Life After Nursing School – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of the Life After Nursing School Podcast, we’re talking about one of my favorite end-of-year rituals: choosing a Word of the Year to guide your mindset, career decisions, and personal growth. Instead of relying on rigid New Year’s resolutions, I’m sharing how a single, intentional word has shaped my confidence, my nursing career, my business, and the way I move through life.

We’ll reflect on what worked this year, what didn’t, and how to choose a word that supports where you’re headed in 2026—especially if you’re a new nurse navigating overwhelm, burnout, imposter syndrome, or big career transitions. I’m also walking you through the pivotal moments, spiritual insights (yes, we talk astrology!), and real-life examples that helped me land on my word for 2026.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll feel inspired to choose a word that aligns with your goals, honors your energy, and helps you step into the most grounded, confident, and intentional version of yourself in the new year.

Whether you're a nursing student, a new grad nurse, or a nurse exploring your next chapter, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a fresh perspective on how to approach 2026 with purpose.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Please consider following and/or rating the show or leaving a review if you feel inspired by the show!

45: Everything I’d Do Differently Before Starting My Nursing Career

Épisode 45

mardi 2 décembre 2025 • Durée 19:22

Learn what I wish I had done before starting my first nursing job. From preparing early for the new grad nurse job search to building a standout resume, setting boundaries, preventing burnout, and staying open to opportunities—this episode is your roadmap to thriving as a new nurse

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Application Advantage: New Grad Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Course

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Resource Mentioned in the Episode

Thank you for being here <3

36: How New Nurses Can Use ChatGPT to Build Critical Thinking Skills

Épisode 36

mardi 30 septembre 2025 • Durée 14:25

Critical thinking is one of the most important skills you’ll ever develop as a new nurse but it doesn’t come overnight. In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Nurse Career Coach Caroline shares how you can use ChatGPT as a practical tool to strengthen your clinical judgment and build confidence at the bedside.

You’ll learn how to apply ChatGPT to the nursing process (ADPIE) - Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation - and discover how it can help you practice patient scenarios, debrief after tough shifts, break down complex topics like lab values and medications, run prioritization drills, and even role-play SBAR handoffs or provider calls.

Caroline also highlights creative ways new nurses and nursing students are already using ChatGPT, from creating study tools for NCLEX prep to brainstorming strategies for orientation success. With real-life examples and actionable takeaways, this episode will show you how to use ChatGPT as a safe, judgment-free sandbox to practice and refine your thinking - so you can feel more prepared, confident, and capable in your nursing career.

If you’re ready to go beyond memorization and start thinking like a nurse, this episode is for you.

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

35: Exploring Remote Nursing Jobs with the Co-Founder of Go Beyond the Bedside

mardi 23 septembre 2025 • Durée 37:27

Are you curious about how nurses can build flexible, remote careers? In this episode of Life After Nursing School, Caroline sits down with David Rosenbeck, co-founder of Go Beyond the Bedside, to talk about breaking free from traditional hospital roles. David shares his journey from bedside nursing to launching a platform that connects nurses with remote nursing jobs, virtual care opportunities, and innovative ways to use their clinical skills outside the hospital.

If you’re a new nurse exploring career options or a seasoned nurse ready for a change, this conversation will give you insights into remote work, telehealth, and the future of nursing. Tune in to learn how to create a career that fits your lifestyle, prevents burnout, and expands what’s possible for your nursing journey.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Episode Guest Info & Mentioned Resources:

Go Beyond the Bedside Website

Connect with Go Beyond the Bedside Team on Instagram: @gobeyondthebedside

FREE Resource: 8 Most Common Remote Jobs PDF

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

34: A Real-Life Grey’s Anatomy Nurse & PA Love Story: Celebrating 10 Years Married

Épisode 34

mardi 16 septembre 2025 • Durée 01:00:35

This week, I’m joined by a very special guest - my husband, Bryan Danna, PA-C and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Together, we’re celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary with a conversation that blends love, laughter, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as a dual healthcare couple.

From marathon training to raising three kids, from military commitments to launching my nursing business, Bryan and I get real about what it takes to balance marriage, family, and demanding careers in medicine. We reminisce about our early days, meeting while I was a nursing student and he was an orthopedic PA sharing a story that feels straight out of Grey’s Anatomy (minus the drama).

You’ll hear Bryan’s perspective on watching me pivot from bedside nursing into entrepreneurship, the challenges and joys of supporting each other through career changes, and why time (more than money) has become our family’s greatest priority.

Whether you’re a nurse, student, or simply curious about what it’s like to build a marriage and career in healthcare, this episode is heartfelt, funny, and full of honest reflections.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Application Advantage - Resume/Cover Letter Course HERE

Stan Store Webinar & Freebies → Stan Store

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

33: Maybe a Nurse Retreat is Exactly What You Need

Épisode 33

mardi 9 septembre 2025 • Durée 35:08

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, I chat with Nicole Johnson, BSN, RN, CCRN - Critical Care Nurse and founder of Unwound Retreats. Nicole knows firsthand the challenges of burnout and has built a career around helping nurses reconnect with themselves and their purpose. With certifications in Happiness at Work, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Psychological First Aid, she blends evidence-based wellness with real-world nursing experience.

