Nursing Uncharted

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Nursing Uncharted Podcast, where raw and real stories of nurses are told. Join us as we navigate the uncharted territories of nursing, together. We delve into candid conversations covering travel nursing, career advice, nurse empowerment, unique nursing experiences, and some of the technologies that are driving nurse satisfaction and engagement. Tune in for laughter, learning, and discovering new aspects of the incredible profession of nursing. Welcome to our show, where every nurse’s story finds its voice.

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October 15, 202645 min

From New Grad to PACU Pro—Resume, Interview, and Career Tips Every Nurse Needs with Nurse Maddy

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann welcomes Maddy, a PACU nurse with six years of experience and a passion for helping new graduates break into the field. Maddy takes listeners through her own winding path, from cardiac ICU to PACU, and shares the exact strategies she used to build a standout resume, ace interviews, and position herself for every opportunity that followed. Whether you are still in nursing school or searching for your next assignment, this conversation offers practical, encouraging advice you can start applying today. Key Topics Discussed: · Maddy's Nursing Journey: From a hospital tech role to cardiac ICU, and eventually finding her fit in PACU. · Building a Resume as a New Grad: What to include, how to highlight clinical experience, and why specificity matters. · Networking Before Graduation: Why relationships with professors and preceptors can open unexpected doors. · Interview Confidence: How honesty, preparation, and a printed resume can set candidates apart. · Transitioning Between Specialties: What to consider when moving from critical care to PACU, and finding your ideal setting. · Tracking Your Career Journey: Why documenting milestones early pays off for travel nursing and beyond. Chapters: · 00:00 - Introduction and meeting Maddy · 02:12 - Maddy's background: from tech to cardiac ICU · 13:05 - What led Maddy to PACU · 15:28 - Why PACU stands out as a specialty · 18:11 - Is PACU the right fit for a new grad? · 21:05 - Preparing for your first nursing job · 24:17 - Building a resume that gets noticed · 33:26 - Interview tips: honesty, preparation, and standing out · 39:06 - Tracking your clinical experience for long-term career growth · 43:45 - Final takeaway: "It's only new once" Resources Mentioned: · Nurse Maddy YouTube channel , documenting her nursing school and career journey Guest Spotlight Meet our guest, Maddy, a PACU nurse with six years of clinical experience spanning cardiac ICU and post-anesthesia care. Maddy began documenting her nursing school journey on YouTube and has since built a platform dedicated to helping new graduates and nurses exploring new specialties. Her candid advice on resume building, networking, and interview preparation offers a roadmap for anyone navigating the early (or next) chapter of their nursing career. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 29, 202646 min

What Travel Nurses Must Know Before Your Next Contract - Recap of TravCon 2026

Ever wonder what actually happens behind the booth at TravCon? What do travel nurses really want to know before signing their next contract? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann sits down with Nicole and Florentina from AMN Healthcare to recap TravCon 2026, the industry's biggest gathering for travel nurses. From Nurse Blake's keynote to the return of the beloved AMN diner-themed booth, the team shares what made this year different, why so many new travelers are entering the field, and what nurses want to know about rates, cancellations, and contract stability. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just curious about your first assignment, this episode will leave you feeling informed, connected, and ready for what's next. Key Topics Discussed: Rates and Stability: What nurses are asking about contract cancellations, pay, and post-pandemic rate expectations. Human Connection: Why face-to-face conversations with recruiters still matter in an AI-driven industry. Community and Loyalty: Stories of returning travelers, long-term recruiter relationships, and finding your way back to AMN. The AMN Diner Experience: The meaning behind the twenty-four-seven themed booth and how it reflects AMN's commitment to round-the-clock support. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 15, 202637 min

