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Have you ever gone through a major life change and felt like a part of you was suddenly missing? Maybe you just graduated from college, left a job, or went through a divorce. It's like waking up and realizing that the role you once played every day no longer defines you. In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin, clinical nurse specialist and family nurse practitioner, dives deep into the topic of identity fusion and how we tie our self-worth to our jobs, roles, and the communities we belong to. Alice shares her personal story of navigating career transitions and the impact it had on her mental and physical well-being. This episode explores the reasons why we identify with our roles and the challenges we face when those roles change. With relatable stories and practical advice, Alice offers guidance on how to reclaim your identity and self-worth after life changes. This episode is your guide to rediscovering who you are and thriving through life's transitions. Don't miss out—your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Welcome to the Ask Nurse Alice Podcast [00:01:30] Introduction: Identity and Self-Worth [00:03:00] Nurse Alice's Personal Story of Career Transitions [00:05:00] Understanding Identity Fusion [00:08:00] The Impact of Role Changes on Mental and Physical Well-being [00:10:30] Why We Identify with Our Roles [00:12:00] Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Identity and Self-Worth [00:15:00] Diversify Your Identity, Set Personal Goals, Build a Support Network [00:17:00] Practice Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, and Self-Reflection [00:20:00] Seek Professional Help When Needed [00:25:00] Conclusion: Embrace Your Intrinsic Value and Thrive Through Transitions Connect with Nurse Alice: Website: AskNurseAlice.com Social Media: @asknursealice Contact us: [email protected]

Are you stuck in a toxic work environment that's draining your energy and affecting your well-being? You're not alone—and there's hope. In this episode of Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin tackles the all-too-common issue of workplace toxicity and its profound impact on mental and physical health. Joined by integrative health coach Tracy Holder, this episode dives deep into the traits of toxic work environments, shares relatable personal stories, and offers practical strategies to identify and address these challenges. Learn how to spot the signs of burnout, prioritize self-care, and create a healthier work-life balance. With actionable advice and real-world insights, this episode is your guide to reclaiming control over your well-being and thriving despite workplace stress. Don’t miss out—your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Welcome to the Ask Nurse Alice Podcast [00:01:30] Overview of Workplace Toxicity [00:03:00] Identifying Signs of a Toxic Work Environment [00:04:45] Attributes of a Toxic Workplace [00:05:44] Strategies for Addressing Workplace Toxicity [00:08:00] The Impact of Toxicity on Mental and Physical Health [00:10:30] Importance of Taking Mental Health Days [00:12:00] Tools for Assessing Workplace Burnout [00:15:00] Practical Tips for Self-Care and Mindfulness [00:17:00] Conclusion and Encouragement to Seek Help Connect with Tracy Holder: LinkedIn Contact us at [email protected] Feedback or questions? We love hearing from you. Share your thoughts on social media!

This episode tackles the taboo of menstrual health. Through real-life stories, Alice highlights conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids, shedding light on their debilitating effects and the importance of a timely diagnosis. With a blend of medical expertise and personal experience, Alice advocates for open conversation and support for menstrual health in our communities and workplaces. Tune in to empower yourself and start the conversation on menstrual health. Episode Highlights: [00:01:30] - Addressing the silence around menstrual challenges [00:05:45] - Raising awareness and debunking myths about menstrual cycles [00:10:20] - Providing resources and accommodations at work [00:15:10] - Encouragement to seek support from healthcare providers [00:17:45] - Conclusion and a call to action for listeners Contact us at [email protected] Feedback or questions? We love hearing from you. Share your thoughts on social media or in the comments!

Nurse Alice dives into the hot topic of weight loss injectables, shedding light on the increasing number of lawsuits surrounding them and what patients need to know before, and while, taking them. Discover benefits, side effects, and a holistic view on weight management. We tackle patient education, healthcare responsibilities, and the need for transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. Join us for a critical look at medication roles in health and happiness. Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Weight Loss Injectables & Growing Lawsuits 00:05:41 - Early Reports of Weight Loss Injectable Side Effects 00:06:16 - Base Line Assessments Before You Should Have Done BEFORE Starting Weight Loss Drugs 00:07:39 - Importance of Nutrition in Weight Management  00:08:26 - How Mental Health Impacts Weight Loss 00:09:12 - How Sleep Impacts Weight Loss 00:11:00 - Expected Medication Side Effects You Should Report 00:12:33 - The Allegations Behind Many Weight Loss Medication Lawsuits 00:14:35 - The Pharmaceutical Company's Responsibility to Provide Medication Information 00:15:30 - When the Patient Doesn't Want to Talk/See the Healthcare Provider 00:21:38 - What is Gastroparesis and How it is Treated 00:23:09 - Suicidal Ideation Side Effects and Weight Loss Medications 00:25:00 - Proper Use of Medications Require the Supervision of a Healthcare Provider 00:26:35 - Semiglutide Variants Made at Compounding Pharmacies are Not FDA Approved 00:29:40 - What You Should Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Newly Prescribed Medications 00:30:45 - Understanding the Health Consumer's Responsibilities While on Medications 00:34:23 - The Healthcare Provider's Responsibilities When Prescribing Medications 00:35:41 - The Pharmaceutical Company's Responsibilities When Developing New Medications 00:36:33 - Post-Marketing Surveillance and Drug Labeling Updates  00:37:23 - Promoting Health Literacy for Patient Understanding Contact us at [email protected] Feedback or questions? We love hearing from you. Share your thoughts on social media or in the comments!

