March 25, 2025

Part 1 - From Overwhelmed to Empowered: An Inspiring Story with Sarah Michelle Boes

46 minutes

In this two-part episode series of Nursing Uncharted, Ann interviews Sarah Michelle Boes, a nursepreneur, about her journey through nursing school, mental health challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 on her education. Sarah opens up about her experiences with anxiety, OCD, and the pressures of nursing exams, emphasizing the importance of transparency and support in mental health. The conversation highlights the resilience required to navigate nursing education, the evolution of personal motivations in the profession, and how mental health challenges can ultimately enhance nursing skills.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Mental Health Challenges in Nursing
06:13 COVID-19’s Impact on Education and Clinical Anxiety
12:08 Facing Adversity: Leaving and Returning to Nursing School
17:49 Building Resilience and Achieving Success
23:25 Navigating Education and Anxiety During COVID
27:17 Transitioning to Nurse Practitioner and Teaching
34:20 Understanding OCD and Finding Strength Through Diagnosis
40:18 Lessons Learned and Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

About Sarah:
Sarah Michelle Boes, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is the Founder of Sarah Michelle NP Reviews and Chief Nursing Officer at Blueprint Test Prep. With a BSN from the University of Kentucky and an MSN in Nursing Education from Western Governors University, she has extensive experience in oncology, intensive care, and nursing education. In 2020, she launched SMNP Reviews, growing it to a seven-figure business in seven months before its 2022 acquisition by Blueprint.

Inspired by her daughter Meadow’s battle with severe heart defects, Sarah is a dedicated advocate for pediatric cardiac care, mental health, and female entrepreneurship. She and her husband are donating $15 million to Norton Children’s Hospital for a new Congenital Heart Center in Meadow’s honor.

Connect with Sarah:

sarahmichelleboes.com
@sarahmichellnp
LinkedIn

Celebrate Nurses Month with us on Instagram @AMNNurse!

About Ann

Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13 years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 4.5 years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing.

Connect with Ann on Instagram @annifer05

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