Nursing the System – Details, episodes & analysis

🎙 We’re Taking a Summer Sabbatical (But Here’s What’s Coming)

This is a quick update to let you know what’s happening behind the scenes at Nursing the System and what’s coming your way this fall. After 6 months of showing up every week with new episodes, Taylor and I are taking a short sabbatical to rest, realign, and focus on some exciting projects we’re building for you. In this episode, I’m sharing why we’re pressing pause, what we’ll be working on this summer, and how you can stay connected while we’re on break.

☀️ We’ll be back July 21st with fresh new episodes

📌 The How to Be a Systems Thinker workshop returns in August

🧠 Changemaker Essentials Fall Cohort kicks off in September

📣 Nurse Leader HQ second cohort begins in December

(If you’re interested in NLHQ and haven’t taken CME, now’s your time!)

• 🎧 Catch up on past episodes from the archive
• 📥 Join the System Sunday email list for weekly summer lessons
• 🔐 Sign up for The Changemaker Case Files private podcast
• 🎓 Take Map Your Impact to discover your next best move
• 💬 Follow me on Instagram @nursing.the.system for summer updates

In this episode, I’m walking you through a pattern I’ve seen over and over again—not just in healthcare, but across all kinds of systems: the cycle of disempowerment. It’s what happens when we bring up ideas or try to push for change, and we keep hearing “no” until we eventually stop speaking up. I’ll break down why this cycle happens, how to recognize it, and what you can do to break out of it—both for yourself and the people around you.

• What the cycle of disempowerment looks like in action (and why it's so common in healthcare)
• The 5-stage framework that explains why we stop bringing ideas forward
• How our own protective responses unintentionally reinforce stagnant systems
• What to say to coworkers and leaders when you notice this pattern
• A practical, compassionate strategy to reclaim your voice—without burning out

• Repeatedly being told “no” changes our behavior—even when we care deeply.
• Emotional withdrawal is protective, but it also keeps our systems stuck.
• Sometimes the cycle isn’t a leadership issue—it’s a culture issue.
• Speaking up again requires both courage and strategy—and it's okay to start small.

If you’ve been feeling disengaged at work—or watching your team shut down—this episode might name something you’ve struggled to articulate. Listen with curiosity and self-compassion. You’re not broken. But there is a way forward.

• Ask yourself: “Where have I stopped trying—and why?”
• Share this episode with a colleague and start a real conversation about what’s keeping you stuck
• Use the scripts I share to name the pattern (with your team or your boss)
• Reframe “no” as data—not a reflection of your value
• Decide: is it time to shift your strategy… or shift your environment?

• Share this episode with a coworker and talk about where you’ve both felt shut down
• DM me on Instagram @nursing.the.system if you want help navigating this
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future mindset + leadership tools
• Leave a review if this helped you—it really does help the show reach more nurse leaders

🎙 Episode Overview

Hey there, changemakers! In this episode, I’m diving into a career path that doesn’t get talked about enough for nurse leaders—working at a scale-up. If you’re feeling stuck in a bureaucratic system or frustrated by the slow pace of change in healthcare, this episode will give you a fresh perspective.

I’ll share insights from my own journey into the scale-up world, how these companies differ from startups and corporations, and why nurses who thrive on innovation can make a huge impact here.

• What a scale-up actually is and how it fits between a startup and a corporation
• Why nurses are uniquely equipped to thrive in a scale-up environment
• The types of work you’ll do—from building systems to cross-functional collaboration
• How to know if a scale-up is right for you based on your personality and work style
• My personal experience transitioning from hospital leadership to a health tech scale-up

• Scale-ups thrive on innovation—if you’re tired of hearing “That’s how we’ve always done it,” this might be the space for you
• You’ll see the impact of your work right away—no 18-month pilots or 12-person committees
• Professional development is a priority—leadership growth happens now, not five years from now
• You’re building the scaffolding for future growth—not just brainstorming ideas but making real, scalable systems
• Cross-functional influence is key—you’ll work with diverse teams like marketing, engineering, and product design

Think about your current work environment. Are you feeling stifled by red tape? Do your ideas often feel ahead of your team’s pace? Are you craving a faster, more flexible environment where you can test new ideas? This episode is all about finding the right context to match your energy and innovation mindset.

