The Ambitious Nurse | Career Strategy for High-Performing Nurses Ready to Advance in Leadership

In this style-meets-leadership episode, we’re talking about what your outfit says before you even introduce yourself. 

Bonnie is joined by certified image consultant and color specialist, Heather Riggs, who shares expert tips on how RNs, APRNs, and nursing leaders can align their personal style with their professional goals. Whether you're stepping into a boardroom, a Zoom interview, or a networking event—your wardrobe is speaking for you. Let’s make sure it’s saying the right thing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why professional image matters in nursing leadership
• What to wear (and avoid) in interviews, presentations, and virtual settings
• How to build a capsule wardrobe without overwhelm
• Simple ways to dress with confidence—even in scrubs
• How your personal style can boost your credibility and visibility

👉 This episode is especially for nurses who want to lead with presence—and style.

Heather Riggs Info: 

Join HER Style community on Facebook - https://herstylellc.com/community 

Take the free Personal Style Quiz - https://herstylellc.com/quiz 

Listen to HER Style Podcast - https://herstylellc.com/podcast

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

Feeling stuck in your nursing career—even with years of experience or an advanced degree? You’re not alone. In this episode, Bonnie breaks down the real reasons nurses feel uncertain about what’s next—and introduces a simple tool to help you get clear. Whether you're an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, discover how self-awareness and career reflection can reignite your purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Common causes of career stagnation
• The power of clarity over job searching
• How to use the free Nurse Career Growth Roadmap

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

This podcast was #1 one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.

How do I find my nursing niche? How do I advance my career as a nurse? Have you asked these questions before? 

There are so many career paths for nurses that we get stuck. It's a good problem and a bad problem to have. It's good because it gives us options. It's bad, because we have so many options that we stay stuck because we don’t know what to choose or are afraid to make a wrong choice.

 Stick around in this episode. I address these questions and more.

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.

The blueprint for developing your nursing career is right here. Founded on the principles of Professional Ascension, the Ambitious Nurse Podcast is about helping nurses grow professionally. Professional Ascension provides career coaching and mentoring for nurses with experience. 

The framework of Professional Ascension is to Discover your Nursing Career Path, Explore your Nursing Career Interests, Set Nursing Career Goals, and Take Action in Your Nursing Career. Throughout this show, we discuss the framework's pillars and examples of how they are applied to nursing career paths.

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.

There are red flags that indicate it's time to move on from your current job, but many people stay longer than they should. This episode is to help the nurse consider whether to stay at the bedside or leave.

Should they stay in nursing or leave nursing? 

Should they stay in healthcare or leave? 

By the end of the episode, you will have tips to help you decide whether to stay or leave the bedside. 

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.

Can you imagine finding joy in your nursing career while maintaining financial stability, even during the strenuous summer months? 

By establishing boundaries, you can achieve greater flexibility and autonomy, focusing on what truly matters professionally and personally.

From feeling overwhelmed in your role to finding a job that aligns with your aspirations, we explore how you can gain clarity. I also delve into managing ego, creating a succession plan, and recognizing when it's time to move on to new opportunities. 

If you're struggling with boundaries, this episode is just for you. 

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications?

 Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you back and learn how to align it with job descriptions to get past HR screening systems. 

I’ll share practical tips to highlight your experience and bridge perceived gaps in leadership, ensuring your resume stands out.

Learn about the power of proactive career steps, navigating workplace politics, and knowing when to seek sponsorship or new opportunities. Whether dealing with micromanagers or advocating for policy changes, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Plus, I offer personalized career guidance—schedule a one-on-one call to discuss your path and get tailored advice.

Let’s work together to help you achieve the nursing career you desire and make a lasting impact in the profession. Don’t forget to share this episode with fellow nurses and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 

Are you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action.

Bonnie challenges the "checklist mentality" many nurses adopt, urging you to shift from procedure to strategy. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, asking the right questions, and gathering data to inform your decisions. It's time to stop overthinking and start taking strategic steps toward the career you deserve.

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

What a milestone!! This is my 50th episode. I decided to get a little personal and controversial even for me. I pray it blesses you and directs you on your next steps in advocating for your patients, families, and yourself. 

This episode discusses the current political climate and its effects on nursing. You must advocate for yourself and your patients. I also stress the role of faith and prayer in navigating difficult times, encouraging a focus on spiritual grounding. I urge you to contact your political representatives by phone and email. 

You must know your values and stand up for what you believe in professionally and personally. It's time for you to rise and make your voices heard.

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

There is a lack of clarity when it comes to nursing career goals. The majority of nurses know what they want to do when they join the nursing profession. However, for some, their thoughts about what they want to do begin to change after they've been in the profession for a while. Exposure to more influences their desire to follow a different path. Often, they don't know what that path will be.  It is my goal to make you feel like you can make a difference in your career and have the power to navigate further. 

During this episode, we provide good examples of nursing career goals and offer practical guidance on how to set achievable goals that can make a significant difference in your nursing career. By the end of the episode, you'll have gained valuable insights into the importance of setting career goals and feel empowered to take control of your nursing career.

As a nurse, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of the job. However, it's important to take a step back and think about your long-term career goals. 

Whether you're just starting or have been in the profession for a while, this podcast offers useful tips and advice to help you reach your full potential as a nurse. Don't let your career plateau, set clear goals and watch yourself grow as a nurse. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the importance of nursing career goals.

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

Support the show

Trying to figure out your next career step? 
Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap

Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.