The Reality of Strike Nursing From the Front Lines

Have you ever wondered what it truly feels like walking into a hospital unit you've never seen before, with patients depending on you within hours of landing? Do you want a clear-eyed look at one of nursing's most sensitive topics, straight from someone who has lived it five times over? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann sits down with Melisa, an ICU and NICU nurse turned strike assignment veteran, for an honest conversation about workforce disruptions. Melisa shares how she went from scrolling social media to boarding a flight in 48 hours, what it takes to earn trust on a unit that's never met you, and why she believes two seemingly opposite things can be true at once: strike nurses support staff nurses, and patients still come first. You'll walk away equipped to understand every side of the strike nursing experience, from the adrenaline of day one to the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. Key Topics Discussed: · Building Confidence Fast: What it takes to walk into an unfamiliar unit and deliver safe, competent care immediately. · Supporting Both Sides: Why strike nurses and staff nurses share the same goal, even when the narrative says otherwise. · Emotional Preparation: How to stay flexible, patient, and self-aware through the unpredictability of a strike assignment. Chapters: · 00:00 - Two things can be true: Setting the tone for a sensitive topic · 00:31 - Meet Melisa: NICU nurse and soon-to-be nurse practitioner · 04:12 - How travel nursing paved the way to her first strike · 09:43 - The chaos, camaraderie, and community of strike assignments · 13:36 - Why the work feels rewarding on multiple levels · 21:15 - Patient ratios, safety, and what nurses are really fighting for · 26:55 - Earning trust from unfamiliar providers under pressure · 34:06 - The emotional release when a strike finally ends · 35:46 - Advice for nurses considering their first strike assignment Guest Spotlight Meet our guest, Melisa, an ICU and NICU nurse who has completed five strike assignments while pursuing her nurse practitioner degree with a focus on postpartum care. Her firsthand experience navigating fast-paced, high-stakes environments, and her openness about the emotional complexity of strike nursing, offer valuable perspective for any nurse curious about this path. Ready to understand every angle of strike nursing? Subscribe to Nursing Uncharted and share this episode with a fellow nurse today! Apply for strike jobs with AMN Healthcare: https://www.amnhealthcare.com/careers/nursing/strike/ Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 1, 202636 min

How Two RNs Built a Thriving Brand for Nurses: Uni Shoes Is Back with Big Updates

What happens when two registered nurses get tired of ruined shoes, aching feet, and energy crashes on 12-hour shifts? They build a brand from scratch, and they don't stop at footwear. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann welcomes back Loftin Dortch and Alex Pastorkovich, the co-founders of Uni Shoes, for an exciting update on where the brand is today. From a recovery shoe collaboration to a nurse-engineered backpack, a jitter-free energy drink, and a next-generation shoe currently in development, Uni is redefining what it means to support nurses as the everyday athletes they are. Plus, Loftin and Alex open up about the emotional weight of leaving the bedside and why staying connected to nursing still drives everything they do. Key Topics Discussed: From pain point to product: How frustration with hospital footwear sparked a footwear brand built by nurses, for nurses New product launches: The Keen Footwear recovery shoe collaboration, a nurse-specific functional backpack, and the ØCAF energy drink Nurse-centered design: Why lived clinical experience shapes every product decision Uni makes Leaving the bedside: The guilt, the identity shift, and the perspective that makes it worthwhile Nurses as everyday athletes: The case for treating healthcare professionals with the same performance focus as elite sports stars What's next: A three-year-in-development next-generation shoe with advanced technology built for the hospital floor Chapters: 00:00—Welcome back: Catching up with the Uni Shoes co-founders 02:02—The origin story: Why nurses needed a better shoe 05:54—New products: Recovery shoes, backpacks, and lunch boxes 09:42—No-Caf: The nurse-specific energy drink with no jitters or sleep disruption 12:18—Nurses are everyday athletes: Reframing how we see healthcare professionals 20:05—Leaving the bedside: Guilt, identity, and finding a new way to contribute 27:45—Keeping your license active and your options open 29:12—The Amazon partnership and promo code 33:20—Running a 100-mile ultramarathon and how it shapes product design 31:08—What's coming next: The next-generation Uni shoe Resources Mentioned: Uni Shoes website —browse shoes, the backpack, and all new products Use code AMN10 for 10% off! ØCAF energy drink —Uni's nurse-formulated beverage featuring paraxanthine, a caffeine metabolite that delivers focus without jitters or sleep disruption Keen Footwear —recovery shoe collaboration partner Per Diem Roles at AMN Healthcare —flexible per diem and travel nursing opportunities for nurses exploring options outside staff positions AMN Passport App—manage your assignments and career journey on the go Guest Spotlight Loftin Dortch and Alex Pastorkovich are two registered nurses who turned a shared frustration into a thriving brand. Alex's background spans emergency medicine and functional medicine, while Loftin brings deep clinical insight from years at the bedside. Together, they co-founded Uni Shoes with one clear mission: to treat nurses like high-performance athletes. They are both preparing to run the Tahoe 100-mile ultramarathon, and that same endurance mindset drives every product they build. Their story is proof that nursing expertise does not stop at the hospital door; it can power an entire brand. If this episode inspired you, subscribe to Nursing Uncharted and share it with a nurse who deserves to be seen as the everyday athlete they are. Your next chapter might be closer than you think. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 18, 202629 min