In this episode, Nurse Alice revisits the case of Redonda Vaught, who was convicted of gross negligence in a medication error that resulted in the death of a patient. Her nursing license was revoked by the Tennessee Board of Nursing in 2021 but seeks nursing license reinstatement. Nurse Alice discusses the importance of medication safety systems and the devastating impact of such errors on patients and their families. She emphasizes the need for exploration and investigation to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.Jump ahead to listen:[00:00:31] Medication error and patient death. [00:04:23] Nursing license reinstatement. [00:10:46] Patient death and consequences. [00:13:37] Breach of standard procedures. [00:17:13] Public trust in healthcare. [00:22:29] The board of registered nursing. [00:24:19] Nursing license and public protection. [00:27:30] Revoking nursing license discussion. 

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin discusses the alarming increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States. With over 105,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone, the issue of counterfeit pill use is becoming a major concern. Alice highlights that these deaths are often a result of drugs being abused and sold illegally on the black market, such as opioids and benzodiazepines. She stresses the importance of distinguishing these fake prescription pills from legitimate medications used for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. It is crucial to address this issue and take action to prevent further harm.Jump ahead to listen:[00:03:48] Counterfeit drugs and their dangers. [00:10:06] Fake medications and leftovers. [00:11:16] Medication abuse and misuse. [00:14:48] Prescription medication and addiction. [00:19:13] Substance use and managing pain. [00:21:44] Higher drug overdose death rate. [00:26:45] How to protect from counterfeit pills. [00:33:23] Prescribing intranasal Narcan. [00:36:14] Helping people manage pain.

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin discusses the story of Eliana Tinnenbaum, a 16-year-old who recently graduated from Arizona State University's accelerated nursing program. Alice shares how this achievement sparked controversy and divided opinions among people. While some praised Eliana's academic prowess, others questioned the appropriateness of someone so young entering the nursing profession. Alice explores the different perspectives surrounding this milestone and emphasizes the importance of congratulating individuals for their achievements, regardless of their age.Jump ahead to listen:[00:00:27] Controversy over young nursing graduate. [00:04:38] Young nurse's eligibility dilemma. [00:08:19] Adolescents as nurses. [00:11:23] Licensing and age requirements. [00:15:11] Emotional challenges for young nurses. [00:19:13] Job demands and adolescent maturity. [00:21:40] Incorporating adolescents into healthcare. [00:25:19] Younger nurses and professional growth. [00:29:48] Impact of 16-year-old nurses. 

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin welcomes Dr. Mitzi Saunders, the president of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Dr. Saunders, who has 34 years of nursing experience and is a professor and graduate nursing coordinator, discusses the role of the clinical nurse specialist and its importance in healthcare. The conversation highlights the need to educate people about the CNS role and emphasizes its significance in providing specialized care. Tune in to learn more about the valuable contributions of clinical nurse specialists in the field of nursing.Jump ahead to listen:[00:01:56] What is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)? [00:09:24] Impacting the population. [00:14:27] The problem with CNS title. [00:18:43] Harmony in leadership teams. [00:21:46] Demonstrating value in healthcare. [00:24:30] Nurse retention and shortages. [00:28:23] Career satisfaction during COVID. [00:31:13] CNS role and education.

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, Nurse Alice discusses her transition to working remotely as a family nurse practitioner. She discusses her extensive experience working in various healthcare settings and the challenges faced along the way. Despite her love for patient care, she needed a change and is thrilled to have found a remote opportunity. Working remotely offers numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. Nurse Alice highlights her favorite aspects, and although the positives surpass the negatives, she also candidly discusses the challenges associated with working remotely as a nurse. >>Read more on nurse.orgJump ahead to listen:[00:01:58] Remote nursing positions. [00:04:37] Flexible schedule. [00:07:12] Saving money working remotely. [00:10:34] Clothing advantages in healthcare. [00:14:39] Customizing my work environment. [00:18:50] Working remotely benefits mental health. [00:23:46] Working remotely pros and cons. [00:27:00] Changes in eating habits. [00:29:28] Lack of physical interaction. [00:33:15] Lack of separation from work. [00:37:41] The need to get out. 

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, Nurse Alice talks about a recent situation where she saved a life at the airport baggage claim. Nurse Alice discusses Good Samaritan laws and the challenges healthcare professionals face when providing care outside of their clinical setting. She shares a personal experience of rendering care while off duty and highlights the importance of understanding the legal protections and limitations when providing aid in emergencies. Tune in to learn more about the role of healthcare professionals in helping others and navigating legal responsibilities.>>Read more about Nurse Alice's lifesaving experience at the airport on nurse.orgJump ahead to listen:[00:01:30] Rendering care while off duty. [00:05:30] The Good Samaritan Law. [00:14:24] Assessing without proper equipment. [00:15:23] Head injury and bleeding. [00:19:36] Good Samaritan laws in different states. [00:26:36] In-flight medical emergencies. [00:30:25] Saving someone's life. 

