Nurse Converse, presented by Nurse.org

When a mother in a New Jersey hospital looked down and realized the baby in her arms wasn’t hers, veteran mother–baby nurse Joyce Fisher did what every good nurse is trained to do — she acted fast. But instead of being praised for preventing further harm, Joyce was fired and reported to the Board of Nursing.

In this powerful episode of Nurse Converse, host Jana Price sits down with Joyce and her attorney, Matthew A. Luber, to unpack how a system meant to protect patients turned against the very nurse who upheld it. Together, they explore what h...

Former pediatric nurse and two-time Best of Nursing Award winner Mel sits down with Chicago nurses Hannah Kimmel and Jahnik Dismuke to unpack Nurse.org’s Nurse Appreciation Nights—including an unforgettable MLS game where nurses were honored on the field and Jahnik joined the captains for the pregame coin toss. They share why nurse-led community matters now, how peer-nominated honorees are chosen, and the fun perks of these events (discounted tickets, custom gifts, and memories that last). 

Listen in for behind-the-scenes moments, nomination tips and a heartfelt reminder that every nurse deserves to be seen and suppo...

In this episode of Nurse Converse, host Rebeca Leon partners with Vot-ER to explore how civic health is public health. She’s joined by Marcos Damian-Noyola, Deputy Director of Partnerships at Vot-ER, and Gilanie De Castro, RN, MSN, OCN, NE-BC, a nurse leader and former Civic Health Fellow.

Together, they discuss how voting, policy, and advocacy shape patient care and community well-being. From telehealth and nurse staffing laws to lessons from the pandemic, the conversation highlights how nurses can use their voices beyond the bedside to drive meaningful change.

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Colton teams up with Coach T—aka Tania, a Montreal-based personal and professional development coach who works virtually with clients across Canada, the U.S., and Europe—for a real-talk session on burnout, identity, and the fear that keeps so many of us stuck. Whether you're a nurse questioning your path, clinging to that job title for self-worth, or just burnt out but too scared to pivot, Tanya breaks down how coaching helps you untangle the chaos and take actionable steps toward what you actually want. No judgment, no pressure—just clarity, accountability, and a reminder that it’s okay to...

Disclaimer: This episode discusses workplace violence, physical assault, and pregnancy loss. Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful episode of Nurse Converse, host Jana Price sits down with psychiatric nurse Lora Smith and her attorney, Robert Rehkemper, for a raw conversation about workplace violence in healthcare. Lora recounts her heartbreaking experience of being assaulted by a patient — an attack that led to the loss of her long-awaited pregnancy — and the systemic failures that followed, from lack of security to retaliation by her employer. Robert provides the legal perspective, outlining nurses’ rights to safety, medical care, and pr...

Disclaimer: This episode discusses workplace violence, physical assault, and PTSD in healthcare. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Nurse Converse, Nurse Jana sits down with Kelsey Springer to talk about the growing crisis of violence in healthcare. Together, they share their personal stories of being assaulted at work, how the pandemic changed the culture of care, and why recognizing and reporting early warning signs—or “near misses”—matters more than ever. The discussion sheds light on the lasting impact workplace violence has on nurses’ mental health and the importance of having real support systems in...

In this episode of Nurse Converse, host Ama Mathewos talks with nurse innovator Farida Labaran about her journey co-creating the first satin-lined scrub cap with FIGS. Farida shares how her passion for natural hair, creativity, and nursing came together to design a product that protects hair, boosts confidence, and represents inclusivity in healthcare. From navigating corporate partnerships to drawing on her Ghanaian heritage for design inspiration, she reveals how innovation can be both purposeful and empowering—encouraging nurses and listeners alike to believe in their ideas and create change.

>>Nurse Co-Creates FIGS Satin-Lined Scrub Cap That Protects Ha...

