In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Things to DO and NOT DO to be the best co-worker.

Ways to connect with your co-workers, support them and feel supported in return!

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Simple as it may be, treating your co-workers how you want to be treated goes a long way! 

In this episode, we’re sharing qualities we see in our favorite co-workers that we emulate. Of course there are a couple examples we’ve seen too that we want to make sure we DON’T do! In a career where teamwork is so important, this episode is a great reminder of how to intentionally show up to work, and qualities you want to look for when you’re applying for jobs. We’d love to hear what qualities you think make an amazing co-worker! Shoot us a DM on Instagram @lifeinscrubspodcast

02:00 What makes you that “work bestie” co-worker you can depend on?

04:30 How to be approachable and help as a true team player.

07:15 Don’t be a “lone wolf” nurse.

10:00 When do you ask for help from your co-workers?

14:40 How do you plan and cover your breaks?

19:00 How we prep for a smooth shift change.

21:30 Say no to gossip!

22:40 Are the nurses on your unit flexible with switching shifts?

26:15 How to create relationships with other nurses on your unit!

29:00 You are not above any tasks!

In This Episode, We Talk About:

WHY apply to a DNP program and how to choose the right one.

Similarities and differences between nursing school and DNP school!

Why Courtney is passionate about getting her DNP and her best advice for pursuing your career goals!

Resources + Links:

Follow Courtney on Instagram | @court.nurse

Check out our last episode with Courtney:

Episode 63 Breaking Down the Stigma Surrounding Death with Hospice RN Courtney

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Let’s chat all things DNP! We’re excited to have Courtney back on the podcast to get her tips and behind the scenes look at her journey of navigating DNP school! If you are thinking about applying for DNP school, or just curious about the benefits and what the process looks like, Courtney isn’t holding back! She shares candid advice from things she doesn’t like about her DNP program, how to find the right one for you, and how to not let negativity and naysayers get in the way of pursuing your goals. We loved getting to have Courtney back, and learn from her and the reasons she personally decided to get her DNP. Tag is on Instagram with your favorite moment from this episode, and don’t forget to check out our first episode with Courtney in the resources section!

01:00 What have you been up to since we recorded last!?

05:00 What led you to the DNP program?

10:15 Do most programs offer a DNP program?

14:15 The shift we’re seeing in what degrees nurses need to get their dream job.

16:20 What is the difference between a PhD and a DNP?

19:15 Frustrations Courtney has experienced in her DNP program, and tips for choosing the right program.

23:40 What tips would you give someone thinking about going into a DNP program?

26:00 How common is it to have to find your own preceptors for clinicals?

31:00 Benefits of getting your DNP.

37:15 Tips for studying and preparing for your boards.

45:00 Where can we connect with you?

47:00 Don’t let negativity stop you from pursuing your career goals!

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The top Pros and Cons of travel nursing!

What Matt and Peter wish they knew before becoming travel nurses.

Experiences they’ve been able to have in and outside of work as they’ve traveled!

Resources + Links:

Follow Cup of nurses on Instagram | @cupofnurses

Follow Frontline Warriors on Instagram | @wearefrontlinewarriors

Check out Cup of Nurses Travel Checklist 

http://cupofnurses.com/best-travel-nursing-checklist/

AND Cup of Nurses NCLEX Study guide 

https://cupofnurses.com/nclex-study-guide/

Find more resources on their website

Cup of Nurses https://cupofnurses.com/

Frontline Warriors https://frontlinewarriorsclub.com/

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Is travel nursing for you? What experience do you need to have before becoming a travel nurse? In this episode, we’re chatting with Matt and Peter from @cupofnurses about all things travel nursing! Matt and Peter both share their experiences, what they wish they knew before becoming travel nurses, and advice for those that want to take on the adventurous life of a travel nurse! They’re sharing the Pros, Cons, and where some of their favorite assignments have been. Matt and Peter also share why they started Cup of Nurses, and how that has led to creating Frontline Warriors! Tune in to this episode to see if travel nursing might be right for you, and make sure to check out all the links we have listed because there are some great resources!

01:40 What led you to nursing, and eventually becoming travel nursing?

04:30 How has the pandemic changed travel nursing?

07:00 For nurses interested in travel nursing, how should they get started?

09:00 The top 3 Pros of travel nursing.

12:20 Do you see travel nurses who have kids and families, or are most travel nurses single?

13:40 Our top 3 Cons of travel nursing.

17:00 Do you usually take a break in between assignments or go directly from one to another?

18:30 How much experience do you think nurses should have before traveling?

