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In this episode, we're joined by Matt Johnson to discuss the experiences that have shaped his approach to emergency and critical care nursing, from military service and transport medicine to certification and clinical education. Matt Johnson is a critical care and transport nurse with experience spanning emergency nursing, intensive care, air medical transport, flight nursing, and nursing education. Grounded in years of caring for critically ill and injured patients across high-acuity environments, he brings a practical, real-world perspective to both patient care and clinical education. Matt is passionate about helping healthcare professionals strengthen clinical judgment, build confidence in complex situations, and translate critical care concepts into everyday practice. Drawing on nearly two decades of service in the United States Navy, including as a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, Matt is dedicated to advancing professional development, fostering clinical excellence, and preparing clinicians to deliver exceptional care in challenging environments. Matt shares insights on developing sound clinical judgment, embracing lifelong learning, and preparing for the moments when patients need nurses at their very best. This episode is titled, "No Excuses, Just Outcomes: Building Clinical Judgment Under Pressure." BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Janna Ellsworth, who shares how a mindset of steady progress, resilience, and balance has shaped both her professional and personal journey. Starting as an associate degree nurse while raising a young family, Janna Ellsworth has built a career that spans oncology, medical-surgical nursing, end-of-life care, trauma and emergency nursing, and advanced practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Along the way, she rediscovered a love of learning that would shape both her professional and personal life. Today, Janna serves as a Sepsis and Stroke Coordinator for two hospitals, helping translate evidence-based practice into better patient outcomes. A passionate educator, problem solver, and lifelong learner, she is always looking for the next opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact. Janna reflects on the value of certification, the mentors and experiences that have influenced her career, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Drawing inspiration from running, resting, and her belief that fear can either make us flee or rise, she reminds us that meaningful growth often happens one step at a time. This episode is titled, "No Big Deal, One Mile at a Time." BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Millet, a board-certified emergency nurse and paramedic whose career has spanned both sides of the ambulance doors. Mark Millet has spent nearly 40 years answering emergency calls, caring for critically ill patients, teaching healthcare professionals, and helping connect two worlds that share the same mission: EMS and emergency nursing. Mark Millet is a paramedic, emergency nurse, educator, and lifelong advocate for understanding the entire patient journey, from the moment help is called to the care that continues in the emergency department. His career has taken him through EMS leadership, trauma services, emergency preparedness, and countless teaching opportunities, but his passion remains the same: helping us work better together for the patients we serve. Mark shares how his experiences in EMS and nursing have shaped his clinical practice, strengthened collaboration across care settings, and deepened his understanding of the patient journey. He also reflects on the value of certification, influential mentors, and lessons learned throughout his career. This episode is titled, “Translating the Journey Between the Doors.” Mark can be contacted on LinkedIn @MarkMillet and on Facebook at Rapid Response Training. BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by Cassie Herman, a Trauma Program Manager in Virginia and our 2026 Distinguished TCRN award winner. Cassie Herman is the Trauma Program Manager at Riverside Health in Newport News, Virginia. Cassie has spent nearly two decades in emergency and trauma care, growing from bedside practice into leadership roles that have helped shape trauma services across her organization. With a passion for performance improvement, trauma education, and innovative programs that support patients and communities, Cassie is a recognized leader whose work is making a lasting impact on trauma care. Cassie shares how her journey from bedside practice to program leadership has shaped her philosophy and fueled initiatives like her hospital‑based violence intervention program. She reflects on the role of performance improvement in driving change and why kindness remains central to trauma care. This episode is titled, “Scaling from Scrubs to Systemwide Trauma Impact.” BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Dave and Amanda Repsher for a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and finding purpose after life changes in an instant. Dave and Amanda Repsher have spent their careers caring for others in some of the most demanding environments in healthcare. Between them, they have served as paramedics, critical care nurses, emergency and ICU clinicians, flight crew members, and healthcare leaders. In 