Discover how Lori Schellenberg turned her retirement into a second career as a patient advocate, proving it's never too late to pivot and find your purpose.

In this Nursing Now podcast episode, Laurie shares her inspiring journey from retired nurse to entrepreneur, creating a thriving career that supports patients and empowers nurses to explore new opportunities beyond the bedside.

🔹 Highlights from this episode:

- Transitioning nurse to independent patient advocate

- Insights into patient advocacy and how it differs from traditional case management

- Tips for navigating career changes and starting your own business

Lori is reinventing what it means to be a retired nurse!

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Lori’s story shows how seizing opportunities can reshape a career. Her journey began at the bedside, but curiosity led her to a home health role, where she enjoyed new freedom. When a manufacturing plant offered her a temporary role as an occupational health nurse, Lori hesitated—then took the leap. That decision opened doors she never imagined, giving her experience in worker’s compensation, OSHA regulations, and health program development.

As Lori moved from one role to another, she discovered how transferable her nursing skills were. She brought clinical insight into business roles, mentoring new case managers, marketing programs, and helping companies grow. Every pivot added new layers to her career, teaching her that uncertainty wasn’t a barrier—it was a chance to evolve.

Building partnerships became essential. When an orthopedic surgeon needed help managing worker’s compensation cases, Lori guided him and even helped him launch an Independent Medical Exam business. These collaborations showed her that no journey is taken alone; shared goals and trust fuel success.

Later, retirement seemed like the next chapter, but it left Lori searching for purpose. A friend’s suggestion to explore patient advocacy reignited her passion. Lori immersed herself in learning, joining professional groups and building a vision: she could use her expertise not just to help patients but to mentor nurses looking to pivot away from the bedside.

Launching Stepping Stone Advocacy Services became her way of giving back. Through her advocacy, Lori supports patients navigating the healthcare system while mentoring nurses seeking new paths. Her story—marked by resilience, collaboration, and constant reinvention—proves it’s never too late to embrace change and take control of your career.

🔗 Follow Lori for More:

• LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/lori.schellenberg
• Facebook: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-schellenberg-a2b29118b
• Instagram: @lorischellenberg27
• Website: www.steppingstoneadvocacy.com

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Curious about becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)? 📋 In this episode, Janelle McSwiggin chats with Danielle Delgado about her inspiring journey from bedside nursing to thriving as an LNC.

Highlights:

- Transitioning from bedside nursing to legal nurse consulting

- Key skills for success

- Balancing bedside shifts with consulting work

- Tools for managing thousands of pages of medical records

- Tips to get started, including free resources and practice cases

Danielle shares her insight as a successful, but newer LNC on the scene. Her tips

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• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Danielle Delgado is a San Diego-based Legal Nurse Consultant and the founder of Medical Legal Integration, LLC. With a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and years of clinical experience in critical care and risk management, Danielle blends her advanced education with her nursing expertise to assist attorneys in tackling complex medical cases. From analyzing intricate medical records to attending Defense Medical Exams, Danielle is dedicated to bridging the gap between law and medicine. When she’s not immersed in her consulting work, she enjoys exploring sunny San Diego and spending quality time with her dog, Finn.

🔗 Follow Danielle for More:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadinglegalnurse/
• Instagram: @leadinglegalnurse
• Website: http://www.leadinglegalnurse.com

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Tenley Force, BSN, RN shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a successful author, offering insights tailored for new nurses and aspiring writers alike. She was inspired by her experience as a novice nurse on the floor. She seeks to support other novice nurses through her book, New: Nursing and the Art of Being Human.

Tenley talked about:

• Writing a self-help book for new nurses
• Insights from 50 nurses across the U.S.
• Exploring the importance of storytelling in nursing
• Transitioning from bedside nurse to published author
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your community
• Understanding publishing routes: independent, indie, and traditional

She went deep into the publishing process and talked about her experience in the industry. Tenley is a passionate, driven nurse making her own waves in the industry.

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• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Tenley is a registered nurse from Southern California. Her nursing background includes med-surg respiratory, disaster response, public health, and nursing education. She is a current fellow at Duke Divinity School in the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative. Tenley is a published author specializing in self-help for new nurses. Her book New: Nursing and the Art of Being Human debuted in 2023. It is her passion to equip nurses with tools to maintain their holistic sense of wellbeing in the midst of such a demanding profession.

🔗 Connect with Tenley on:

• LinkedIn: @tenleyforce
• Instagram: @tenleyforce
• facebook: @tenleyforce
• Threads @tenleyforce
• Website: tenleyforce.com

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Janelle McSwiggin was excited to chat with Lacy Hess, RN about her fulfilling role as a certified pediatric sleep consultant! In this inspiring episode, Lacey shares her journey from bedside nursing to helping exhausted parents reclaim their nights and improve their children's sleep.

