Episodes

In this special final episode of the AACN Leadership Podcast Series, we turn the tables on our host, Connie Barden, and reflect on her impactful journey from bedside nurse to CCO of AACN. Connie is joined by Vicki Good and Andrea Schmitt, the hosts of the new “Voices in Nursing” podcast series, to revisit pivotal moments, celebrate shared achievements, and set the stage for this exciting new chapter. A must-listen for all nurses and healthcare leaders. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s ...

Join Tom Ahrens (he/him), NovEx's chief learning officer and an expert in critical care, as he discusses the integration of technology in nursing, with a strong emphasis on enhancing patient care and focusing on outcome-based research. Throughout the conversation, he shares effective advocacy techniques for introducing new technological tools to healthcare staff and committees, and explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in transforming the healthcare industry. This episode is bro...

In this episode, join Ernest Grant (he/him), former interim vice dean at Duke University School of Nursing and a former ANA president, as he discusses the significance of representation, nurse-led care, and nurses’ role in healthcare policy. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain helpful insights, advice, and inspiration along with suggestions for overcoming professional hurdles, practicing self-care, and exploring the future of nursing. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s CSI Academ...

In this episode, join Carina Menjivar (she/her) as she shares exciting insights from her recent project focused on the orientation of new nurse managers. Learn about the challenges faced by nurse managers, the impact on patient outcomes, and the innovative blended-learning approach she developed to equip them with essential skills for success. Discover how this program not only addresses a long-standing issue in nursing but also fosters a supportive network for nurse managers, offering a beacon ...

Uncover the challenges and misconceptions about transgender healthcare while gaining valuable insights during this empowering and thought-provoking discussion with Charlie Borowicz (they/them), transgender health program manager at Allegheny Health Network. They will share their lived experiences throughout the conversation, emphasizing nurse leaders' pivotal role in fostering inclusive and affirming healthcare environments and diving into practical strategies to enhance transgender patient care...

In this episode, Sarah Lorenzini (she/her) discusses her journey from being a nursing student with pediatric dreams to becoming a prominent leader in rapid response nursing. Learn about the leadership skills needed for rapid response nursing, from leading in an emergency to empowering bedside advocates and improving patient outcomes and nursing culture. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Preceptor Challenge course, with information available at www.aacn.org/precept

Join special guest Sarah Wells (she/her) in a thought-provoking conversation about staffing. Throughout the episode, explore the key imperatives identified by the Nurse Staffing Task Force, including reforming the work environment, innovating care delivery models and improving regulatory efficiency. Discover how these imperatives can lead to a brighter future for both nurses and patients, and learn how you can support top-of-license practice and create positive change in your healthcare setting....

Join Terry Richmond (she/her), a renowned nurse researcher and professor, to gain valuable insights on the complex issue of firearm violence and its effects on healthcare and nursing. Learn how nurses can holistically care for and promote the recovery of patients with injuries related to firearm violence. As a leader on the subject, she emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach and calls on nurses to influence the conversation on firearm violence, promote safety, and support affected ...

In this episode, join nurse scientist and leader Smith Heavner (he/they) as he delves into the fascinating realm of drug repurposing and its implications for nursing practice. Discover how nurses are leveraging real-world data and engaging in research opportunities to improve patient care. Gain insights into the critical role of nurse leaders in advancing quality improvement efforts and the field of nursing research. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Online Community Forums, with inform...

In this episode, Shawntay Harris (she/her) recounts her remarkable journey from a 23-year career in emergency and trauma nursing to becoming a nurse entrepreneur. Reflecting on her experience, she delves into the significance of cultivating leadership skills, succession planning, and the transformative influence of certification on nursing practice. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s CSI Academy, with information available at www.aacn.org/academy

Join Casey Green (she/her), an assistant nurse manager and dynamic nurse leader, as she discusses her journey from being a firefighter and paramedic to becoming an ICU nurse and assistant nurse manager. Throughout the episode, she also shares her perspective as a person of color in critical care nursing, her unique leadership style, how she supports her staff, and her use of social media to amplify her voice, share experiences and educate others. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Online...

