In Part 2 of our special Nurses Month series on Nursing Uncharted, we welcome back pediatric ER travel nurses Jess and Sam. They dive deeper into their experiences traveling the country, sharing their experiences adapting to new ER environments, building rapid trust with anxious parents, and developing the emotional resilience required in pediatric care. You'll feel inspired by their camaraderie and equipped with the confidence to take your own emergency nursing skills to new facilities nationwi...
May 26, 2026•35 min•Ep. 111
Key Topics Covered Finding and holding onto your core "Why" in the nursing profession. The unique challenges and immense emotional rewards of pediatric emergency nursing. A brief look back at the history and evolution of Nurses Month and Nurses Week. Hilarious and heartwarming memories of hospital appreciation efforts, from expired skincare baskets to unit spirit weeks. The profound importance of mental health breaks, massage chairs, and unit camaraderie to keep our cups full. Chapters [00:00] W...
May 08, 2026•26 min•Ep. 110
Have you ever arrived at a travel assignment only to discover your new home is a nightmare? Do you want greater control of your living situation while on the road? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann sits down with veteran travel nurse Natalie to share her wildest "Housing of Horror" stories. From snooping landlords to being locked out in bunny slippers, Natalie’s experiences will make you laugh and leave you equipped to take on life's challenges. You'll feel empowered to set boundar...
Apr 28, 2026•43 min•Ep. 109
We all desire greater control of our nursing careers. To feel empowered, capable, and equipped to take on our daily challenges, we must boldly embrace new experiences. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we discuss the inspiring journeys of travel nurses stepping into the unknown. Join us as we sit down with incredible NICU travel nurses, Akila and Jazmine, who share their powerful stories of helping open a new maternal health hospital in Philadelphia. They share the cultural shifts of travel ...
Apr 14, 2026•38 min•Ep. 108
Welcome back to Nursing Uncharted ! In this episode, host Ann reconnects with the inspiring Laurel Prince, a returning guest who brings her unique perspective on navigating the challenges of nursing and life. Together, they discuss the power of embracing change, finding positivity in difficult moments, and staying true to yourself. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The serendipitous story of how Laurel and Ann first met in person. How travel nursing can be both isolating and rewarding, and the ...
Mar 31, 2026•25 min•Ep. 107
Nursing is changing fast, and new degrees, more travel gigs, and bedside tech are all part of the ride. In this episode, we chat with neurosurgery nurse Taniqua Mighty about how to roll with these changes, spot new opportunities, and stay connected to what matters in nursing. If you’re ready to grow in your career and rethink what’s possible, this one is for you. Chapters: [02:31] Taniqua shares how she got into neurosurgery and talks about her next step to become a nurse practitioner. [05:45] F...
Mar 17, 2026•39 min•Ep. 106
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we sit down with Alex, a dedicated nurse with nearly 12 years of experience, from rehab facilities to Level 1 trauma centers. Alex joins us to share her personal and inspiring journey. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and the "why" behind her passion for nursing. Alex's emotional story begins with how her mother's battle with stage 4 lung cancer influenced her decision to enter the field. She recalls the compassion shown by her m...
Feb 17, 2026•28 min•Ep. 105
Episode Highlights & Key Themes The Power of the Recruiter Relationship: We discuss why the bond between a travel nurse and their recruiter is the cornerstone of a successful assignment. Trust, vulnerability, and clear communication help navigate the ups and downs of travel healthcare. Why Nurses Travel Today: The motivations for hitting the road are changing. We explore factors like flexibility, leadership shifts in hospitals, cost of living pressures, and maintaining financial stability. A...
Feb 04, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 104
Episode Highlights Reflecting on 2025 & Setting Intentions Ann shares how embracing the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of 2025 helped shape her current perspective. Rather than setting rigid resolutions that can lead to failure, the focus shifts to setting up a state of being. The chosen word for 2026 is "Manifest." This isn't about passively wishing for success or happiness; it is about visualizing where you want your life to go and actively doing the hard work to get there. The "Work" in Nu...