23:00 Have you had any contracts you’ve extended because you’ve loved the hospital?

26:20 What is something you wish you knew about travel nursing before getting into it?

29:20 Having experienced different hospitals, what do you wish hospitals everywhere implemented?

34:00 What inspired you to start your podcast Cup of Nurses?35:40 The beginning of Frontline Warriors.

This week we're throwing it back to one of our most popular episodes, Code Blue! In this episode, you will learn:

• What are the different roles in the code team?
• How do you know which role is best for you?
• What happens at your hospital after the code?

We’ve all watched dramatic scenes on TV shows of Code Blue’s, but is it actually like they depict on TV? In this episode, Kristen and Maddi give us a real look at what Code Blues are like from their personal experiences! Maddi, as a CVICU nurse, is part of the team that gets assigned to respond to Codes and Rapids! As part of the code team Maddi breaks down the different roles as they respond to these emergencies, and both Kristen and Maddi talk about the most underrated roles of those helping during the code! Tune in to hear all about codes, rapid responses, and Kristen’s first time being thrown into a Code Blue as a nursing student!

00:40 Are Code Blue’s actually like they depict on TV shows?

02:00 What was your first experience with a code blue?

06:20 What are the different roles in the code team?

08:25 How do you know which role is best for you?

09:30 The most underrated jobs of everyone helping during the code!

13:50 What is the code team like at your hospital?

15:30 How has the code team changed because of COVID?

16:40 What do you bring to the code?

18:15 If you’re the nurse that called the code for your patient, what do you do when the code team arrives?

20:00 What happens at your hospital after the code? 

23:20 What about calling rapid responses?

26:40 Does it become easier over time of running to codes and rapids?

…………………………..

Connect with us on Instagram: @lifeinscrubspodcast

https://www.instagram.com/lifeinscrubspodcast/?hl=en

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

@thenursekristen 

https://www.instagram.com/thenursekristen/?hl=en

@themaddiward  

https://www.instagram.com/themaddiward/?hl=en

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What a clinical quality nurse specialist is.

What the day to day of a clinical quality nurse specialist looks like.

The pros and cons of working from home.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

How do you know if working from home is right for you? Today, Kristen is flying solo in order to answer your questions about working a remote position as a clinical quality nurse specialist! First, we’ll dive into what a clinical quality nurse specialist is, including what they do, what they can expect from patients, and what their daily routine looks like. Then, it’s time to explore the pros and cons of working from home. What does Kristen miss about working in the hospital? Is it possible to achieve work life balance? How and where can you find remote positions for yourself? If you’re curious about remote work or uncertain if it would suit you, this episode may help you find the answer you’re looking for!

00:40 Why am I flying solo today?

02:40 What is my background in pharmacy?

05:55 What is a clinical quality nurse specialist, and what do they do?

08:30 Breaking down pulmonary hypertension WHO groups.

10:20 What should you expect from patients as a clinical quality nurse specialist?

13:05 What are the three different medication pathways we use?

15:05 What does my day to day look like?

21:50 How much time & money do you save when you don’t have to commute?

22:50 Why do I prefer working day shift?

23:50 How does remote work give you way more flexibility?

25:00 How can you increase your productivity?

26:05 Finding your work life balance.

27:00 Why is working from home so comfortable?

29:15 How does it help promote eating healthier?

30:50 Is there good pay in remote work?

32:00 What skills do you use (and lose) from remote work?

33:10 How much socialization do you miss out on while working from home?

34:30 Is it difficult finding an office space at home?

36:15 What are the cons of scheduling?

37:50 Combatting the lack of movement & exercise.

39:25 How can you keep yourself disciplined?

41:25 How do you know if working from home is right for you? Where can you find remote positions?

In This Episode, We Chat About:

A BIG milestone we just crossed here with the podcast!

Updates on work recently!

Common myths about nursing from simple misconceptions to the absurd!

Resources + Links:

Create your travel nurse profile with Fusion Marketplace

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

Let’s debunk some myths and go on a tangent about Grey’s Anatomy to kick off SEASON SIX! Whether this is your first or 66th episode you’re joining us for, we are so glad you are here! We just crossed 200K downloads and are so excited and proud of this amazing community! In this episode we’re debunking myths from misconceptions about what schedules look like, to thoughts about nursing that are outright wrong! For the listener who is thinking about nursing as their career, the one in nursing school, or the veteran…we’d love to hear which of these myths resonated with you the most, and if you have any others we didn’t cover! Tag us on Instagram with your favorite debunked myth!!

01:30 *Spoiler* we just hit 200k downloads!!!

