The Nursing the System Podcast is for nurses who want to change the healthcare systemâbut are tired of bandaid fixes and âjust try harderâ advice. This podcast delivers practical tools, real-world case studies, and systems thinking strategies to help you drive meaningful changeâwithout burning out in the process.
Brought to you by Nursing the System and your host, Claire Phillips, DNP RN.
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Schoolâs Out for Summer! (Weâre Going on Sabbatical)
Season 2 ¡ Episode 23
Monday, June 9, 2025 ⢠Duration 08:29
đ Weâre Taking a Summer Sabbatical (But Hereâs Whatâs Coming)
đ§ Episode Overview:
This is a quick update to let you know whatâs happening behind the scenes at Nursing the System and whatâs 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 weâre building for you. In this episode, Iâm sharing why weâre pressing pause, what weâll be working on this summer, and how you can stay connected while weâre on break.
đŁ Special Announcements:
âď¸ Weâll be back July 21st with fresh new episodes
đ The How to Be a Systems Thinker workshop returns in August
đ§ Changemaker Essentials Fall Cohort kicks off in September
đŁ Nurse Leader HQ second cohort begins in December
(If youâre interested in NLHQ and havenât taken CME, nowâs your time!)
Breaking the Cycle of Disempowerment: Why You Stopped Speaking Upâand How to Start Again
Season 2 ¡ Episode 22
Monday, June 2, 2025 ⢠Duration 36:12
đ The Cycle of Disempowerment: Why Nurses Stop Speaking Up (and How to Start Again) đ§ Episode Overview:
In this episode, Iâm walking you through a pattern Iâve seen over and over againânot just in healthcare, but across all kinds of systems: the cycle of disempowerment. Itâs what happens when we bring up ideas or try to push for change, and we keep hearing ânoâ until we eventually stop speaking up. Iâll break down why this cycle happens, how to recognize it, and what you can do to break out of itâboth for yourself and the people around you.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
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 voiceâwithout burning out
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You:
Repeatedly being told ânoâ changes our behaviorâeven when we care deeply.
Emotional withdrawal is protective, but it also keeps our systems stuck.
Sometimes the cycle isnât a leadership issueâitâs a culture issue.
Speaking up again requires both courage and strategyâand it's okay to start small.
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:
If youâve been feeling disengaged at workâor watching your team shut downâthis episode might name something youâve struggled to articulate. Listen with curiosity and self-compassion. Youâre not broken. But there is a way forward.
đ ď¸ Practical Actions You Can Take:
Ask yourself: âWhere have I stopped tryingâand why?â
Share this episode with a colleague and start a real conversation about whatâs keeping you stuck
Use the scripts I share to name the pattern (with your team or your boss)
Reframe ânoâ as dataânot a reflection of your value
Decide: is it time to shift your strategy⌠or shift your environment?
đ˛ Call to Action:
Tired of Bureaucracy? Hereâs Where Nurses Can Lead Change, Fast
Season 2 ¡ Episode 13
Monday, March 31, 2025 ⢠Duration 27:37
đ Episode Overview
Hey there, changemakers! In this episode, Iâm diving into a career path that doesnât get talked about enough for nurse leadersâworking at a scale-up. If youâre feeling stuck in a bureaucratic system or frustrated by the slow pace of change in healthcare, this episode will give you a fresh perspective.
Iâll 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.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn
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 youâll doâfrom 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
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You
Scale-ups thrive on innovationâif youâre tired of hearing âThatâs how weâve always done it,â this might be the space for you
Youâll see the impact of your work right awayâno 18-month pilots or 12-person committees
Professional development is a priorityâleadership growth happens now, not five years from now
Youâre building the scaffolding for future growthânot just brainstorming ideas but making real, scalable systems
Cross-functional influence is keyâyouâll work with diverse teams like marketing, engineering, and product design
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episodeđ ď¸ Practical Actions You Can TakeđŁ Special Invitationđ˛ Call to Actionđ Resources Mentioned
The Rest Strategy That Actually Makes You More Impactful
Season 2 ¡ Episode 12
Monday, March 24, 2025 ⢠Duration 33:15
đ Episode Overview
Today, weâre 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 youâre juggling multiple roles, running a business, or just feeling like you never get a true breatherâthis episode will help you rethink how (and when) to pause without losing momentum.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn
What a Deload Week is and why itâs 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 doesnât mean disengagementâand 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)
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You
Rest is productive when itâs intentional.