1. Self-Reflect: Ask yourself if you enjoy fast-paced environments and building something from the ground up.
2. Research Scale-Ups: Look into local and remote opportunities that align with your skills.
3. Reach Out: Connect with nurse leaders working in scale-ups to hear firsthand what it’s like.
4. Explore Professional Development: Seek out companies that actively invest in leadership and innovation training.
5. Take the Leap: If a scale-up sounds like your jam, don’t be afraid to make a bold career move.

💡 Got questions about working at a scale-up or navigating your own career path?

I’d love to hear from you! Fill out the Google form linked in the show notes to share your thoughts or ask questions. Your input helps shape future episodes!

• DM me on Instagram at @nursing.the.system with your thoughts on today’s episode.
• Join my Systems Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.
• Subscribe, Rate & Review the podcast—it helps me reach more nurse changemakers.
• Explore the Map Your Impact Mini-Course: Use code MYI10Off to get it for just $29.

• Map Your Impact Mini-Course: Get it here
• Follow me on Instagram: @nursing.the.system
• System Sunday Newsletter: Sign up here
• Google Form for Questions: Submit here

Today, we’re talking about one of my favorite strategies for avoiding burnout and sustaining long-term productivity: the Deload Week. Borrowed from the world of weightlifting, this concept has become a core part of how I structure my work and energy throughout the year.

Whether you’re juggling multiple roles, running a business, or just feeling like you never get a true breather—this episode will help you rethink how (and when) to pause without losing momentum.

• What a Deload Week is and why it’s essential for long-term sustainability
• How I structure mine around my business and corporate work
• Ways to tailor this concept to your unique life and energy cycles
• Why rest doesn’t mean disengagement—and how to make space for creativity, reflection, and deep learning
• When not to use this practice (yes, there are times it's not the move)

• Rest is productive when it’s intentional.
• You don’t need a full week—even 1–2 days of strategic, structured rest can spark clarity and momentum.
• Bored brains birth good ideas. Giving your brain space helps creativity and innovation thrive.
• Structure + flexibility is the sweet spot. Guardrails help, but so does room to play.
• Deloading ≠ procrastination. Know when you're resting and when you're avoiding.

As you listen, think about the natural cycles in your work or personal life. When could you plan a “pullback” period that would set you up for a stronger push forward? If you’re feeling exhausted, uncreative, or like you’re constantly in output mode, this episode will help you recalibrate.

1. Reflect: Where in your year could a deload week (or days) help you recharge?
2. Plan: Choose a period post-deadline, post-launch, or pre-push to give yourself intentional breathing room.
3. Define your guardrails: What are your non-negotiables (email, podcast, client care)? What can you pause?
4. Make it restorative: Use the time to play, read, think, journal, or explore new ideas.
5. Test and tweak: Try a mini deload and take notes on what helped. Adjust for next time.

💡 Have a question or a workplace challenge you want me to unpack on the pod?

Send me a DM on Instagram or reply to one of my System Sunday emails—I’d love to turn your Q into a full episode.

• DM me on Instagram with your Deload Week idea or takeaway.
• Share this episode with a friend who’s overdue for a break.
• Rate & review the podcast—it helps more changemakers find this content!
• Subscribe so you never miss a new episode.

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

I just opened a new form where you can anonymously submit:

• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
• A question that’s been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact

I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.

Submit your Q here!

• Follow on Instagram: @nursing.the.system
• Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.

Today’s episode is a little different—I’m recording straight from my bed, under the covers, because inspiration struck and I had to get this out of my brain.

I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at preparing for and delivering my first big keynote—to an audience of 2,000 at a national nurse practitioner conference. From pre-speech jitters to the moment I walked off stage, I’m unpacking what worked, what surprised me, and the mental strategies I used to keep my nerves in check.

If you’ve ever had to speak in front of a group, pitch an idea, or step into a high-pressure leadership role, this episode is for you.

• How I managed my nerves leading up to my biggest keynote yet
• The "it’s not a big deal" mindset hack I use to keep calm under pressure
• My dad’s genius storytelling trick for instantly connecting with an audience
• Why making friends with your audience in advance is a game-changer for confidence

• Confidence isn’t about eliminating nerves—it’s about managing them.
• Your audience wants you to succeed. Humanize them, and you’ll feel less pressure.
• Stories create connection. A well-placed personal story makes your talk instantly more engaging.
• Growth often feels uncomfortable. The nerves mean you're stepping into something bigger.