2015, their lives changed in an instant when Dave, working as a flight nurse, survived a catastrophic helicopter crash that left him with full-thickness burns over more than 90% of his body. What followed was a nearly 400-day hospitalization, a long road to recovery, and an unexpected transition from healthcare providers to patient and caregiver. Throughout that journey, Amanda relied on her experience in EMS, emergency nursing, critical care, and trauma administration while advocating for Dave as both a clinician and spouse. Together, they share lessons learned as patient, caregiver, paramedic, nurse, and family member, and reflect on the long road of recovery that followed. Dave and Amanda remind us that survival is only the beginning, and that hope, healing, and peace can still be found in the midst of life's greatest storms. This episode is titled, "Stronger Than We Knew: The Repshers' Story of Survival, Recovery, and Reimagining Life." Dave and Amanda can be contacted via email at [email protected] D-REP: Fight for Life (Dave Repsher's Story)-Youtube Video BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Jason Carter for a meaningful conversation about mental health, resilience, and sustaining purpose in the demanding world of healthcare. Jason Carter’s journey into healthcare began with six years of service in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and Surgical Technologist, laying a strong foundation in clinical care and leadership. After transitioning to civilian life, he worked as a paramedic before advancing to nursing through a Paramedic-to-RN bridge program, ultimately building expertise across emergency care and nursing informatics. For the past seven years, he has served as a Nurse Manager, leading with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence. Jason earned his MSN in 2017 and completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership in June 2026. He is especially passionate about addressing nurse and first responder suicide, working to educate healthcare professionals and leaders while advocating for better access to mental health resources. We discuss burnout, suicide prevention, leadership, and the power of positive energy, connection, and early intervention in helping clinicians thrive. Jason reminds us that caring for the caregiver is not a luxury but a responsibility. This episode is titled, "Running on Purpose, Not Empty: Fueling Mental Health and Wellness on the Front Lines." Jason can be contacted on LinkedIn @JasonCarter BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Isaacs, BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CEN, for a thoughtful conversation about lifelong learning, service, and the lasting impact of investing in others. Michael Isaacs started out more than 30 years ago as a New York EMT, served as an Army Medic, and then chased his calling straight into the ER. Since day one, he’s been the kind of nurse who lifts everyone around him—teaching ACLS, CEN, ENPC, ENTEP and more—while still pushing himself as a lifelong learner working toward his fifth degree, a Doctor of Nursing Education from The Ohio State University. Today, Mike serves as the Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Emergency Services in central California, shaping the next generation of emergency nurses. When he’s not doing that, you’ll find him volunteering on medical teams at local sporting events, building LEGO as a proud Adult Fan Of Legos, staying active in his church, or hanging out with his wife and their rescue pup, Sadie. Mike was also recently honored as BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CEN. Drawing from more than 30 years in emergency medicine, Michael shares how curiosity, certification, and a commitment to continuous learning have guided his journey, while offering insights into what meaningful education looks like for today’s nurses. Through stories of perseverance, purpose, and professional growth, Michael reminds us that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared in service of others. This episode is titled, “A Heart for Learning and a Soul to Serve.” Michael can be contacted on LinkedIn @MichaelIsaacs BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by Solomiya Veturys, BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CPEN, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, certification, and the lasting impact of investing in others. With more than 18 years in nursing, Solomiya Veturys has built a dynamic career spanning adult and pediatric emergency care. Her leadership experience ranges from charge nurse to associate nurse manager, and she now serves as the Trauma Program PI and Research Coordinator at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Solomiya recently completed her MSN in May 2026. Dedicated to advancing quality and certification, she leads her hospital’s quality council, champions certification efforts, and was honored as BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CPEN. Drawing from her experiences in pediatric trauma care, quality improvement, and certification advocacy, Solomiya  shares how pursuing excellence is about more than personal achievement—it’s about creating opportunities, elevating teams, and building a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves. Through stories of influence, perseverance, and purpose, she reminds us that the