Nursing is rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. In this heartfelt episode of Nurse Converse, four award-winning nurses share raw stories of burnout, bullying, chronic pain, and cultural challenges that left them questioning their place in the profession. They explore how finding community can change everything—showing that through online spaces, mentorship, and peer support, connection restores passion, builds confidence, and reminds us that none of us are alone.

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In this episode of Nurse Converse, Maggie Ortiz continues the Protect Your Nursing License Series by busting myths about malpractice insurance and explaining why every nurse — from new grads to NPs — needs to understand how coverage protects their license, career, and peace of mind. Drawing on real cases, legal insights, and her 25 years of nursing experience, Maggie breaks down misconceptions that leave nurses vulnerable and offers practical steps to stay protected.

You’ll learn:

Courtney Jones isn’t just inserting IVs—she’s injecting new energy into what it means to be a nurse entrepreneur. After 17 years at Boston Children’s Hospital, she traded scrubs for business ownership and built I.V. League, a booming IV hydration and aesthetic biz in Boston and New Hampshire.
 
 Colton sits down with Courtney to talk IV therapy, the hustle of starting from scratch (hello, ferry dock marketing), and the real-talk ups and downs of entrepreneurship. From cold plunges to contour therapy, Courtney shares how she built a performance spa that’s more than hangover recovery—it’...

Disclaimer: This episode discusses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including domestic violence, rape, suicide and death. Listener discretion is advised.

After nearly 200 forensic exams and 16 years in nursing, Leah Helmbrecht opens up about the emotional toll of working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. In this raw and powerful episode, Leah shares the moments that shaped her career—and the one that led her to walk away from forensic nursing. She talks about the weight of vicarious trauma, the importance of setting personal boundaries, and why self-care isn’t optional in a system that...

Colton chats with David Rosenbeck—former oncology nurse turned remote work evangelist and co-founder of Go Beyond the Bedside. They spill the tea on what it really looks like to ditch the floor and take your nursing skills online. From burnout and identity crises to freedom, flexibility, and finding your spark again, this convo’s all about helping nurses make bold moves, get that work-life balance back, and remember: you’re more than your scrubs. 

>>WFH Isn’t Just for Tech Bros—Nurses, Here’s Your Remote Job Guide

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In this powerful 30-minute panel episode, Nurse.org brings together four inspiring Best of Nursing Award winners—including your host Melanie, a two-time winner herself—to share how being recognized by their peers has shaped their lives, careers, and businesses.

These aren’t just accolades—they’re community-driven honors. Each guest was nominated and selected by thousands of nurses across the country, making the recognition deeply meaningful and unique in the nursing world.

Featuring:

Liam’s story isn’t just about transition—it’s about guts, grace, and finding your truth. In this episode, he opens up to Colton about what it really feels like to live with gender dysphoria, the messy beauty of coming out, and the rollercoaster of medical steps that shaped his journey from female to male. We talk about the heartbreak and healing that comes with self-discovery, the power of having the right people in your corner, and how social media became both a lifeline and a megaphone for his story. Liam also drops some real talk for healthcare pros on...

What’s it really like to be a man in a profession traditionally dominated by women? In this episode, nurses Brian, Joscel, and Zac share their personal journeys into nursing, shedding light on the motivations that led them to the field—and the unique challenges they’ve faced along the way.

From tackling stereotypes and navigating gender dynamics to showing how compassion and emotional intelligence are game changers, this conversation gives an honest look at the male perspective in nursing.

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[00:01:34] Male nurses' career choices.
[00:04:54] Family expectations in nurs...

Colton's getting real with Hospice Nurse Julie—ICU nurse turned hospice educator and unexpected TikTok trailblazer. She shares how working so closely with death has completely reshaped the way she lives: slower, more present, and with a deep sense of purpose.

They talk about the beauty in end-of-life moments, the wild reality of visioning (yes, people really see loved ones before they pass), and how grief, sobriety, and stepping outside traditional nursing norms led Julie to a fuller, more authentic life. If you're craving perspective, permission to slow down, or just a little reminder of what actually ma...