If you’ve got a presentation, pitch, or public speaking moment coming up, listen to this episode with that in mind. Think about how you can apply these strategies to show up with more confidence and own the room.

1. Test the “it’s not a big deal” mindset—see if downplaying the pressure helps calm your nerves.
2. Start with a story. Next time you speak, open with something relatable to set the tone.
3. Make audience connections before you speak—introduce yourself, chat with people, and anchor yourself to familiar faces.
4. Reframe nerves as proof of growth. If something makes you nervous, it’s probably pushing you to a new level.

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

I just opened a new form where you can anonymously submit:

• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
• A question that’s been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact

I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.

Submit your Q here!

• DM me on Instagram (@nursing.the.system) with your biggest public speaking challenge!
• Share this episode with a friend who needs a confidence boost before their next big talk.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes!
• Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.

Today’s episode is a special sneak peek from my private podcast series: The Changemaker Case Files. This private series takes you behind the scenes into real coaching conversations with nurse changemakers — nurses just like you — who are navigating career pivots, leadership challenges, and everything in between.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 8-step process I personally use to navigate roadblocks in my own change work — including the very real tech disaster that almost derailed this entire podcast project. Whether you’re leading a project, navigating a career transition, or just trying to stay afloat in a constantly shifting healthcare system, these steps will help you stay grounded and move forward with confidence.

If you love this episode, you’ll love the full Changemaker Case Files series — and you can access it for free by subscribing at the link in the show notes.

• Why roadblocks are inevitable in any change project (and why that’s not a bad thing)
• The exact 8-step process for handling setbacks without spiraling
• How to emotionally discharge frustration so you can problem-solve effectively
• Why transparency builds trust — and how to share setbacks with your team the right way

• Roadblocks aren’t proof you’re failing — they’re part of the process.
• Emotional regulation comes before problem-solving — always.
• Resilient leaders communicate transparently, even when things go wrong.
• Every challenge is an opportunity to build creative problem-solving skills.
• 
  

Listen with a recent or current challenge in mind, and think about how you can apply the 8-step process to your own situation. Even if you’re not leading a big project right now, this framework will serve you in any season of your career — from day-to-day work frustrations to major career pivots.

1. Save the 8-Step Process — write it down or save it somewhere you can easily access when things go sideways.
2. Practice emotional discharge intentionally the next time you hit a snag — avoid jumping straight into problem-solving mode.
3. Reflect on a past project that hit a roadblock — how would this process have helped you navigate it differently?
4. Subscribe to The Changemaker Case Files to hear even more real conversations and coaching moments — the private podcast is free and linked in the show notes.

• Subscribe to The Changemaker Case Files for free
• Join Changemaker Essentials Waitlist if you’re ready to invest in your future
• DM me on Instagram with your thoughts, feedback, or how you’re using the 8-step process in your own work
• Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.

The healthcare landscape is evolving at breakneck speed—but the career advice nurses are still being given is stuck in the past. In this episode, we’re getting brutally honest about why the “stable job, climb the ladder, collect degrees” mindset is no longer enough—and how it’s actively hurting your ability to build a career that lasts.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still feel stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do instead.

Most importantly, you’ll learn why becoming a systems thinker and building a changemaker skill set is the ultimate form of career insurance in today’s healthcare world.

• Why traditional career advice for nurses is outdated—and dangerous in 2025.
• The three biggest career myths keeping nurses stuck (and what to believe instead).
• How the most successful nurse leaders think differently about their careers and impact.
• Why “stability” is a myth—and adaptability is your real superpower.
• How to future-proof your nursing career with a portable, powerful skill set you can apply anywhere.

• There is no such thing as a “stable” nursing career anymore.
• Degrees alone won’t save you—but strategic skills, relationships, and systems thinking will.
• You can’t afford to wait for permission—the nurses who thrive create their own opportunities.
• Change leadership isn’t a title—it’s a mindset and a set of tools you can use anywhere.
• Your best career insurance plan is becoming someone who understands how systems work and how to change them.

