The Self Care Unit

For this past Nurses Week, our goal was to showcase the nursing community by hearing from nurses directly. So for this episode of the Self Care Unit, nurses generously share their stories on the podcast, including what they love about the job, what motivates them, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future. In the process, they give a personal insight into what is actually happening in the profession, the pride nurses take in their work, the many paths that a career in nursing can take, and the ways working as a nurse can change you as a person.

CW: This podcast may contain discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to listeners.

This week, we are thrilled to have The Pitt’s Katherine LaNasa on the show!  Earning praise from healthcare workers for its accuracy and realism, The Pitt does not shy away from showing the everyday realities of life in the hospital. As Charge Nurse Dana, Katherine is a fan favorite, and she talks with us about the show's authenticity, the nuances she brought to her role, and how she portrays the emotional and physical demands of nursing.

As with her work on screen, Katherine’s compassion absolutely shines in this conversation — she may have asked more questions than we did! So, on behalf of all the nurses who have loved watching Dana keep things moving, we are so grateful to Katherine for chatting with us!

CW: This podcast contains discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to listeners.

On this week’s episode of The Self Care Unit Podcast, Micheline and Carley had the pleasure of chatting with @minaa_b . Minaa is a social worker, the author of Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World, and the founder of I’m So Mature ( @imsomaturemedia ), a media company that explores art and entertainment as forms of healthy escapism. Minaa helps people in areas like resilience, building relationships, and creating a community where well-being thrives. We covered some very tangible and important interventions we can use in our daily lives, especially when we’re going through difficult times.

CW: This podcast may contain discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to some listeners.

This week, we tackle the complex issue of bullying within the nursing profession. Carley and Micheline share some personal experiences, discuss how bullying behavior emerges, and give listeners some strategies for handling workplace bullying in direct and indirect ways. What's clear is that we can all work together to create a more supportive profession, especially for new nurses and students!

CW: This podcast may contain discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to some listeners.

This week, Sarah and Micheline explore the concept of wellness through a collective lens, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships in achieving overall well-being. We particularly compare this to the more individualized approaches that go viral on social media. We also highlight the importance of community support and peer networks and emphasize the need for education, empowerment, and safety nets outside traditional institutions. Finally, we touch on the role of storytelling in healing and share some ideas or practices we can all pursue to improve our collective wellness!

The Yale piece that we reference can be found here

For more on eudaemonia as Sarah mentioned, check out Andrew Soren’s work

CW: This podcast may contain discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to some listeners.

This week, we discuss nurses getting “fired” by patients and how to build back your confidence! There are many reasons behind these firings, so we need compassion and understanding for ourselves and support fellow nurses facing similar challenges. We also address being fired from jobs or assignments by reading stories and discussing workplace dynamics that can lead to trouble. Nurses are human and make mistakes, but recovery from setbacks is possible!

CW: This podcast contains discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to some listeners.

This week, in response to recent events, Carley and Shannon speak with licensed psychotherapist Sam Calvin about recognizing triggers that may emerge from work in healthcare. They explore how workplace experiences and social media can lead to emotional and physical reactions, and how to manage these triggers effectively. They also discuss the distinction between triggers and PTSD, and Sam provides practical strategies for coping with triggers and seeking professional help when necessary.

CW: This podcast may contain discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to some listeners.

This week, we discuss the all too prevalent issue of self-doubt among nurses and how it often stems from the rigorous demands and high-pressure of healthcare. Micheline and Carley share their personal experiences and highlight the importance of self-compassion, asking for help, recognizing our personal strengths, and fostering a supportive environment. These feelings are normal, and we can help each other alleviate them!

April Waddell, the founder of NurseMoneyDate, is back to talk with us about financial boundaries! How do we set them? How can we build self-trust in our decisions? What is the significance of specific financial goals? April answers all these questions and more, offering practical tips, a real understanding of the psychology at play, and excellent resources!

For more from April, she can be found @nursemoneydate on Instagram or on her website nursemoneydate.com

CW: This podcast may contain discussions of mental health that may be sensitive to some listeners.

This week, Joe and Micheline talk about the pervasive issue of cynicism in healthcare. Micheline shares her personal experiences with cynicism and emphasizes the importance of hope and self-care. They also dive into practical strategies to combat cynicism, such as mindfulness, journaling, and the significance of community support. It is possible to break the cycle!