Nursing Uncharted

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Key Topics Covered

Finding and holding onto your core "Why" in the nursing profession.

The unique challenges and immense emotional rewards of pediatric emergency nursing.

A brief look back at the history and evolution of Nurses Month and Nurses Week.

Hilarious and heartwarming memories of hospital appreciation efforts, from expired skincare baskets to unit spirit weeks.

The profound importance of mental health breaks, massage chairs, and unit camaraderie to keep our cups full.

Chapters

[00:00] Welcome to Episode 110 & Happy Nurses Month!

[01:06] Meet Jess and Sam: Pediatric ER Travel Nurses

[03:57] Jess's Why: Being a Glimpse of Light on the Worst Days

[07:27] Sam's Why: Nurturing Spirits and Healing with Little Things

[11:19] A Brief History of Nurses Week and Nurses Month

[12:42] The Good, the Bad, and the Expired: Nurses Week Memories

[16:05] Fostering Joy: Spirit Weeks, Costumes, and Camaraderie

[20:07] Focusing on Mental Health and Relaxation at Work

[24:44] AMN Healthcare Month Giveaways and Wrap-up

Resources Mentioned

Learn more about AMN Healthcare and find your next travel assignment: AMN Healthcare

Follow along for giveaways, prizes, and community updates on Instagram: @amnnurse (DM the code "AMN Cares" for special prizes!)

Join the Nursing Uncharted Community!

We want you to feel empowered and optimistic in your travel nursing journey! If you loved this episode, please share it with a fellow nurse who could use a smile and a warm reminder of their "why." Subscribe to Nursing Uncharted on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever arrived at a travel assignment only to discover your new home is a nightmare? Do you want greater control of your living situation while on the road?

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, host Ann sits down with veteran travel nurse Natalie to share her wildest "Housing of Horror" stories. From snooping landlords to being locked out in bunny slippers, Natalie’s experiences will make you laugh and leave you equipped to take on life's challenges. You'll feel empowered to set boundaries, to lean on our nursing community, and to find the safe haven we deserve.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Prioritizing Safety: How to take charge of your housing search and vet locations.
• Setting Boundaries: The confidence to demand respect and privacy from landlords.
• Community Support: Relying on fellow nurses to navigate unexpected housing disasters.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction & meeting Natalie
• 01:44 - Taking greater control of your housing and safety
• 14:08 - Boston horror: The boundary-pushing roommate
• 19:58 - Portland nightmare: The snooping landlord
• 36:09 - Finding strength in our nursing community
• 39:07 - Key takeaways and housing tips for your next assignment

Guest Spotlight

Meet our guest, Natalie, a travel nurse whose 12 years of experience in pediatric PACU have empowered her to navigate even the toughest housing challenges with courage and wisdom. Natalie’s insights on finding safe, comfortable housing, and her willingness to share personal housing horror stories, provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to take greater control of their travel nursing journey.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We all desire greater control of our nursing careers. To feel empowered, capable, and equipped to take on our daily challenges, we must boldly embrace new experiences. In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we discuss the inspiring journeys of travel nurses stepping into the unknown. Join us as we sit down with incredible NICU travel nurses, Akila and Jazmine, who share their powerful stories of helping open a new maternal health hospital in Philadelphia.

They share the cultural shifts of travel nursing, the fierce bonds formed in the trenches, and the need to advocate for our patients. How can we better support marginalized communities? How do we push for systemic change in our hospitals? Released in alignment with Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, this episode highlights the realities and disparities in Black maternal health. Listening will leave you optimistic and empowered to raise your voice, take charge of your practice, and make a lasting impact.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - 00:02:10: Meet Akila and Jazmine: NICU Nurses Taking Charge
• 00:02:10 - 00:08:13: The Philadelphia Assignment: Stepping Up for a New Hospital
• 00:08:13 - 00:15:00: Navigating Unit Culture and Orientation Challenges
• 00:15:00 - 00:20:01: The Great Transfer: Teamwork and Travel Nurse Solidarity
• 00:20:01 - 00:27:36: Welcoming the First Patient and Celebrating Hands-On Leadership
• 00:27:36 - 00:34:00: Advocating for Black Maternal Health and Breaking Barriers
• 00:34:00 - 00:38:05: Speaking Truth to Power and Episode Wrap-Up

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to Nursing Uncharted! In this episode, host Ann reconnects with the inspiring Laurel Prince, a returning guest who brings her unique perspective on navigating the challenges of nursing and life. Together, they discuss the power of embracing change, finding positivity in difficult moments, and staying true to yourself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The serendipitous story of how Laurel and Ann first met in person.
• How travel nursing can be both isolating and rewarding, and the importance of finding small moments of joy.
• The concept of "wonder walking" and how it can help you rediscover a sense of awe in everyday life.
• Navigating self-identity when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
• The emotional impact of receiving life-changing medical news and how it shapes both patients and nurses.
• The importance of bringing your authentic self to work and fostering human connections with patients.
• Why leaning into discomfort and change can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Chapters