most meaningful journeys are the ones that help others cross the finish line, too. This episode is titled, “Running a Race Bigger Than Yourself.” Solomiya can be contacted on LinkedIn @SolomiyaVeturys BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by Marilyn McCullum for a thoughtful conversation on the art and responsibility of nursing, clinical documentation, and the deeper stories captured within the healthcare record. Marilyn McCullum is an experienced emergency nurse with over 15 years in high-acuity emergency and trauma care across the United States. Triple board-certified in emergency, pediatric emergency, and trauma nursing, she is a recognized educator and speaker with expertise in triage, emergency department operations, and clinical documentation. Marilyn is also a published author dedicated to improving patient flow and quality of care. Together, we explore how what we write reflects not only clinical care, but accountability, ethics, and the human experience behind every patient interaction. Marilyn shares insight shaped by research, practice, and creativity, offering a perspective that reminds us—the first pulse we take is our own. This episode is titled, “The Pulse Within the Pages of Healthcare.” Marilyn can be contacted on LinkedIn @MarilynMcCullum BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by Antrell Rainey for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the life experiences that shape how we lead. Antrell Rainey is an MBA prepared executive leader, clinical professional, and patient advocate with more than 14 years of experience working with high acuity pediatric and substance use populations. His understanding of healthcare operations goes far beyond the classroom—shaped most profoundly by navigating the healthcare system as the parent of a medically fragile child with a severe heart defect. Antrell brings together his clinical background and executive leadership training to help healthcare organizations improve reliability, strengthen operations, and create systems that better support both patients and frontline staff. We will explore what high-reliability care looks like, the lessons leaders can learn from history, and how both challenges and relationships influence meaningful change. Antrell shares practical insight and a mindset shift for anyone working to lead within complex systems. This episode is titled “Growing through mentorship in the Rainey seasons.” Antrell can be contacted on LinkedIn @Antrell Rainey and on “Rainey on Leadership” Newsletter on Substack BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In Part Two of this TCRN Roundtable, our discussion shifts to the ethical, professional, and personal complexities of trauma nursing. We explore challenging scenarios, pediatric readiness in adult trauma centers, the evolving role of the TCRN, and the experiences that shape leadership, growth, and resilience within trauma systems. Let's dive right back in with Merideth, Ashley and Jamin. Merideth Gradowski is an experienced nursing leader with over 15 years in the field and a strong focus on trauma care. She holds a BSN from Arizona State University and an MSN in nursing administration from Queens University of Charlotte. Currently serving as a Trauma Program Manager, she leads system development and quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes. She is especially passionate about advancing pediatric trauma care within adult trauma centers. Ashley Metcalf began her nursing career in the Emergency Department and has spent more than 20 years dedicated to trauma care. She currently serves as a Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator at a Level I Trauma Center, where she focuses on advancing quality and outcomes. Ashley is also the President of the Trauma Association of South Carolina and co-chairs the Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses Committee through the Society of Trauma Nurses. She brings both deep clinical experience and strong leadership to the trauma nursing community. Jamin Rankin is a dynamic nursing leader with more than a decade of experience spanning emergency, trauma, and air-medical care. He currently serves as Trauma Program Manager and Stroke Program Manager at Ochsner LSU Health, where he leads accreditation, education, and systemwide quality initiatives. His background includes frontline work as a flight nurse and emergency clinician in both rural and Level I trauma settings. Jamin is widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to trauma systems, earning honors such as ENA’s 20 Under 40 and BCEN’s Distinguished TCRN designation. This episode is titled “TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part Two).” Our TCRN Roundtable guests can be contacted on LinkedIn @MeridethGradowski, @AshleyMetcalf, and @JaminRankin BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we’re joined by three exceptional Trauma Certified Nurse Leaders for an in-depth roundtable discussion. Merideth Gradowski is an experienced nursing leader with over 15 years in the field and a strong focus on trauma care. She holds a BSN from Arizona State University and an MSN in nursing administration from Queens University of Charlotte. Currently serving as a Trauma Program Manager, she leads system development and quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes. She is especially passionate about