Highlights from the episode:

- Transitioning from nurse to sleep consultant  

- Overcoming challenges like marketing and business building  

- Balancing a nursing career with entrepreneurial goals  

- Tips for success in pediatric sleep consulting and beyond  

Lacy reminds us that nurses are dynamic in how we can support our patients!

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• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Lacy Hess has been a registered nurse for 14 years, with most of her bedside experience in the Emergency Room and the past eight years as a Stroke Coordinator at a Comprehensive Stroke Center. After earning her Master’s in Nursing Education in 2019 and welcoming two children, she sought a new challenge that combined her love for teaching with her passion for helping families. That journey led her to pediatric sleep consulting.

Through Lacy’s Lullabies, she guides parents through their children’s sleep challenges, offering tailored strategies to foster sleep independence and bring sleep back to their homes. She believes sleep deprivation doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of parenthood. By empowering parents with the right tools, she helps families thrive together.

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lacyslullabies
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lacyslullabies
• facebook: www.facebook.com/lacyslullabies
• Website: www.lacyslullabies.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@LacysLullabies

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Join Janelle McSwiggin, MS, RN and Chelsea Strawn, RN, CCM as she reveals the ins and outs of Case Management.

Chelsea reviews the minimum requirements to enter the field, what her days look like, and how to get started in case management, even if you don’t meet all the typical requirements.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

- The day-to-day responsibilities of case managers in workers' compensation.

- A breakdown of field vs. telephonic case management

- Key personality traits that make a great case manager.

- The subspecialties within workers’ comp

- The role of networking and mentorship

Chelsea was gracious with her time and went into detail about how to break into this tight-knit industry.

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Chelsea Strawn is the AVP of Case Management, a Certified Case Manager, and a Registered Nurse with a background in orthopedics. With a deep passion for improving the workers' compensation industry, Chelsea leads teams that provide exceptional care for injured workers.

Chelsea is also the Founder of Christians In Comp, a LinkedIn group that connects Christian professionals within the workers' compensation community, offering support through networking, prayer groups, and remote studies. She is a firm believer in the power of faith and collaboration in the workplace.

In addition, Chelsea founded LightHouse Comp Consulting, a firm dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of workers' compensation management for healthcare providers. LightHouse offers a range of services from social media management to educational support, helping providers streamline processes and deliver top-tier care to injured workers.

Chelsea is also the founder of LightHouse Career Services where where she helps workers' compensation professionals and newcomers advance their careers, providing coaching and guidance to navigate their growth within the industry.

As a military spouse, Chelsea brings a unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and service, principles that shape both her professional and personal life. She’s passionate about driving positive change in the workers' compensation industry, uplifting others through faith, and fostering strong communities.

Join Chelsea as she discusses the intersection of faith, leadership, and innovation in the workers' compensation field.

Connect with Chelsea on LinkedIn on her personal and company page.

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Janelle McSwiggin, RN was excited to host the knowledgable, supportive Marie Peppers, LPN. Marie helps nurses leave the bedside and thrive in a variety of remote roles.

Marie is our first LPN on the show she is absolutely pushing back on the traditional misconceptions surrounding LPNs to absolutely shine in her mentor role.

Get ready to learn about:

- The diversity of remote nursing fields

- How an LPN mastered remote nursing success

- The proximity principle and how it can open doors

- Practical tips for nurses transitioning from bedside to remote roles

- The importance of building connections through platforms like LinkedIn

- How specialized courses can empower nurses to expand income potential

This is an episode you won't want to miss!

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• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Marie Peppers, LPN is a prominent figure in the remote nursing field, recognized as the founder of an online training program that teaches nurses how to work remotely from home.

She is known for pioneering remote nursing courses, allowing nurses to transition from bedside care to work-from-home roles. Marie has accepted an Advisor position on the board for Patients First Foundation. Our motto, "Put Healthcare Back in the Hands of Patients"

Marie has assisted many companies on evaluating their digital health products to improve efficiency and quality. Companies appreciate Marie's input when designing Virtual Telehealth and Remote RPM/CCM digital systems. Marie also has accepted a position as an Advisor for CareCo which is a new software system for care management and care coordination with artificial intelligence assisting. Nurses and others will love how CareCo software will take away the "Not So Fun" documentation tasks and streamline the coordinators times with the patient. Documentation is key to all medical care but now you have a little helper with CareCo!

