Episodes
In this episode, we are re-sharing our most popular neuro episodes from the archive in one massive episode. Kati Kleber, Elizabeth Mills, and Melissa Stafford (all experienced neuro ICU nurses) discuss: When to worry about your neuro patient The most common disease processes for acutely ill neuro patients Common neuro meds Frequent diagnostics How neuro patients are monitored Common neuro surgeries  These episodes were originally recorded in 2018, but the information is still incredibly...
Published 04/18/24
Almost two-thirds of nurses (62%) experience burnout in the U.S. And it’s especially common among younger nurses. In this episode, Kati interviews Dr. Kate King, an associate professor in the clinical psychology doctoral program at William James College, and they discuss: signs of burnout, and whether this is destined to happen to every nurse the importance of being proactive balancing the desire to be perfect with the very real seriousness of mistakes redefining ‘self-care’ tips and...
Published 04/04/24
Maybe you've heard the term "clinical nurse specialist" or "CNS" before but are not exactly sure how that differs from a nurse practitioner or nurse educator. In this episode, Kati interviews Dr. Mitzi Saunders, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, the President of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and they discuss: The definition of a CNS and how the CNS supports the bedside nurse CNS vs. NP A typical day in the life of a CNS The educational pathway to CNS Tips and encouragement from...
Published 03/14/24
In today’s episode, we chat with Sheri Walsh, MSN RN, a highly experienced nurse manager of a cardiac progressive unit that has over 100 staff members. We pull back the veil between employee and manager and discuss things like: Reasonable and unreasonable things to discuss with your manager Practical tips for new nurses on giving and receiving feedback in a tactful way How to handle the “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” common interview question  And more! Links to things...
Published 03/07/24
In this episode, Brittney Wilson role plays as a new grad RN and asks me the most common questions I get via email and social media from new nurses all over the country. Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at freshrn.com We have a full library of courses to support new nurses, including our new All-Access Pass! Check it out at courses.freshrn.com.  Connect With Me Online! Facebook: facebook.com/FreshRN...
Published 02/27/24
In this episode, we dig into practical tips for functioning in a high-pressure environment, like the hospital, if you already deal with anxiety. We discuss: Nervousness vs. anxiety How to lower your baseline level of anxiety Routines to outsmart your brain Responding to anxiety flares or freezes at work   When to seek professional help To check out the full guide, click here: https://www.freshrn.com/for-the-anxious-nurse/  To learn more about the FreshRN All-Access Pass -...
Published 02/20/24
In this episode of the FreshRN Podcast, Kati interviews Morgan Melancon MSN, RN, CCRN-K and Annabeth Davis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC. It's Part II of our two-part interview. Morgan is the director of Nursing Education and Professional Development at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, and Annabeth is the manager of Transition to Practice within the department of Nursing Education of the same organization. We discuss: Special training required to give chemotherapy What people love...
Published 05/09/23
In this episode, Kati Interviews Morgan Melancon MSN, RN, CCRN-K and Annabeth Davis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC. Morgan is the director of Nursing Education and Professional Development at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, and Annabeth is the manager of Transition to Practice within the department of Nursing Education of the same organization.  We discuss specific details of their unique nurse residency program like: Why they needed to revitalize program How it is structured Special...
Published 05/02/23
Join Brittney Wilson, BSN RN, founder of The Nerdy Nurse, as she interviews Kati about where FreshRN started, why she created it and is so passionate about helping new nurses, and where she sees the brand going over the next 10 years.   Right now, all of Kati's courses and bundles are 30% off to celebrate her 10-year brand-iversary! Head to https://courses.freshrn.com and use promo code 10YEARS to get 30% off of your purchase. The sale is from April 23-29, 2023.  Current courses available...
Published 04/25/23
In this episode, I interview Sarah Lorenzini from the Rapid Response RN Podcast about delirium. We discuss a powerful experience Sarah had with delirium in the ICU, common mistakes new nurses make regarding delirium, and tidbits about new nurses working with RRT nurses.  This episode is part of a Nurse Podcrawl focused on the topic of delirium. Head to upmynursingame.com/podcrawl to check out all of the other amazing podcasts too. For this episode's show notes, click here:...