Since 2019, Nicole has led Unwound Retreats across Mexico, Morocco, and California, offering nurses a chance to rest, reflect, and build community. Her retreats combine yoga, meditation, journaling, and CE-accredited education with meaningful connection and plenty of fun.

In our conversation, Nicole shares her own life after nursing school, how one season of burnout shifted her path, and why creating space for nurses to breathe is so important. She also gives us a preview of her upcoming Sayulita, Mexico retreat—with luxury lodging, daily wellness practices, paddleboarding, chef-prepared meals, and up to 8 CE credits.

Whether you’re a new grad nurse or an experienced RN, this episode will inspire you to prioritize self-care and community.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Connect with Nicole & Unwound Retreats:

*SPECIAL Discount Code: ‘NEWGRADNURSE’ - $200 off Unwound November 2025 Retreat!

Unwound Retreats Instagram → @unwoundretreatsfornurses

Nicole Johnson Instagram → @nicolejohnson.rn

Nicole Johnson TikTok → @nicolejohnson.rn

Retreat Website → Unwound Retreats Website

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

32: Pumpkin Spice Season Prep: Energy, Sleep, and Stress Hacks for Nurses

Épisode 32

mardi 2 septembre 2025 • Durée 28:23

Factor75 Meal Service Link Here

Fall is here - pumpkin spice, busy schedules, and all the chaos that comes with it. Whether you’re a nursing student heading back to clinicals or a new grad nurse starting your first job, this season can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple strategies to help you stay organized, reduce decision fatigue, and actually enjoy pumpkin spice season. From creating a weekly reset routine to building a bedtime wind-down and protecting your energy, these practical nurse tips will help you move through fall with more calm and confidence.

👉 Perfect for new nurses, nursing students, or anyone juggling school, shifts, and family life.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠
TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠
Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠
Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Episode Mentioned Resources:

Hatch Alarm Clock

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

31: Surviving Nursing Orientation When Your Preceptor Isn’t the Best Fit

Épisode 31

mardi 26 août 2025 • Durée 19:16

Starting your first nursing job is exciting, but what if your preceptor isn’t the right fit? Orientation sets the foundation for your nursing career, and a mismatched preceptor can make it harder to build confidence and independence as a new grad nurse.

In this episode of Life After Nursing School, we’ll break down what a supportive orientation should look like, the red flags of an ineffective preceptor, and how to advocate for yourself if you’re struggling. You’ll hear practical scripts you can use when speaking with your manager, plus strategies to keep the conversation professional and solutions-focused.

We’ll also cover how to be a strong orientee - asking the right questions, taking initiative with skills, and using your unit’s resources to accelerate learning. And if your preceptor’s behavior is unsafe or crosses the line, I’ll share steps you can take to protect yourself and your practice.

This episode will help you navigate preceptor challenges with confidence and set yourself up for nursing success.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

30: The Unique Mindset Shift Every Nurse Needs to Beat Stress and Burnout: The ‘Let Them’ Theory

Épisode 30

mardi 19 août 2025 • Durée 16:48

In this episode, we’re diving into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory and how it can transform your nursing practice, especially if you’re a new grad or navigating the pressures of the job.

The “Let Them” Theory is simple yet powerful:

Let Them: Release the need to control other people—their actions, emotions, or opinions.
Let Me: Give yourself permission to focus on what you can control—your goals, growth, and well-being.

We will walk through real-life nursing scenarios - from being pressured to pick up extra shifts, to handling frustrated patients, to setting boundaries with family and show you how this mindset shift helps protect your mental health, reduce burnout, and boost your confidence at work.

Whether you’re a nursing student, new graduate nurse, or experienced RN, this episode will give you practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive in your career.

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠

Join the Community →⁠ The New Nurse Society

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you <3

29: How to Build Financial Freedom as a Nurse (Even with Student Loans) ft. The Net Worth Nurse

Épisode 29

mardi 12 août 2025 • Durée 55:55

If you’re a nursing student or new grad nurse dreaming of financial freedom or just wanting more control over your career this episode is for you.

Today, I’m joined by Savannah Arroyo, The Net Worth Nurse, who went from hustling to land her first job in California’s saturated market to building a $3+ million real estate portfolio and leaving bedside nursing behind.

Savannah shares how she climbed the nursing ladder from bedside RN to nurse manager with her sights set on becoming a CNO. But motherhood changed everything, and she realized she didn’t want her life dictated by her job. That’s when she turned to real estate investing - with no finance background and created a new path for herself.

We cover:

Landing your first nursing job in a competitive market
Why nurses struggle with money and money mindset tips
Budgeting tips for nurses and small changes that lead to big results
How to invest even with student loans and a new grad salary
The basics of real estate investing for nurses and creating passive income
How to make your nursing career work for you - not the other way around

By the end of this episode, you’ll see that financial independence for nurses is possible and you’ll feel inspired to take the first step toward a career and life you truly love.

Connect with Podcast Guest: Savannah Arroyo - The Net Worth Nurse

Books Mentioned in the Episode:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Passive Profits by Savannah Arroyo

*All books can be viewed here - Caroline may earn a small commission from purchases made through affiliate links of references mentioned in the show. This support helps keep the podcast going and is truly appreciated!

Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate

Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm

Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:

Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