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Chinelo Okoye is a remarkable double-board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in both adult and pediatric care. Beyond her clinical expertise, she passionately advocates for the representation of nurses in the media. As the founder of Nurse on Purpose, she works to eliminate stereotypes and showcase the intelligence, professionalism, leadership skills, and dedication to patient care that nurses embody.

 I had a candid conversation with Chinelo about my complacency regarding the negative portrayal of nurses. I acknowledged the hypersexualized Halloween costumes and the disheartening narratives in shows like Nurse Jackie and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which depict nurses in such a negative light. Despite recognizing that these portrayals didn't reflect the true essence of nursing, I realized I had not actively challenged these misrepresentations—sadly, I didn't even get angry about it.

 What are the consequences if we choose to ignore the media's misconceptions about us? Chinelo emphasized that our ability to attract new nurses to the profession diminishes when potential candidates see these negative portrayals. Moreover, it impacts nurse retention. After all, why would a brilliant nurse remain in a field that is so inaccurately represented?

Through her Nurse on Purpose podcast, Chinelo elevates the image of nursing by showcasing nurses as innovators, advocates, leaders, and entrepreneurs, demonstrating the diverse and impactful roles that real nurses play. As author Robert Byrne aptly stated, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose,” and Chinelo is undoubtedly embodying that purpose every day.

In the five-minute snippet: She’s in the dog house and she’s not sad about it. For Chinelo's bio, visit my website (link below).

Nursing is STEM coalition

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This week, I had the pleasure of catching up with a returning guest, the OG Nursepreneur, Farah Laurent. Since our last conversation over two years ago, she has been achieving remarkable success.  Not only does Farah hold six board certifications, but she has also earned a doctorate in nursing.

One exciting development is that Farah hosted her first nursing conference titled “Nurses Making Money Moves.” By the time this episode airs, the conference will have already taken place and, I’m sure, been a huge success. Good news for future fans—Farah plans to make this conference an annual gathering. And that title sounds familiar, it is also the name of her new book.

It feels like Farah is everywhere, doing everything. Whether you catch her on LinkedIn Live or listen to her podcast, The Nursing Dose with Farah, her energy is undeniable. She is truly dedicated to helping nurses elevate their careers. 

In the five-minute snippet: DJ Farah is setting fire to the dance floor.

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In the heart of northern New Zealand, nestled between rolling hills and lush green valleys, lay Heart Place Hospital, a beacon of innovation in the world of healthcare. Founded by Jacqui O'Connor, a Registered Nurse with three decades of experience, this unique wellness charity is unlike any hospital seen before. 

After her own dismantling and rebuilding, Jacqui has devoted her life to the intricacies of mental well-being and integrative health, believing that true healing goes beyond the limits of conventional medicine. 

As a self-proclaimed “cycle starter,” Jacqui radiates a palpable energy that draws in fellow healthcare professionals, artists, and community members alike. She understands the constraints that often stifle creativity within the medical field, and she is determined to break those barriers. Her vision is clear: healthcare should embrace all facets of human experience—mind, body, and soul. 

With so many healthcare professionals feeling the effects of burnout in their jobs and their lives, Jacqui’s movement toward a more holistic approach to health creates a vision of empowerment and creativity. With Jacqui at the helm, Heart Place Hospital will inspire healing and innovation, one community connection at a time.

In the five-minute snippet: Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. For Jacqui's bio, visit my website (link below).

Heart Place Hospital Facebook

Heart Place Hospital Podcast YouTube

Heart Place Hospital Spotify

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What can I say about Rachell Dumas? Or perhaps, what can't I say about her? 

Rachell is an extraordinary nurse with a powerful story of pregnancy loss that will leave you both in tears and shaking your head in disbelief. 

After experiencing the loss of nine pregnancies, Rachell founded the nonprofit organization “A Light After Nine.” This organization aims to provide families navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and maternal trauma with the emotional, financial, and mental health resources they need. In true "nurse" fashion, Rachell works tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for equitable maternal healthcare. 

Through Rachell, I learned about maternal palliative care, which is not only for mothers who are dying but is also essential for those experiencing high-risk pregnancies. Considering that 30% of pregnancies end in loss, this approach is a brilliant way to support this community.

You may have heard the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Rachell embodies the light she wishes to see in the world.

In the five-minute snippet: Tell me you’re a nurse without telling me you’re a nurse. For Rachell's bio, visit my website (link below).

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This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with NICU mom and author, Jennifer Bernardo. Jennifer gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl—at just 26 weeks gestation. Her book, Week 26, is a firsthand account of their lives in the NICU and beyond. Jennifer’s journey began with a distressing wake-up call: she was hemorrhaging. Rushed to the hospital, she underwent an emergency C-section, where she delivered her son, weighing just two pounds, followed by her even smaller daughter, weighing one pound and eleven ounces. What followed was a four-and-a-half-month rollercoaster ride in the NICU. Jennifer perfectly described the experience as being "two steps forward and one step back." At times, our conversation was raw emotion. No parent wants to describe the first time they meet their child as "traumatic," yet Jennifer bravely did so. But she also recounted joyful moments, such as skin-to-skin holding and visits from their sibling. In her book, Jennifer emphasizes that the NICU journey is truly a family affair and includes reflections from her husband's and daughter's perspectives. As Jennifer’s story illustrates, attitude is everything. Week 26 is a story of heartbreak and hope, and through her writing, Jennifer shows us that when your world turns dark, you must look for, and be the light. In the five-minute snippet: Basketball, baseball, soccer, oh my! For Jennifer's bio and book recommendations, visit my website (link below).

