After months away from the mic, Kevin Stansbury returns to Transformation Nurse Academy with his most personal episode yet. In 🎙️Grief, Growth, and The Road Back, Kevin shares the story of losing his father-in-law, Victorino Pico Paat—the man who taught him how to love, laugh, fix things, and be present. This episode isn’t just about loss. It’s about reflection, healing, and finding the strength to step back into your calling after life knocks you down. Kevin opens up about the emotional and ph...
Apr 23, 2025•8 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy Podcast, we take you to the California Central Valley Oncology Nurses Symposium (CCVONS) for an exclusive look at the dedication, collaboration, and innovation shaping oncology nursing today. Featuring interviews with healthcare professionals from diverse specialties, this episode explores the emotional, psychological, and physical support systems essential to oncology care. Topics include survivorship care, palliative medicine, cancer rehabili...
Nov 22, 2024•20 min•Ep. 50
🩺 Episode Summary In this inspiring episode, Kevin, The Boot Nurse, shares his journey from nursing student to NCLEX coach, offering invaluable advice to future nurses. Learn how to tackle the NCLEX with confidence, organize your study time, and maintain balance amid life’s chaos. Kevin’s blend of personal stories, expert tips, and motivational insights will leave you ready to ace your exams and step into your nursing career with purpose. 🎧 Episode Highlights ⏰ [00:01:15] – “Balancing Family a...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 49
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the life-or-death realities surrounding head injuries and the role nurses play in ensuring timely, effective interventions. Head injuries aren’t just another trauma case—they demand an immediate response and a keen eye for signs of deterioration. From concussions to epidural and subdural hematomas, head injuries vary in severity, but the common denominator is that delayed care can mean the difference between recovery and irreversible damage. We’ll break down...
Nov 14, 2024•35 min•Ep. 48
Today, we’re diving deep into what it means to truly believe in yourself. I’m breaking down lessons from Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles, focusing on the power of self-belief. You’ll hear why you were put here for a reason and why it’s essential to recognize your unique gifts. We’re not here to wait for outside validation—self-confidence starts from within. And for anyone who doubts this, there’s neuroscience to back it up. I’ll also share stories of individuals who broke through barriers...
Nov 06, 2024•16 min•Ep. 47
This week, we're diving into the upcoming California Central Valley Oncology Nurses Symposium (CCVONS), happening on November 9th. I’ve gathered a powerhouse panel of oncology nurses— Nelly Zarate, Lisa Steele, Myra Mendoza, and Liz Valdovinos—together, we’re giving you an insider’s look at what’s planned for the event and why it’s essential for nurses from all specialties to get involved. We break down the event schedule, covering key topics like breast cancer survivorship, emotional and spirit...
Nov 01, 2024•24 min•Ep. 46
Today, we’re diving deep into a game-changing principle from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: Believe It’s Possible. This concept can completely reshape not just your career, but your life. In this episode, we explore the vital link between taking responsibility and believing that real, lasting change is more than possible—it’s ready and waiting for you to make it happen. By focusing on “Believe It’s Possible,” we’re unlocking the mindset that turns dreams into goals and goals into reali...
Oct 31, 2024•12 min•Ep. 45
Welcome back to the Transformation Nurse Academy Podcast! Today we’re getting into some real talk that every nurse needs to hear- decide what you want! As nurses, we’re so used to putting everyone else first, whether it's patients, coworkers, or our families. But today, it's all about YOU. If you don’t know what you want out of your career, your life, or your business, how are you gonna go after it? You need clarity, focus, and a plan to make things happen, and that’s exactly what we’re breaking...
Oct 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, we’re getting real about something every nurse needs to reflect on. I want you to ask yourself: Why are you here? Not just "here" as in your job, clocking in at the hospital or clinic, but what’s driving you? What made you get into nursing, and what keeps you from walking away, especially when it feels tough? Look, I’ve been where you are. There have been times in my own career when I questioned if I was on the right path, or if I was just going through the motions. It wasn’t un...
Oct 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 43
Feeling Stuck in Your Nursing Career? It’s Time to Own It – Here's How. Welcome back to another episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy Podcast. Today, we're diving into something that’s been weighing on so many nurses—feeling stuck. If you’ve ever found yourself clocking in, going through the motions, and wondering where the hell your passion for nursing went, this episode is for you. We’re pulling lessons straight from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, and we’re not sugarcoating it—...
