursing

What to expect from this episode

SEGMENT 1: Nursing News Roundup

Child Trafficking Awareness

The importance of trafficking awareness training for nurses

Red flags to watch for in clinical settings

Professional obligations for healthcare providers

Historic Nurse Strikes Update

NYC Strikes: Breaking news - Montefiore and Mount Sinai reach tentative agreements

10,500 nurses could return to work February 14th

NewYork-Presbyterian nurses still striking

Key issues: safe staffing, workplace violence protections, health benefits

Kaiser Permanente Strikes: Over 34,000 healthcare workers now off the job

Pharmacy and lab workers join the strike

Unfair labor practice allegations

National implications for nursing contracts

Celebrating Nursing Excellence: Two Magnet Designations

University Medical Center Southern Nevada: First hospital in Nevada to achieve Magnet status

Historic achievement for the state

What Magnet designation means

El Camino Health: Achieves fifth Magnet designation

Among fewer than 2% of hospitals nationwide with this honor

40+ years of nursing excellence

Key achievements: 90.1% BSN+ nurses, 55.6% specialty certified, superior patient outcomes

Norma Melchor Nursing Excellence Endowment

Honoring James Van Der Beek & The MAHA Movement

Passing of actor James Van Der Beek at 48 from colorectal cancer

Rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults

Making America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement

The role of processed foods in chronic disease

Nurses as nutrition educators and health advocates

Congress Protects Nursing Education Funding

$305.472 million secured for Title VIII programs

National Institute of Nursing Research funding maintained

What this means for addressing the nursing shortage

How to advocate for continued funding

SEGMENT 2: Career Planning & The RN Network

What The RN Network Offers:

Career Development Resources

Weekly Newsletter

Nursing Matters Podcast

Community Connection (200,000+ members)

Job Opportunities & Career Matching

Career Coaching & Strategy Sessions

Exclusive Partnerships & Discounts

SEGMENT 3: The Recruiter's Truth - Career Portfolio Advantage

What to Include in Your Nursing Career Portfolio:

Professional Resume

Licensure & Certifications

Letters of Recommendation (2-3 recent)

Performance Reviews

Continuing Education Certificates

Awards & Recognition

Project Examples/Case Studies

Professional Development Evidence

Reference List

How to Present Your Portfolio:

Professional binder with table of contents

Sheet protectors for all documents

Multiple copies of resume and references

Strategic presentation during interviews

Practice beforehand

Why It Works:

Shows preparation and professionalism

Provides evidence, not just claims

Makes you memorable

Demonstrates pride in your work

SEGMENT 4: What's Coming Up

Next Week's Guest: Carrie Bruno, RN, IBCLC, MSCP

Founder & CEO of The Mama Coach

Topics we'll cover:

Services for families: pregnancy, postpartum, feeding, sleep, women's health

Balancing nursing careers and motherhood

Starting your own nursing practice with The Mama Coach

Building autonomy and flexibility in nursing

12-16 week pathway from idea to independent practice

Influencer Spotlight Opportunity

Share your nursing impact story

Reach 200,000+ nursing professionals

Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned

The RN Network

Website: RNNet.org

LinkedIn Group: https://linkedin.rnnet.org

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors

Figs Scrubs: Figs.RNNet.org

Dutch Veterinary Telehealth: Dutch.RNNet.org - $11/month for unlimited vet video visits

Eko CORE 500 Digital Stethoscope: Visit Stethoscope.RNNet.org

40x amplification, active noise cancellation

Built-in 3-lead ECG with FDA-cleared AI

Free 14-day Eko+ trial included

Organizations & News

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) - Magnet designation information

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)

United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)

Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs

Coming Next Week

The Mama Coach: themamacoach.com

Interview with Carrie Bruno

Key Takeaways

Career Portfolio Action Item: Start gathering documents for your professional portfolio this week - even if you're not actively job searching

Advocacy Matters: Contact your congressional representatives about nursing education funding

Health Education: Use the MAHA movement as an opportunity to educate patients about nutrition and preventive health

Community Connection: Join The RN Network on LinkedIn for career support and professional development

Stay Informed: The outcomes of current nurse strikes will set precedents for nursing contracts nationwide

Learn more about The RN Network at https://www.RNNet.org

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thernnetwork.substack.com