Feeling stuck in your nursing career—even with years of experience or an advanced degree? You’re not alone. In this episode, Bonnie breaks down the real reasons nurses feel uncertain about what’s next—and introduces a simple tool to help you get clear. Whether you're an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, discover how self-awareness and career reflection can reignite your purpose. Key Takeaways: Common causes of career stagnation The power of clarity over job searching How to use the free Nurse Career Gr...
Jun 26, 2025•18 min•Ep. 57
This podcast was #1 one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. How do I find my nursing niche? How do I advance my career as a nurse? Have you asked these questions before? There are so many career paths for nurses that we get stuck. It's a good problem and a bad problem to have. It's good because it gives us options. It's bad, because we have so many options that we stay stuck because we don’t know what to...
Apr 24, 2025•14 min•Ep. 56
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. The blueprint for developing your nursing career is right here. Founded on the principles of Professional Ascension, the Ambitious Nurse Podcast is about helping nurses grow professionally. Professional Ascension provides career coaching and mentoring for nurses with experience. The framework of Professional Ascension is to Discover your Nursing Ca...
Apr 18, 2025•31 min•Ep. 55
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. There are red flags that indicate it's time to move on from your current job, but many people stay longer than they should. This episode is to help the nurse consider whether to stay at the bedside or leave . Should they stay in nursing or leave nursing? Should they stay in healthcare or leave? By the end of the episode, you will have tips to help ...
Apr 10, 2025•16 min
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Can you imagine finding joy in your nursing career while maintaining financial stability, even during the strenuous summer months? By establishing boundaries, you can achieve greater flexibility and autonomy, focusing on what truly matters professionally and personally. From feeling overwhelmed in your role to finding a job that aligns with your as...
Apr 03, 2025•19 min•Ep. 53
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Are you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications? Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you back and learn how to align it with job descriptions to get past HR screening s...
Mar 27, 2025•24 min•Ep. 52
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Are you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action. Bonnie challenges the "checklist mentality" many nurses adopt, urging you to shift from procedure to strategy....
Mar 20, 2025•14 min•Ep. 51
What a milestone!! This is my 50th episode. I decided to get a little personal and controversial even for me. I pray it blesses you and directs you on your next steps in advocating for your patients, families, and yourself. This episode discusses the current political climate and its effects on nursing. You must advocate for yourself and your patients. I also stress the role of faith and prayer in navigating difficult times, encouraging a focus on spiritual grounding. I urge you to contact your ...
Mar 13, 2025•13 min
There is a lack of clarity when it comes to nursing career goals. The majority of nurses know what they want to do when they join the nursing profession. However, for some, their thoughts about what they want to do begin to change after they've been in the profession for a while. Exposure to more influences their desire to follow a different path. Often, they don't know what that path will be. It is my goal to make you feel like you can make a difference in your career and have the power to navi...
Mar 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 49
Join me, as we celebrate Black History Month by exploring how these figures' can invigorate your own approach to leadership in healthcare. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into leading with love, kindness, and assertive strategies when necessary, all aimed at empowering you to make a real difference in advocating for patients. Explore the secrets to amplifying your influence in the nursing field without relying on titles. We delve into the power of community, the importance of exposu...
Feb 25, 2025•19 min
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. This week's episode peels back the layers of why embracing a career mindset in nursing benefits personal growth and improves the nursing profession. We also discuss the impact of a career-focused approach on workplace morale and patient care. Actionable advice is provided for those currently stuck in a job-focused mindset and who want to change to ...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 47
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Ever wondered how an advanced degree could help your nursing career? With 17.4% of registered nurses holding a master’s degree, Bonnie explores the transformative benefits of higher education in nursing. She breaks down the advantages, from enhanced job opportunities to flexible work schedules, and shares personal anecdotes on how further education...
Feb 06, 2025•19 min•Ep. 46
This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. In this week’s episode, Bonnie Meadows encourages nurses who feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed in their career journey. She reminds us to press forward, stay committed to our goals, and believe in the right path. Drawing from her personal experience and passion for helping nurses, Bonnie reflects on the importance of pursuing clarity and fulfil...
Jan 31, 2025•7 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, we explore how gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift your mindset, enhance resilience, and bring joy to your nursing career—even in the face of challenges. As we enter the holiday season, it's important to reflect on what we’re thankful for and practice gratitude daily. Drawing inspiration from renowned thought leaders like Mel Robbins and Gretchen Rubin, we’ll unpack the science of gratitude and how it rewires the brain to combat stress, improve mood, and reduce burnout. Jo...
Dec 10, 2024•28 min•Ep. 44
The end of the year is here, and it’s time to shift gears. As ambitious nurses, we often feel the pressure to go hard year-round, but recovery and rest are vital for long-term success and well-being. In this episode, I’m sharing how I plan to wind down the year with intention, balance work and play, and set the foundation for a purposeful 2025. I’ll reflect on my experiences from 20 years of nursing, from slower patient volumes during the holidays to setting boundaries for recovery. You’ll hear ...
Nov 23, 2024•17 min•Ep. 43
Are you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action. Bonnie challenges the "checklist mentality" many nurses adopt, urging you to shift from procedure to strategy. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, asking the right questions, and gathering data to inform your decisions. It's time to stop o...
Nov 14, 2024•14 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, we delve into essential resume tips specifically tailored for nurses looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree or seeking new opportunities in healthcare, a well-crafted resume is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market. Join Bonnie Meadows as she shares actionable insights on tailoring your resume, highlighting your qualifications, and showcasing your accomplishments effectively. **Key Takeaways:** 1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Jo...
