The Truth About Nurse Trauma! Back by popular demand, Nurse Erica welcomes Dr. Lorre Laws RN, PhD back to discuss the critical issues of nurse trauma and burnout. They explore the definitions of trauma, its physiological impacts, and nervous system responses, including the freeze and fawn responses. Nurse specific traumatization is a silent epidemic and mental health support is crucial. Dr. Laws emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed environments in healthcare settings. The conversation al...
Jul 23, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 258
TRIGGER WARNING: Infant mortality In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica delves into two significant medical case updates: the decapitated infant case and the Lucy Letby case. She provides updates on legal proceedings, the emotional impact on families, and the broader implications for healthcare accountability. The decapitated infant case raises questions about medical negligence. Lucy Letby is a convicted NICU nurse serial killer. The discussion highlights the importance of nursing eth...
Jul 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 255
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica discusses a variety of stories during a new Huddle News Update! Topics include a bizarre nursing incident involving an agency nurse attempting to exorcise demons from a patient, reflections on the tragic floods in Texas, and a tribute to Lucian Leape, a pioneer in patient safety. The conversation also delves into the alarming trend of hidden cameras being discovered in hospital bathrooms. The episode concludes with the 'Enema of the Week' award. Sp...
Jul 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 253
In this powerful episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica sits down with legendary nurse educator and activist Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD for an unfiltered conversation about nursing, activism, and legacy. Laura opens up about her turbulent exit from the bedside during the early days of the pandemic, the harsh reality of workplace retaliation, and how she fought back when most nurses felt silenced. She discusses her inspiring education journey from ADN to PhD, the controversy around use...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 251
In this episode, Nurse Erica interviews Amy Loughren, "The Good Nurse", a nurse who played a crucial role in exposing Charles Cullen, a serial killer who murdered patients during his nursing career. Amy shares her experiences working alongside Cullen, the moral dilemmas she faced, and the undercover work she conducted to help bring him to justice. The guilt of not recognizing Cullen's behavior haunted Amy for years. The conversation delves into hospitals repeatedly failing to act on suspicions a...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 102
On this powerful episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica is joined by RaDonda Vaught and Dr. Matthew Garvey for a deeply emotional and thought-provoking conversation. RaDonda opens up about the tragic medical error that led to the loss of a patient’s life—a moment that not only changed her career but reshaped her identity as a nurse. Despite taking all the precautions she could and raising concerns about system failures, RaDonda was met with institutional resistance and little support from leade...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 247
In this celebratory 100th episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica reflects on the journey of the podcast and acknowledges the transition of co-host Nurse Jessica Sites. We are excited to follow Nurse Jessica's new journey and podcast, Decoding Celebrities! Nurse Erica welcomes back guest host, Dr. Matthew Garvey, DNP, MBA, RN, EMT-B, CCRN, CEN, TCRN to this week's episode. They discuss the worst gifts received during Nurses Week 2025, leading to humorous critiques. Nurses often feel infantilized...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 246
Disclosure: The following narrative constitutes a personal recollection of events as experienced and recalled by Nurse Erica, and represents solely Nurse Erica’s subjective perspective and interpretation of said events. The account presented herein is based on the narrator's memory and does not purport to incorporate the perspectives, recollections, or interpretations of other parties involved in the described circumstances, including but not limited to any union or the events referred to as 'Th...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 243
Huddle News Update: In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica discuss current nursing news stories, including a shocking incident where a nurse pepper sprayed an elderly patient, a radiologist's controversial decision to treat his injured cat at the hospital, and the tragic suicide of a nurse who faced retaliation for reporting abuse. The conversation highlights the use of dark humor as a common coping mechanism among healthcare workers and the ethical dilemmas faced by n...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 240
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica Sites and Nurse Erica welcome Dr. Lorre Laws PhD RN, a nursing leader focused on addressing nurse trauma and burnout. They discuss the systemic issues within healthcare that contribute to nurse-specific traumatization, the signs of trauma that nurses often overlook, and the importance of creating supportive environments for healing. Dr. Laws shares her journey into nursing later in life and her mission to provide resources and support for nurses ...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 238
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica discuss a controversial YouTube video by popular YouTuber Papa Meat, which claims that "nurses are trying to kill you". They break down several shocking incidents involving nurses that have made headlines. They also debunk several of the examples which are not actual nurses nor are they "trying to kill you". The hosts emphasize the importance of nursing ethics, integrity, and the impact of social media on the nursing profession. T...
