Nursing Matters | This Week's Episode: Building a Global Opportunity for Nurses

What happens when a nurse decides to stop waiting for someone else to solve a problem and builds the solution herself? You get The Mama Coach — and a business that has quietly changed the lives of thousands of families and hundreds of nurses around the world.

This week on Nursing Matters, we're sitting down with Carrie Bruno, Founder and CEO of The Mama Coach, for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring and incredibly practical. Carrie shares the deeply personal story behind why this business exists — what she was navigating in her own life as a nurse and a mother that made her say enough and start building something better.

We go beyond the origin story, though. We dig into the global opportunity The Mama Coach represents for nurses who are craving more autonomy, flexibility, and income without leaving the profession they love. Whether you're a bedside nurse feeling burned out or an entrepreneurial RN ready for your next chapter, this episode is going to open your eyes to what's possible.

And perhaps most powerfully, we talk about legacy — what Carrie is building for nurses everywhere and why it matters far beyond her own business.

This is exactly the kind of conversation The RN Network was built for.

🎧 Learn more and explore the Mama Coach opportunity at themamacoach.RNNet.org

Don't miss this one.

To visit The RN Network, visit RNNet.org.

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

Quick question for nurses:

Have you ever accepted a job based on what they told you in the interview... only to discover the reality was completely different?

📍 "Flexible scheduling" = schedule posted 2 days in advance

📍 "Competitive pay" = $8/hour below market rate

📍 "Team player environment" = guilt trips about saying no to extra shifts

This week's Nursing Matters podcast gives you the exact questions to ask to uncover the TRUTH about:

→ Actual salary ranges (and how to ask without seeming difficult) → Real schedule flexibility (approval rates, posting timelines, mandatory OT)

→ Workload reality (ratios, support staff, short-staffing frequency)

We're also covering major nursing news: a fall prevention toolkit achieving 53% reduction, AACN's workplace transformation initiative, and why nursing demand just hit a record high.

In Recruiter's Truth: The STAR method breakdown that keeps your answers under 90 seconds and makes you memorable.

This is the career advice conversation I wish I'd had 20 years ago.

🎧 New episode live now!

What's the biggest disconnect you've experienced between a job interview and job reality? Drop it in the comments. 👇

#AskARecruiter #NursingCommunity #HealthcareJobs #RNJobs #NurseAdvice #CareerTips #TheRNNetwork

Welcome to Nursing Matters, the podcast created specifically for nurses who want to stay informed, advance their careers, and feel connected to a community that truly understands the healthcare landscape.

Hosted by Christina Archer, founder of The RN Network—a LinkedIn community serving over 200,000 healthcare professionals—this weekly podcast brings you the stories, strategies, and support you need to thrive in your nursing career.

What You’ll Hear Each Week

Nursing News Round-Up: We kick off every episode by celebrating the incredible work nurses do across the country. From off-duty heroics to groundbreaking innovations, we shine a light on the positive stories that remind you why this profession matters. Recent episodes have featured nurses saving lives on their days off, major leadership recognitions, and cutting-edge technology partnerships designed to give nurses more time at the bedside.

Career Development Masterclasses: Whether you’re looking for your next position or trying to level up in your current role, we provide actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Learn how to network effectively using The RN Network’s exclusive facility directory, bypass the black hole of online applications by connecting directly with recruiters, and build a career development strategy that actually works.

The Recruiter’s Truth: With over 20 years in healthcare talent acquisition, Christina pulls back the curtain on what recruiters really look for. From optimizing your LinkedIn profile to crafting messages that get responses, you’ll get insider knowledge that positions you ahead of 95% of other nurses in the workforce.

Real Talk About Real Issues: We don’t shy away from the challenges nurses face, but we approach them with solutions, not just complaints. As the nursing shortage expands through 2030, you need more than generic advice—you need targeted strategies that make you stand out in a competitive market.

Who This Podcast Is For

Nursing Matters is designed for nurses at every stage of their career—whether you’re a new grad navigating your first job search, an experienced nurse looking for your next opportunity, or a seasoned professional ready to step into leadership. If you’re someone who values professional growth, appreciates honest career guidance, and wants to be part of a community that celebrates nursing excellence, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and join The RN Network community at RNNet.org. Because your career matters, your growth matters, and you matter.