You donât need a full weekâeven 1â2 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 â procrastination. Know when you're resting and when you're avoiding.
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episode
As you listen, think about the natural cycles in your work or personal life. When could you plan a âpullbackâ period that would set you up for a stronger push forward? If youâre feeling exhausted, uncreative, or like youâre constantly in output mode, this episode will help you recalibrate.
đ ď¸ Practical Actions You Can TakeđŁ Special Invitationđ˛ Call to Actionđ Resources Mentioned
How I Mentally Prepped for My Biggest Keynote Ever
Season 2 ¡ Episode 11
Monday, March 17, 2025 ⢠Duration 34:33
đ Episode Overview
Todayâs episode is a little differentâIâm recording straight from my bed, under the covers, because inspiration struck and I had to get this out of my brain.
Iâm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at preparing for and delivering my first big keynoteâto an audience of 2,000 at a national nurse practitioner conference. From pre-speech jitters to the moment I walked off stage, Iâm unpacking what worked, what surprised me, and the mental strategies I used to keep my nerves in check.
If youâve 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.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn
How I managed my nerves leading up to my biggest keynote yet
The "itâs not a big deal" mindset hack I use to keep calm under pressure
My dadâs genius storytelling trick for instantly connecting with an audience
Why making friends with your audience in advance is a game-changer for confidence
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You
Confidence isnât about eliminating nervesâitâs about managing them.
Your audience wants you to succeed. Humanize them, and youâll 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.
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episode
If youâve got a presentation, pitch, or public speaking moment coming up, listen to this episode with that in mind. Think about how to and
đ˛ Call to Action
My Project Fell Apart â Hereâs the 8-Step Process that Saved It
Season 2 ¡ Episode 10
Monday, March 10, 2025 ⢠Duration 29:42
đ Episode Overview
Todayâs 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 â nurses just like you â who are navigating career pivots, leadership challenges, and everything in between.
In this episode, Iâm sharing the 8-step process I personally use to navigate roadblocks in my own change work â including the very real tech disaster that almost derailed this entire podcast project. Whether youâre 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, youâll love the full Changemaker Case Files series â and you can access it for free by subscribing at the link in the show notes.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn
Why roadblocks are inevitable in any change project (and why thatâs 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 â and how to share setbacks with your team the right way
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You
Roadblocks arenât proof youâre failing â theyâre part of the process.
Emotional regulation comes before problem-solving â always.
Resilient leaders communicate transparently, even when things go wrong.
Every challenge is an opportunity to build creative problem-solving skills.
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episodeđ ď¸ Practical Actions You Can Takeđ˛ Call to Action
Why Traditional Nursing Career Advice Isnât WorkingâAnd What to Do Instead
Season 2 ¡ Episode 9
Monday, March 3, 2025 ⢠Duration 28:41
đ Episode Overview
The healthcare landscape is evolving at breakneck speedâbut the career advice nurses are still being given is stuck in the past. In this episode, weâre getting brutally honest about why the âstable job, climb the ladder, collect degreesâ mindset is no longer enoughâand how itâs actively hurting your ability to build a career that lasts.
If youâve ever felt like youâre doing everything ârightâ but still feel stuck, burned out, or unsure whatâs next, this episode will help you understand whyâand what to do instead.
Most importantly, youâll learn why becoming a systems thinker and building a changemaker skill set is the ultimate form of career insurance in todayâs healthcare world.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
Why traditional career advice for nurses is outdatedâand 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 âstabilityâ is a mythâand adaptability is your real superpower.
How to future-proof your nursing career with a portable, powerful skill set you can apply anywhere.
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You:
There is no such thing as a âstableâ nursing career anymore.
Degrees alone wonât save youâbut strategic skills, relationships, and systems thinking will.
You canât afford to wait for permissionâthe nurses who thrive create their own opportunities.
Change leadership isnât a titleâitâs a mindset and a set of tools you can use anywhere.
Your best career insurance plan is becoming someone who
đ§ đ ď¸ đŁ đ˛ đ
How to Transition into your Role as a New Nurse Leader
Season 2 ¡ Episode 8
Monday, February 24, 2025 ⢠Duration 40:14
đ Episode Overview
Stepping into a leadership roleâwhether youâre new to an organization, promoted within your unit, or stepping up as a charge nurseâcan feel like drinking from a firehose. Youâre excited, a little overwhelmed, and wondering, Where do I even start?