Oct 09, 2024•30 min•Ep. 42
Welcome back, bi*! This week, we’re diving deep into a controversial case involving a 44-year-old female Jehovah's Witness who received a blood transfusion while battling necrotizing pancreatitis. As a Jehovah's Witness, her beliefs complicated the medical decisions made during her treatment. Throughout the episode, we explore the ethical and legal implications of consent in emergency situations, especially when patients are unable to voice their wishes. We break down the specifics of blood tran...
Oct 03, 2024•20 min•Ep. 41
First off, shoutout to all my listeners—y’all aren’t a huge crowd, but I love every single one of you. We’re keeping it real today, starting with a shoutout to @NoSaltBP.org, a nurse out of California who's got some fire questions. This leads us into a discussion on the challenges nurses face across different states, especially when dealing with male physicians—both addressing their wrongdoings and how both male and female physicians can protect themselves from harm while ensuring patient safety...
Sep 28, 2024•21 min•Ep. 40
In today’s episode, we dive into the shocking case of Judith Sobol, a former home health nurse who showed up to work high on methamphetamines, leading to the tragic death of a ventilator-dependent child. Sobol ended up convicted of second-degree murder, and her nursing license was permanently revoked. We also talk about the severe consequences of substance abuse in healthcare, the need for better support systems for healthcare professionals, and the importance of maintaining high standards in pa...
Sep 18, 2024•12 min•Ep. 38
The genitourinary (GU) system plays a pivotal role in both waste elimination and reproduction. For healthcare professionals, particularly those in emergency and critical care settings, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the GU system is indispensable. Today, we're going to get up close and personal with the Genitourinary (GU) system. We’re talking kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra—everything that helps keep waste in check and fluid levels steady. We’ll also dig into h...
Sep 14, 2024•39 min•Ep. 37
Do you know how to handle COPD patients during sedation without screwing up? Today’s episode is a special one, thanks to a great question from Debbie Hasty, a longtime friend and a badass PACU/ICU nurse. Debbie wanted some clarity on what to do when a COPD patient on home oxygen starts to desaturate. First off, let’s discuss GOLD standard. GOLD stands for the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Classification. GOLD 1 is mild, GOLD 2 is moderate, GOLD 3 is severe, and GOLD 4 is...
Sep 11, 2024•15 min•Ep. 33
Do you know your rights when faced with Unsafe patient assignments? In this episode, I’m diving deep into a critical issue that’s been making the rounds—patient abandonment versus refusing an unsafe assignment. If you’re a nurse and you’re not crystal clear on the difference, listen up. I came across a TikTok video from a PICU nurse named Alex. She was about to be the only nurse on shift for a ridiculous number of patients—six, eight, maybe ten. And you know what she did? She said, "I’m not doin...
Sep 05, 2024•14 min•Ep. 36
How can a thorough respiratory assessment, including anatomy, lifestyle, and ABG interpretation, enhance a nurse's management of critical respiratory conditions? Welcome back to the Transformation Nurse Academy podcast. This week, we're diving deep into the crucial topic of respiratory assessment—one that every nurse needs to master, especially in emergency and critical care settings. We’ll cover the essential elements of respiratory assessment, from understanding the anatomy and physiology to t...
Aug 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 35
Are You Equipped to Assess and Manage GI Tract Emergencies? Today, we dive into a critical aspect of nursing care: assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as part of a comprehensive head-to-toe examination. The GI system is a complex network responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. It includes essential organs such as the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. To provide accurate assessments and effective interventions, nurses ...
Aug 14, 2024•35 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, we provide nurses with a comprehensive guide to mastering cardiovascular assessment, a crucial skill in the nursing profession. We delve into the anatomy and physiology of the heart, explaining the cardiac cycle and discussing common cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart failure. We emphasize the importance of prompt assessment and intervention in suspected myocardial infarction (MI), sharing a detailed case study to illustrate best pra...
Jul 31, 2024•28 min•Ep. 30
How confident are you in your ability to perform a comprehensive neurological assessment? As nurses, especially those in emergency and critical care, mastering accurate neurological assessments is crucial. These skills can significantly impact patient outcomes and the quality of care provided. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of neurological assessment, a vital component of nursing. Join us as we discuss the anatomy and physiology of the brain, explore critical nursing doctrine...
