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My guest this week, Dr. Nancy Bellucci, is the academic program director for the College of Nursing at Columbia Southern University. She holds a PhD in nursing and has many credentials to her name. I always feel a bit nervous interviewing highly accomplished nurses like Nancy, but she assured me that those letters are ladders to more opportunities, which put me completely at ease.

Starting her Associate program at the age of 38, Nancy brought both maturity and passion to her learning journey, and she has never stopped learning. Her nursing career has taken her from being an operating room nurse to an educator and manager, and ultimately to academia.

As the academic program director, Nancy is responsible for developing the nursing curriculum from the baccalaureate to doctoral levels. She is a unique educator who integrates empathetic curriculum design into the classroom. Nurses are inherently empathetic caregivers, and through her compassionate approach, Nancy has created a learning environment that takes into account the time and experiences of her nursing students. I love that she mentioned it’s no longer about the "sage on the stage" but rather about making students the center of attention, just as nurses practice patient-centered care. This philosophy has significantly helped bridge the gap between nursing and academia.

My initial apprehension about Nancy's numerous credentials was unnecessary. She is one of the most down-to-earth educators I have encountered. Although we discussed serious topics, our conversation was filled with light-hearted humor, and I genuinely believe her students are fortunate to have her.

In the five-minute snippet: She’s a CAT-5 traveler. For Nancy's bio, visit my website (link below) and check out my CE library! (link below). New episodes added regularly!

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Philip Layog is known as the "Work From Home RN" on Instagram, where he helps fellow nurses transition from hospital roles to remote positions. But first, he had to help himself.

Philip started his nursing career in Med-Surg, moved to CVICU, then PACU, but once he started his family, he decided to explore remote nursing opportunities. With a decade of experience, he eventually landed his first remote job.

Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Philip now enjoys the freedom that many nurses are seeking. He appreciates leisurely mornings with his children before daycare, takes time to work out during his lunch hour, and is fully engaged with his family because he is no longer physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.

I wanted all the deets: What kind of nursing experience do I need? What type of training will I get? And what about the pay? Philip answered all of these expertly and revealed a little-known fact about the application process which blew…my…mind.

After speaking with numerous nurses, I’ve come to realize that when nurses improve their own lives, they feel compelled to share that knowledge with others, and Philip is no exception. He co-founded nurseremotely.com, a specialized job board dedicated to connecting nurses with legitimate work-from-home opportunities. He provides nurses with what they truly want: options.

In the five-minute snippet: Hmmmm, giant alligators or Disney? It’s a toss-up. For Philip's bio, visit my website (link below).

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Meet Tara Tourloukis. Tara is a registered nurse psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in mental health care. It’s a truly unique and rewarding niche. As a nurse psychotherapist, she runs her own private therapy practice in Ontario, Canada—a role that blends clinical expertise with compassionate counseling.

During our conversation, I couldn’t help but tell her that if I had known about this nursing specialty 20 or 30 years ago, it would have been exactly the path for me.So what does Tara do in her role? She provides therapy for individuals facing everyday mental health challenges—things like low mood, stress, overwhelm, trouble coping, and finding balance between work and life. Let’s be honest, that’s something many of us can relate to.

What I especially admire is her holistic approach. As a nurse, Tara understands how physical health directly impacts mental well-being. She routinely checks in with her clients about things like hydration, nutrition, and sleep—those often-overlooked pieces that play a big role in how we feel.

Does the idea of becoming a nurse psychotherapist resonate with you? Tara shared some great advice for anyone considering this path: get hands-on experience in mental health, whether in inpatient or outpatient settings, take stock of your education, knowledge, and skills, get familiar with the standards of practice, connect with informal peer groups, and most importantly—find a mentor.

As someone currently working toward a PhD, I can confidently say that Tara’s advice is solid.

In the five-minute snippet: With a husband and five kids, this kind of day would be the best kind of day. For Tara's bio, visit my website (link below).

Media

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Wendy Dixon-Jewitt is on a mission. As the founder and CEO of Brainstorm Soft Skill Solutions, she strongly advocates for creating safer and more sustainable nursing workplaces, and her passion is unmistakable.

Early in her career, Wendy encountered a toxic nursing culture, which she described as "100% responsibility with zero authority to get the necessary tasks done." It’s alarming to think about how many nurses have left the profession due to such circumstances. But Wendy did not walk away; instead, she pivoted her focus toward developing her soft skills.

Wendy describes soft skills as “everything that happens in the space between people.” She believes one-on-one interactions are where we will transform healthcare. It’s about nurses showing up. And it’s not easy to show up, to speak up. After all, nurses are as she believes, “dealing with hierarchies, power infrastructures, and oppression and they are taking a risk every time they open their mouth.” Wendy knows some of her views are controversial but maybe that's what the nursing profession needs; a little controversy to shake things up. Through her leadership and training, she is determined to help us find our voice.

Wendy developed Universal Precautions for Emotional Dysregulation—a proactive, skills-based framework for reducing the risk of verbal abuse, emotional harm, and professional burnout. Brilliant. We’re talking de-escalation, boundary-setting, and building team resilience. And unlike myself, Wendy doesn't believe resilience is a four-letter word and I might be coming around to her point of view.

In the five-minute snippet: sounds like her hometown is straight out of X-files. For Wendy's bio, visit my website. Visit my CE library to earn CE's by listening to select episodes! New episodes added regularly!

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
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I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

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My guest this week is Yasmin Sharifi, an operating room nurse with many decades of experience. She’s here to give us a glimpse into, as she says, “what really goes on behind that red line.”