New episodes drop every week. Let’s build the nursing career you deserve—together.

Ready to make your next career move? In this episode, host Christina Archer breaks down exactly how to resign from your nursing position with professionalism, grace, and your reputation intact. Plus, we’re celebrating some genuinely GOOD news in nursing—from nurse practitioners being ranked #1 in America to major healthcare investments in nurse compensation and well-being.

Whether you’re actively job hunting or just thinking about your next move, this episode gives you the insider knowledge you need to navigate career transitions like a pro.

What You’ll Learn:

🎙️ Nursing News Roundup (3:00-8:30)

* Nurse Practitioners ranked #1 Job in America for the 3rd consecutive year

* Providence Health System commits $600M to staff pay increases in 2026

* American Nurses Association recognized as “Best in Business” by Modern Healthcare

* New AI Innovation Grants available for nurse-led research (deadline Feb 17, 2026)

* How digital transformation will impact nursing practice in 2026

* American Nurses Foundation expands Well-Being Program to rural and long-term care settings

💼 Main Topic: Leave Your Position Like a Rock Star (8:40-22:00)

* Step 1: Know your why—but keep it professional

* Step 2: Timing your resignation perfectly

* Step 3: The resignation meeting game plan (includes word-for-word scripts!)

* Step 4: How to handle your two-week notice period

* Step 5: Navigating exit interviews with grace

* Step 6: Staying connected without burning bridges

* How to handle counter-offers, guilt trips, and difficult manager reactions

🔍 The Recruiter’s Truth (22:10-26:30)

* What Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are and how they work

* Why your resume might be rejected by a robot before a human sees it

* 5 strategies to beat the ATS and get your application in front of real people

* Insider tips on keywords, formatting, and customization

* What to do when you get an automated rejection

Key Takeaways:

✅ Leaving a job is a normal part of career development—you can do it professionally✅ Focus on what you’re moving TOWARD, not what you’re running FROM✅ Your manager should hear your resignation from YOU first, not through the grapevine✅ Document everything and stay engaged during your notice period✅ Applicant Tracking Systems scan for keywords—customize your resume for each job✅ Never bad-mouth former employers on social media or in professional circles

Resources Mentioned:

📥 FREE Career Development WorkbookDownload The RN Network’s comprehensive 39-page Career Development Workbook—absolutely FREE! Create a roadmap for your nursing career, no matter what stage you’re in.👉 Get Your Free Workbook at TheRNNetwork.com

🤝 Join The RN Network CommunityConnect with over 200,000 nurses on LinkedIn👉 Visit https://linkedin.rnnet.org

💰 AI Innovation Grants for NursesApply for $10,000 microgrants for nurse-led AI research (Deadline: February 17, 2026)👉 American Nurses Foundation website

📊 Nurse Practitioner Career InformationLearn more about the #1 ranked job in America👉 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Connect With Us:

🎧 Subscribe to Nursing Matters on your favorite podcast platform💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn: Search “The RN Network”📧 Questions or topic suggestions? Contact us at TheRNNetwork.com⭐ Leave us a review and help other nurses find this podcast!

About The Host:

Christina Archer is the Manager of Onboarding Experience at TheKey Home Care and founder of The RN Network, a LinkedIn community serving over 200,000 healthcare professionals. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare talent acquisition and a Master’s in Leadership & Organizational Development, Christina is passionate about helping nurses navigate their careers with confidence and strategy.

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by:

* Figs Scrubs - Look good while you do good. https://figs.rnnet.org

* Dutch Vet Care - 24/7 Telehealth for your pet! https://dutch.rnnet.org

* The RN Network Career Development Workbook - Free download at https://www.rnnet.org

Nursing Matters Episode 011526 is now available! Hosted by Christina, founder of The RN Network—a thriving community of 200,000+ healthcare professionals—this podcast delivers the insights and strategies you need to advance your nursing career in 2026.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode:

✅ Breaking Nursing News – Four major stories from this week that directly impact your career, including health system innovations, CMS reimbursement changes, AI integration in nursing education, and safe staffing developments

✅ Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone – Real data and success stories showing how nurses who make bold career moves earn 23% more, achieve higher job satisfaction, and build more fulfilling careers

✅ Emerging AI Careers for Nurses – Discover cutting-edge opportunities and lucrative side hustles nurses are building right now, from AI documentation specialists earning $145K to course creators making $25K monthly

Ready to make 2026 your breakthrough year? Listen now and take the first step toward the career you deserve.