How Travel Nursing Changes You: Confidence, Community, and Finding Your Way

Travel nursing does more than change your zip code. It changes how you carry yourself into a new unit, how you build relationships from scratch, and how you define what matters most in your life and career. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, Audrey T., manager of recruitment at AMN Healthcare, sits down with two travel nurses, Ilana and Paige, who are living that transformation in real time. Best friends from Phoenix who met as PACU coworkers, Ilana and Paige are now on assignment together in San Diego. But their paths there looked different: Ilana has been traveling for a year and a half, while Paige is just six weeks into her first contract. Together, they open up about what actually shifts when you take the leap into travel nursing, the confidence, the friendships, the priorities, and share the advice they wish someone had given them on day one. Key Takeaways Confidence comes from trusting your existing skills. You already know how to care for patients. The unfamiliar policies and procedures at a new facility are details you will figure out, not evidence that you are unprepared. Asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. Ilana's go-to phrase when starting a new assignment, "How do you do this here?", shows experience while demonstrating respect for each facility's way of doing things. Community does not happen by accident. Plugging into something outside of work, whether it is surfing, church, or a volunteer group, gives you a low-pressure way to build a life in a new city. Relationships become your anchor. Distance often makes friendships and family connections more intentional, not less meaningful. Flexibility is a mindset you can practice. Learning to sit with the unknown, not knowing your next contract or location, becomes easier when you stay grounded in who you are. Your identity should not depend on your zip code. Knowing your values and purpose before a big transition helps you land on solid ground, no matter where the assignment takes you. Episode Chapters 00:00 —Introduction: Why This Conversation Matters 00:42 —Meet Ilana and Paige: From PACU Coworkers to Travel Partners 03:57 —What Excited Them Most About Travel Nursing 04:57 —Family Reactions to the Big Move 08:05 —Overcoming Early Challenges on a New Unit 10:23 —Building Community in a Temporary Home 11:08 —How Travel Nursing Shapes Personal Identity 14:26 —Shifting Priorities: Relationships, Rest, and Purpose 17:06 —Making Friends as a Travel Nurse 22:37 —Clinical Confidence and On-the-Job Growth 26:17 —Advice for New Grads and Future Travelers Guest Spotlight: Ilana and Paige Ilana and Paige met at their first PACU job, one arriving from the ICU, the other from the ER, and became fast friends despite their departmental rivalry. Both are lifelong Arizona residents and four-year nurses who decided that experiencing new places did not require giving up the community they love back home. Ilana has been traveling for a year and a half and describes herself as a proud PACU travel nurse who has learned to embrace flexibility, both in her career and in life. Paige, an ER nurse with PACU experience, is only six weeks into her first assignment but already speaks with the clarity of someone who has done the work to stay centered through big change. Now on assignment together in San Diego, they bring a rare, honest perspective on what it actually feels like to build a new life one contract at a time, and why leaning on each other has made the transition easier for both of them. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 4, 202625 min

Your First Travel Nursing Assignment: What No One Tells You (But Should)

