Rebel Nurse

This week on the podcast we have Alyson Bunch, BSN, RN, of Prime Recovery and Wellness. Alyson is the cofounder, Director of Operations, and one of the practitioners at the Prime Recovery, a wellness spa located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Alyson had a really early start in nursing! She took classes while she was in high school and completed her Associate's Degree in Nursing right after high school. She had her first nursing job at a level 1 trauma center at the age of 20. She had the goal that many of us did starting out: she just wanted to be able to provide for herself.

She went on to become interested in wellness when she started competing in body/bikini competitions. People kept asking her questions! All of which led her into the path of wellness and esthetics.

In today's episode, she talks about wellness, her medical spa, the VAST differences there are between states in their requirements, and how nurses who are interested in this area/specialty can get started and get more information.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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This week on the podcast we have Megan Mbengue, BSN, RN, CHPN, and Ariane Williams, BSN, RN.

Megan is the CEO and founder of Trusted Canna Nurse.

Recognizing a gap in the healthcare system, Megan set out to bridge the divide between medical professionals and the world of cannabis and CBD. With over 10 years of nursing experience in diverse fields like oncology, labor delivery, and hospice care, she brings a unique perspective to her practice.

Megan holds national certifications in three nursing specialties and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics.

Ariane is the Director of Patient Services at Trusted Canna Nurse.

Ariane is a seasoned nurse with 16 years of dedicated service in the fields of Emergency Medicine, Labor & Delivery, and Alternative Medicine. Based in the vibrant state of Texas, Ariane has spent recent years passionately guiding individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery, drawing from the realms of cannabis, herbal remedies, and psychedelic integration.

Cannabis Nursing is an upcoming field and I cannot wait for you all to hear this episode!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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Black Sheep Nurse website

Also - check out the Trusted Canna Nurse website!

https://www.trustedcannanurse.com/

This week on the podcast we have Laura Alessio, MSN, RN. Laura has done many jobs using her nursing degree. Currently, she is working as a Legal Nurse Consultant who conducts Defense Medical Exams (DME).

Laura completed a 2nd degree nursing program - but not a bachelor's program. It was a master's program. She already had a bachelor's degree in another subject and found a direct entry MSN program.

Laura started her nursing journey in the public health arena. As a public health nurse, she managed a case load and was essentially doing nurse case management. She stayed in touch with a nursing school friend who introduced her to the world of worker's comp case management iand she made the transition.

Laura eventually made her way into Legal Nurse Consulting - which is very popular these days! And for good reason. Legal Nurse Consulting isn't just one job - it's a massive umbrella under which there are MANY opportunities for nurses.

Today, Laura tells us about Defense Medical Exams (DME) that are conducted by Nurse Observers. Laura does just this....and she owns her own business in doing so.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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Also - check out Laura's website and see the nursing services she offers!

Laura Alessio's website

This week on the podcast we have Ashley Stewart, BSN, RN. Ashley is a forensic nurse in Canada! We have had multiple foresnic nurses on this show - but never one from Canada.

Ashley started her nursing journey as a psychiatric nurse and then within a year made her way over to the forensic nurse specialty.

Ashley talks to us about the differences in nursing education between Canada and the United States. We also discuss the difference in forensic nursing between the 2 countries.

Ashley is also the current President of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and is a wealth of knowledge about the specialty.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

Black Sheep Nurse Instagram

Black Sheep Nurse website

This week on the podcast we have Jennifer DiPietrantonio. Jennifer is an ER nurse in New York. She is also the founder, owner and CEO of Stink Balm.

Jennifer takes us through her nursing journey into being an ER nurse and also tells us about how and why she started the company, Stink Balm.

Hint: she saw a problem and created a solution.

We had a ton of fun on the show today. Please listen and then go check out Stink Balm!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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Black Sheep Nurse website

Where to find Stink Balm products:

Stink Balm website

This week on the podcast we have Kylee Nelson. Kylee is a travel NICU nurse! And oh by the way...she has a massive blog called Passports & Preemies. It is so freaking cool.