Oct 25, 2024•20 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Bonnie Meadows dives deep into the essential tools you need to stand out as an experienced nurse in today's competitive job market: resumes, CVs, and portfolios. Whether pursuing a graduate degree, transitioning into an advanced practice role, or aiming for leadership, understanding how to leverage these documents can make all the difference in your career progression. Bonnie shares high-level resume tips, explains the differences between these documents, and offers practical ad...
Oct 16, 2024•19 min•Ep. 40
Are you a nurse feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or unsure about your next career move? Do you crave a purposeful and fulfilling career path? If so, this episode is your compass to navigate the exciting journey of self-discovery and unlock your full potential. Key Points: Self-awareness isn't just a buzzword – it's the secret ingredient to a fulfilling nursing career. Forget the linear path; your career is an adventure waiting to be explored! Seven Powerful Self-Awareness Tools: SWOT Analysis: Uncove...
Oct 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 39
Is your nursing career not progressing as quickly as you'd hoped? Discover practical strategies to accelerate your career growth, even while managing the demands of work and life. Say goodbye to the mindset of blaming "they" for career stagnation. Instead, embrace a proactive approach to advancement with our expert advice designed to keep you focused and motivated. We'll explore the importance of experimenting with different positions, even if it means enduring short job stints. Hear the inspira...
Sep 28, 2024•22 min•Ep. 38
In this week’s episode, Bonnie Meadows encourages nurses who feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed in their career journey. She reminds us to press forward, stay committed to our goals, and believe in the right path. Drawing from her personal experience and passion for helping nurses, Bonnie reflects on the importance of pursuing clarity and fulfillment in your nursing career, even if the journey feels unconventional. Bonnie also shares why she developed this community for nurses seeking more fr...
Sep 19, 2024•7 min•Ep. 37
Flexibility is the cornerstone of a thriving nursing career. This episode highlights the importance of being open to various career paths and roles. I'll share my own story of career pivots and the short-term and long-term goals that have guided me. Discover how continuous learning and staying informed about new opportunities can benefit your career, and learn the significance of understanding your personal mission in nursing. Be prepared to embrace new roles, set meaningful goals, and continuou...
Sep 12, 2024•31 min•Ep. 36
Can passion, communication, and confidence transform an introverted nurse into a leader? In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Jennifer Manning, President of the National Association for Clinical Nurse Specialists, who recounts her inspiring transition from a background in biology and research to becoming a CNS. Dr. Manning talks about how Hurricane Katrina influenced her career choices and discusses the global outlook for the future of the CNS role, offering invaluable strategies for care...
Sep 05, 2024•40 min•Ep. 35
🩺 In this episode, I share a real-life coaching experience with a nurse who had a doctoral degree in education (EdD) but struggled to land a job in education. Despite her impressive credentials, she wasn’t getting any callbacks. The problem? Her resume didn’t reflect the experience she needed for the roles she was applying for. I break down three key strategies that can help YOU avoid the same pitfalls and start landing interviews for the positions you truly want: 1️⃣ **Tailor Your Resume:** Ma...
Aug 29, 2024•16 min•Ep. 34
Are you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications? Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you back and learn how to align it with job descriptions to get past HR screening systems. I’ll share practical tips to highlight your experience and bridge perceived gaps in leadership, ensuring your resume stands out. Learn about t...
Aug 17, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Discover how to identify that 'stirring' feeling of the need for a shift and navigate uncertainty with ease. I share invaluable insights from a recent coaching session, showcasing practical tools like SWOT analysis to align job opportunities with your core values. We'll also walk through the process of waiting for the right position that aligns with your long-term goals. In this episode, I delve into the emotional and practical aspects of making career moves. With actionable insights and persona...
Aug 08, 2024•24 min•Ep. 32
Have you ever wondered how to confidently showcase your skills and experiences to propel your nursing career? Listen in to get practical advice that inspires nurses to overcome their uneasiness to speak about themselves. In this episode, Bonnie emphasizes the importance of always being prepared to present your best self. She discusses the necessity of maintaining a record of accomplishments and strategically showcasing your work to build relationships and enhance your professional presence. With...
Aug 02, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 31
What if you could identify the perfect job opportunities that align with your strengths and desires using just a piece of the SWOT analysis? Join me as I guide you through strategic planning for your nursing career growth. We'll uncover how reflecting on your natural talents and considering feedback from others can help you make informed career decisions. I'll share tactical steps and specific questions from the SWOT analysis to help you gain clarity, ensuring you find a role that truly fits you...
Jul 25, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Can you imagine finding joy in your nursing career while maintaining financial stability, even during the strenuous summer months? By establishing boundaries, you can achieve greater flexibility and autonomy, focusing on what truly matters professionally and personally. From feeling overwhelmed in your role to finding a job that aligns with your aspirations, we explore how you can gain clarity. I also delve into managing ego, creating a succession plan, and recognizing when it's time to move on ...
Jul 18, 2024•19 min•Ep. 29
If you find yourself at a crossroads in your nursing career with a Master's Degree in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, even if you are in an advanced practice role such as CNS, NP, CRNA, or CNM, this episode is packed with advice to help you move forward. There's one easy tool I suggest you use to avoid confusion about your next career step. This episode is your guide. I explore the art of self-awareness to uncover and tackle your weaknesses, spot growth opportunities, and understand ...
Jul 11, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 28