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This week, I had the great pleasure of speaking with my friend and colleague, Dr. David Borge. David is an OB/GYN who has retired from the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule and now enjoys using his expertise in Saipan and, more recently, Panama, his country of birth. As the son of missionaries, David spent his early years with his five siblings in Panama, France, Egypt, and Madagascar. His father, a physician, often brought young David to the hospital, where he could round on patients and observe surgeries. These experiences profoundly enriched his life, fueled his passion for service, and motivated him to become a physician. David’s Next Adventure Travel Blog chronicles his work with the Floating Doctors organization. You’ll read the stories of his time in Saipan, treating women with cancer, birth defects, and high-risk pregnancies—compounded by a lack of medical support—which will make you appreciate life here in the United States. Although he hasn't yet written about his recent trip to Panama to establish a medical clinic with midwives, I am eagerly anticipating his stories. After delivering thousands of babies in eight countries, David has discovered that kindness, compassion, and competence resonate across cultures and are unified by our common humanity. Prepare yourself for emotional conversation filled with wonder, laughter and tears with an exceptional human. In the five-minute snippet: Well, they are a travel necessity. Here is David Borge. For David's bio and book recommendations, visit my website (link below).

[email protected]

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For today’s episode, I’ve got questions and Maggie's got answers. Do you need a nurse advocate? Well, consider this your lucky day. Meet my guest, Maggie Ortiz. As founder and CEO of Advocates for Nurses, she provides guidance, education, and empowerment to nurses facing legal, regulatory, and professional challenges. Terrified of facing a Board of Registered Nursing investigation? Maggie's your insider. Equally terrified of being deposed? She literally wrote the book on it. Do you see where I’m going here? Maggie is dedicated to ensuring nurses have the resources and support they need to confidently protect their licenses—and that’s what I would call a true advocate for nurses. In the five-minute snippet: Did she just dis Dallas? For Maggie's bio, visit my website (link below).

Advocates for Nurses Podcast

Nurse Advocates YouTube

Advocates4Nurses Facebook

Online courses

Guide to the Courtroom for Nurses E-Book

One-on-One Consultations

Introduction to Legal Nurse Course

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My guest this week, Joseph Harrison, is a nurse practitioner who facilitates the creation of independent practices for other nurse practitioners through his company, Avail Health.

Per his LinkedIn profile, Joseph states, “Weaving together many threads to help realize the quintuple aim of healthcare.” To be honest, I was unaware of this ambitious initiative before speaking with him, but he clearly and succinctly explained both our current successes and the areas where improvements can be made.

I found it interesting to learn that before becoming a nurse practitioner, Joseph worked in the hospitality industry as a server and a teacher. Perhaps it's this background that enables him to be such an exceptional nurse practitioner. He forms personal connections with his patients, allowing them to take an active role in their care.

I would also argue that this ability contributes to his success as an entrepreneur. Nurse practitioners often express a desire to provide excellent, person-centered care while also seeking time and financial freedom. Joseph truly listens to these needs and is working to make them a reality, one practice at a time.

In the five-minute snippet: Barbarians, Rogues, and Druids, oh my! For Joseph's bio, visit my website (link below).

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This week my guest is Sachin Chauhan, the founder and CEO of An Extra M. This India-based organization has provided education and training to over 50,000 nurses and nursing students worldwide, focusing on the essential soft skills needed for effective interpersonal relationships with both patients and colleagues.
You may wonder, what are soft skills? Soft skills include critical thinking, time management, teamwork, leadership and emotional intelligence, among others. While these skills are beneficial in all professions, they are particularly crucial for nurses. Our work often involves interacting with individuals who may be experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
And nurses don't work in silos. They are vital members of a multidisciplinary team. Therefore, your team's success depends on soft skills.
I am truly inspired by Sachin's story about the birth of An Extra M, and I know once you hear it, you will be too.
In the five minute snippet: Dance party in Sachin's kitchen! For Sachin's bio, visit my website (link below).

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Imagine being a sick or injured child entering the healthcare system and being approached by nurses and doctors wielding strange objects, sharp needles, and unpleasant medications. Now picture being the parent of that child, who naturally wants to protect and advocate but lacks the health literacy to comprehend what is happening. Whether parent or child, you would likely be terrified and would want someone like Nurse Deon on your side.
Fortunately, there is Deon Huffman, a pediatric nurse with 10 years of experience dedicated to educating both parents and children. He helps them understand common procedures in a clear and approachable manner, never condescending. Deon’s YouTube videos cover a variety of topics, including healthy eating for kids, understanding emotions, vital signs, and the MRI machine. His trips to the zoo are both educational and entertaining.
Nurse Deon doesn’t work alone; his team includes physicians, child life specialists, and even puppets. Together, they create an evidence-based educational broadcast that rivals any popular children’s programming.
Research shows that when parents and children are educated, their anxiety levels decrease which makes our job as healthcare professionals easier and more enjoyable, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
In the five-minute snippet: let them eat cake! For Deon's bio and book recommendations, visit my website (link below).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
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