The truth? New leaders often feel like theyâre failing before theyâve even begun. But leadership isnât about having all the answersâitâs about learning how to ask the right questions. In this episode, weâre breaking down the mindset shifts, first steps, and success tools you need to transition into leadership with confidence.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
The biggest mindset traps that new leaders fall into (and how to avoid them).
Why you donât need to prove yourself right awayâand 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 teamâs challenges and goals before making big decisions.
Three practical tools to help you stay organized, build relationships, and find early wins in your role.
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You:
Leadership transitions take timeâyou donât 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 isnât built by doing everythingâitâs built by doing the right things well.
You donât need to have all the answersâgreat leaders know how to ask the right questions.
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:
Reflect on where youâre at in your leadership journeyâare you feeling pressure to , or are you focusing on ? Take notes on the shared in this episode and pick one or two to start implementing this week.
đ ď¸ đŁ đ˛
What Nurses Get Wrong About Grad School
Season 2 ¡ Episode 7
Monday, February 17, 2025 ⢠Duration 30:26
đ Episode Overview
If youâre thinking about grad schoolâor youâre already in the thick of itâthereâs 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 âwhy,â they often end up burned out, frustrated, or questioning if it was worth it.
In this episode, Iâm breaking down the six biggest mistakes nurses make when choosing, applying to, and navigating grad schoolâso you can make the most of your experience.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
The biggest misconceptions about grad school (and why it wonât automatically fix burnout).
Why using grad school as an escape route can backfireâand 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 schoolâand why itâs your responsibility to seek it out.
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You:
Grad school should be a strategic choice, not an emotional escape route.
If youâre struggling with lack of structure, grad school wonât fix thatâyou have to build systems that work for you.
The true cost of grad school goes beyond tuitionâit affects your time, opportunities, and mental capacity.
A âtop-rankedâ school isnât always the best fitâyour personal vision matters more than prestige.
Professors and advisors wonât automatically check in on youâmentorship is something you have to create for yourself.
đ§ đ ď¸ đŁ đ If youâre feeling , is designed to help you build clarity and confidence in your professional path.đ˛
The 7 Non-Negotiables I Swear By to Prepare for a Smooth Job Transition
Season 2 ¡ Episode 6
Monday, February 10, 2025 ⢠Duration 25:10
đ Episode Overview:
In this episode I discuss how I am stepping into a leadership role where I was hired for my leadership skillsânot my subject matter expertise. In this episode, Iâm 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 youâre navigating a leadership transition, this episode will give you tangible strategies to help you feel more confident, clear, and prepared.
đ In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
Why preparing for a transition isnât about controlâitâs 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.
đ§ Key Ideas to Take With You:
Leadership transitions arenât just about learning the jobâtheyâre about designing systems that support you through the change.
You donât need to have all the answers on day oneâyour 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 systemâfrom your calendar to your relationshipsâaffects your success in a new role.
đ§ How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:
If youâre stepping into leadership, about to start a new job, or feeling overwhelmed by a transition, use this episode as a checklist. Pick that resonate and implement them nowâyouâll thank yourself later.
Share this episode with a coworker and talk about where youâve both felt shut down
Subscribe to the podcast so you donât miss future mindset + leadership tools
Leave a review if this helped youâit really does help the show reach more nurse leaders
Think about your current work environment. Are you feeling stifled by red tape? Do your ideas often feel ahead of your teamâs 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.
Self-Reflect: Ask yourself if you enjoy fast-paced environments and building something from the ground up.
Research Scale-Ups: Look into local and remote opportunities that align with your skills.
Reach Out: Connect with nurse leaders working in scale-ups to hear firsthand what itâs like.
Explore Professional Development: Seek out companies that actively invest in leadership and innovation training.
Take the Leap: If a scale-up sounds like your jam, donât be afraid to make a bold career move.
đĄ Got questions about working at a scale-up or navigating your own career path?
Iâd 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 todayâs 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 podcastâit helps me reach more nurse changemakers.
Explore the Map Your Impact Mini-Course: Use code MYI10Off to get it for just $29.
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 donât miss future episodes!
Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.
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 youâre not leading a big project right now, this framework will serve you in any season of your career â from day-to-day work frustrations to major career pivots.