Apr 09, 2025•51 min•Ep. 236
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica are back with a Huddle News Update! They discuss seven news stories involving nursing and healthcare. Several of the unique stories have not been previously shared. Topics include a disturbing incident involving a patient defecating on a travel nurse; a tragic helicopter crash: and Pope Francis praising nurses. They also share humorous anecdotes, such as the 'Fuck Off Spray' incident and a follow up on a previous huddle news story...
Apr 02, 2025•54 min•Ep. 233
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica welcome Vince Pitstick, an expert in functional medicine and metabolic health. Vince shares his personal journey from a sick child to a successful health coach, emphasizing the need for a new model of healthcare that prioritizes holistic approaches. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by nurses and healthcare workers, the importance of integrating various health modalities, and practical tips for maintaining health i...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 227
TRIGGER WARNING! This episode discusses a violent assault On February 18th, 2025 Registered Nurse Leelamma Lal, "Leela", was savagely attacked by her patient, Stephen Scantlebury, while working at HCA Palms West Hospital in Florida. She remains hospitalized one month later. Nurses across the country have been collectively outraged over this violent incident against one of our own. In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica speak with Dr. Cindy Joseph, Leela's daughter. She...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 228
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica and Nurse Jessica Sites welcome Michelle Mahon, Director of Nursing Practice at the California Nurses Association and National Nurses United (NNU). They discuss the ongoing advocacy for federal nurse-patient staffing ratios and the pressing issue of workplace violence in nursing. Michelle responds to backlash from a recent interview given by NNU's Industrial Hygienist. The conversation highlights NNU's commitment to improving workplace safety and a...
Mar 11, 2025•57 min•Ep. 224
Part 2 *All incident details discussed are alleged, for informational purposes only, and may include information that is general in nature and unsubstantiated. In part two of the conversation, Nurse Jessica Sites, Nurse Erica and Matthew, @themassholemcguido, continue the discussion about the alarming rise in workplace violence within the healthcare sector. They introduce the Red and Black Ribbon Campaign aimed at raising awareness and advocating for safe working conditions. The conversation hig...
Mar 04, 2025•47 min•Ep. 217
Part 2 Jake Haendel, the only known survivor of stage four Locked-In Syndrome, joins the Nurses Uncorked Podcast to share an unbelievable story of survival, addiction, and a miracle recovery. Acute Toxic Progressive Leukoencephalopathy (ATPL) is a complex rare neurological condition that attacks the white matter of the brain. Sometimes referred to as a pseudo-coma, it has been described as your body becoming a prison. Jake discusses the awkward moments he overheard while in a locked-in state, th...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 215
*All incident details discussed are alleged, for informational purposes only, and may include information that is general in nature and unsubstantiated. In this special edition of Nurses Uncorked, the hosts discuss the alarming rise in workplace violence within the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on recent incidents that have left nurses feeling unsafe and overwhelmed. Nurses Uncorked alumni, Matthew @themassholemcguido, joins the discussion this week. They delve into specific recent vi...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 216
Part 1 Jake Haendel, the only known survivor of stage four Locked-In Syndrome, joins the Nurses Uncorked Podcast to share an unbelievable story of survival, addiction, and a miracle recovery. Acute Toxic Progressive Leukoencephalopathy (ATPL) is a complex rare neurological condition that attacks the white matter of the brain. Sometimes referred to as a pseudo-coma, it has been described as your body becoming a prison. Jake discusses the awkward moments he overheard while in a locked-in state, th...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 210
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica welcome Dr. Brian Weirich, Chief Nursing Innovation Officer, to discuss his unique journey back to bedside nursing during the pandemic. He shares his experiences and insights gained from working undercover as a travel nurse during the pandemic. The conversation touches on nurses' not having their basic needs met, the ineffectiveness of bedside shift report, and nurses' motivations for not working overtime. Brian discusses the impo...