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin welcomes nurse Casey Green, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CTRN, CFRN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, CNRN, NRP. They discuss the importance of nursing certifications and emphasize how they can enhance a nurse's career, increase their knowledge and skills, and how they contribute to better patient outcomes. Casey shares her exceptional personal experience with having five emergency certifications from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Tune in to learn more about the significance of nursing certifications and the opportunities they present for nurses. >>Read about Nurse Casey on nurse.org! Jump ahead to listen:[00:04:00] Traditional nursing certificates.[00:08:59] Critical care and emergency nursing.[00:12:08] The good part about transport.[00:15:07] Obscure nursing certifications.[00:19:21] Questioning current nursing practices.[00:22:17] The benefits of certification.[00:28:09] Supporting people on their journey.[00:30:30] Failing certification tests and resilience.[00:33:57] Continuing professional development.[00:37:37] Givers of knowledge and support.[00:39:12] Staying current in nursing.

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin welcomes hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos of @nursehadley as a guest. Hadley shares her experiences and insights as a hospice nurse, discussing the importance of providing compassionate end-of-life care and the challenges healthcare professionals face in these situations. Alice and Hadley also touch on the role of hospice nurses in supporting patients and their families, as well as the impact of social media in raising awareness about the death and dying process. Nurse Hadley highlights her book titled "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." It serves as a valuable resource for both healthcare professionals and the general public, aiming to initiate conversations about death. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of hospice care and the value it brings to both patients and healthcare providers.>>Read about Nurse Hadley on nurse.org!Jump ahead to listen:[00:00:33] Dealing with death as a nurse. [00:04:20] Choosing the specialty of hospice. [00:09:32] Miraculous recoveries and unexplainable events. [00:11:04] Hallucinations and deceased loved ones. [00:17:03] Being prepared for death. [00:19:24] Failing as a hospice nurse. [00:22:44] Starting conversations around death. 

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin is joined by Andrew Lacy, founder & CEO of Prenuvo, a transformative healthcare company growing fast across North America. They discuss their experience using Prenuvo, a comprehensive whole body MRI scan and emphasize the differences of this specialized scan compared to traditional MRIs. They also highlight the challenges patients face in accessing timely imaging and stress the importance of early detection. Tune in to learn more about the Prenuvo full body MRI and its potential impact on healthcare.>>Read about Andrew Lacy and Prenuvo here!Jump ahead to listen:[00:01:09] Pernuvo full body imaging MRI. [00:03:29] Advanced health scanning technology. [00:09:42] Catching cancer at earlier stages. [00:12:30] Late-stage cancer diagnosis. [00:15:07] Preventive health programs and insurance. [00:19:00] Preventative care importance. [00:23:41] Advocating for your own health. [00:28:34] Making healthcare more accessible. [00:30:29] Accessing healthcare challenges before diagnosis. [00:33:04] $300 off promo code.

In this episode of the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, host Alice Benjamin shares her personal experience of firing her employer. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when an employer is not the right fit, or if the environment does not support your growth & happiness and taking action to find a better opportunity.Nurse Alice discusses the process of getting a job in healthcare, from applying and interviewing to background checks and orientation. She highlights the importance of recognizing when it's necessary to take control of your own career and make the decision to leave a job, providing tips and advice for navigating this process. Overall, the episode underscores the significance of prioritizing personal growth, happiness, and well-being in the workplace. It encourages nurses to evaluate their employers with the same scrutiny that employers evaluate them and to proactively seek a work environment where they can thrive and find happiness.>>Read more about Nurse Alice's advice on firing your employer on nurse.orgJump to Listen Ahead:[00:02:38] The probationary period. [00:05:09] Onboarding red flags. [00:09:06] Challenging work environment. [00:12:47] Firing an employer during probation. [00:15:47] Why did you decide to leave? [00:18:13] Exhausting communication for problem-solving. [00:21:04] Questions for HR and obligations. [00:25:12] Always have a plan B. [00:26:41] Evaluating employers with scrutiny. 

In this episode of Ask Nurse Alice, host Alice Benjamin reconnects with Nurse Blake, a nurse and content creator known internationally for his work as a comedian, health advocate, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. The two discuss Nurse Blake's journey and his various roles in healthcare, as well as his advocacy for mental health awareness and self-care for healthcare professionals. The episode offers insight and inspiration for nurses and healthcare workers looking to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Nurse Blake also shares information regarding his upcoming comedy tour, Shock Advised, premiering July 25, 2023.>>Read about Nurse Blake and his journey here! Jump to Listen Ahead:[00:01:31] Nurse Blake's amazing journey.[00:04:15] Nurse burnout and panic attacks.[00:06:45] Relatability in Nurse Blake's content.[00:09:20] Teaching kids through humor.[00:12:18] Nursing advocacy and conferences.[00:17:36] Nurse Blake's upcoming tour.[00:25:49] Alternative career paths for nurses.[00:28:36] Comfortable shoes.