🎙 Episode Overview

In this episode, I’m breaking down a trap I see all the time and one that most nurses don’t realize they’ve fallen into. We’re talking about the difference between seeing a systems problem and actually knowing how to work within it. Because those are not the same skill and confusing them can do more harm than good.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• The difference between “level one” and “level two” systems thinking
• Why recognizing patterns isn’t the same as understanding root causes
• How action bias in healthcare leads to ineffective system changes
• The iceberg model and how to use it in real-world scenarios
• Why your position in the system matters just as much as your idea

🧠 Key Ideas to Take With You

• Seeing a problem is not the same as understanding it
• Systems problems are always multi-factorial—there is never just one cause
• Action bias feels productive but often leads to shallow solutions
• Influence depends on your position, not just your insight
• Slowing down is not weakness—it’s strategy

🎧 How to Get the Most Out of This Episode

As you listen, think about a current problem in your workplace. Notice where you might be operating at the “event level” versus digging into deeper patterns and root causes.

📣 Special Announcements

If you want to go deeper into this kind of thinking and actually apply it to your career, Map Your Impact is designed exactly for this. It walks you through how to understand your position in a system and build a strategic plan from there. Don't forget about the discount code, "MYI10OFF" to get $10 dollars off!

👉 Resources Mentioned

• Map Your Impact (mini course) - 'MYI10OFF' saves you $10!
• Instagram: @nursing.the.system