As you listen, take note of the career advice you’ve been following—where does it come from? Is it aligned with the realities of healthcare today, or are you still clinging to outdated ideas that no longer serve you? Reflect on what being a changemaker could look like for you, no matter where you work today.

✔ Stop chasing stability and start building adaptability—become someone who can thrive in any setting.

✔ Audit your career mindset—are you waiting for a seat at the table, or learning how to build your own?

✔ Start thinking like a systems thinker—practice seeing the big picture, not just your daily tasks.

✔ Explore Changemaker Essentials—Claire’s 12-week program to help you build the strategic skills, influence, and confidence to create a career that works for YOU, not just the system.

🚨 Changemaker Essentials enrollment is OPEN!

This 12-week program is designed for nurses who are ready to:

• Stop feeling stuck and start driving change in their careers and workplaces.
• Build systems thinking, influence, and problem-solving skills that work in any setting.
• Create a career path that’s aligned with their values and future-proofed against industry shifts.

Enrollment is only open March 3-6, 2025, so head to the link in the below to save your spot.

🔗 Visit here to enroll in Change Maker Essentials before doors close on March 6th.

📩 DM Claire on Instagram @nursing.the.system with any questions—or just to share your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.

📤 Know a nurse who feels stuck in their career? Send them this episode!

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

I just opened a new form where you can anonymously submit:

• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
• A question that’s been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact

I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.

Submit your Q here!

• 📚 Changemaker Essentials Enrollment Page – Enrollment Closes March 6th
• Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.
• 📲 Follow Claire on Instagram: @nursing.the.system

Stepping into a leadership role—whether you’re new to an organization, promoted within your unit, or stepping up as a charge nurse—can feel like drinking from a firehose. You’re excited, a little overwhelmed, and wondering, Where do I even start?

The truth? New leaders often feel like they’re failing before they’ve even begun. But leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning how to ask the right questions. In this episode, we’re breaking down the mindset shifts, first steps, and success tools you need to transition into leadership with confidence.

• The biggest mindset traps that new leaders fall into (and how to avoid them).
• Why you don’t need to prove yourself right away—and how pacing yourself sets you up for long-term success.
• The first steps every new leader should take to earn trust and build momentum.
• How to clarify your team’s challenges and goals before making big decisions.
• Three practical tools to help you stay organized, build relationships, and find early wins in your role.

• Leadership transitions take time—you don’t have to prove yourself in the first month.
• Your first job as a leader is to listen, learn, and observe.
• Small, strategic wins are more impactful than rushing to fix everything at once.
• Trust isn’t built by doing everything—it’s built by doing the right things well.
• You don’t need to have all the answers—great leaders know how to ask the right questions.

Reflect on where you’re at in your leadership journey—are you feeling pressure to over-perform, or are you focusing on learning first? Take notes on the success tools shared in this episode and pick one or two to start implementing this week.

✔ Shift Your Mindset: Give yourself permission to be a learner first, not a fixer.

✔ Set Up 1:1 Conversations with key team members to understand what’s working and where support is needed.

✔ Start Your Orientation Manual: Document important systems, processes, and stakeholder insights.

✔ Use the Map Your Impact Mini-Course to identify key players and how to strategically build relationships.

✔ Find an Early Win: Look for a small, meaningful improvement to build credibility with your team.

📌 Navigating a new leadership role? My Map Your Impact Mini-Course will help you cut through the noise, identify your strategic position, and make an impact—without feeling overwhelmed. Find it in the show notes!

📌 Want a clear strategy for leading with confidence? Join the waitlist for Changemaker Essentials—my leadership coaching program designed to help you step into your role with clarity and purpose.

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

I just opened a new form where you can anonymously submit:

• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
• A question that’s been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact

I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.

Submit your Q here!

📩 DM me on Instagram @nursing.the.system to share your biggest leadership challenge—I’d love to hear from you!

Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.

🎧 If this episode resonated with you, send it to a fellow nurse leader or tag me on Instagram with your takeaways.

If you’re thinking about grad school—or you’re already in the thick of it—there’s a lot you probably wish someone had told you. Many nurses see grad school as the natural next step for career growth, but without a clear “why,” they often end up burned out, frustrated, or questioning if it was worth it.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the six biggest mistakes nurses make when choosing, applying to, and navigating grad school—so you can make the most of your experience.

