Dr. Emily Boyce and Justin LeMay, a UNLV School of Nursing double-alumnus, discuss the importance of data metrics and guidelines in patient care. They highlight the need for optimizing workflows without disrupting them. LeMay notes the impact of technology, such as Epic, on nursing workflows and the adaptability of younger nurses to new technologies. Finally, he advises nurses interested in process improvement to identify quality improvement departments and analyze their own workflows for potent...
Apr 11, 2025•16 min•Ep. 72
Dr. Henna Lee and Dr. Lissi Hansen, the 2025 Yucha Lecture Speaker, discuss palliative and end-of-life care in nursing. Dr. shares her career journey from Denmark to the U.S., her transition to palliative and end-of-life care research, and her focus on caregiver burden and treatment decision-making. She emphasizes the need for early palliative care integration, advocating for nurses to be trained in basic palliative care elements like pain management and spiritual support.
Mar 14, 2025•21 min•Ep. 71
Carissa Hernandez, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at UNLV, shares her journey from a professional flamenco dancer to a nurse. Her DNP project focuses on using virtual reality (VR) to enhance med-surg nurses' confidence and skills in responding to cardiac arrests. Based on her findings, the training was practical for both first-time and experienced users, and it aims to expand to other specialties and rural clinics.
Mar 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 70
For American Heart Health Month, Dr. Dieu-My Tran, an associate professor at UNLV School of Nursing, discusses cardiovascular health, particularly heart disease. She highlights that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, especially post-menopausal, due to the loss of estrogen's protective effects. Dr. Tran emphasizes the importance of early education on heart health, especially for young adults and college students, as lifestyle choices formed during these years can impact long-te...
Feb 19, 2025•16 min•Ep. 69
In honor of Cervical Health Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez talks with Dr. Marguerite Brathwaite about cervical cancer screening and women's health. She explains that cervical cancer screening involves Pap smears to detect abnormal cervical cells and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Brathwaite emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and safe sex practices to prioritize cervical health.
Feb 01, 2025•10 min•Ep. 68
Dr. Nirmala Lekhak, a UNLV School of Nursing assistant professor, shares how meditation can enhance cognitive function, memory, and psychological health in older adults, addressing issues like loneliness, depression, and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of spirituality in improving mental well-being and has researched meditation's effects during COVID-19. Dr. Lekhak highlights the benefits of compassion, kindness, and self-awareness in daily life.
Jan 23, 2025•15 min•Ep. 67
Minnie Wood, senior lecturer, is joined by Rebecca Colbert and Theron Nissen of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. They delve into the library's health kits, which include a touchless thermometer, wrist blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter. These kits, available in all library branches, aim to provide accessible health monitoring tools for the public. The Library District focuses on meeting the community where they’re at, including offering medical models and a ZSpace application fo...
Dec 27, 2024•20 min•Ep. 66
Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications, sits with Michele Josue, an Emmy Award-winning Filipino filmmaker. Josue discusses her film "Nurse Unseen," which highlights the experiences of Filipino American nurses during the pandemic. Josue shares her journey into filmmaking and her passion for documenting personal and community stories, leading to her current work on "Nurse Unseen." This episode features: Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications at UNLV School o...
Dec 22, 2024•29 min•Ep. 65
Recorded in July 2024, Dr. Imelda Reyes, Associate Dean of Advanced Education, interviews Carolyn Jones, a documentary filmmaker, who shares her journey through filmmaking and capturing global issues through storytelling. Her film "American Birth" explores the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S., highlighting midwifery as a solution. Jones was selected as the guest speaker for UNLV School of Nursing’s and Dr. Linda Silvestri’s annual Sylvestri Lecture. Jones emphasizes the importance of nurses...
Dec 20, 2024•14 min•Ep. 64
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez and Minnie Wood sit together and discuss the importance of breast self-awareness, risk factors, and essential screening recommendations. Wood is a Senior Lecturer at UNLV School of Nursing and a breast cancer survivor. They discuss practical tips for performing self-exams, how to recognize changes, and the power of advocating for your health.
Oct 31, 2024•23 min•Ep. 63
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sigrid Barrett, the first Filipino-American Dean at UNLV School of Nursing discusses her background and culture with UNLV nursing alumnus and Ph.D student Joseph Cadiz in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Dean Barrett shares her journey from immigrant to leader, reflecting on her passion for mentorship and representation in nursing. The conversation dives into the importance of diverse leadership, the challenges of stepping into roles of authority, an...
Oct 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 62
In honor of National Midwifery Week, Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Dr. Janice Enriquez, and Sara Richins discuss the role of nurse midwives, emphasizing their diverse responsibilities, including primary care, sexual and reproductive health, and maternity care. They highlight the unique aspects of midwifery, such as the ability to provide care in various settings, including hospitals, homes, and birth centers. Dr. Vanderlaan discusses her research, which focuses on improving maternal health systems. S...
Oct 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 61
Dr. Jackie Killian, an associate professor at the School of Nursing, talks with Tenile Pritchard, a direct-entry MSN student, to discuss her inspiring journey. Tenille, originally from Boston, pursued a career in dance and business before transitioning to nursing after a life-changing experience with a cancer diagnosis. Tenille is now in her first semester of the MSN program, balancing studies, work, and volunteering as a doula. Dr. Killian and Tenille discuss the importance of knowing one's bod...