That first travel assignment sounds like a dream on paper: a new city, a fresh start, and the freedom to explore while doing the work you love. Then you actually arrive, and reality sets in. Where do you park? Will your badge work? Will anyone even remember your name by day three? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, Audrey Tate, Manager of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, sits down with two AMN travel nurses, Ilana and Paige, who are still early in their journeys. They have an honest and unfiltered conversation about what really happens during those first assignment weeks. They cover the nervous first days, the surprising amount of prep work that happens before you even step foot on the unit, and the small habits that help a brand-new city start to feel like home. If you're considering your first contract or you're still finding your footing, this conversation offers the kind of practical advice you won't find anywhere else. Key Takeaways The first week is the hardest, and that's normal. Both nurses agree that stress peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours, then eases significantly once you learn the routine and meet your coworkers. Prep work happens long before day one. Credentialing, immunization records, license endorsements, and paperwork take real effort. Knowing this in advance helps you set realistic expectations. A supportive care team changes everything. Both nurses were surprised by how welcoming their facility staff were, which made adjusting to a new unit far smoother. Confidence in your core skills carries you through the unknowns. You already know how to nurse. The details, like charting systems or unit workflows, are what you're learning on the fly. Building a routine outside of work speeds up the adjustment. Whether it's finding a gym, a coffee shop, or a faith community, recreating small pieces of home helps a new place feel familiar faster. Traveling with a friend can be a game changer , but going solo and building community through shared interests works too. Self-compassion matters. Giving yourself grace during the learning curve, instead of expecting perfection, makes the transition far less stressful. Chapters 00:00 —Welcome and introduction to the episode's theme: the real story behind your first travel assignment 00:47 —Meet Ilana and Paige: their nursing backgrounds and how they got into travel nursing 04:15 —Traveling with a friend: how it shaped their early experience in San Diego 05:04 —The first 24 to 48 hours on assignment: nerves, logistics, and finding your footing 06:57 —The role recruiters and facility support play in a smooth start 08:14 —Expectations versus reality: the surprising amount of prep work before your first shift 09:44 —Feeling welcomed: how a supportive care team eases the transition 11:13 —What felt harder in theory than in practice 13:16 —When it finally clicked: the moment travel nursing started feeling normal 14:46 —Building community: routines, faith groups, and finding your people in a new city 16:58 —What they'd do differently next time 18:50 —Self-discovery on the road: introversion, adaptability, and personal growth 21:03 —Top advice for nurses considering their first travel assignment 23:08 —Advice for new grads weighing travel nursing early in their careers Meet Our Guests: Audrey, Ilana, and Paige Audrey is the Manager of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, where she guides nurses through the excitement and the uncertainty of starting their first travel assignments. Audrey has a genuine passion for walking alongside nurses as they navigate the logistics, the emotions, and the milestones of building a travel career. In this episode, she steps into the host seat to bring listeners a candid look at the first-assignment experience, drawing on her own conversations with nurses taking that leap for the first time. Ilana is a PACU nurse with about a year and a half of travel nursing experience. She made the decision to travel after feeling ready for a change from the city where she'd spent her whole life, and she hasn't looked back. Her practical approach—arriving early to explore a new city, building a local routine, and leaning into community—has shaped some of the most grounded advice in this episode. Paige has been a nurse for four years, with a background in ER and PACU, and is about a month and a half into her very first travel assignment in San Diego. She took the leap after recognizing she was in a season of life that felt made for it with no ties holding her back and a trusted friend already out there showing her the ropes. Her perspective offers something rare: the honest, still-fresh experience of someone who just went through it. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 21, 202636 min