• The biggest misconceptions about grad school (and why it won’t automatically fix burnout).
• Why using grad school as an escape route can backfire—and what to do instead.
• How to avoid underestimating the financial, time, and mental investment that grad school requires.
• Why not all schools are created equal (and how to find a program that actually fits your career goals).
• How to be strategic in your applications instead of telling admissions committees what you think they want to hear.
• The number one way to find mentorship during grad school—and why it’s your responsibility to seek it out.

• Grad school should be a strategic choice, not an emotional escape route.
• If you’re struggling with lack of structure, grad school won’t fix that—you have to build systems that work for you.
• The true cost of grad school goes beyond tuition—it affects your time, opportunities, and mental capacity.
• A “top-ranked” school isn’t always the best fit—your personal vision matters more than prestige.
• Professors and advisors won’t automatically check in on you—mentorship is something you have to create for yourself.

Take a moment to reflect on why you’re considering grad school. Are you running toward something or just running away? Listen with a critical and open mind—this episode will help you get clear on whether grad school is the right move for you right now.

✔ Get clear on your "why" before applying—ask yourself what long-term impact you want to have.

✔ Assess whether you need grad school or just a better structure for career growth.

✔ Do the math—look at the true financial, time, and energy cost before enrolling.

✔ Research schools intentionally—find a program that aligns with your career goals, not just the most prestigious name.

✔ Seek mentorship proactively—connect with faculty, peers, or professional groups to support your journey.

📌 Thinking about grad school? My Personal Statement Writing Guide is your roadmap to crafting an authentic, standout application.

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

I just opened a new form where you can anonymously submit:

• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
• A question that’s been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact

I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.

Submit your Q here!



📩 DM me on Instagram @nursing.the.system to share your thoughts on this episode or ask any questions!

Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.

🎧 If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow nurse who’s considering grad school!

🎙 Episode Overview:

In this episode I discuss how I am stepping into a leadership role where I was hired for my leadership skills—not my subject matter expertise. In this episode, I’m sharing how I prepared for my new role and the seven things I did six weeks before my first day to set myself up for success. If you’re navigating a leadership transition, this episode will give you tangible strategies to help you feel more confident, clear, and prepared.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why preparing for a transition isn’t about control—it’s about resilience.
• The mindset shift that makes stepping into leadership feel less overwhelming.
• How to create structure before day one to reduce stress and decision fatigue.
• The importance of observing, listening, and connecting in your first few weeks.
• How setting expectations with your team and loved ones makes the transition smoother.

🧠 Key Ideas to Take With You:

• Leadership transitions aren’t just about learning the job—they’re about designing systems that support you through the change.
• You don’t need to have all the answers on day one—your job is to listen, observe, and build trust.
• Setting up your home life and routines in advance creates more mental space to focus at work.
• Every system—from your calendar to your relationships—affects your success in a new role.

🎧 How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:

If you’re stepping into leadership, about to start a new job, or feeling overwhelmed by a transition, use this episode as a checklist. Pick one or two strategies that resonate and implement them now—you’ll thank yourself later.

🛠️ Practical Actions You Can Take:

1. Rehearse Your New Routine: Start practicing your new schedule before day one—wake up at the same time, test your commute, and fine-tune your workflow.
2. Declutter Your Physical & Digital Spaces: Clear out distractions so your home and workspace feel supportive.
3. Prioritize Observation & Connection: Spend your first weeks listening, asking questions, and learning the dynamics of your team.
4. Set Expectations With Loved Ones: Be upfront about how your schedule is changing and what you’ll need during the transition.
5. Identify Your Leadership Priorities: Define how you want to show up each day, even before you start making changes.

📣 Special Announcements:

🚨 The Map Your Impact Mini-Course is here! This course helps you map out your role, focus your energy, and start driving meaningful change from day one—without feeling overwhelmed.

As a podcast listener, you can use the code MYI10OFF for $10 off your enrollment. Find the link in the show notes!

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

I just opened a new form where you can anonymously submit:

• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
• A question that’s been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact

I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.

Submit your Q here!

👉 Resources Mentioned:

• Map Your Impact Mini-Course (Code: MYI10OFF)
• Connect with me: @nursing.the.system