Sep 13, 2024•21 min•Ep. 60
Understanding identity and sexual orientation is important in creating safe and respectful healthcare environments for patients. In this episode, Dr. Rocky Rockstraw welcomes returning guests to share their experiences and highlights the importance of inclusive practices and the "repair process" for addressing mistakes. This episode features: Dr. Rocky Rockstraw, Professor at UNLV School of Nursing Dr. Samuel Hickson, Health Behaviorist, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW-I, MSSA, MBA, ACE-CHC Kalvin Byrd - Found...
Aug 30, 2024•21 min•Ep. 59
How can we avoid implicit bias as a health care provider? Recorded during Pride Month, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Samuel Hickson explore the minute behaviors in primary care providers that stigmatize LGBTQIA patients. The topic was the subject of Dr. Hickson’s dissertation, and recognizes the importance of asking inclusive questions. This episode features: Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing Dr. Samuel Hickson, Health Behaviorist, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW-I, MSS...
Aug 02, 2024•13 min•Ep. 58
Creating safe spaces for patients is an element of patient-centered care healthcare professionals should provide. Recorded during Pride Month, UNLV School of Nursing faculty, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Rocky Rockstraw speak with community leaders Kalvin Byrd and Brie about their experiences with providers and how to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community going forward. This episode features: Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing Dr. Rocky Rockstraw, P...
Jul 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 57
Gerontology may not be the first choice for young nurses choosing a specialty, but it's arguably among the most important nursing fields. UNLV Nursing professor Kayla Sullivan returns to the show to talk gero and what makes it a vital role.
May 30, 2023•13 min•Ep. 55
Burnout among nurses is unique in that it's not just a cause of anxiety and strife but also an effect. UNLV Nursing professor Susan VanBeuge returns to the show to talk about new numbers on reported cases; what nurses and their organizations can do to reduce burnout; and how nurse educators can prepare their students as best they can.
May 23, 2023•18 min•Ep. 54
Keila Haynes joined UNLV Nursing's accelerated second degree program after a career in business. See why she made the transition, including the dramatic moment that made her realize nursing was her calling.
May 16, 2023•16 min•Ep. 53
Bonus Nurse Week episode! Brittany Lynn Perez takes a break from her nurse practitioner courses to share what it means to be a preceptor and why she thinks it's among the most important roles in nursing.
May 12, 2023•15 min•Ep. 52
May 6th through May 12th is National Nurses Week! Today's episode shines the spotlight on part-time instructors, and we have not one, not two, but three interviews sandwiched in one great show. Each part-time instructor explains why they love what they do and how important their roles are.
May 09, 2023•33 min•Ep. 51
UNLV Nursing lecturer Esmeralda Clark discusses what drew her to trauma and critical care nursing; memories of helping students treat patients during 1 October; and the skills you need to excel in this field.
May 02, 2023•17 min•Ep. 50
Local flight nurse Donna Miller didn't wait for changes she wanted to see; she made them possible. She talks about her air ambulance company; how she adjusted to entrepreneurship; and how to set realistic but attainable expectations as a young nurse.
Apr 25, 2023•26 min•Ep. 49
What is considered a health disparity? UNLV Nursing professor Melva Thompson-Robinson explains how far-reaching disparities go in our society (pandemic and non-pandemic included) and how her role as a journal editor is vital to public health research.
Apr 18, 2023•23 min•Ep. 48
UNLV Nursing Professor Candace Burton breaks down her focus on trauma-informed care and stress and why it's so significant; and how she hopes to advance nursing doctoral programs at UNLV.
Apr 11, 2023•20 min•Ep. 47
April is Workplace Violence Awareness Month. UNLV Nursing Professor Kayla Sullivan explains how often nurses (and other healthcare workers) face different forms of aggression at work; what are common causes; and effective forms of de-escalation.
Apr 04, 2023•15 min•Ep. 46
A new UNLV clinic combines primary care capabilities with interdisciplinary benefits among nursing and medical students. UNLV Nursing Professor Terry Bartmus and counseling center agency director Kathy Wild explain how this facility can help the Las Vegas community and the challenges/rewards of working in mental health. Mojave Counseling/UNLV Health: https://www.unlvhealth.org/clinic/mojave-counseling National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone number: 988
Mar 28, 2023•15 min•Ep. 45
UNLV Nursing professor Hyunhwa "Henna" Lee and her graduate assistant Cynthia Lee share the science of brain injuries like concussions through biology; apps and devices; and partnering with other UNLV researchers and athletes.
Mar 21, 2023•26 min•Ep. 44
Nurse. Donor. National Guard. Mentor. Justin LeMay wears many hats, but he navigates all with the same focus of bettering others, whether it's patient care; young nurses; and fellow service members. He covers a wide range of topics, from being a cardiovascular ICU nurse to giving back financially to students.
Mar 14, 2023•23 min•Ep. 43
Obesity in children is ever-present, and some populations see it more than others. UNLV Nursing professor Imelda Reyes explains what contributes to high pediatric obesity cases in the U.S.; how parents and nurses can work together on promoting healthier diets and nutrition; and the differences between obesity and overweight.
Mar 07, 2023•19 min•Ep. 42