Jan 21, 2026•22 min•Ep. 103
Episode Overview In this solo episode, Ann wraps up 2025 by looking back on a year filled with growth, change, and plenty of new experiences. Her word for the year, "embrace," set the tone for everything she did—good, bad, or in between. From going back to her favorite travel nursing assignment to making new friends and tackling the ups and downs of adulting, Ann shares what she learned along the way. This episode is all about finding the good, holding onto meaningful connections, and focusing o...
Dec 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 102
In this second part of the series of “Unlocking Mobility,” we dive into the critical role of mobility and fitness in the nursing profession. Hailey Abell, a physical trainer dedicated to helping nurses prioritize their health, shares practical tips and routines designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules. This episode highlights the importance of breathing techniques, core strength, and self-love, showing how intentional self-care can enhance personal well-being and the ability to care for ot...
Nov 11, 2025•25 min•Ep. 101
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we dive into the critical role physical health plays in the lives of nurses. Hailey Abell, a personal trainer with a passion for fitness, shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a fitness advocate. Together, we explore the mental and physical benefits of staying active, practical strategies for incorporating fitness into a nurse's busy schedule, and the importance of body awareness in preventing injuries. Hailey also breaks down fo...
Oct 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 100
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , Nicole Obra, Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, joins host Ann to discuss their experiences and highlights at TravCon 2025. Together, they discuss the vibrant atmosphere, the importance of networking, and the value of face-to-face interactions in fostering collaboration and understanding within the travel nursing community. The episode also highlights AMN Healthcare's innovative contributions to the conference and the significance of clinician feedb...
Oct 14, 2025•36 min•Ep. 99
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we explore the evolving world of travel nursing, with a spotlight on the recruitment process and the lasting effects of COVID-19 on nursing demand. Bianca Otero, a Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, shares her expertise on high-need contracts, the critical role of compensation, and the dynamics of the nurse-recruiter relationship. The conversation highlights the importance of quality nursing care, the unique challenges faced by travel nurses, and the...
Sep 30, 2025•48 min•Ep. 98
In this heartfelt solo episode, Ann takes listeners on a reflective journey through her six transformative years as a travel nurse. She dives into the personal and professional growth she’s experienced, the freedom and flexibility that travel nursing offers, and the lessons learned from navigating different life seasons. Ann opens up about the importance of mental health, finding a sense of home, and embracing change as a catalyst for growth. Her insights and stories will inspire nurses and anyo...
Sep 16, 2025•16 min•Ep. 97
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann connects with Camille Ferraro, an international travel nurse from Jamaica, to uncover her inspiring journey in the U.S. healthcare system. Camille shares her experiences navigating cultural differences in nursing practices, the importance of patient education, and the honor of receiving the Daisy Award for her compassionate care. The conversation delves into the realities of the opioid crisis, the evolution of charting systems, and the power of nur...
Sep 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , Dr. Everett Moss takes us on an extraordinary journey from battling fires to saving lives as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). With passion and purpose at the heart of his story, Dr. Moss dives into the diverse opportunities within nursing, the power of effective communication, and the importance of creating positive, lasting patient experiences. He opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and inspires aspiring healthcare professionals to ...
Aug 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 95
In Episode 94 of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann sits down with Ashley White, a NICU travel nurse, to explore the heart and soul of nursing: advocacy. This episode takes a deep dive into the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of NICU nursing, where patient advocacy is not just a skill but a lifeline. Ashley shares compelling personal stories that highlight the barriers nurses face when speaking up for their patients and the critical role of effective communication with physicians. The conv...
Aug 05, 2025•36 min•Ep. 94
Join us for this insightful conversation with Kathryn Williamson, a nurse anesthetist and educator, as we explore the exciting and challenging journey to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Kathryn shares her experiences, offering an inside look at the role of CRNAs, the educational path to anesthesia nursing, and the importance of clinical expertise. The episode also touches on the profound emotional connections nurses develop with their patients and raises awareness about...
Jul 22, 2025•32 min•Ep. 93
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Anne sits down with Dr. Bonny Kehm, the Founding Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Columbia Southern University. Together, they explore Bonny's inspiring journey from LPN to leadership, her experiences navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her dedication to empowering nurses through education. Bonny also shares innovative pathways for military medics transitioning into nursing and highlights the critical role of le...