advancing pediatric trauma care within adult trauma centers. Ashley Metcalf began her nursing career in the Emergency Department and has spent more than 20 years dedicated to trauma care. She currently serves as a Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator at a Level I Trauma Center, where she focuses on advancing quality and outcomes. Ashley is also the President of the Trauma Association of South Carolina and co-chairs the Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses Committee through the Society of Trauma Nurses. She brings both deep clinical experience and strong leadership to the trauma nursing community. Jamin Rankin is a dynamic nursing leader with more than a decade of experience spanning emergency, trauma, and air-medical care. He currently serves as Trauma Program Manager and Stroke Program Manager at Ochsner LSU Health, where he leads accreditation, education, and systemwide quality initiatives. His background includes frontline work as a flight nurse and emergency clinician in both rural and Level I trauma settings. Jamin is widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to trauma systems, earning honors such as ENA’s 20 Under 40 and BCEN’s Distinguished TCRN designation. Trauma nursing lives at the intersection of standards, systems, and bedside decision-making, and in Part One we explore regulatory expectations, performance improvement, trauma program structure, and gaps across the trauma care continuum. This episode is titled “TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part One).” Our TCRN Roundtable guests can be contacted on LinkedIn @MeridethGradowski, @AshleyMetcalf, and @JaminRankin BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Niki Shimko, a national leader in neonatal and pediatric transport and disaster preparedness. Niki Shimko is a leader in neonatal and pediatric transport with more than 26 years of nursing experience and over 12 years leading a pediatric and neonatal transport team. She serves as President of the Florida Neonatal Pediatric Transport Network Association and holds leadership roles focused on pediatric disaster preparedness at both the state and national levels. Niki played a key role in the evacuation of Golisano Children’s Hospital following Hurricane Ian and continues to advance pediatric disaster response as a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) instructor and national advocate. We will explore her 26 year nursing journey and the critical leadership decisions behind evacuating a children’s hospital during Hurricane Ian. Niki shares hard won lessons from transport medicine and offers practical, high impact steps frontline nurses can take today to strengthen pediatric disaster readiness. This episode is called, " On the Move When It Matters Most: Leadership in Pediatric Transport." Niki can be contacted on LinkedIn @NikiShimko BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Pam Vanderberg, a nationally respected trauma leader and newly appointed BCEN Board member. Pam Vanderberg serves as Vice President of Trauma and Burn Services at Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma and burn centers. Pam oversees comprehensive trauma and burn operations, aligning clinical excellence with operational and financial sustainability. Nationally, she has advanced trauma nursing as an item writer for the TCRN® and as a contributor to the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program Best Practice Guidelines and the Advanced Practice Trauma Management course. Pam also serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Trauma Foundation, supporting statewide trauma system advocacy. Her career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening certification, advancing trauma systems, and elevating standards of care across the continuum. Pam shares powerful insights drawn from her journey through career disruption, trauma system expansion, violence prevention, and certification—offering a thoughtful perspective on leadership, resilience, and the future of emergency and trauma nursing. This episode is called, "Hope, Grit, and Growth: Blending Science and Soul in Trauma Leadership." Pam can be contacted on LinkedIn @PamelaVanderberg BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, Leslie Mollencop shares her unique journey from bedside nursing into legal nursing, offering expert insight into how documentation shapes both patient care and legal outcomes. Leslie Mollencop is a seasoned emergency department registered nurse with more than 20 years of clinical experience, including trauma, charge nurse, and SANE roles. She is an experienced legal nurse and expert litigation witness whose work focuses on documentation education, empowering nurses to chart with confidence, professionalism, and compassion. Through her roles as a preceptor, shared governance leader, and nurse educator, Leslie is dedicated to supporting nurses at every stage of their practice. During this recording, Leslie breaks down what confident, effective charting truly looks like, while exploring how documentation practices can either contribute to—or help alleviate—nurse stress and burnout. This episode is called, "The Chart Tells the Story: Where Compassion Meets the Record." Leslie can be contacted on LinkedIn @LeslieMollencop or by email at [email protected] BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io