Yasmin didn’t initially set out to be an OR nurse. She started her career in med-surg but quickly encountered burnout due to a nursing shortage and inadequate patient-to-nurse ratios, often sharing 35 patients with another nurse. Realizing this was not sustainable, she transitioned to the PACU. When she was offered a chance to move into the operating room, she embraced the opportunity and discovered her true passion.

Yasmin pointed out that in 1990, there were no formal orientation programs for OR nurses. However, resourcefulness is a nurse’s superpower. She joined the professional organization AORN, purchased relevant books, and trained herself to adapt to the role.

Fortunately, those days are behind us. Nurses entering the operating room today receive a comprehensive education and an orientation period that lasts nearly a year. And if you think being an OR nurse means you won't have to interact with patients and their families, Yasmin dispels that myth completely.

We discussed the dynamics among the operating room team members, the egos involved, and the common goal that brings them all together: the patient. I’m confident you’ll enjoy and learn from our discussion.

After being in charge for almost her entire career, Yasmin has now taken charge of her own business, OR RN Mentor. Here, she provides expert insights, practical tips, and real-world experiences designed to help others thrive in the OR. Now that’s what I call giving back.

In the five-minute snippet: it’s 80’s rock for the win. For Yasmin's bio, visit my website (link below) and check out my CE library to see if you can earn CE's just for listening!

CNOR Certified Perioperative Nurse

AORN Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses

IFPN International Federation of Perioperative Nurses

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When I first stumbled upon Shatara Jewell’s Instagram, I thought, “Wow, she’s making an impact—I bet I could learn a lot from her!” So I reached out, she said “Yes” and the rest is history.

Shatara serves as a Certified Psychiatric Nurse Lieutenant in the United States Navy and provides dedicated care to military personnel and their families dealing with mental health challenges.

These challenges are significant; issues like rising suicide rates, alcoholism, and substance use disorders are prevalent. Often, these struggles stem from unresolved childhood traumas, which is particularly concerning given that about 87% of recruits are ages 18 to 24.

Shatara’s own experiences with childhood trauma give her a unique lens on the intersection of military service, mental health, and personal growth. Her journey demonstrates how faith and perseverance can lead to transformative healing.

Speaking of faith, it’s the cornerstone of every episode of her podcast, Crazy Black Girl. You’ll be fascinated to hear how she came up with that title! I have to say, her method of sharing God’s word is inspiring. It’s as if she’s preaching, without preaching, which is the best kind of preaching.

In the five-minute snippet: Did she mention anything about tattoo shops? For Shatara's bio, visit my website (link below).

Imena and TJ go to Therapy on Amazon

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Meet Sheena Johnson, a remarkable Jamaican-born woman residing just outside London, where she serves as an ICU nurse practitioner with the UK’s National Health Service.

Her journey took a profound turn during the peak of Covid when she faced the heartbreaking loss of her father while caring for some of the sickest patients. This loss plunged her into intense grief, prompting her to reflect deeply on her life. In a moment of stillness, she confronted difficult questions: What is happening to me? What are these emotions? Where is this overwhelming exhaustion coming from? Through her exploration of various podcasts and reading material, Sheena discovered the root of her struggles: burnout.

Taking a typical nurse's approach, she looked around at her colleagues and noticed many shared similar feelings of anxiety, stress, demotivation, and sleep deprivation. Realizing that she was not alone, Sheena decided to take action. She pursued training to become an accredited transformational coach for nurses and allied healthcare professionals, dedicating herself to helping others overcome burnout. Sheena empowers them to create a lifestyle filled with balance, joy, and vitality so that they can show up authentically in both their personal and professional lives.

If you’re a nurse feeling overwhelmed, there's hope. Sheena is here to help you bounce out of burnout and reclaim your well-being.

In the five-minute snippet: Is that squid giggling? For Sheena's bio, visit my website (link below).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
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Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

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Erin Johansen is a communications supervisor for a medical flight company, and she’s got her finger on the pulse of the air transport industry. Having grown up in the flight business, she is intimately familiar with each position she oversees.

Imagine a Situation room of sorts. During her 12-hour night shifts, Erin often navigates a bustling control room where 15 to 20 medical flights are in progress at any given time. On particularly hectic nights, that number can soar into the 30s. Picture a team of eight flight coordinators, each surrounded by multiple monitors, managing calls from hospitals for inter-facility transfers, law enforcement inquiries for missing persons, on-scene emergencies, and requests for fire suppression. With operations extending across seven states and over 60 bases from Hawaii to Colorado, the environment can become quite chaotic.

Erin is the backbone of this operation. If communication fails in any way, it could threaten safety or cause delays in patient transport. She must be adaptable and she must be vigilant, knowing that the trust she builds with her colleagues and customers is essential to effective communication. This excellent communication, in turn, reinforces that trust, creating a win-win for all involved.

In the five-minute snippet: It’s the City of Trees. For Erin's bio, visit my website (link below).

Contact The Conversing Nurse podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversingnursepodcast/
Website: https://theconversingnursepodcast.com
Your review is so important to this Indie podcaster! You can leave one here! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/leave-me-a-review
Would you like to be a guest on my podcast? Pitch me! https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/intake-form
Check out my guests' book recommendations! https://bookshop.org/shop/theconversingnursepodcast

I've partnered with RNegade.pro! You can earn CE's just by listening to my podcast episodes! Check out my CE library here: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/collections/conversing-nurse-podcast

Thanks for listening!