Advertise on podcast: Life After Nursing School

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes your nursing career doesn't go according to plan and sometimes the path you never planned for becomes the one you're meant to explore. In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Nurse Mel VanSistine, registered nurse, content creator, and founder of the award-winning Mel's Crafty Corner, for a candid conversation about nursing, mental health, workplace bullying, physical injury, entrepreneurship, and learning how to move forward when life changes your plans. In this episode, we talk about: Mel's journey from CNA to registered nurseFailing the NCLEX and finding the courage to take it againFinding her place in pediatric bedside nursingMental health and the realities nurses don't always talk aboutWorkplace bullying and the lasting impact it can haveThe physical injury that forced Mel away from the bedsideGrieving a nursing career you weren't ready to leaveHow creativity became an unexpected outletTurning that outlet into Mel's Crafty CornerBuilding a business and social media community as a nurseFinding new ways to use your nursing experience outside of traditional bedside rolesAsking for help when you need itResilience, reinvention, and trusting that your career can change without your story being overWhether you're a nursing student, new graduate nurse, bedside nurse, or a nurse currently wondering what's next, this episode is a reminder that your nursing career doesn't have to follow a straight line to be meaningful. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com LuminaRN: https://www.joinluminarn.com/ Connect with Today’s Guest: Melanie VanSistine BSN, RN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mels.crafty.corner/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mels.crafty.corner?lang=en  Website: https://shopmelscraftycorner.com/pages/links-hub  ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What really happens behind the scenes of travel nursing and what do travel nurses need to know before signing their next contract? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Lindsey Lawson, RN, longtime travel nurse, former travel nurse recruiter, author, and content creator, for an unfiltered conversation about the travel nursing industry. Lindsey’s nursing career has been anything but traditional. She started as an LPN, worked in corrections, urgent care, emergency nursing and more before taking her first travel nursing assignment in January 2020, just weeks before COVID changed healthcare forever.  After working pandemic crisis contracts, including one paying more than $10,000 per week, Lindsey eventually stepped behind the scenes and became a travel nurse recruiter herself.  Now, she’s using what she learned on both sides of the industry to help travel nurses make smarter, more informed career decisions. In this episode, we talk about: Lindsey’s unconventional journey from LPN → RN → travel nurse → recruiterWhat travel nursing was really like during COVIDThe reality behind pandemic travel nurse payWhat travel nurse recruiters and agencies are like behind the scenesHow to communicate and negotiate with your recruiterTravel nurse contracts/work orders and red flags to watch forWhy nurses shouldn’t be afraid to advocate for better pay or terms Lindsey’s experience writing about nursing during the COVID-19 pandemicWhy finding the right recruiter can matter just as much as choosing an agency.Building a nursing career that gives you room to evolveAnd the reminder every new nurse needs to hear: being a nurse is what you do—it doesn’t have to be who you are. Whether you’re considering your first travel nursing assignment, already working as a travel nurse, or simply curious about what happens on the recruiter side of the industry, this episode gives you a candid look at travel nursing from someone who has lived it from both sides. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com LuminaRN: https://www.joinluminarn.com/ Connect with Today’s Guest: Lindsey Lawson, RN Instagram: @lindsey_leisures Tiktok: @lindsey_leisures Email: [email protected] Website: lindseysleisures.net ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest changes in your nursing career don't come from working harder... but from making a few really intentional decisions? After 14 years in nursing, I've worked at the bedside, in leadership, recruiting, education, career coaching, and entrepreneurship. Looking back, there are certain lessons that completely changed the trajectory of my career. I'm calling them my 10 cardinal rules for quantum leaping your professional life. And no, I'm not telling you to write your dream job on a piece of paper and put it under your pillow. 😂 A “quantum leap” can look sudden from the outside, but most of the time, there are years of learning, networking, failing, experimenting, and planting seeds behind it.  In this episode, we're talking about how to become more intentional about those seeds. In this episode: Why you should talk about money with your coworkers and advocate for your payThe surprising power of maintaining old professional relationshipsWhy you should never burn a bridge in healthcareHow confidence and the way you show up professionally can create opportunitiesWhy getting to know all of your coworkers matters—not just your work bestiesHow boundaries can actually help you grow your career without burning outWhy being the newbie is something you should take advantage ofHow to recognize when you've outgrown a nursing jobWhy you should pay attention when someone specifically chooses you for an opportunityThe most important rule of all: don't lose yourself while chasing successI also share one of the most pivotal moments of my own career: being offered a hospital nurse recruiter position I didn't want, and why saying yes ultimately changed the entire trajectory of my professional life. Because your dream nursing career doesn't have to look traditional. Maybe your quantum leap is becoming a CRNA. Maybe it's leaving bedside nursing. Starting a business. Becoming an educator. Making more money while working less. Or simply finding a nursing job that allows you to have a life you actually enjoy outside of work. You don't have to build your career around what you think you're supposed to do. You can build it around the life you actually want. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com LuminaRN: https://www.joinluminarn.com/ ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to protect your nursing license and could the way you document put you at risk? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Legal Nurse Allen (Bianca Allen), RN, a legal nurse consultant, expert witness, nursing educator, and registered nurse with 16 years of experience. Bianca takes us behind the scenes of the legal side of nursing and shares what she has learned from reviewing medical records, working alongside attorneys, serving as an expert witness, and even being deposed about her own nursing documentation. We’re breaking down practical ways nurses can protect themselves, their practice, and their nursing license, without becoming afraid to do their jobs. In this episode, we talk about: What a legal nurse consultant actually does and how it differs from being an expert witnessHow Bianca transitioned from bedside nursing into legal nurse consultingThe biggest nursing documentation mistakes she sees when reviewing medical recordsWhy vague or absent charting can become a major problemWhat nurses should document when notifying a providerWhen direct patient quotes belong in the medical recordWhy “will continue to monitor” may not be as helpful as you thinkWhether nurses should consider carrying their own malpractice insuranceProtecting yourself from malpractice claims and Board of Nursing complaintsCareer opportunities for nurses beyond traditional bedside rolesWhether you’re a nursing student, new grad nurse, or experienced RN, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you document more intentionally, protect your nursing license, and practice with greater confidence. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com LuminaRN: https://www.joinluminarn.com/  Connect w Today’s Guest: Bianca Allen MS, BSN, NEA-BC, CV-BC, MEDSURG-BC Instagram: @Legalnurseallen Tiktok: @legalnurseallen Linkedin: Legal Nurse Bianca Allen Website: https://linktr.ee/legalnurseallen.com  ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What if your nursing career could fit your life instead of your entire life revolving around work? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Reva Lewis, a NICU nurse with over 15 years of experience, longtime travel nurse, content creator, and self-proclaimed PRN Princess. Reva shares how an unexpected path into nursing eventually led her to the NICU, travel nursing, and a career built around flexibility, freedom, and experiencing life outside of work. In this episode, we talk about: Getting started in travel nursingThe pros and cons of PRN nursingCreating more flexibility in your nursing careerThe realities of travel nurse contracts, recruiters, housing, and financial preparationBuilding additional income through content creationDating, travel, and choosing a life outside the traditional timelineWhy your nursing career doesn't have to look like everyone else'sWhether you're considering travel nursing, per diem nursing, or simply looking for more freedom in your nursing career, Reva's story is a refreshing reminder that there is no one "right" path after nursing school. Sometimes the best career is the one that allows you to build a life you actually love. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with Today’s Guest: Reva Lewis Instagram: @revamoments Tiktok: @revamoments ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a simple idea becomes a nationally recognized nursing brand—and then somehow finds its way back to you after you sell it? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Cat Golden, nurse turned entrepreneur and founder of Nurses Inspire Nurses and 6th Ave Group. Cat shares how Nurses Inspire Nurses started with a few T-shirts and a desire to create genuine community for nurses, then grew into a successful business she eventually sold in 2024. She also opens up about burnout, reinvention, building 6th Ave Group, and the unexpected opportunity to reclaim Nurses Inspire Nurses and lead its next chapter. In this episode, we discuss: Going from nurse to entrepreneurBuilding and selling a nurse-owned businessBurnout, career pivots, and starting overAuthentic marketing and relationship-buildingWhy Cat believes in “Human First. Nurse Second.”If you've ever wondered what's possible beyond a traditional nursing career, Cat's story is proof that your nursing degree can be the starting point for something much bigger. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with Today’s Guest: Cat Golden Instagram: @catlgolden @nursesinspirenurses @6thavegroup Nurses Inspire Nurses: www.nursesinspirenurses.com  *20% off at NursesInspireNurses.com with code CAROLINEPOD* 6th Ave Group:  www.6thavegroup.com ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail Are nursing unions really just about higher pay… or is there much more to the story? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Nurse Erica - registered nurse, advocate, activist, independent reporter, and host of the Nurses Uncorked Podcast - to separate fact from fiction when it comes to nursing unions, safe staffing, and nurse advocacy. With more than 20 years of nursing experience and a platform reaching over 1.3 million nurses, Nurse Erica explains how unions work, why nurses choose to unionize, and the biggest myths surrounding union hospitals. She also shares why advocating for nurses ultimately means advocating for safer patient care. Together, they discuss the current Brigham and Women's Hospital nursing strike, what happens before nurses vote to strike, and how strikes are planned with patient safety in mind. They also explore workplace culture, nurse leadership, burnout, and why every nurse (union or non-union) has a voice. In this episode, you'll learn: What nursing unions actually doCommon myths about unionsWhy safe staffing matters for nurses and patientsWhat nursing strikes are really aboutHow nurses can advocate for themselves and their professionCareer advice for nursing students and new graduatesWhether you're a nursing student, new graduate, or experienced nurse, this episode will help you better understand one of the most important conversations happening in healthcare today. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with Today's Guest: Nurse Erica Instagram: @The.Nurse.Erica Tiktok: @The.Nurse.Erica Facebook: @TheNurseErica Youtube: @TheNurseErica Website: www.nurseerica.com ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever had a patient who just didn't seem right, even though their vital signs looked normal? That feeling is often called nursing intuition, and in this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with emergency nurse, educator, speaker, and author Jennifer Johnson to explore what it really is. Drawing from more than 18 years of emergency nursing experience and insights from her book Nursing Intuition, Jennifer explains how intuition develops, how it differs from clinical judgment, and why it's an essential part of safe, evidence-based nursing practice. In this episode, we discuss: What nursing intuition really isHow to build confidence and trust your clinical instinctsThe difference between intuition and critical thinkingWhy experienced nurses recognize subtle patient changesHow new graduate nurses can strengthen intuition over timeThe role of intuition in improving patient safety and outcomesWhether you're a nursing student, new graduate, or experienced nurse, this conversation will help you better understand the powerful connection between clinical knowledge, experience, and the intuition that helps nurses provide exceptional patient care. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with todays guest, Jennifer Johnson Instagram: @ernurse.jenn Tiktok: @ernurse.jenn LinkedIn: Jennifer Johnson BScN RN ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work as a NICU nurse or whether new graduate nurses can start their careers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with Lisa Houston, MSN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, a neonatal nurse, nurse educator, and Business Development Manager at the Vermont Oxford Network (VON). With more than 20 years of NICU experience, Lisa shares how one unexpected opportunity changed the course of her nursing career and why she still loves caring for the tiniest patients. Together, they discuss what it's really like to work in the NICU, the skills and qualities that help nurses succeed in neonatal nursing, and practical advice for nursing students and new graduates interested in this highly specialized field. In this episode, you'll learn: Can new graduate nurses work in the NICU?What it's really like to be a NICU nurseHow to stand out when applying for neonatal nursing positionsThe importance of mentorship and lifelong learningCommon misconceptions about NICU nursingWhy one conversation can completely change your nursing careerWhether you're exploring nursing specialties, preparing for your first nursing job, or dreaming of becoming a neonatal nurse, this episode is full of practical advice, encouragement, and career insights you won't want to miss. 🎧 Be sure to subscribe for weekly conversations designed to help you confidently navigate life after nursing school. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with Our Guest: Lisa Houston  Instagram: @nicueducator.lisa Tiktok: @nicueducator.lisa Website: www.niculearningnest.com  ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with ER nurse, content creator, speaker, and entrepreneur Joscel James to discuss how embracing authenticity—and not taking yourself too seriously—can open doors you never imagined. Known for his hilarious healthcare videos and relatable nursing content, Joscel shares the story behind his unconventional career journey, from working in the emergency department to becoming one of nursing's most recognizable creators. Along the way, he opens up about burnout, personal growth, social media, and the importance of building a career that aligns with your values instead of other people's expectations. In this episode, we discuss: How humor can improve resilience and connection in healthcareJoscel's journey from ER nurse to entrepreneur and content creatorNavigating burnout and redefining successThe importance of authenticity in your nursing careerWhy nurses don't have to fit into one career pathThe impact of Filipino nurses on the nursing professionWhether you're a nursing student, new graduate, or experienced nurse, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest strengths may be the very things that make you different. If you've ever questioned whether there's room to be yourself in nursing, this episode will inspire you to embrace your unique gifts and create a career that truly reflects who you are. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with Our Guest: Joscel James Instagram: @josceljames TikTok: @josceljames Website: Joscel StanStore ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your résumé or your experience - but the way you see yourself? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with ICU travel nurse and Professional Nurse Life Coach, Julia Joseph to explore how coaching can help nurses build confidence, navigate career transitions, prevent burnout, and create a life they truly love. Drawing from her unique background in critical care nursing and professional life coaching, Julia shares her philosophy of "coaching with a twist", an approach that goes beyond career advice to help nurses reconnect with their strengths, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence. Rather than telling clients what to do, Julia creates a supportive, low-pressure environment where they can discover their own answers and recognize the potential that's been there all along. In this episode, we discuss: What nurse coaching actually is (and what it isn't)Building confidence as a new nurseNavigating burnout and career transitionsThe importance of mentors and asking the right questionsWhy your nursing career doesn't have to fit into one boxWhether you're a nursing student, a new graduate, or an experienced nurse searching for your next step, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, empowered, and excited about what's possible in your nursing career. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com Connect with Our Guest: Julia Joseph  Instagram: @juliadelea Coaching Website:  https://juliajosephconsulting.com/jj  Bedside Baddie Merch Free Virtual Nurse’s Station Resource: Join Here! ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like you needed to keep doing more, achieving more, and checking off one more task just to feel worthy? In this solo episode, Caroline shares the unexpected story behind her three-month podcast pause - and why it became one of the most transformative seasons of her life. As nurses, we're often conditioned to tie our worth to productivity. But what happens when your intuition tells you it's time to slow down? Caroline opens up about the guilt of stepping back, the pressure of constantly achieving, and how learning to be present helped her gain clarity on the future of her career and business. In this episode, you'll learn: Why productivity isn't the same as progressHow to recognize and trust your intuitionThe importance of creating space for reflection and creativityPractical ways to reconnect with your goals and purposeWhy slowing down may be the key to moving your nursing career forwardWhether you're a nursing student, new graduate, or experienced nurse feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or uncertain about your next step, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the greatest breakthroughs happen when you stop forcing the path and start listening to yourself. ✨ If this episode resonates with you, be sure to subscribe and join us for Season 2 of Life After Nursing School, where we'll continue exploring career growth, confidence, and the many paths nursing can take you. Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline  Instagram: instagram.com/nursecoachcaroline  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursecoachcaroline  Website: www.nursecoachcaroline.com ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail My business is evolving again… and this next step feels exciting, aligned, and honestly a little scary. In this episode of Life After Nursing School, I talk about why I’m starting to pitch my workshops to nursing schools and how my nursing career keeps changing in ways I never expected. We talk about:  • Career growth as a nurse  • Imposter syndrome when you put yourself out there  • Becoming a nurse entrepreneur  • Teaching, speaking, and coaching nursing students  • How to know when your career is evolving  • Following your strengths instead of staying comfortable I also share how working as a clinical instructor helped me realize that education, career coaching, and helping new nurses navigate the job market might actually be part of my purpose. If you’re a nursing student, new grad nurse, or experienced nurse feeling called to do more, this episode will remind you that growth often feels uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. ⬇️ Follow the show for weekly nursing career advice 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow @NurseCoachCaroline for more nurse tips Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline: Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ Youtube → Nurse Coach Caroline  Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠ Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you! ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail What does success really look like as a nurse? Is it working in the ICU, ER, or going back to school to become a nurse practitioner… or is that just what we’ve been told success should look like? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we talk about the pressure nurses feel to chase high-stress specialties, advanced degrees, and job titles that sound impressive… even when they don’t lead to happiness or work-life balance. We’ll cover:  • Nursing burnout and career pressure  • How your definition of success changes over time  • Why more money or higher titles don’t always mean fulfillment  • How to build a nursing career that fits your life If you’re a nursing student, new grad, or experienced nurse questioning your path, this episode will help you redefine success in nursing (on your terms). ⬇️ Follow the show for weekly nursing career advice 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow @NurseCoachCaroline for more nurse tips Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline: Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ Youtube → Nurse Coach Caroline  Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠ Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you! ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about starting a side hustle as a nurse? In this episode, I talk about what it really looks like to build something outside of bedside while still working in nursing. We cover:  • Why nurses are uniquely positioned to start side hustles  • How to figure out what you actually want to build  • What the beginning of a side hustle really looks like (hint: not overnight success)  • My personal story of starting a business while working as a nurse  • How side hustles can give you more flexibility, creativity, and career options Over the past few years, I’ve met so many nurses who started businesses, passion projects, or extra income streams without quitting their jobs. If you’ve ever felt like you want more freedom in your career but still want the stability of nursing, this episode will show you what’s possible. ⬇️ Follow the show for weekly nursing career advice 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow @NurseCoachCaroline for more nurse tips Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline: Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ Youtube → Nurse Coach Caroline  Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠ Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you! ⭐️ Join LuminaRN Waitlist here