BCEN & Friends

Hosted by BCEN & Friends

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Episodes

100

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Sep 2026

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About the show

The BCEN and Friends podcast is an opportunity to have interesting conversations about learning with a range of thought leaders, BCEN certification holders, and industry professionals - and most importantly to create value and insight for you - our professional nurses across the emergency spectrum. We hope you find our discussions interesting, informative, sometimes funny, sometimes serious - but always valuable.

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60 recent

September 29, 2026Episode 2051 min

No Big Deal, One Mile at a Time (Janna Ellsworth S7E20)

In this episode, we're joined by Janna Ellsworth, who shares how a mindset of steady progress, resilience, and balance has shaped both her professional and personal journey. Starting as an associate degree nurse while raising a young family, Janna Ellsworth has built a career that spans oncology, medical-surgical nursing, end-of-life care, trauma and emergency nursing, and advanced practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Along the way, she rediscovered a love of learning that would shape both her professional and personal life. Today, Janna serves as a Sepsis and Stroke Coordinator for two hospitals, helping translate evidence-based practice into better patient outcomes. A passionate educator, problem solver, and lifelong learner, she is always looking for the next opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact. Janna reflects on the value of certification, the mentors and experiences that have influenced her career, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Drawing inspiration from running, resting, and her belief that fear can either make us flee or rise, she reminds us that meaningful growth often happens one step at a time. This episode is titled, "No Big Deal, One Mile at a Time." BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

September 15, 2026Episode 1947 min

Translating the Journey Between the Doors (Mark Millet S7E19)

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Millet, a board-certified emergency nurse and paramedic whose career has spanned both sides of the ambulance doors. Mark Millet has spent nearly 40 years answering emergency calls, caring for critically ill patients, teaching healthcare professionals, and helping connect two worlds that share the same mission: EMS and emergency nursing. Mark Millet is a paramedic, emergency nurse, educator, and lifelong advocate for understanding the entire patient journey, from the moment help is called to the care that continues in the emergency department. His career has taken him through EMS leadership, trauma services, emergency preparedness, and countless teaching opportunities, but his passion remains the same: helping us work better together for the patients we serve. Mark shares how his experiences in EMS and nursing have shaped his clinical practice, strengthened collaboration across care settings, and deepened his understanding of the patient journey. He also reflects on the value of certification, influential mentors, and lessons learned throughout his career. This episode is titled, “Translating the Journey Between the Doors.” Mark can be contacted on LinkedIn @MarkMillet and on Facebook at Rapid Response Training. BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

September 1, 2026Episode 1840 min

Scaling from Scrubs to Systemwide Trauma Impact; Spotlight on the 2026 Distinguished TCRN Winner (Cassie Herman S7E18)

In this episode, we’re joined by Cassie Herman, a Trauma Program Manager in Virginia and our 2026 Distinguished TCRN award winner. Cassie Herman is the Trauma Program Manager at Riverside Health in Newport News, Virginia. Cassie has spent nearly two decades in emergency and trauma care, growing from bedside practice into leadership roles that have helped shape trauma services across her organization. With a passion for performance improvement, trauma education, and innovative programs that support patients and communities, Cassie is a recognized leader whose work is making a lasting impact on trauma care. Cassie shares how her journey from bedside practice to program leadership has shaped her philosophy and fueled initiatives like her hospital‑based violence intervention program. She reflects on the role of performance improvement in driving change and why kindness remains central to trauma care. This episode is titled, “Scaling from Scrubs to Systemwide Trauma Impact.” BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

August 18, 2026Episode 1759 min

Stronger Than We Knew: The Repshers' Story of Survival, Recovery, and Reimagining Life (Dave and Amanda Repsher S7E17)