03:00 How work has been for Maddi!

05:40 Participating in donor walks.

08:00 Work updates from Kristen!11:30 What are the differences in nursing degrees?

14:40 Nursing is “only for women”.

17:00 Is it easy to find a job because there is a nursing shortage?

19:15 What nursing jobs are out there outside of working bedside at a hospital?

22:50 Do you think everyone should start by working in Med Surg?

24:20 Do you work three 12 hour shifts in a row?

27:50 Our thoughts on whether nursing is a safe job.

31:00 Can nurses make medical decisions on their own?

34:15 “People become Nurses because they couldn’t become Doctors.”

36:00 A little chat about Grey’s Anatomy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Advice for nursing students and new grads, including NCLEX prep, applying for new jobs, and finding the right specialty.

Our favorite and least favorite classes & semesters.

Dealing with aggressive patients and a fear of failure.

Building community and support with your unit.

Resources + Links:

Create Your Fusion Market Place Travel Profile

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

You asked, we answered! For our final episode of Season 5, we’re hosting another Q+A with questions sent in by our community of viewers! If you’ve ever wondered how we form connections with our units, find a work life balance, or what the future of the healthcare shortage looks like, we’ll be covering all of that and more. We have tips and advice for nursing students and new grads alike, so no matter where you are in your nursing journey, you’ll be able to learn something new. How do you deal with a fear of failure? What were our favorite and least favorite classes? How do you know when you’ve found the right specialty for you? Join us as we send off Season 5 together!

0:00:40 Welcome to Season 5’s Q+A!

0:03:50 What is the worst physical encounter you’ve had with a patient?

0:07:30 How can you keep yourself safe and secure if you feel threatened?

0:09:00 What are the pros and cons of working from home?

0:12:00 What are the most effective community builders you’ve used with your co-workers?

0:16:20 Why is it important to build community with your peers?

0:17:15 What units did you not enjoy, and which units did you enjoy?

0:21:35 Advice for NCLEX prep.

0:25:55 What advice do you have for new grads scared about failing in their calling?

0:27:55 Why is it better to be flexible instead of pushing yourself?

0:31:15 Do you have any med surg study tips? 

0:33:55 How should new grads look for new jobs?

0:36:25 Will there be an end to healthcare shortages soon?

0:40:00 Ranking our nursing school classes from worst to best.

0:43:25 How were our summer classes?

0:46:10 Have you done an episode dealing with death?

0:47:15 Where do you see yourselves and the podcast in five years?

0:50:10 How do you get into ICU as a new grad?

0:52:35 Do you still enjoy nursing after COVID?

0:57:00 How do you know when you’ve found the right specialty for you?

1:01:55 Are you ready for Season 6?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Advice and helpful resources for cancer prevention.

How to form healthy habits for a healthy lifestyle.

Tips for night shift nurses, new grads, and nurses interested in non-bedside jobs.

Resources + Links:

Follow Becky on Instagram | @rstrn

Get involved at https://nurseshealthstudy.org/

Learn more about cancer prevention at https://www.aicr.org/

Check out these other organizations, studies, and resources:

American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org for screening information

Oncology Nursing Society: www.ons.org for navigator resources and core competencies! 

Nurses Health Study: https://nurseshealthstudy.org/  Lots of publications from their data on the site. Here is a link to join the new study: https://www.nhs3.org/

Indeed.com also has some good resources for helping evaluate/thinking through next steps in finding a job you’ll enjoy.

Check out these articles:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: 

Night shift and cancer risk https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2021/04/27/nightshift-cancer/  

Moving past fear, Donna Cardillo: https://donnacardillo.com/articles/movingpastfear/ 

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi 

Show Notes:

How can we create and promote healthier lifestyles? This week we have a new guest joining us: Becky Trupp, an oncology nurse navigator from the Seville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center! With 32 years of experience under her belt, Becky will share her wisdom on cancer prevention and healthy living for nurses just like you. We’ll cover what you need to know about cancer prevention so you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Then, we’ll go over useful tips for night shift nurses to look out for, as well as advice for those interested in getting involved in non-bedside jobs. We’ve got your key to a healthier future right here!

00:40 Meet Becky Trupp, an oncology nurse navigator from the Seville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center!

01:30 How did you get to where you are today?

04:20 Opening yourself up to new possibilities.

07:30 Where did you go after you were let go from your high risk job?

09:10 How have your experiences with past jobs helped you in the present?

10:15 What do you do at your center?

11:15 What do you think is most important for nurses to know about cancer prevention?

14:50 How does working the night shift affect nurses?