Jul 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we dive into the critical topic of mental health for nurses. Ann is joined by Dr. Matt Boland to discuss the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges within the nursing profession, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they explore key concepts such as emotional regulation, the effects of suppression, coping with trauma, and recognizing signs of distress. The episode also highlights practical self-care strat...
Jun 17, 2025•42 min•Ep. 91
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , certified dietitian Sydney Navarro shares valuable insights on maintaining proper nutrition as a nurse. The conversation explores practical strategies for meal planning, prepping balanced meals, and overcoming common challenges in healthy eating. Sydney explains the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, incorporating protein and carbs into meals and snacks, and sustaining energy during long shifts with high-protein snacks. She also pro...
Jun 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 90
In this special Nurses Month episode, host Ann celebrates the incredible contributions of nurses by spotlighting Mel Nolasco, a Daisy Award recipient and seasoned travel nurse. Together, they delve into the significance of the Daisy Award, Mel's impactful experiences in the ER, and the profound ways he inspires patients and colleagues alike. Mel also shares his journey as a travel nurse, highlighting the importance of adaptability, family, and balance. The episode wraps up with Mel's heartfelt a...
May 20, 2025•14 min•Ep. 89
On this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we celebrate Nurses Month with Erin Gingrey, a director of recruitment at AMN Healthcare. Erin, who also happens to be Ann’s first recruiter, shares her inspiring journey into recruitment and leadership. The conversation highlights the core aspects of travel nursing, including the critical role of trust and communication between nurses and recruiters. Erin and Ann address the importance of transparent pay packages and the challenges travel nurses face in th...
May 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 88
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we dive into the inspiring story of Kathryn Dickson, BSN, RN, DNP, ENP-C, FNP-C—nurse, entrepreneur, and the visionary CEO behind OliveUs Apparel. Kathryn takes us on her journey from the bedside to the boardroom, sharing how her passion for nursing sparked the creation of a revolutionary scrub company. This isn’t just about scrubs—it’s about reimagining what healthcare professionals wear, with a focus on safety, comfort, and innovation. From patented featu...
Apr 22, 2025•44 min•Ep. 87
In part two of this episode series of Nursing Uncharted,, Ann interviews Sarah Michelle Boes, a nursepreneur, about her journey as a nurse and a mother to a child with congenital heart defects. Sarah discusses the challenges of navigating parenthood while managing OCD, the emotional toll of medical decisions for her daughter, Meadow, and the importance of knowledge in advocating for her child’s health. Sarah emphasizes the need for awareness and action in the fight against congenital heart disea...
Apr 08, 2025•34 min•Ep. 86
In this two-part episode series of Nursing Uncharted , Ann interviews Sarah Michelle Boes, a nursepreneur, about her journey through nursing school, mental health challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 on her education. Sarah opens up about her experiences with anxiety, OCD, and the pressures of nursing exams, emphasizing the importance of transparency and support in mental health. The conversation highlights the resilience required to navigate nursing education, the evolution of personal motiva...
Mar 25, 2025•47 min•Ep. 85
Join Ann as she interviews Alex Pastorkovich and Loftin Dortch in this inspiring episode of Nursing Uncharted as they share the story behind creating Üni, a brand dedicated to designing stylish and functional footwear for healthcare professionals. Drawing from their own nursing backgrounds, Alex and Loftin open up about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, from navigating risks to turning creative ideas into reality. Discover why versatility is essential in nursing shoes and how their...
Mar 11, 2025•35 min•Ep. 84
Join us in this episode of Nursing Uncharted as we sit down with Lynn Scussel to hear about her inspiring nursing career. Lynn shares her unique path, including her experience in correctional nursing, and opens up about her deep passion for education. She dives into what makes a great nursing educator and how effective teaching is critical for patient safety. We also talk about the challenges in nursing education today, the power of critical thinking, and tools like UWorld that help prepare nurs...
Feb 25, 2025•31 min•Ep. 83
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , host Ann dives into the essential relationship between nurses and recruiters with Kalie Simmons, Senior Manager at AMN Healthcare. Together, they discuss the importance of building strong connections, fostering effective communication, and prioritizing honesty and transparency in recruitment. The conversation sheds light on how these elements create successful partnerships that benefit both clinicians and recruiters. They also explore industry challenges an...
Feb 11, 2025•39 min•Ep. 82