In this episode, we're joined by Dave and Amanda Repsher for a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and finding purpose after life changes in an instant. Dave and Amanda Repsher have spent their careers caring for others in some of the most demanding environments in healthcare. Between them, they have served as paramedics, critical care nurses, emergency and ICU clinicians, flight crew members, and healthcare leaders. In 2015, their lives changed in an instant when Dave, working as a flight nurse, survived a catastrophic helicopter crash that left him with full-thickness burns over more than 90% of his body. What followed was a nearly 400-day hospitalization, a long road to recovery, and an unexpected transition from healthcare providers to patient and caregiver. Throughout that journey, Amanda relied on her experience in EMS, emergency nursing, critical care, and trauma administration while advocating for Dave as both a clinician and spouse. Together, they share lessons learned as patient, caregiver, paramedic, nurse, and family member, and reflect on the long road of recovery that followed. Dave and Amanda remind us that survival is only the beginning, and that hope, healing, and peace can still be found in the midst of life's greatest storms. This episode is titled, "Stronger Than We Knew: The Repshers' Story of Survival, Recovery, and Reimagining Life." Dave and Amanda can be contacted via email at d_repsher@yahoo.com D-REP: Fight for Life (Dave Repsher's Story)- Youtube Video BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

August 4, 2026Episode 1652 min

Running on Purpose, Not Empty: Fueling Mental Health and Wellness on the Front Lines (Jason Carter S7E16)

In this episode, we're joined by Jason Carter for a meaningful conversation about mental health, resilience, and sustaining purpose in the demanding world of healthcare. Jason Carter’s journey into healthcare began with six years of service in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and Surgical Technologist, laying a strong foundation in clinical care and leadership. After transitioning to civilian life, he worked as a paramedic before advancing to nursing through a Paramedic-to-RN bridge program, ultimately building expertise across emergency care and nursing informatics. For the past seven years, he has served as a Nurse Manager, leading with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence. Jason earned his MSN in 2017 and completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership in June 2026. He is especially passionate about addressing nurse and first responder suicide, working to educate healthcare professionals and leaders while advocating for better access to mental health resources. We discuss burnout, suicide prevention, leadership, and the power of positive energy, connection, and early intervention in helping clinicians thrive. Jason reminds us that caring for the caregiver is not a luxury but a responsibility. This episode is titled, "Running on Purpose, Not Empty: Fueling Mental Health and Wellness on the Front Lines." Jason can be contacted on LinkedIn @JasonCarter BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

July 21, 2026Episode 1552 min

A Heart for Learning and a Soul to Serve; Spotlight on the 2026 Distinguished CEN Winner (Michael Isaacs S7E15)

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Isaacs, BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CEN, for a thoughtful conversation about lifelong learning, service, and the lasting impact of investing in others. Michael Isaacs started out more than 30 years ago as a New York EMT, served as an Army Medic, and then chased his calling straight into the ER. Since day one, he’s been the kind of nurse who lifts everyone around him—teaching ACLS, CEN, ENPC, ENTEP and more—while still pushing himself as a lifelong learner working toward his fifth degree, a Doctor of Nursing Education from The Ohio State University. Today, Mike serves as the Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Emergency Services in central California, shaping the next generation of emergency nurses. When he’s not doing that, you’ll find him volunteering on medical teams at local sporting events, building LEGO as a proud Adult Fan Of Legos, staying active in his church, or hanging out with his wife and their rescue pup, Sadie. Mike was also recently honored as BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CEN. Drawing from more than 30 years in emergency medicine, Michael shares how curiosity, certification, and a commitment to continuous learning have guided his journey, while offering insights into what meaningful education looks like for today’s nurses. Through stories of perseverance, purpose, and professional growth, Michael reminds us that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared in service of others. This episode is titled, “A Heart for Learning and a Soul to Serve.” Michael can be contacted on LinkedIn @MichaelIsaacs BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

July 7, 2026Episode 1441 min

Running a Race Bigger Than Yourself: Spotlight on the 2026 Distinguished CPEN Winner (Solomiya Veturys S7E14)

In this episode, we’re joined by Solomiya Veturys, BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CPEN, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, certification, and the lasting impact of investing in others. With more than 18 years in nursing, Solomiya Veturys has built a dynamic career spanning adult and pediatric emergency care. Her leadership experience ranges from charge nurse to associate nurse manager, and she now serves as the Trauma Program PI and Research Coordinator at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Solomiya recently completed her MSN in May 2026. Dedicated to advancing quality and certification, she leads her hospital’s quality council, champions certification efforts, and was honored as BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CPEN. Drawing from her experiences in pediatric trauma care, quality improvement, and certification advocacy, Solomiya shares how pursuing excellence is about more than personal achievement—it’s about creating opportunities, elevating teams, and building a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves. Through stories of influence, perseverance, and purpose, she reminds us that the most meaningful journeys are the ones that help others cross the finish line, too. This episode is titled, “Running a Race Bigger Than Yourself.” Solomiya can be contacted on LinkedIn @SolomiyaVeturys BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