16:35 What are some resources you recommend for nurses?

18:10 What tips do you have for night shift nurses to take care of themselves?

20:55 Forming small habits to create big changes in your lifestyle.

24:15 How can someone get involved in more non-bedside jobs?

27:20 Would you recommend a new grad have experience before going into a nurse navigation position?

31:25 Where can people look for more information on cancer prevention?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

A new perspective on hospice that most people don’t know about.

Advice for new nurses in hospice & nurses interested in going into end of life care.

The difference between critical care and end of life care.

How to start creating content for an online space.

Resources + Links:

Connect with Courtney on Instagram | @court.nurse

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

We all know working hospice can get a bad rep, but is any of it true? In today’s episode, we’ll be breaking down the stigma and beliefs surrounding end of life care with hospice RN, Courtney! Courtney has a background in oncology and ICU and is working towards graduating with her DNP. She’ll give her perspective of hospice care as well as share expert advice for new nurses starting in or interested in hospice. Then, we’ll touch on the issues with glorifying the struggle of nursing life, how to start prioritizing your own health, and tips for creating online content. Get ready to rethink everything you know about the life of a hospice nurse with @court.nurse!

00:40 Say hello to our friend, Courtney, a hospice nurse here to discuss end of life care!

02:00 Who is Courtney?

05:05 What was your first experience with end of life care?

06:35 How did you find out that ICU wasn’t for you?

07:45 Did you want to know what you wanted to do after graduation?

08:55 What is the difference between critical care and end of life care?

12:30 The stigma surrounding hospice.

13:40 As a hospice nurse, what terminology do you use with patients’ families?

16:55 Why is it important for healthcare workers to be transparent about death?

19:05 What advice do you have for newer nurses having to deliver news?

21:40 What do most people not know about hospice?

25:35 Tips for nurses interested in going into hospice.

29:45 Where do you recommend starting?

32:15 What options are there working outside a hospital setting?

34:55 Why should we stop glorifying the struggle?

38:45 What is DNP?

40:40 What made you build an Instagram?

42:45 How do you create your content for Instagram?

45:45 TikTok versus Instagram.

48:20 How do you get started on TikTok and Instagram?

52:00 Challenging the stigma of Botox, fillers, and other cosmetic surgery.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Our health & work updates.
• What ECMO is and how to train for it.
• What resources we recommended for nurses working in the field.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

What resources do real, working nurses in the field use and depend on? This episode will be going over our life updates, including what’s new with our health and work, before we share some of our favorite nursing resources! We also talk about ECMO, how to train for it, our experiences with it, and what you should know before going into it. If you’re a post-grad nurse curious about ICU, or if you’re a nursing student planning for the future, we’ve got your answers! Join in today and pick up some new resources we know you’ll love to use!

00:40 What are our health updates?

02:30 How did we celebrate Nurses Week?

05:00 What did our hospitals do to celebrate?

08:45 What is ECMO? What was Maddi’s first experience working with it?

11:35 How do you train for ECMO?

15:00 What were you most nervous about when running ECMO?

18:15 Studying for the CCRN.

20:20 What is new with Kristen and her work?

25:40 What nursing resources does Maddi recommend?

28:35 What nursing resources does Kristen recommend?

31:10 What is coming up next?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Our trip to NurseCon at Sea, including what we did, our favorite things, and what we would have changed about it.
• Three things every nurse needs to hear right now.

Resources + Links:

Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast

Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!

Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen 

Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi  

Show Notes:

We’re back and ready to dive into a new episode, just in time for Nurses Week! Today, we’re covering our trip to NurseCon at Sea and the three things every nurse needs to hear. First, we’ll recap our incredible experiences at NurseCon and our top stories we can’t wait to share with you. What did we do there? What were our favorite things? What would we have changed? Then, we’ll go over three important things we think every nurse should hear. We have an exciting episode for you, so come and join in on the fun!

00:40 Our NurseCon at Sea recap!

02:40 How was our live episode at NurseCon?

03:20 What happened to our live event recording?

05:25 Staying up for 37 hours.

10:20 What did we do after boarding?

13:15 What makes NurseCon so fun? What can you do there?

16:50 What was Kristen’s favorite part of the trip and what would she have changed about it?

18:15 What was Maddi’s favorite part of the trip and what would she have changed about it?

20:40 How was the staffing at NurseCon?

23:05 What are three things every nurse needs to hear?

24:10 Is it okay to change your mind?

29:35 Why are you more than just a profession?

32:10 What helps you refill your cup?

34:50 Taking the time to appreciate you.