🔗 Follow Marie for More:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remotenursejobs/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remotenursemarie/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remotenursejobs/
• Website: https://chronic-care-manager-course-medicare-ccm.teachable.com/courses/
• Course website: https://theworkathomenurse.com/blog/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pPZPBpKhrI&t=3s

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Join Janelle McSwiggin, MSN, RN and Janelle Salo, RN as they chat about nurse writing. Janelle is a successful writer who made the transition less than a year ago. She shares her insight on the transition from nurse to writer and the challenges she faced. Check out her website here and make sure you sign up for her newsletter.

💡 Highlights of this episode:

- Tips for choosing a niche that aligns with your passions

- The role of LinkedIn in finding clients and building a freelance career

- Overcoming impostor syndrome as a new writer

- Balancing freelance writing with personal life and side projects

- How to transform bedside experience into a sustainable income

- The basics of nurse writer jobs and what they involve

Whether you're curious about writing, leaving the bedside, or starting your own blog, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the first step.

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now
• 
  

Connect with Janelle on:

Instagram: @healthy_earthliving

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Healthy-Earth-Living/61560010173467/

www.healthyearthliving.com

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From ICU nurse to fertility educator - discover Morganne Skinner's inspiring journey with your host, Janelle McSwiggin!

Learn how she transformed her endometriosis struggle into a thriving business helping women understand their menstrual cycles and fertility.

Janelle and Morganne chat about:

- Connect with successful nurse entrepreneurs

- Use LinkedIn and Facebook communities

- Navigate business basics without expensive tools

- Build your foundation using free resources

- Start your business confidently without waiting for "perfect" timing

Morgan shares her experiences with certification, working with doctors, and building a successful online presence while supporting the healthcare industry.

Don't miss this empowering conversation about redefining nursing roles and finding your niche in the away from the bedside!

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now\

Morganne is a devoted advocate within the fertility and endometriosis community, committed to increasing awareness and offering vital support. Through her nursing and herbalist background and personal experience with endometriosis, she brings a unique perspective to the table. Her mission is to empower individuals with knowledge, resources, and a robust support system, which she offers through her fertility awareness classes and coaching services.

You can find her resources here or connect with her on her instagram.

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Discover how one nurse is revolutionizing the fight against burnout! Brian Shaw, founder of HeartMyCare, shares his journey from bedside nurse to app creator. Join Janelle McSwiggin, RN, as she chats all things business and tech in the nursing realm.

Learn how this game-changing solution aims to reignite passion in nursing by connecting patients and nurses in a meaningful way.

Brian discusses:

-the inspiration behind HeartMyCare

-how he created an app from a drawing

-his interpretation of burnout and the nursing shortage

-his inspiring business value routed in nursing ethics

Whether you're a nurse feeling burnt out or an aspiring healthcare entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights on reconnecting with your purpose and taking that first step towards innovation.

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Brian Shaw is a nurse-turned-entrepreneur and the visionary behind HeartMyCare, an innovative app designed to empower nurses and strengthen connections with their patients. With years of experience on the frontlines of healthcare, Brian combines his firsthand understanding of nursing with a passion for creating solutions that address burnout and foster recognition in the profession. His mission is to make a lasting impact on the nursing community, one 'heartbeat' at a time. When he’s not advocating for nurses, Brian is busy expanding Caremiga, the company behind HeartMyCare, with a long-term vision of elevating nursing culture and well-being.

🔗 You can connect with Brian on:

LinkedIn

TikTok

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

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Discover how one nurse transformed her career from bedside care to empowering financial freedom! Prisca Benson shares her inspiring journey from nursing to money coaching. Learn how she accidentally became an entrepreneur and now helps others achieve financial wellness.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transition from nursing to money coaching

• How to start your entrepreneurial journey

• The importance of financial stability before career changes

• Tips for nurses interested in exploring alternative career paths

• Resources for improving your financial literacy

This episode is a double whammy. We chat about entrepreneurship, but we also talk about actionable tips you can take to manage your finances better. Prisca goes over her favorite resources as a money coach, and breaks down the life-changing support she offers.

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

I'm Prisca Benson, a passionate money coach dedicated to transforming financial lives. Despite facing my own share of financial challenges, including accumulating unnecessary debt and struggling as a poor saver, I managed to grow my investment accounts by over $370k in just 6 years. This remarkable turnaround was a result of mindset shifts and creating a solid plan. Through my business, Our Green Life, I help professional women create a plan for their money that allows them to live their best life now while securing their dream future.

Connect with Prisca Benson, RN & Money Coach here:

• TikTok
• Youtube
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Check out her free resource "3 steps to Financial Freedom".

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