Jul 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 29
How can we ensure the best care for our pediatric patients in emergency situations? Whether you're a healthcare professional, parent, or caregiver, navigating pediatric emergencies can be daunting. Understanding the triage process can make all the difference in providing timely and effective care for children. In this episode, we explore the Pediatric ESI Triage Tool, a critical system used to prioritize pediatric patients in emergency settings. We discussed the Pediatric Assessment Triangle, co...
Jul 17, 2024•21 min•Ep. 28
n this powerful episode, we uncover the shocking details of a tragic event that has sent ripples through the healthcare community. A Vallejo man's untimely death at Kaiser ER has led to a federal probe, revealing critical failures in the emergency room response. Join us as we: Investigate the Federal Findings: What went wrong, and how did the system fail this patient? Analyze Key Failures: Understand the crucial errors and lapses in the ER procedures. Discuss Lessons Learned: Highlight the steps...
Jul 15, 2024•11 min•Ep. 27
How can nurses balance the need for quick and efficient triage with thorough patient assessments to avoid the pitfalls of under-triage and over-triage in emergency departments? In this episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy, we dive deep into understanding the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) – a crucial triage system that categorizes patients based on the severity of their conditions and the resources they require. Join us as we explore how the ESI helps prioritize patient care in the emerge...
Jul 10, 2024•27 min•Ep. 24
Get your FREE eBook on Effective Time Management for Nurses here! https://transformation-nurse-academy.ck.page/eff2e9207a What are the most significant time-wasting activities you encounter in your nursing practice? Nursing is a profession rooted in care, compassion, and efficiency. However, despite best efforts, many nurses find themselves bogged down by time-wasting activities that impede their ability to provide optimal care. In this episode, we talk about effective time management for health...
Jul 03, 2024•13 min•Ep. 26
Every second counts when it comes to button battery ingestion. Are you prepared to act when you encounter patients who have swallowed a battery, especially in a pediatric setting? Take the quiz to make a difference! https://form.jotform.com/centralvalleymedical/buttonbatterymanagement In this episode, we delve into a harrowing story shared by our guest, Joanne, about her 19-month-old daughter, Luna, who swallowed a button battery. Joanne recounts the series of misdiagnoses and dismissals by heal...
Jun 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 22
Oregon State Hospital under scrutiny for patient deaths. Who's to blame? How can we prevent such incidents? In this week's episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy podcast, we tackle a deeply concerning incident at the Oregon State Hospital that has put the facility at risk of losing its Medicare and Medicaid funding. We explore the tragic case where a patient died from a suspected fentanyl overdose, attributed to staff negligence in conducting mandatory hourly checks. Throughout the episode,...
Jun 12, 2024•15 min•Ep. 25
What happens when nursing professionals push the boundaries of their roles? Join us as we delve into the compelling case of LVN Renee Ann Lazcano, who found herself at the center of a disciplinary storm for gross negligence and unprofessional conduct. Focusing on her unauthorized medication administration and the severe repercussions that followed, we reveal the critical lessons from this case, underscoring the vital importance of adhering to nursing ethics and professional standards. We will ex...
May 29, 2024•41 min•Ep. 24
Ever heard of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium or Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium? Today, we dove deep into the complex world of tribal health consortiums and their legal implications, especially focusing on a recent Alaska State Supreme Court decision that affects how tribal health consortiums operate. The court overturned a 20-year precedent, granting these consortiums a type of sovereign legal immunity that shields them from most civil lawsuits in state courts. This deci...
May 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of the Transformation Nurse Academy podcast, we discuss the shocking case of Heather Pressdee, a former Pennsylvania nurse sentenced to life in prison for killing three patients by injecting excessive doses of insulin. Learn about the details of her case, including her employment history at multiple healthcare facilities where she exhibited abusive behavior towards patients and staff. Furthermore, we discuss the disturbing events surrounding Pressdee's actions and questions why h...
May 08, 2024•15 min•Ep. 22
Are you confident in your ability to advocate effectively for your patients during critical situations such as managing sepsis? Today, we delve into a nurse's case study where a registered nurse (RN), working as a per diem float in an emergency department, faced challenges in managing a patient with severe sepsis. The critical issues highlighted in this case included missed patient history details, delays in treatment due to protocol errors and communication breakdowns, and ultimately, legal rep...
May 01, 2024•24 min•Ep. 21
