Hate the ICU, but still thinking about CRNA school? You're not alone. And it might not be the dealbreaker you think. In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA, to unpack what it really takes to get into CRNA school, and what life actually looks like on the other side. Jenny shares her honest experience of struggling emotionally in the ICU, why becoming a CRNA felt completely different, and how many nurses misunderstand what this career path truly demands. In...
Jan 22, 2026•49 min
Correctional nursing, home health, aesthetics, nurse leaders… and now AI? NSO's newest nurse liability report highlights some surprising trends in where claims are happening (and why), and this episode breaks it all down in a way that's actually useful for real-world nurses. In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with Jennifer Flynn from NSO to discuss their latest nurse liability data: what's increasing, what's getting more expensive, and what nurses can do today to reduce risk witho...
Jan 15, 2026•51 min
A home health nurse thought she was helping her patient, but her actions ultimately led to probation with the state board of nursing. In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with my husband, licensed clinical counselor John Kleber, to walk through a real NSO case study involving a nurse who crossed professional boundaries, practiced outside her scope, and failed to document critical aspects of care. Step by step, we break down what happened, where the nurse's intentions and actions div...
Jan 12, 2026•42 min
Being a new nurse is overwhelming enough, but what if you also feel out of sync socially with the people around you? Socially awkward. Emotionally drained. Cognitively overloaded. Loving nursing, but quietly wondering if you're doing it "wrong." In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with my husband, licensed clinical counselor John Kleber, to talk honestly about what it's like to be a new nurse who doesn't feel like they fit the mold. Together, we unpack how neurodivergence, social a...
Dec 18, 2025•57 min
New nurses step onto the floor with a license, but not with all the answers. Yet patients, families, and even friends often expect brand-new RNs to perform like seasoned experts. In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with my husband, licensed clinical counselor John Kleber, to unpack what it's like to learn under that spotlight of public expectations. Together, we explore how new nurses can manage the gap between what people expect of you, and what you realistically know as you grow ...
Dec 11, 2025•40 min
New nurses are often handed a long "allergy list" and five minutes to make sense of it. In this episode, Kati Kleber talks with Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, former President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and NP at DePaul Community Health Centers, about how to take a focused allergy history that actually improves patient care. What you'll learn: ✅ A fast framework to separate side effect vs intolerance vs sensitivity vs true allergy ✅ The exact ...
Dec 04, 2025•35 min
Traditional nursing models are breaking under the weight of higher acuity, staffing shortages, and relentless workload. But nurse leaders aren't waiting for permission to fix it, they're redesigning care delivery right now. In this episode, Kati Kleber, MSN RN, talks with Dr. Bethany Robertson, Clinical Executive at Wolters Kluwer, Health Learning Research & Practice, about how hospitals are experimenting with new care models that actually work. From team-based care to virtual nursing, Betha...
Nov 25, 2025•44 min
In this episode of The FreshRN Podcast, host Kati Kleber, MSN RN, sits down with Dr. Susan Grant, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN (Chief Clinical Officer at symplr) to talk about how AI can actually make nursing better. We focus less on "what AI is" and more on how to successfully integrate it into nursing practice. Susan will share leadership strategies for building trust, creating a culture where AI empowers rather than intimidates, and ensuring nurses are part of decision-making from the very beginning...
Nov 20, 2025•51 min
In this episode, we're talking less about what sepsis is and more about how to build systems that actually help nurses catch and treat it earlier, without overwhelming us or compromising patient safety. Instead of focusing on textbook definitions, we explore how workflow, culture, and smart (nurse-driven!) processes can radically improve outcomes. I sit down with Jaclyn Bond, MS, MBA, RN, former Director of Nursing and an innovative leader known for transforming rapid response workflows, develop...
Nov 13, 2025•59 min
If I could hop in a time machine and redo my journey to becoming a nurse, knowing what I know now... I'd take a very different path (and spend a lot less money). In this episode, I'm walking you through what I actually did: From changing majors to juggling basketball and nursing school, and what I'd do differently if I could go back. We'll talk about: ✅ Why I wish I'd started as a CNA in high school ✅ How going the ADN route first could've saved me thousands ✅ What I learned about tuition reimbu...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min
Ok that title might be a little spicy, but stick with me. In this episode, I discuss why so many of us over-identify with our roles, how "we're a family" culture keeps us stuck, and what learned helplessness looks like at the bedside. We'll also talk about the sneaky way suffering becomes a badge of honor, and how to step out of that martyr mindset. Sign up for my email list: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up My professional development learning hub: https://www.freshrn.com/professional-deve...