June 23, 2026Episode 131 hr 2 min

The Pulse within the Pages of Healthcare (Marilyn McCullum S7E13)

In this episode, we’re joined by Marilyn McCullum for a thoughtful conversation on the art and responsibility of nursing, clinical documentation, and the deeper stories captured within the healthcare record. Marilyn McCullum is an experienced emergency nurse with over 15 years in high-acuity emergency and trauma care across the United States. Triple board-certified in emergency, pediatric emergency, and trauma nursing, she is a recognized educator and speaker with expertise in triage, emergency department operations, and clinical documentation. Marilyn is also a published author dedicated to improving patient flow and quality of care. Together, we explore how what we write reflects not only clinical care, but accountability, ethics, and the human experience behind every patient interaction. Marilyn shares insight shaped by research, practice, and creativity, offering a perspective that reminds us—the first pulse we take is our own. This episode is titled, “The Pulse Within the Pages of Healthcare.” Marilyn can be contacted on LinkedIn @MarilynMcCullum BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

June 9, 2026Episode 1249 min

Growing through mentorship in the Rainey seasons (Antrell Rainey S7E12)

In this episode, we’re joined by Antrell Rainey for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the life experiences that shape how we lead. Antrell Rainey is an MBA prepared executive leader, clinical professional, and patient advocate with more than 14 years of experience working with high acuity pediatric and substance use populations. His understanding of healthcare operations goes far beyond the classroom—shaped most profoundly by navigating the healthcare system as the parent of a medically fragile child with a severe heart defect. Antrell brings together his clinical background and executive leadership training to help healthcare organizations improve reliability, strengthen operations, and create systems that better support both patients and frontline staff. We will explore what high-reliability care looks like, the lessons leaders can learn from history, and how both challenges and relationships influence meaningful change. Antrell shares practical insight and a mindset shift for anyone working to lead within complex systems. This episode is titled “Growing through mentorship in the Rainey seasons.” Antrell can be contacted on LinkedIn @Antrell Rainey and on “Rainey on Leadership” Newsletter on Substack BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

May 26, 2026Episode 1152 min

TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part Two) (Merideth Gradowski, Ashley Metcalf, Jamin Rankin S7E11)

In Part Two of this TCRN Roundtable, our discussion shifts to the ethical, professional, and personal complexities of trauma nursing. We explore challenging scenarios, pediatric readiness in adult trauma centers, the evolving role of the TCRN, and the experiences that shape leadership, growth, and resilience within trauma systems. Let's dive right back in with Merideth, Ashley and Jamin. Merideth Gradowski is an experienced nursing leader with over 15 years in the field and a strong focus on trauma care. She holds a BSN from Arizona State University and an MSN in nursing administration from Queens University of Charlotte. Currently serving as a Trauma Program Manager, she leads system development and quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes. She is especially passionate about advancing pediatric trauma care within adult trauma centers. Ashley Metcalf began her nursing career in the Emergency Department and has spent more than 20 years dedicated to trauma care. She currently serves as a Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator at a Level I Trauma Center, where she focuses on advancing quality and outcomes. Ashley is also the President of the Trauma Association of South Carolina and co-chairs the Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses Committee through the Society of Trauma Nurses. She brings both deep clinical experience and strong leadership to the trauma nursing community. Jamin Rankin is a dynamic nursing leader with more than a decade of experience spanning emergency, trauma, and air-medical care. He currently serves as Trauma Program Manager and Stroke Program Manager at Ochsner LSU Health, where he leads accreditation, education, and systemwide quality initiatives. His background includes frontline work as a flight nurse and emergency clinician in both rural and Level I trauma settings. Jamin is widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to trauma systems, earning honors such as ENA’s 20 Under 40 and BCEN’s Distinguished TCRN designation. This episode is titled “TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part Two).” Our TCRN Roundtable guests can be contacted on LinkedIn @MeridethGradowski, @AshleyMetcalf, and @JaminRankin BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io