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In this episode of the Life After Nursing School Podcast, we’re talking about one of my favorite end-of-year rituals: choosing a Word of the Year to guide your mindset, career decisions, and personal growth. Instead of relying on rigid New Year’s resolutions, I’m sharing how a single, intentional word has shaped my confidence, my nursing career, my business, and the way I move through life.

We’ll reflect on what worked this year, what didn’t, and how to choose a word that supports where you’re headed in 2026—especially if you’re a new nurse navigating overwhelm, burnout, imposter syndrome, or big career transitions. I’m also walking you through the pivotal moments, spiritual insights (yes, we talk astrology!), and real-life examples that helped me land on my word for 2026.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll feel inspired to choose a word that aligns with your goals, honors your energy, and helps you step into the most grounded, confident, and intentional version of yourself in the new year.

Whether you're a nursing student, a new grad nurse, or a nurse exploring your next chapter, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a fresh perspective on how to approach 2026 with purpose.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Please consider following and/or rating the show or leaving a review if you feel inspired by the show!

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Learn what I wish I had done before starting my first nursing job. From preparing early for the new grad nurse job search to building a standout resume, setting boundaries, preventing burnout, and staying open to opportunities—this episode is your roadmap to thriving as a new nurse

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Resource Mentioned in the Episode

Application Advantage: New Grad Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Course

Thank you for being here <3

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As we close out 2025 and step into a brand new year, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reset. Whether you’re a new nurse, a nursing student, or somewhere in the early stages of your nursing career, today’s conversation will help you understand why the things that feel uncomfortable are the very things that help you grow.

In this episode, I break down the science behind trying new things including neuroplasticity, novelty, dopamine, confidence-building, and why your brain changes when you step outside your comfort zone. You’ll learn how doing something unfamiliar creates new neural pathways, boosts motivation, expands your window of tolerance, and increases your overall sense of wellbeing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure of your next steps as a new grad nurse, this science-backed mindset shift is going to change everything.

But this isn’t just theory, I also share my personal “year of firsts” and what happened when I stopped playing it safe. From starting this podcast, to traveling to Ireland and driving on the opposite side of the road, to running a marathon without a plan, investing in my business, taking on new teaching experiences, and even becoming a chicken owner… every one of these moments stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. And they taught me that growth is always happening, even when it feels messy.

If you’re heading into 2026 hoping to build confidence, reduce new grad overwhelm, grow your nursing skills, or simply feel more alive again — this episode is for you. Let this be your permission to try new things, do the hard things, and celebrate every step of progress along the way.

Tune in, reset your mindset, and let’s grow together.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Join Application Advantage - Resume and Cover Letter Course HERE

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

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In this episode of The Life After Nursing School Podcast, host Caroline Danna, MSN, RN, shares her biggest takeaways from attending the Indeed Careers in Care networking event in New York City. What started as a few days in Times Square turned into a powerful reminder about connection, courage, and career growth.

Caroline reflects on meeting online connections in real life, finding unexpected mentors, and learning why human connection is truly irreplaceable. You’ll hear how one panelist’s simple advice “you eat an elephant one bite at a time”, became a metaphor for navigating the overwhelm that comes with nursing, job searching, and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re a new grad nurse preparing to land your first job or a nursing student working toward graduation, this episode will inspire you to make meaningful connections, embrace fear, and say yes to opportunities that might just change your path.

If you enjoy this episode, share it with a friend or classmate, and don’t forget to leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more new nurses find the show!

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Free Resource Mentioned in the Episode

List of Hiring Questions to Ask Hiring Team in an Interview

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

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In this episode of the Life After Nursing School podcast, host Caroline Danna sits down with Stephanee Beggs, the nurse, educator, and entrepreneur behind RNExplained and author of the bestselling book Debrief.

After reading Debrief cover to cover, Caroline knew she had to connect with Stephanee to dive deeper into the real, unfiltered side of nursing — the part that goes beyond exams and clinicals. Together they unpack the emotional highs and lows of life as a new nurse, the challenges of balancing bedside nursing with business, and how to navigate burnout, boundaries, and purpose in your nursing career.

Stephanee shares her creative process behind writing Debrief, the meaning of her 555 tattoo, and how she stays grounded while building a multimillion-view platform that helps thousands of nursing students study smarter and feel less alone.

If you’re a nursing student, new grad nurse, or nurse entrepreneur seeking inspiration and clarity about your path, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, understood, and ready to “debrief” your own journey.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Connect with Today’s Guest:

Instagram: Stephaneebeggs

TikTok: Stephbegg

RNExplained Website: https://rnexplained.com/

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

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What if nurse burnout wasn’t the end of your story—but the beginning of your healing?

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, host Caroline Danna sits down with Kelly Dubowski, Holistic Nurse Coach and founder of Hope With Kelly and Nurturing the Nurse. After experiencing the exhaustion and emotional toll of burnout herself, Kelly transitioned from bedside nursing to holistic nurse coaching, where she now helps nurses regulate their nervous systems, set boundaries, and rediscover purpose in both work and life.

Caroline and Kelly dive into what it really takes to move through burnout, the connection between trauma and nursing stress, and how to create self-care routines that actually serve you. Kelly also shares her courageous journey from Boston to San Diego, how a chance encounter led her to addiction nursing, and the life-changing lessons she’s learned along the way.

If you’re a nursing student, new grad, or experienced nurse feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from your “why,” this episode will leave you grounded, hopeful, and ready to take your next step toward balance.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Connect with Today’s Podcast Guest:

Instagram → @hopewithkelly

TikTok → @nurturingthenurse

Website → www.hopewithkelly.com & www.nurturingthenurse.com

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

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When life as a nurse feels heavy and burnout starts to blur your sense of purpose, sometimes the only way forward… is through.

In this inspiring conversation, host Caroline Danna, MSN, RN sits down with Gaige Matthews, former ER nurse and founder of Beyond Bedside Fitness, to unpack what it really takes to rebuild your confidence, discipline, and faith when you’re running on empty.

Gaige has helped over 800 nurses transform their health and mindset through her nurse-specific coaching program that blends fitness, nutrition, and faith-based encouragement. Together, Caroline and Gaige dive deep into:

• How to overcome nurse burnout and rediscover your “why”
• Building discipline over motivation—and why small consistent habits always win
• Letting go of the “all-or-nothing” mindset and creating sustainable routines that actually fit a 12-hour-shift lifestyle
• How faith and mindset can shift your energy, confidence, and career
• Practical steps to set boundaries, prioritize wellness, and start feeling good in your body again

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of exhaustion, guilt, and self-neglect, this episode is your reminder that you are not alone—and that you have the power to rebuild from the inside out.

✨ Tune in to learn how to move through burnout, strengthen your faith, and reclaim your confidence—one intentional choice at a time.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Episode Mentioned Resources:

Connect with Guest: Gaige Matthews

Instagram → @gaigematthews_

TikTok → @gaigematthews_

Website → Gaige’s Website

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

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Feeling like your days off vanish before you can actually rest? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, host Caroline Danna, MSN, RN shares how to romanticize self-care and find calm, beauty, and joy in your everyday nurse life — no spa day required.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “Opalite,” Caroline explores how happiness can be man-made and how slowing down can recharge your mind, body, and spirit. From brewing coffee like a ritual to turning your commute or shower into a moment of peace, she shows simple ways to transform burnout into balance.

If you’re craving mindfulness, meaning, and intention in your nursing journey, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to wait for joy — you can create it.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Application Advantage- Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3