Published 04/21/23
If you're a nurse working in a hospital who cares for intubated and sedated patients (ICU nurses!) or on units in which your patients were intubated and sedated (med-surg RNs, I'm talking to you!) you're going to want to listen to this episode. We dig into some mind-blowing and humbling facts about delirium in the ICU, and how we might actually be making things worse. "Sedation is NOT sleep. Propofol and benzodiazepines disrupt brain activity and PREVENTS REM cycle. We are causing lethal and...
Published 04/12/23
In this mini episode, I discuss how to answer the common "what are your weaknesses?" interview question with confidence and without compromising credibility - all while coming off authentic and honest. To check out my full nurse resume and interview course, click here:  Prep for nursing job interview questions with this PDF download list:  Get a free 3-pack of nurse resume templates: Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses...
Published 03/28/23
On Dec 5, 2022, two LPNs in South Carolina were arrested after dressing changes were not performed on two vulnerable adults from Sept. 9-11, 2022 resulting in worsening of their health. In this video, I SBAR the situation, why it may have led to criminal charges, and go over important considerations for nurses.  Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/ Blog:  Courses [free and paid]: 
Published 03/13/23
[MINI-EPISODE] When a patient gets admitted to the hospital, we ask routine questions to assess risk for self-harm. But... what should you say when they say yes? I asked my husband (professional counselor, worked in mental health for 10+ years) for some talking points! My free ebook called 10 Mistakes Nursing Students Make (and how to avoid them): Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: 
Published 03/09/23
In this episode, Kati covers how to plan your time to successfully pass the NCLEX. She starts by outlining what to do during your last semester, laying the post-graduation groundwork, and how to practically structure your study time. This episode was sponsored by TrueLearn. Go to  and use promo code FRESHRN for 20%. To sign-up for Mission Accomplished: A Guide to Conquiring Your Final Year of Nursing School, click here: To take out all of the guess work and land your first real bedside nurse...
Published 01/12/23
Four labor and delivery nurses were recently terminated over one TikTok video. In this episode, Kati outlines what happened, the response, and her thoughts. To sign-up for the FreshRN email list, head to . To learn more about our non-Facebook online community for nurses, head to . 
Published 12/21/22
Get ready, people! The NCLEX is being updated in 2023! In this episode, Kati outlines the specific changes to scoring and new question formats, as well as answers common questions students tend to have regarding the NCLEX in general. This episode was sponsored by TrueLearn. Head to and use promo code FRESHRN for 20% off. If the whole concept of applying for the NCLEX and to your state board of nursing is confusing, we go over that process in detail in this free mini-course:  
Published 12/08/22
What are the major differences between the ER and the floor? In this episode, Kati covers how these two units differ in responsibilities, flow of the shift, patient population, and how to know which one would be the best fit for you. This episode is sponsored by TrueLearn. Head to https://www.trueLearn.com and use promo code FRESHRN for 20%. For show notes, head to . Music: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard.
Published 11/10/22
Has your clinical instructor or the primary nurse of your patient in clinical been cold or even rude to you? In this episode, Kati explores a few reasons behind it plus tips on how to deal with it. This episode is sponsored by Picmonic. Head to Picmonic.com and use promo code FRESHRN for 20% off. Music: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard. 
Published 10/13/22
Maureen has experience in the ICU, PACU, and as a nurse educator. She is also the owner of straightanursingstudent.com.
Published 09/22/22
In this episode, Kati discusses her tips to optimize your study time specifically for nursing school courses. This episode is sponsored by TrueLearn. Head to TrueLearn.com and use promo code FRESHRN for 20% off. Music: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard. 
Published 09/08/22
In this episode, Kati quickly covers why frontloading quick wins into your orientation process are powerful motivators and can change the game for your development long-term. Our latest course release, Cardiac Confidence, is the ultimate resource to help you get quick win after quick win when working with cardiac patients. It's 40% off now through Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. To learn more and secure your savings, click here: Music: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard
Published 09/07/22
Another semsester is upon us! In this episode, Kati talks through 6 tips to passing nursing school exams.  Show notes: https://www.freshrn.com/ To learn more about Picmonic: and use promo code FRESHRN for 20% Thank you to Picmonic for sponsoring this episode! Music: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard
Published 08/11/22