The Real Story of Finding Your First Nursing Job with Stella Leiken

Landing your first nursing job sounds straightforward after graduation—but for many new grads, the reality is far more difficult. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann [BG1][CD2]sits down with Stella Leiken, a recent MSN graduate from the University of San Diego's Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), to talk honestly about what it's really like to enter the nursing workforce for the first time. Stella shares her journey from a psychology degree at UC Santa Barbara to an accelerated MEPN program, completing 192 hours of hands-on NICU preceptorship, and preparing to take the NCLEX. But the conversation quickly turns to something many nursing programs don't prepare you for: the search for that first nursing job. Despite an MSN, a strong clinical record, and glowing recommendations, Stella applied to nearly every NICU in California and was denied by all of them. She opens up about the emotional toll of repeated rejection, the nursing shortage paradox that leaves new grads competing fiercely for a shrinking number of residency spots, and why she made the decision to look out of state rather than settle for a specialty she didn't want. Her story is raw, honest, and relevant for any new grad nurse navigating today's competitive job market. Key Takeaways Don't settle for the wrong specialty. Taking a job in a unit you don't want just to get hired can make transitioning into your dream specialty later even harder. Start applying before you graduate. Some new grad residency programs close months before graduation. Others open applications for only 24 hours with no public notice. Networking matters. Stella secured her NICU preceptorship because she made a strong impression during her leadership rotation. Connections can open doors that applications alone cannot. Broaden your geographic search. If your local market is oversaturated, looking out of state can unlock opportunities and help you grow in unexpected ways. Protect your confidence. Rejection after rejection takes a real toll. Staying focused on your goal and leaning on your support system can make all the difference Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and why this episode is different 01:49 – Stella's background: from UCSB psychology to the USD MEPN program 03:08 – MEPN vs. ABSN: understanding the pathways into nursing 04:25 – The three-week boot camp that kicked off her program 07:54 – How preceptorships work and why specialty selection is so competitive 09:22 – NICU placement and the power of networking for new grad nurses 11:47 – NCLEX prep: how Kaplan and school support set Stella up for success 15:26 – The new grad job hunt begins, and why the timeline catches many off guard 18:37 – The nursing shortage paradox: high demand, fierce competition 19:03 – Applying to every NICU in California and facing rejection 21:10 – Looking out of state: Nashville, Georgia, Colorado, and beyond 26:43 – The emotional reality of repeated rejection 30:08 – Stella's advice: stay confident, don't settle, and go where the opportunity is 35:36 – Closing thoughts and words of encouragement for new grad nurses Meet Our Guest, Stella Leiken Stella Leiken is a recent MSN graduate from the University of San Diego's Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN). She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from UC Santa Barbara before working in a private ophthalmology practice, an experience that confirmed nursing as her true calling. Through her MEPN program, Stella completed 192 hours of NICU clinical preceptorship across two semesters, gaining hands-on experience caring for critically ill infants. She is preparing to take the NCLEX and is actively searching for her first nursing role. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 202641 min

Skip the Scramble and Plan Your Winter Travel Nurse Assignments Now with Bianca Otero

What if the secret to a stress-free holiday season started months in advance? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann welcomes back Bianca O., Recruitment Director at AMN Healthcare, to unpack everything you need to know about winter seasonal orders. From snagging your dream location in California or New York to locking in your shift and holiday preferences, you'll learn why these highly coveted contracts move fast and how AMN Passport will put you first in line. Key Topics Winter Seasonal Orders: What they are and why they fill quickly in top locations. The AMN Passport Advantage: Keeping your profile ready for auto-submission and fast offers. Recruiter Relationships: How transparency and trust unlock your best opportunities. Early Start Dates & Pay: Why an August or September start could give you the edge. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & welcoming back Bianca 00:52 - What are winter seasonal orders? 05:48 - The benefits: shift, location & holiday preferences 10:34 - How quickly winter orders fill 12:46 - Why your recruiter relationship matters most 26:27 - Talking pay: competitive winter rates 28:07 - Early start dates & this year's trends 37:18 - Bianca's top advice to get started Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 9, 202638 min

