First Best Nurse
By Stephanie McDonald and Carmen Shaw
First Best NurseMay 10, 2023
The Gravitational Power of Well-Being
During mental health awareness month, it is important that we take time for our own well-being. Hear from some of the experts at Advocate Health about what we are doing organizationally.
“Becoming a nurse saves you” - Reflections from new nurses.
This episode features thoughts and reflections from 3 Advocate Health newly graduated RNs: Samantha Lavoie, Venitta Craig, and Jherica Kirkland, who noted "becoming a nurse saves you".
Dr. Janice Walker - Welcome to Atrium Health
In this episode, Carmen and Stephanie interview the new CNE for Atrium Health. Dr. Janice Walker shares about her extensive nursing career and accomplishments.
We hear you - Workplace violence mitigation
This episode features some Advocate Health leaders in workplace violence mitigaton - Dr. Jason Stopyra and Jennifer Ziccardi-Colson.
The "Easy Button" for publication.
Hear how nurses at Advocate Health partnered with Doody to make publication a reality.
The Conversation Continues - Day 2
Carmen and Stephanie continue the conversation at the ANCC Magnet and Pathways to Excellence Conference 2023 with more brief interviews of nurses across Advocate Health.
Live from Chicago Part 1
Part one of Live from Chicago - Carmen and Stephanie interview Advocate Health nurses in attendance at the 2023 ANCC Magnet and Pathways Conference. This is a very energetic series of mini-interviews. We hope you enjoy them!
The National Landscape of Nursing with Patricia Mook
Our guest, Patricia Mook, SVP of nursing operations and professional development for Advocate Health, discusses what is happening across the nation with nursing. She also brings forth the importance of leadership and advocacy. This is a can't miss episode!
FOR ALL: Leadership Perspectives on DEI & Health Equity
Another great dialogue with nursing leaders, featuring Peggy Harris, Jakkie Opollo, and Brandi Newman.
The Wright Way
In this "don't miss" episode, Dr. Carmen Shaw and Stephanie McDonald spend some time with nursing professional development expert Donna Wright. Donna shares pearls from her career and her competency model.
Beyond Brick and Morter: Insights from virtual care nurses
In this episode, Carmen and Stephanie talk about virtual nursing at Atrium Health - what it is and what the future holds.
Get to Know Mary Beth Kingston
Nurses see the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things medical. In this episode, we discuss a wide variety of topics - not all nursing related. In celebration of nursing week, get to know Advocate Health Chief Nursing Officer Mary Beth Kingston.
Job Well Done: A conversation with Maureen Swick
This episode features a farewell from Atrium Health's CNE Dr. Maureen Swick. Lot's of laughter as she talks about the next steps in her journey, living out her "preferment".
What does a tree have to do with nursing?
In this episode, Carmen shares the process and outcome of the development of Atrium Health's Nursing Professional Practice Model, along with some members of the team who helped in its creation.
Season's Greetings from First Best Nurse
Carmen and Stephanie chat about episodes in 2022 and possible future episodes for 2023.
An Uncomfortable topic – Drug Diversion
In this episode, we speak with some experts on drug diversion to learn why this may occur, and how we can help prevent it. As uncomfortable as this topic may be, we talk about why it is important to have the conversation, and touch specifically on what Atrium Health offers for mitigation and support.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a billion dollar criminal industry which denies people their rights and freedom. In this episode, some Atrium Health nurses discuss how they identify and assist victims of human trafficking. Polaris operates the U.S. human trafficking hotline. To get help or advice, call 1-888-376-7888 or text "BeFree" to 233733.
Holistic Nursing - Caring for the whole patient, and the whole team!
In this episode, we spend time with Cathy Carson, a certified holistic nurse and integrative therapy practitioner at Atrium Health Cabarrus. You can hear what this work entails, and the effects of her treatment on her patients, and her colleagues in the emergency department!
Another Living Legend - Dr. Tim Porter O'Grady discusses professional governance.
This episode features a great conversation between Dr. Tim Porter O'Grady, Dr. Carmen Shaw, and Stephanie McDonald. The discussion centers around the meaning and value of professional governance for nursing.
BONUS EPISODE: Two Atrium Health Nurses Running for a seat on the North Carolina Board of Nursing
Nurses advocating for nurses. Hear from Michelle Hewitt, LPN and Catherine Opladen, RN on why they are running for election for the 2022 NC Board of Nursing. NC nurses have a unique and important opportunity to elect their board - voting is open through August 15, 2022.
Supporting Nurses Through Mentoring
Carmen and Stephanie talk to some Atrium Health nurses about mentoring, how it is different than orienting, and how it adds value to a teammates work experience.
Nurse Well-Being
This episode, recorded live at the Atrium Health Nursing Summit, features a conversation with Dr. Maureen Swick and Dr. Lindsay Munn regarding research they conducted around nurse well-being and burnout. Also featured in the conversation are Atrium Health nurses Kristen Henry and Bridgette Burch, who share their perspective on what burnout looks like at the bedside.
Bonus Episode: Halfway around the world
In this episode, Stephanie interview Brenda, a nurse in Uganda.
Nursing Research - What? Why? How?