Jun 05, 2025•40 min
In this episode, we're diving into what happens when perfectionism collides with the messy, high-pressure reality of nursing. If you've ever felt like your entire identity is wrapped up in being the "good nurse" ... you know, the one who never messes up, never says no, and always holds it together, this conversation is for you. We'll talk about: How nursing school subtly wires us for people-pleasing Why high-pressure roles make us more vulnerable to shame Why self-compassion (not shame) is the k...
May 29, 2025•28 min
In this episode, I interviews Dr. Kelly J. Dries, Ph.D., RN, Director of Nursing Program Success at Wolters Kluwer Health. As a former dean of a nursing school, Dr. Dries shares: Her educational journey from someone telling her she'd never make it in nursing school, all the way to her PhD How nursing schools decide what their curriculum will look like The (sometimes sutble but important) differences between programs Smart questions to ask about the schools you're considering Advice and encourage...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Michelle Boes, FNP, a nurse practitioner and board prep expert who's helped thousands of aspiring NPs pass their exams with confidence. We talk about what it's really like to go through the certification process, how to choose the right study tools, and what Sarah wishes every NP student knew before sitting for the test. We cover: Sarah's deeply personal and non-linear journey through nursing school, including nearly being removed from her program Her disco...
May 15, 2025•51 min
All of the NP track options are confusing. I'm Kati Kleber, an MSN-prepared nurse educator and in this video I'll explain the FNP role and differentiate it from other NP tracks. Full article → https://www.freshrn.com/fnp-vs-agacnp/ We discuss: What is an FNP, really? Why the "family" part actually matter NP tracks and scope of practice explained What makes the FNP role stand out FNP vs. AGACNP vs. PNP and more What real NPs have to say about their roles I have a platform full of free resources f...
May 08, 2025•14 min
Thinking about going back to school to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) but feeling overwhelmed by what it actually means? In this episode, I break down what the DNP is, who it's for, how it compares to an MSN or PhD, and share perspectives from DNP and DNAP-prepared nurses. I outline: What the DNP really is (and how it's different from a PhD) Why some nurses pursue it, and others don't The difference between a DNP and a DNAP What to expect from a DNP program (time, cost, and the infam...
May 01, 2025•42 min
I have been keeping my eye on NCLEX prep products for at least a decade and because of this, I maintain a checklist of features that make a program superior. I know a good one when I see one, what a reasonable price looks like, and what really moves the needle. In this episode, I explain my top three in detail. I would 10/10 use any of these if I were studying for the NCLEX again. (But thank GOSH I don't have to do that!) You can read the full blog post (with all the links) here: https://www.fre...
Apr 30, 2025•15 min
Are online nursing degrees respected? Do employers take them seriously? What about clinicals and accreditation? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Karen Cox, President of Chamberlain University—the largest nursing school in the U.S.—to tackle the most common misconceptions about online nursing education . We cover things like: The evolution of online RN, BSN, and grad programs How online clinicals actually work What accreditation means and why it's non-negotiable How employers view online degree...
Apr 24, 2025•45 min
Considering getting your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) but feeling totally overwhelmed by the options? You're not alone. In this episode, I break down what an MSN actually is (and what it isn't), the difference between clinical and non-clinical paths, and how to choose a program that aligns with your goals, not just what seems affordable or popular. You'll learn: What an MSN really means (and why it's not a job title) The difference between clinical MSN paths (like NP and CNS) vs. non-clini...
Apr 17, 2025•42 min
In this episode, I'm joined by Ali Morin, MSN, RN-BC, CNIO, to talk about a topic that's generating a lot of buzz (and questions): AI in nursing. We dive into how artificial intelligence is already being used in clinical settings—like fall prevention, EMR automation, staffing optimization, and more. Ali shares her journey from pediatric critical care nurse to informatics leader and offers a clear, thoughtful breakdown of what AI can really do for nurses at the bedside. We also explore: How AI is...