Feb 11, 2025•57 min•Ep. 207
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica and Nurse Jessica welcome Kelli Johnson, an RN and advocate for healthcare reform. The conversation delves into Kelli's journey as a nurse, her experiences with staffing issues, and her involvement in legislative efforts to improve patient safety. They discuss the lack of accountability in healthcare administrators who are not currently required to hold any licensure. Accountability should extend to all levels of hospital management. In this conver...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 202
Recorded live from the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center strike line on 1/25/25, strike day 16. Special thanks to the Oregon Nurses Association. On January 10, 2025, nearly 5,000 healthcare professionals began an open-ended strike, calling on Providence Health & Services to put their patients before profits by offering a fair contract to frontline caregivers. The strike includes doctors, nurses, advanced practice providers, and midwives from eight Providence Oregon hospitals and six clin...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 201
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica discuss their recent experiences and frustrations with the Tiktok ban including a timeline of events and the emotional impact the ban had on content creators. They emphasize the significance of TikTok as a platform for news, education, and community building. In this conversation, Nurse Jessica Sites and Nurse Erica discuss the aftermath of the TikTok ban, political narratives, and the control of media. They explore the suspicious...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 197
In this episode of Nurse's Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica are back with a new huddle news update. They delve into the serious impact of the recent Los Angeles fires on the healthcare system, highlighting the challenges faced by nursing homes during evacuations. A tragic incident in an Ohio nursing home raises concerns about the training and professional responsibilities of new grad nurses. They also highlight a nursing student who was recently crowned the new Miss America. The conversat...
Jan 14, 2025•57 min•Ep. 192
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica Sites and Nurse Erica interview Dr. Jennifer Lincoln and Denise Arnold RN about an upcoming historic strike involving 5,000 healthcare workers at multiple Oregon hospitals. The guests detail the needs they've been negotiating for, including safe staffing, benefits, and comparable wages. They discuss the challenges faced during negotiations with Providence Health, the alleged union-busting tactics by Providence, and the misrepresentation of their ...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 190
In this year-end episode Nurse Jessica Sites and Nurse Erica reflect on 2024, significant episodes, memorable guests, and the impact on the nursing profession. The nursing community has faced various challenges and triumphs this year and Nurses Uncorked has been there to chronical it all. The podcast has evolved to include more diverse topics, controversial figures, and the intersection of celebrity culture and nursing news. The conversation touches on humorous moments and their achievements ove...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 184
In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, hosts Nurse Jessica Sites and Nurse Erica discuss a variety of topics including personal updates from Erica's recent trip to Europe, a cocktail of the week featuring Glühwein, a serious investigation into sexual misconduct at a VA medical center, and Jamie Foxx's health scare and recovery, highlighting the importance of nursing care. In this episode, they discuss the recent assassination of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson and the subsequent arrest of the...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 180
In this episode, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica welcome back Hospice Nurse Penny to discuss her new book, 'Influencing Death.' They explore Penny's journey in hospice care, her creative process behind the book cover, and her commitment to transparency regarding her past struggles with addiction and personal life. The conversation also touches on her unexpected rise to fame through a website she created, which led to numerous media appearances. Penny emphasizes the importance of normalizing discus...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 177
Part 2 In this continuation of episode 77, Nurses Uncorked welcomes Andrew Craig, a nurse turned travel nurse recruiter, and Marian Weber, a veteran travel nurse, to expose the secrets of the travel nursing industry. Travelers often feel distrust towards recruiters due to pay discrepancies and lack of transparency. Advocacy for nurses can be overshadowed by agency priorities and a lack of regulatory oversight. The conversation focuses on the hidden costs of travel nursing contracts, profit margi...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 173
PART 1 Nurses Uncorked welcomes Andrew Craig, a nurse turned travel nurse recruiter, and Marian Weber, a veteran travel nurse, to expose the secrets of the travel nursing industry. The conversation focuses on bill rates, setting profit margins, the impact of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), overtime rates, and nonbillable training hours. The dialogue emphasizes the need for transparency and advocacy among nurses to ensure fair compensation and working conditions. The discussion also highlights ...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 172
