In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Maria Smilios, Author of the The Black Angels to uncover the untold story of the Black nurses at Seaview Hospital and their courageous fight against tuberculosis in the 1920s and 1930s. Together, they explore how these nurses stepped into dangerous roles abandoned by others, seizing rare professional opportunities despite facing broken promises and lower pay. The conversation dives into the erasure of their contributions from public memory, revealing how media coverage focused on doctors while the nurses’ vital work went largely unrecognized. Drawing powerful parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode highlights persistent disparities in healthcare and the ongoing impact of racial bias.

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In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP, FAAN, to shed light on the hidden realities of human trafficking and the critical role healthcare professionals play in recognizing and responding to victims. The conversation reveals how easily signs of trafficking can be missed, even in well-resourced hospitals, and challenges stereotypes by highlighting that boys, men, and victims of familial trafficking are also affected. Listeners will learn that trafficking takes many forms beyond sex trafficking, including labor, organ trafficking, and forced criminality, often leaving survivors with complex legal and emotional hurdles. The episode explores innovative ways discreet resources like QR codes and shoe cards are helping victims access support, especially when they can't safely use a phone or don't realize they're being exploited. Cara and Francine discuss the urgent need for better education, sharing that most nursing students receive little to no training on trafficking and feel unprepared to help.

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In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by a nurse comedian, Joscel James RN, CPR LOL HYFR, to explore the healing power of laughter in healthcare. They dive into fascinating research showing that just 15 minutes of comedy can melt away stress and even give your immune system a boost—proving that laughter really is medicine. The conversation highlights how nurse comedians skillfully use self-deprecating humor and “punching up” jokes to create a safe, supportive space for their colleagues, never at the expense of patients. You’ll hear how nurses navigate the delicate balance of humor in clinical settings, sometimes leaving themselves reminders to ensure laughter uplifts rather than hurts. The episode also peels back the curtain on the creative process, revealing how fleeting ideas are captured and shaped into powerful, relatable comedy.

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In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Shakira Henderson, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing new nurses as they step into today’s complex healthcare landscape. The conversation dives into why many graduates feel unprepared for clinical realities, despite strong academic backgrounds, and explores the steep learning curve and high turnover rates in their first year. You’ll hear eye-opening insights about how current training often falls short in immersing students in interdisciplinary collaboration, leaving gaps in practical experience across departments. The episode also tackles the heavy documentation burden nurses face and why current tech solutions aren’t quite hitting the mark yet. Cara and Shakira discuss the urgent need for clearer role definitions to support fair nurse reimbursement, and reflect on the impact of losing seasoned mentors during COVID-19. Wrapping up, they highlight innovative dual roles for staff and faculty that could energize nursing education and build stronger connections.

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In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Dr. Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments to discuss the intersection of nursing and environmental health. Katie shares her inspiring journey into the field, influenced by Dr. Barbara Sattler and her work at the University of Maryland. They dive into the environmental challenges faced by lower-income populations, particularly poor air quality and its impact on asthma. Katie also sheds light on the dangers of PFCs, known as "forever chemicals," and their widespread contamination. The conversation takes a practical turn as Katie offers actionable steps for reducing healthcare waste and emphasizes the power of nurses advocating for climate change action. Tune in to discover common-sense tips for minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and learn how nurses can make a significant impact.

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In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by nurse leader, innovator, and disruptor Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL to discuss the forces shaping nursing pay, power, and purpose. Together, they peel back the layers on how nurses became hidden costs in the healthcare system—and what it will take to make them visible, billable, and better compensated. They dive into the deep roots of the gender pay gap, the burnout epidemic, and why many nurses are stuck in roles that drain rather than inspire. Rebecca shares the rise and rapid fall of travel nursing, revealing surprising truths about hospital economics and staffing strategies. Throughout the conversation, she makes a compelling case for transparency, risk-taking, and redefining worth in a system not built for nurses to thrive.

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In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Lois James to delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology, and sleep research. Lois shares her journey into the world of sleep studies, sparked by her work at the Sleep and Performance Research Center. They discuss a revealing study from Washington State University that shows how fatigue can undermine therapeutic communication between nurses and patients, impacting patient safety. The conversation also highlights the alarming risks night shift nurses face, including drowsy driving and circadian misalignment, which can lead to serious health issues. Lois emphasizes the long-term consequences of night shift work, such as sleep disorders and mental health challenges. Tune in to explore promising solutions like rapid forward rotation shift schedules that could mitigate these health impacts.

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In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Leilani Squire and Lorie Judson to discuss the transformative power of writing in healing trauma. Leilani shares her experiences working with veterans and nurses, drawing parallels between frontline nurses during Covid and soldiers in battle, and underscores the importance of community in the healing process. Lorie delves into her background in nursing and her advocacy work with the Chinn Family Institute, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of writing for nurses, especially during the pandemic. Cara reflects on the profound impact of the writing workshop on her own healing journey and its potential benefits for nursing students. Leilani wraps up by emphasizing the significance of sharing stories within a community for genuine healing and the challenge of turning therapeutic writing into art for public readings.

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