Apr 10, 2025•42 min
Ever wondered what it's like to be in a BSN program today? In this episode, I interview Padraic Day, a current BSN nursing student who shares his firsthand experience balancing the classroom, clinicals, and his role as a nurse extern in the MICU. What You'll Learn: What nursing school and clinicals are really like from a student's perspective. How working as a CNA prepares you for bedside nursing. What it's like to work as a nurse extern in a Medical ICU (MICU) while still in school. Whether you...
Dec 12, 2024•48 min
In this enlightening interview, I sit down with Jennifer Flynn, a seasoned expert in risk management and professional liability. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare insurance, Jennifer brings her wealth of knowledge to help nurses navigate the complex world of liability, patient safety, and quality management. What We Discuss: ✅ Common scenarios where nurses might need to use their liability insurance—step-by-step insights. ✅ The Rhadonda Vaught case: How typical (or atypical) are cri...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 10 min
[PARTIAL DOSE] Ever had a patient or their loved one really frustrated that they haven't received diagnostic results immediately after they were completed? Not sure how to handle that with tact and care? In today's bonus episode, I discuss how to handle this very specific yet common situation for bedside nurses so you can feel like a pro. Click here to learn more: https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/
Nov 30, 2024•11 min
In this mini-bonus episode, I'm sharing my favorite go-to potluck items for RN gatherings! These are all easy, require minimal to no cooking/baking but are so delicious. Plus, don't forget—our FreshRN Black Friday Sale kicks off TOMORROW! Get access to our all-inclusive membership for the lowest price of the year. • $57/month (normally $97) • $587/year (normally $997) Link to learn more about the pass: https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/ Make sure to snag these deals while they last. Join the Fr...
Nov 28, 2024•11 min
In this episode, we dive into the art of giving and receiving nursing reports during your shift—especially when the pressure is on. Whether you're dealing with nit-picky nurses, feeling intimidated by experienced colleagues, or handling less-than-friendly handoffs, this episode is for you. We'll share realistic examples of challenging moments, offer strategies for managing your emotions and reactions, and teach you how to respond with confidence and professionalism. Plus, I introduce my new Nurs...
Nov 21, 2024•27 min
In this episode, we dive into the art of giving and receiving nursing reports during your shift—especially when the pressure is on. Whether you're dealing with nit-picky nurses, feeling intimidated by experienced colleagues, or handling less-than-friendly handoffs, this episode is for you. We'll share realistic examples of challenging moments, offer strategies for managing your emotions and reactions, and teach you how to respond with confidence and professionalism. Plus, I introduce my new Nurs...
Nov 21, 2024•27 min
Are you preparing for a nursing job interview? Before you accept that offer, make sure you're aware of the red flags that could signal a toxic work environment, burnout, or lack of support. In this video, we'll uncover the most important warning signs every nurse should look out for during an interview—from vague answers about staffing ratios to comments about workload and training. Whether you're a new grad or an experienced nurse switching specialties, spotting these red flags early can save y...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min
In today's episode, expect to learn 10 different smart questions to ask in an interview. We first will discuss questions to ask during a screening interview with a general hiring manager, and then more specific questions for an interview with a nurse manager who could potentially be your next boss! Make a great impression with these thoughtful questions. If you want to have a written version of this, check out this blog post: https://www.freshrn.com/questions-to-ask-during-a-nursing-interview/ C...
Nov 07, 2024•27 min
In today's episode, expect to learn 10 different smart questions to ask in an interview. We first will discuss questions to ask during a screening interview with a general hiring manager, and then more specific questions for an interview with a nurse manager who could potentially be your next boss! Make a great impression with these thoughtful questions. If you want to have a written version of this, check out this blog post: https://www.freshrn.com/questions-to-ask-during-a-nursing-interview/ C...
Nov 07, 2024•27 min
We dig into a reader question for a newer charger nurse + some encouragement for those of you thinking of quitting. 0:14 Why I do this 1:46 My college journey and the price tag 3:44 Encouragement from Leah, RN 5:09 A helpful nursing resource 5:33 Career experience from Joy, RN 6:11 Encouragement from Jennifer, RN 6:46 Charge RN question from "Sarah" 8:54 Stepping into your earned authority 10:04 Dealing with challenging personalities 12:17 It's giving professional 13:50 Being a charge RN is like...
Nov 01, 2024•25 min
