The Conversing Nurse podcast

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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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I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

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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).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
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Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
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Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

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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).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!

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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]

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
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Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

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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

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!

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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).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!

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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).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!

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Sleep. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, quality sleep is as essential to survival as food and water. It is crucial for forming and maintaining the neural pathways in your brain that allow you to learn and create new memories. Lack of sleep can make it harder to concentrate and respond quickly.
Now, imagine being a healthcare professional—a nurse, physician, or surgical technician—who is also the parent of a child who struggles to sleep and prevents anyone else in the house from getting rest. Yet your job requires you to make critical decisions and perform complex tasks while being chronically sleep-deprived, which can have catastrophic consequences.
Enter Lacy Hess, a nurse entrepreneur who created Lacy’s Lullabies, a sleep consulting business aimed at helping parents and children achieve the restful sleep they need. As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, Lacy assists parents in developing safe sleep plans designed to promote sleep independence. With 13 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, a certification in Emergency Nursing, and a Master’s degree in Education, Lacy brings a wealth of knowledge and credibility to her practice. Her clients consistently provide rave reviews.
If you're a nurse considering a change in specialty or looking to start a side hustle, sleep consulting could be an ideal option. This field leverages many skills that nurses excel at, including flexibility, time management, prioritization, and the ability to provide evidence-based education.
In the five-minute snippet: Well, son of a nutcracker, it’s Buddy the Elf.
For Lacy's bio, visit my website (link below).
Lacy's Lullabies Blog
Lacys Lullabies FB page

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!

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Imagine for a moment if Angie Gray were a recipe. She would be equal parts professionalism, inspiration, and compassion, with just a pinch of badassery thrown in.
But she is not a recipe. She is a thought leader, a nurse coach, a keynote speaker, and she has the challenging task of training C-suite executives to bridge the gap between them and the healthcare professionals on the front lines.
Angie and I are soul sisters of a sort: we love sporting our rose-colored glasses, which is not a negative. We are not blind to the dirty side of nursing: the bullying, burnout, staffing, and wage inequity. Rather, we choose to see the positives and to be the change we wish to see in the profession.
Our discussion was filled with wisdom and insights about why our profession is both great and yet struggling. Angie’s hashtag, #lovingdisruption, is gaining popularity and resonance, and I can’t wait for you to hear her explanation. My prediction? It’s going viral.
So get in, sit down, buckle up, and get ready for a wild ride because this woman has a lot to say!
In the five-minute snippet: she’s a hunker-down kinda gal. For Angie's bio, visit my website (link below) and listen now!
High-Performance Nursing
Sister Friends Podcast
Angie on Dr. Oz show

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!

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 Beth Sanford is known as the "Sunshine Nurse" for two reasons. First, she is a doctorally-prepared nurse who has conducted extensive research on the importance of vitamin D in improving patient outcomes. Her studies have explored how vitamin D levels affect ICU patients, long-term care residents, and global maternal health. Beth is passionate about addressing vitamin D deficiency in clinical practice, population health, and policy.
Did you know that vitamin D is both a nutrient and a hormone essential for nearly every cell in the body? It plays a crucial role in hundreds of processes every day. Deficiencies in vitamin D are now recognized as a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, impaired cognitive function, various cancers, pregnancy complications, and cardiovascular disease.
We explored how low vitamin D levels impact nurses and other healthcare professionals who work night shifts or are exposed to artificial light for over 12 hours a day. Beth compares the effects to pseudodementia, which can slow response times and hinder the ability to make critical decisions. If you are a nurse experiencing profound fatigue, run, don’t walk to get your levels checked!
Now, back to why Beth is known as the "Sunshine Nurse" for the second reason. She can literally light up a room. With her beautiful smile, positive outlook, and generous spirit, Beth reminds us all that we could use a little more light in our lives.
In the five-minute snippet: North Dakota is nice!
Sperti Vitamin D Lamp
Vitamin D Calculator
Why Fear the Coming of Winter in Game of Thrones? The hypovitaminosis D hypothesis
Substantial Vitamin D Supplementation Is Required during the Prenatal Period to Improve Birth Outcomes  Hollis & Wagner, 2022   A call to action for maternal health
How Vitamin D Changed Hospital Patient Outcomes: An Interview with Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews - GrassrootsHealth

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here!  https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast 

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!