Kylee went into nursing not knowing exactly what she wanted to do. That is...until she walked into a neonatal unit. At that instant, she knew she had found her home. So she started as a NICU nurse and has been working in that specialty ever since.

But along the way, she got the travel bug and wanted a way to be able to travel the world and use her nursing degree as well. So not only has she completed domestic NICU travel assignments, but also NICU nurse assignments abroad! She has worked in North Macedonia and Saudia Arabia and has so many stories to share.

She also has a large social media presence and a blog called Passports & Preemies. She writes blog posts about her travel as a NICU nurse, NICU nursing in general, and her travels abroad. Did I mention she has a podcast as well?? It's called Passports & Preemies Talks. She does it all!

At the time this podcast airs, she will be in South East Asia!! So cool!

If you have ever wondered about traveling abroad working as nurse or just travel in general, be sure and listen to this episode.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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Black Sheep Nurse website

Where to Find Kylee Nelson & her blog:

https://www.passportsandpreemies.com/

This week on the podcast we have Shelly Zimmer. Shelly was first introduced to nursing when she was in high school! Her high school had a special program where they introduced the students to different career paths. She also had a favorite aunt that was a nurse. So it was meant to be!

Shelly has been a nurse for 38 YEARS!!! What an unbelievable accomplishment. And so she has so much information to share.

Shelly still works clinically here in the states, but about 15 years ago she started working abroad doing different projects as a nurse. She has worked in at least 15 countries! On the podcast, she talks about these programs that she works for, how it works, where you stay, if she feels safe...all the things!!!

If you have ever wondered about what opportunities exist for nursing abroad, this is the episode for you!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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Black Sheep Nurse website

This week on the podcast we have Justin Owens, RN, ADN, BA, business owner. Justin came to nursing as a 2nd career - like so many! He started out in his professional life as plant pathologist for Bayer. Yes, that's Bayer, as in the aspirin. (So cool and interesting...)

But he always knew he loved the medical field so he entered into nursing!

A couple of years of working as a nurse on an orthopedic floor, he started Heart Sound Solutions - a company that provides stethescopes and other gear at affordable prices. Justin saw a problem and made a solution! What nurses do best!

On the podcast, Justin talks about his path into entrepreneurship and all of the bumps along the way. Here's a hint: You don't have to have it all figured out! Justin also gives advice for nurses who have ideas and want to start a business.

You can find his website here https://heartsoundsolutions.net/

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and on our website!

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Black Sheep Nurse website

This week on the podcast we have Jenn Zahourek, RN, BSN, business owner. She started out briefly as a psych nurse, then went to the ER. But now her main jam is her company: RekMed!!

Jenn tells us her story and journey into nursing. She actually started out as a mental health counselor! She had always wanted to go to nursing school but hated the sight of blood. But she got over her fear and finally made it happen.

On the podcast, Jenn talks about her company, Rek Med. They started out selling student nurse planners and have evolved from there. It is so cool to hear her story and where she is leading the company.

Jenn also gives advice for nurses who have ideas and want to start a business. She will absolutely inspire you.

You can find her website here https://www.rekmed.org/

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Black Sheep Nurse website

This week on the podcast we have Cai Degruzman, LVN. She is a quality assurance audit nurse and also started her own side hustle called Crafty Cai.

Cai tells us about her journey into nursing. And it isn't like most.... She is an LVN. She started in the Phillipines but then had to start completely over when she came to the US with her family. But she made it! And she is her to tell us what she is doing now as a QA audit nurse

Cai also started her own business during the pandemic called the Antisocial Nurses Club (we were all forced to be a little antisocial during the pandemic). It has been a labor of love. And she gives tips to nurses who have an idea in their hearts. Just do it!

You can find her website here (It's called Craft Cai with Antisocial Nurses club merchandise!)

Thank you so listening!

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Black Sheep Nurse website