Save the 8-Step Process â write it down or save it somewhere you can easily access when things go sideways.
Practice emotional discharge intentionally the next time you hit a snag â avoid jumping straight into problem-solving mode.
Reflect on a past project that hit a roadblock â how would this process have helped you navigate it differently?
Subscribe to The Changemaker Case Files to hear even more real conversations and coaching moments â the private podcast is free and linked in the show notes.
DM me on Instagram with your thoughts, feedback, or how youâre 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.
understands how systems work and how to change them.
How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:
As you listen, take note of the career advice youâve been followingâwhere 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.
Practical Actions You Can Take:
â Stop chasing stability and start building adaptabilityâbecome someone who can thrive in any setting.
â Audit your career mindsetâare you waiting for a seat at the table, or learning how to build your own?
â Start thinking like a systems thinkerâpractice seeing the big picture, not just your daily tasks.
â Explore Changemaker EssentialsâClaireâs 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.
Special Announcements:
đ¨ 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 thatâs 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.
Call to Action:
đ Visit hereto enroll in Change Maker Essentials before doors close on March 6th.
đŠ DM Claire on Instagram @nursing.the.system with any questionsâor just to share your biggest takeaway from todayâs episode.
đ¤ Know a nurse who feels stuck in their career? Send them this episode!
âď¸ 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 youâre facing
A scenario you want me to walk through
A question thatâs been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact
I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.
â Shift Your Mindset: Give yourself permission to be a learner first, not a fixer.
â Set Up 1:1 Conversations with key team members to understand whatâs working and where support is needed.
â Start Your Orientation Manual: Document important systems, processes, and stakeholder insights.
â Use the Map Your Impact Mini-Course to identify key players and how to strategically build relationships.
â Find an Early Win: Look for a small, meaningful improvement to build credibility with your team.
Special Announcements:
đ 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 impactâwithout feeling overwhelmed. Find it in the show notes!
đ Want a clear strategy for leading with confidence? Join the waitlist for Changemaker Essentialsâmy leadership coaching program designed to help you step into your role with clarity and purpose.
âď¸ 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 youâre facing
A scenario you want me to walk through
A question thatâs been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact
I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.
đŠ DM me on Instagram @nursing.the.system to share your biggest leadership challengeâIâd 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.
đ§ If this episode resonated with you, send it to a fellow nurse leader or tag me on Instagram with your takeaways.
How to Get the Most Out of This Episode:
Take a moment to reflect on why youâre considering grad school. Are you running toward something or just running away? Listen with a critical and open mindâthis episode will help you get clear on whether grad school is the right move for you right now.
Practical Actions You Can Take:
â Get clear on your "why" before applyingâask yourself what long-term impact you want to have.
â Assess whether you need grad school or just a better structure for career growth.
â Do the mathâlook at the true financial, time, and energy cost before enrolling.
â Research schools intentionallyâfind a program that aligns with your career goals, not just the most prestigious name.
â Seek mentorship proactivelyâconnect with faculty, peers, or professional groups to support your journey.
Special Announcements:
đ Thinking about grad school? My Personal Statement Writing Guideis your roadmap to crafting an authentic, standout application.
đŠ 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.
đ§ If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow nurse whoâs considering grad school!
one or two strategies
đ ď¸ Practical Actions You Can Take:
Rehearse Your New Routine: Start practicing your new schedule before day oneâwake up at the same time, test your commute, and fine-tune your workflow.
Declutter Your Physical & Digital Spaces: Clear out distractions so your home and workspace feel supportive.
Prioritize Observation & Connection: Spend your first weeks listening, asking questions, and learning the dynamics of your team.
Set Expectations With Loved Ones: Be upfront about how your schedule is changing and what youâll need during the transition.
Identify Your Leadership Priorities: Define how you want to show up each day, even before you start making changes.
đŁ Special Announcements:
đ¨ TheMap Your Impact Mini-Course is here! This course helps you map out your role, focus your energy, and start driving meaningful change from day oneâwithout feeling overwhelmed.
As a podcast listener, you can use the code MYI10OFF for $10 off your enrollment. Find the link in the show notes!
âď¸ 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 youâre facing
A scenario you want me to walk through
A question thatâs been stuck in your head about your role, team, or impact
I'll be selecting a few to feature in upcoming episodes.