In this episode, join Dr. Garrett Chan (he/him/his), president and CEO of HealthImpact, as he shares his expertise on national nurse identifier (NNI) systems and their purpose, plus the potential benefits and limitations they present. Throughout the discussion, we also explore Dr. Chan's unique nursing leadership career path and current work on health policy, workforce strategy and nursing education. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Advanced Critical Care, with information available at...

In this episode, listen to Britt DiNatale's (she/her) inspiring journey from marketing to nursing. Discover how she pursued a second career path to become a nurse and now serves as a nurse-client success adviser. Gain practical advice on combining nursing and business skills to improve your practice and find purpose outside the usual boundaries of healthcare. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Preceptor Challenge course, with information available at www.aacn.org/precept

Create your path to leadership, whether you want to expand your current role as a direct care nurse or take on a new position. Join ECMO pioneers Rachel Sterling and Bradford Anderson as they discuss the many shapes and sizes of leadership and describe their evolution from bedside nurses to APRN leaders. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s CSI Academy, with information available at www.aacn.org/academy

Pursuing a leadership role can be intimidating, let alone transitioning as an internationally educated nurse practicing in another country. Join AACN’s Meredith Padilla PhD, MSN, CCRN-CSC, as she details her career path into leadership as an internationally educated nurse, the challenges she faced and the tips she learned. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Value Program, with information available at www.aacn.org/value

Healthcare workers are facing an increasing amount of violence at work leading to the question “will nurses ever be safe in the workplace?” Join Bill Schueler, a sought-after workplace violence prevention and patient safety expert, as he discusses where healthcare leaders can start when it comes to addressing workplace violence, mitigation and prevention tips and how to help advocate for safer workplaces. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s CSI Academy, with information available at www.a...

In this episode, join Susan Bartos, RN program coordinator at Atrium Health, as she discusses common challenges for leaders and preceptors. She also shares tips for navigating these challenges to enhance the new nurse experience - including her famous “rose” method. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Preceptor Challenge course, with information available at www.aacn.org/precept

Join Dr. Linda Cassidy, AACN manager for strategic advocacy, as she discusses the results from the latest National Nurse Work Environments survey. Throughout the discussion, discover tips for building and sustaining an HWE, starting with the HWE Assessment Tool and the positive impact of implementing AACN’s six HWE standards. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/accjournal

Nursing is more than a job – it's who we are. In this episode, join U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Patricia Williams as she shares her stories as a civilian and a military nurse and how nursing can be a foundation for guiding how to think, care and lead in any situation. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Value Program, with information available at www.aacn.org/value

Nurses experience turbulence on every shift in the form of interruptions that pull nurses away from providing the best care possible. In this episode, join critical care nurse Dr. Jennifer Browne as she discusses the different types of interruptions nurses face and how leaders can help mitigate the impact of turbulence on their workforce. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Value Program, with information available at www.aacn.org/value

Identifying opportunities for improvement is a characteristic of being a leader, but taking the risk and initiating the change can be challenging. Join Jonathan Bartels from the University of Virginia Health System as he shares his journey of identifying opportunities and pioneering “The Pause” and “Compassionate Care Retreats” to help improve experiences for patients and nurses. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at www.a...

Join Diane Evans on her emotional journey as a Vietnam army nurse. Learn how she managed PTSD as she developed into a leader who used tenacity and innovation to overcome obstacles and get a memorial approved for her fellow female veterans. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/credentials

As nursing professionals, we strive to be better at our jobs -- from new graduates embarking on a nursing career to those aspiring to become APRNs. Join AACN’s clinical practice specialist JoAnne Konick-McMahan as she shares advice on how to advance your nursing career. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/credentials

Professional conferences are a way to learn and connect with your fellow nurses, but did you know they are also great for leadership development opportunities? In this episode, learn how Lisa Deese’s unique and exciting NTI experience helped ignite her inner leader. This episode is brought to you by: AACN’s Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/accjournal