Please visit this week’s Sponsors to support this podcast:

* Dutch Veterinary Telehealth - 24/7 care for your pet for a low monthly fee

* American Academy of Healthcare - Online certifications for nurses

* The RN Network Jobs - find and apply for your next role. Employers post jobs.

Happy New Year, nurses!

I’m kicking off 2026 with a power-packed episode of Nursing Matters that covers everything you need to take your career to the next level this year—no matter what stage you’re at.

Here’s what we’re covering:

✅ Breaking nursing news from the past 10 days (including the potential NYC nurse strike, federal policy changes affecting long-term care, and why nursing degrees are being classified as “non-professional” 🤯)

✅ Strategic career moves for new grads that go beyond just “surviving” your first year

✅ How experienced staff nurses can leverage the current job market (hint: you have more power than you think)

✅ Leadership strategies that actually work in 2026’s challenging healthcare environment

My favorite part? The practical, actionable steps you can implement THIS WEEK. Because your career doesn’t build itself—you do it intentionally, one strategic choice at a time.

Whether you’re:

* A new grad trying to choose your first position wisely

* A staff nurse wondering “what’s next?”

* A leader navigating unprecedented workforce challenges

* Anyone feeling stuck and ready for a change

...this episode has something for you.

Plus—I want to hear YOUR story! If you’ve navigated a major career transition, overcome significant challenges, or have insights that could help other nurses, send me a message. Let’s get your voice on the podcast and help other nurses learn from your journey.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit RNNet.org

Drop a comment below: What’s your biggest career goal for 2026? Let’s support each other in making it happen.

#NursingMatters #NurseLeadership #CareerDevelopment #HealthcareLeadership #NursingCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #TheRNNetwork #Nurses2026

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode: 5 Career Moves to Make Before the New Year

Nursing News Headlines:

* CMS announces new nursing home staffing requirements

* Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS.gov)

* https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/

* National nursing shortage projected through 2030

* Source: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

* https://www.ncsbn.org/news/

* Virtual nursing programs show mixed results (Penn study)

* Source: JAMA Network Open, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

* Published: December 5, 2024

* https://jamanetwork.com/

AI & Healthcare Compliance:

* FDA guidance on AI/ML-based software as a medical device

* Clinical decision support tools and liability considerations

* Learn more about AI healthcare compliance at RNNet.org

5 Career Moves:

* Request your performance review early

* Update your resume with 2025 accomplishments

* Have one strategic coffee chat

* Set up your 2026 professional development plan

* Clean up your online presence (LinkedIn, Google)

Pop-Culture Highlights:

* Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 continues to defy medical reality

* Nurse TikTok creators keeping healthcare humor alive

* Golden Globes nominations feature healthcare stories

Resources:

* Free Career Planning Guide:

https://www.RNNet.org

* (Click Career Resources)

* Join The RN Network community:

https://www.RNNet.org

* Download free resume templates

* Access salary negotiation guides

* Connect with 200,000+ healthcare professionals

Next Episode: Red Flags to Watch for During Your Job Search

New research from Penn Nursing provides valuable insights into how virtual nursing programs are impacting bedside nurses. We explore the data, discuss what’s working well, identify opportunities for improvement, and share how nurses can contribute to evidence-based implementation.

Key Takeaways:

* 57% of nurses report virtual nursing didn’t reduce workload

* 53% saw some improvement in quality of care; 11% saw significant improvement

* Strong evidence supports bedside staffing; emerging evidence on virtual nursing best practices

* Thoughtful implementation is key to success

Resources:

* Share your experience in our Virtual Nursing Survey: https://forms.gle/o7jkb69uzacYq6EVA

* Read the full article: https://thernnetwork.substack.com/p/virtual-nursing-the-disconnect-between

* Join The RN Network community: https://www.RNNet.org

Study Reference: University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing study published in JAMA Network Open, December 5, 2024

#Nurses #Nursing #VirtualNursing #Healthcare #NursingCareers #TheRNNetwork