In this episode, Carmen Shaw leads a dialogue with some nursing researchers. This episode was recorded live at the Atrium Health Nursing Research Symposium.
Nursing in the room of the future
Becky Fox and Sarah Francis talk about how nursing innovation is helping to enhance care delivery through design. This episode is also Meghan Hirth's last episode!
Conversation with a Living Legend - Dr. Jean Watson
Carmen, Meghan and Stephanie were honored to have some time with Dr. Watson.
Dr. Jean Watson is Distinguished Professor and Dean Emerita, University of Colorado College of Nursing Anschutz Medical Center, USA; founder of the original Center for Human Caring in Colorado; a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN); Founder and Director of non-profit organization, Watson Caring Science Institute; past President of the National League for Nursing; founding member of International Association in Human Caring and International Caritas Consortium; She held the nation’s first endowed chair in Caring Science for 16 years; holds fifteen (15) Honorary Doctoral Degrees, including 12 International Honorary Doctorates; Her work is studied and implemented around the world. She is a widely published author and recipient of many awards and honors; authored and co-authored over 30 books on caring; In October, 2013, Dr. Watson was inducted as a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, its highest honor.
Nurse Scientists - We save lives in our sleep
In this episode, we are privileged to have a conversation with Dr. Amy Hester, co-creator of the Hester Davis Falls Score and HD Nursing. She shares her insights on patient safety, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Inspiring Words
In this bonus episode, you will hear a prerecorded message from Dr. Jeni Stepanek. Jeni is not a nurse, but a frequent consumer of healthcare. Her story is meant to inspire us during trying times. Since it was a recording, it doesn't follow our normal episode format, but we think you will still enjoy the message. If you wish to see the video played within the message, you can access it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAP6vgPVsaI
Much gratitude to Peace Mama! Enjoy!
Nurses with Audacity
In our first episode of season 3, Carmen, Meghan and Steph talk with some experts about the significance of Magnet and Pathways to Excellence designation.
Get on board: Be in the room where it happens!
This episode features a conversation with Atrium Health nurses who serve on boards. You'll hear how it ignites their passion, and how you can get started, too!
The Nursing Identity Crisis
What brought you into this profession? Hear stories from Atrium Health nurses about their nursing journey and how we can encourage others to join and to stay in this profession of honor.
Live at the 2021 NCNA Annual Convention
We were able to assemble a group of Atrium Health nurses attending the 2021 Annual Convention for a great conversation about nursing advocacy and development. Listen in and enjoy!
International Nurses - You Belong at Atrium Health
In this episode, Carmen, Meghan, and Stephanie sit down with International Nurses Reymond and Georgette, who are working at Atrium Health to hear their perspective on nursing and belonging at Atrium Health.
A Lifelong Atrium Health Nurse
A tribute to Barbee Whisnant-Burgess, who is soon to retire after a career spent entirely practicing and enhancing nursing at Atrium Health.
Chief Nurse Roundtable
In Day 2 of our Atrium Health Nursing Summit, we got to sit down for a live podcast recording with some of our inspirational and innovative Chief Nurses.
The Heart of a Nurse
Just in time for Florence Nightingale's birthday, we are bringing you an episode that talks about the essence and passion of our calling - the heart of a nurse. Hear from some committed Atrium Health nurses about the stories that stick with them.
Advancing Healing Through Advanced Practice Nursing
In this episode, we feature the perspectives of 4 different APRNs. You will be inspired by their passion!
Why Certify? Certified Nurses Share their Journey
March 19th is Certified Nurses Day, and we are celebrating with a few of our Atrium Health certified nurses.
Doing our Part: Live at a Vaccine Clinic
This episode was recorded live at one of Atrium Health's Covid vaccine clinics.
We hope you give this episode a shot!
Chief Nurses share their experiences and vision for the future
This special episode was recorded live at the Atrium Health Virtual Nursing Summit in December 2020. Hear from a few of our exceptional Chief Nurses as they talk about their past, present and the future of nursing.
Award Winning Nurses
Hear from some of our Atrium Nurses who have won awards, and what lessons they have to pass on to you.
Nurses as Patients
We all want to do a great job for our patients; but sometimes, the experience of becoming a patient informs how we do a great job for our patients later.
Men in Nursing
Men are in the minority when it comes to nursing, but provide vital contributions to our patient care, leadership, innovation and more. In this episode, hear from some amazing male nurses from Atrium Health.
Conversations with Nurses of Color (Part 2)
Part 2 continues our powerful dialogue hearing how Atrium Health nurses of color feel the impact of social and racial injustice.
Conversations with Nurse of Color (Part 1)
During a time of social injustice, we pulled together a panel of Atrium Health nurses of color to hear their perspectives.
On the Frontlines of Covid-19
The third episode is a special edition featuring some of our front line nurses who worked directly with our COVID-19 patients.
Nurse Preceptors
The second episode spotlights Atrium Health preceptors and the role they play in developing new teammates.
Professional Nurse Clinical Advancement Program
The first episode features Professional Nurse Clinical Advancement Program (PNCAP) nurses from Atrium Health talking about why clinical advancement is important to them.