The Self Care Unit

Start the New Year with this incredible episode! Tim Quinn, a celebrity makeup artist and cancer survivor, discusses the profound impact that nurses had during his treatment and the annual Nurse Appreciation makeover event he founded to give back to those who cared for him. Tim also explores the relationship between beauty, wellness, and health, highlighting how self-care can transform one's perspective and experience during challenging times. A huge thank you to Tim for this spectacular episode!

Tim can be found on Instagram @timquinnbeauty, and stay tuned for more from him with Operation Happy Nurse!

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

Our guest this week, Bridget Alley, is a fourth-year medical student and the co-founder of Propagations, a non-profit dedicated to improving the conditions of mental healthcare by connecting resources to people in need. She shares their founding ethos, how changing our physical environment can promote healing, the obstacles that can stand in the way, and the long term goals of Propagations. Thanks to Bridget for being with us!

You can check out propagations.org for more information or to get involved, or follow Bridget’s cofounder Preston @itspresro on social media for updates on their work!

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

This week, Carley and Micheline have a conversation on boundaries! Guided by input from Yolanda Renteria, Trauma Therapist and LPC, we tackle how boundaries help people break generational cycles and unlock the relationships they deserve! So if you want to learn the difference between a boundary and avoidance, how boundaries function in professional, familial, and personal relationships, or tips for beginning to set boundaries in your life, tune in!

A big, big thank you to Yolanda, who was sick and unable to be with us in person, for still providing her input and expertise! Please check out @thisisyolandarenteria on Instagram for links to all of her work!

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

This week on the Self Care Unit, Micheline and Carley discuss how we educate and train nurses and where change might be needed. Should there be more hands-on training? How do research skills translate to the bedside? And how can you train for difficult conversations with patients and families? When it comes to the daily practice of nursing, how can we better prepare?

We got lots of input from all of our listeners and followers, so we give our thoughts!

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

What's that behind you? It's a haunted Halloween episode of the Self Care Unit! Join us as we take a deep dive into a well-known haunted hospital, Linda Vista Hospital in Los Angeles. From ghostly sightings to unexplained occurrences, we share its spine-chilling stories and debate whether it's all real—or just Hollywood hype. So, buckle up for some spooky fun, as we trade self-care tips through these ghost stories and share some laughs along the way!

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

This week, Dr. Jessi Gold is on the pod! The author of How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine, Dr. Gold talks with us about workplace mental health, wellness, and burnout among healthcare workers. We discuss the unspoken costs of caring for others and the need for self-compassion. Dr. Gold highlights for us the power that sharing our personal stories has to foster connection and healing!

Please check out all @drjessigold has to offer on IG or visit her website drjessigold.com!

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

This week, Carley and Micheline discuss applying for nursing jobs. What are the essentials you need to prepare yourself? What did the process feel like for them? When do you know an opportunity is right for you? Should you apply for jobs even when you think you’re “not qualified”? Whether you’re applying for your first job or trying to find a new one, we hope this conversation will help you out!

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

This week, Carley and Micheline tackle a persistent problem facing healthcare workers: pre-shift anxiety. They share their personal experience with pre-shift anxiety and explain how it can come about at any point in a nursing career. They also discuss strategies for managing pre-shift anxiety, such as establishing routines, taking breaks, and advocating for oneself.

Remember that your best is enough and you are not alone in your struggles!

This week, Tauqilla Manning is back! The founder and CEO of Black Nurses Week joins us to talk about nurse leadership and how leaders impact our job satisfaction, retention rates, quality of care, and patient outcomes. What makes a good leader? How are we encouraging nurses to develop as leaders? Thanks to Tauqilla for another incredible conversation!

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

This week, Tori Meskin, @Nurse.Tori_, joins us to talk about her nursing journey and her passion for supporting NICU nurses. She discusses the inspiration behind founding NICUity, a brand dedicated to empowering and educating NICU providers. She also relates her own experiences with pregnancy and fertility and how such experiences can deepen a nurse's empathy and appreciation for the NICU journey.

Tori's drive to create a more supportive NICU environment is absolutely inspiring! For more of her, please check out @Nurse.Tori_ and @nicuity or visit https://www.nicuity.com/