The Realities of Strike Nursing with Zach Klemo

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes during a nursing strike? In this episode of Nursing Uncharted , we kick off a special mini-series with Zach C., Senior Director of Fulfillment for AMN Healthcare’s strike division. Zach gives us real-life details of strike nursing assignments, from the rapid-fire logistics and our concierge-level support to the incredible camaraderie built on the floor. Whether you are curious about the true reasons behind strikes or how our cutting-edge technology, AMN Passport, puts control in your hands for these high-paying roles, this episode helps you see the bigger picture of patient care. Key Topics Discussed: The Strike Experience: What a strike assignment actually entails and how AMN provides comprehensive, concierge-level support. Empowerment Through Innovation: How the AMN Passport app automates the onboarding process to get you to the front of the line quickly. Understanding the "Why": A compassionate look at why strikes happen, focusing on patient ratios and safety rather than just pay, and why we need strike and replacement nurses. Community Support: The bonds and teamwork formed among strike nurses stepping up to deliver exceptional patient care. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & welcoming Zach Clement 02:03 - What is a strike assignment and how long do they last? 04:31 - Jet-setting and rapid onboarding with AMN Passport 06:28 - The concierge logistics: Flights, private hotels, and shuttles 10:21 - The unparalleled camaraderie of strike nurses 14:14 - Understanding the sensitive realities and reasons behind a strike 27:51 - How to prepare your profile and secure a strike contract 33:21 - Biggest shocks and realities for first-time strike nurses Guest Spotlight: Meet our guest, Zach C., Senior Director of Fulfillment at AMN Healthcare’s strike division. Zach and his team co-create nurses' careers during the most critical times, managing everything from event setup to flights and daily shuttles. Zach is deeply committed to ensuring patients receive uninterrupted, world-class care from highly adaptable nurses while facilities negotiate better working conditions. Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 26, 202635 min

Travel Nurse Besties Take on the Peds ER

In Part 2 of our special Nurses Month series on Nursing Uncharted, we welcome back pediatric ER travel nurses Jess and Sam. They dive deeper into their experiences traveling the country, sharing their experiences adapting to new ER environments, building rapid trust with anxious parents, and developing the emotional resilience required in pediatric care. You'll feel inspired by their camaraderie and equipped with the confidence to take your own emergency nursing skills to new facilities nationwide. Key Topics Discussed: Adapting to New ERs : Proven strategies for quickly acclimatizing to different pediatric emergency departments and triage protocols. Emotional Resilience : Managing the unique emotional demands of caring for critically ill children and communicating effectively with their families. Travel Nurse Lifestyle : Balancing the high-stress demands of emergency nursing with the exciting adventures of life on the road. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & welcoming back Jess and Sam 03:15 - The reality of day one in a new pediatric ER 12:30 - Building rapid rapport with pediatric patients and parents 22:45 - Managing the emotional toll and prioritizing self-care 34:20 - Balancing travel adventures with high-stress shifts 41:10 - Final advice for aspiring pediatric travel nurses Resources Mentioned: AMN Healthcare Travel Nursing Opportunities Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Pediatric Care Resources [KC1] [BG2] Meet Our Guests Our guests, Jess and Sam, are two highly skilled pediatric ER travel nurses who have combined their passion for emergency medicine with a love for travel. With years of experience navigating high-pressure situations across various pediatric hospitals, they bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and advocacy to the nursing community. Their insights provide an authentic look at what it takes to thrive in pediatric emergency travel nursing. [KC1] @Brandon Gomez @Cassandra Damascus Can you add links? [BG2] Added! Episode Sponsor: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare , the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare . Resources & Links 🌐 Learn more about AMN Healthcare 🎙️ Explore Nursing Uncharted episodes ✈️ Search travel nursing jobs with AMN Passport 📍 Planning for TravCon? Read the guide 💙 Refer a fellow nurse! AMN Referral Program ⏰ Explore per diem opportunities: Nursing Per Diem Jobs 🌴 Browse seasonal nursing jobs: Nursing Seasonal Jobs 🤝 AMN Employee Assistance Program resources If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also find show updates and nursing opportunities on our Instagram at @AMNNurse About Ann Ann King, a seasoned travel nurse with a remarkable 14-year track record, has dedicated the past 13+ years to specializing in Neonatal ICU. Ann has been traveling with AMN Healthcare for 5+ years, enriching her expertise with diverse experiences. Currently residing in San Diego, Ann not only thrives in her nursing career but also serves as the host of the Nursing Uncharted podcast, where she shares invaluable insights and stories from the world of nursing. Connect with Ann on Instagram: @annifer05 Are you interested in coming on as a guest? Send us a message at podcasts@amnhealthcare.com Join Our Other Nursing Communities: YouTube Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Facebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.