Welcome and Guest Introduction (00:00:00)
First Meeting (00:01:00)
Travel Nursing and Finding Connection (00:02:30)
Self-Identity and Life Changes (00:05:00)
Emotional Journeys and Patient Experiences (00:07:00)
Embracing Change and Human Connection (00:13:00)
Advice for Nurses and Final Reflections (00:20:00)

About Our Guest:
Laurel Prince is a travel nurse and advocate for finding positivity in the face of adversity. Her experiences as a nurse and her personal journey of self-discovery inspire others to embrace change and live authentically. Want to hear more from Laurel? Check out our conversation with her from episode 75- Embracing Joy as a Travel Nurse.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nursing is changing fast, and new degrees, more travel gigs, and bedside tech are all part of the ride. In this episode, we chat with neurosurgery nurse Taniqua Mighty about how to roll with these changes, spot new opportunities, and stay connected to what matters in nursing. If you’re ready to grow in your career and rethink what’s possible, this one is for you.

Chapters:

[02:31] Taniqua shares how she got into neurosurgery and talks about her next step to become a nurse practitioner.

[05:45] From paper charts to apps: how tech is shaking up the daily grind in nursing.

[08:16] Faster advanced degrees and open-book tests? Here’s what’s new (and what it means).

[12:59] Why more nurses are hitting the road, and how travel nursing opens doors and changes lives.

[20:30] Scrub talk—color codes, personal style, and how your work wardrobe can lift your mood.

[26:52] Setting patient expectations: what really matters when you’re juggling so much.

[30:33] Nurses have a bigger say—your voice matters more than ever on the care team.

[37:10] Taniqua’s parting wisdom: “Nothing grows in a comfort zone.”

About Our Guest:

Meet Taniqua Mighty—a neurosurgery nurse who’s spent nine years making a real impact in hospitals. Originally from New York, she found her home in Texas thanks to a travel assignment, and now she’s about to jump into her first nurse practitioner role. Taniqua’s all about embracing change and growth, and her stories are packed with real talk about what it takes to adapt, push your limits, and create new opportunities in nursing today.

Follow Taniqua on Instagram.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we sit down with Alex, a dedicated nurse with nearly 12 years of experience, from rehab facilities to Level 1 trauma centers. Alex joins us to share her personal and inspiring journey. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and the "why" behind her passion for nursing.

Alex's emotional story begins with how her mother's battle with stage 4 lung cancer influenced her decision to enter the field. She recalls the compassion shown by her mother's oncology nurses—not just during treatment, but even after her passing—and how that level of care became the standard she strives for today.

Alex also discusses her transition into travel nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of balancing single motherhood with a demanding career, and her decision to plant roots as a staff nurse. This is a candid look at the life of a traveler, the importance of a supportive recruiter, and the beauty of finding a hospital unit that feels like family.

Alex’s story of resilience, advocacy, and finding joy in the midst of chaos is sure to resonate.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of a Personal "Why": Alex shares the touching story of losing her mother to cancer, and how the nurses who cared for her mom inspired her own nursing philosophy.
• Travel Nursing Experiences: Insights into travel nursing during the pandemic, the benefits of seeing how different hospitals operate, and why Alex believes every nurse should try traveling at least once.
• Transitioning to Staff: How Alex decided to leave the travel life for a permanent staff position and the positive impact she makes by bringing outside perspectives to her new unit.
• Balancing Career and Single Motherhood: A vulnerable discussion about "mom guilt," the logistics of childcare, and the drive to provide a good life for her son.
• The Nurse-Recruiter Relationship: The critical role a supportive recruiter plays in a traveler's success and mental well-being.
• Advocacy in Action: How experienced nurses can advocate for their patients and fellow staff members to improve unit culture and patient care.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro and welcome.
• 00:48 – Alex’s introduction and nursing background.
• 01:13 – The emotional story behind why Alex chose nursing.
• 04:22 – Finding passion in nursing after 12 years.
• 06:04 – Starting travel nursing during COVID-19 and becoming a mom.
• 09:03 – Bringing a traveler’s perspective to a staff role.
• 12:19 – The importance of a welcoming unit culture.
• 16:34 – Navigating single motherhood while working as a traveler.
• 20:00 – Building a strong relationship with a recruiter.
• 26:16 – Advice for single moms in nursing.
• 27:06 – Future goals: Teaching the next generation of nurses.

Connect With Us

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.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Highlights & Key Themes

• The Power of the Recruiter Relationship: We discuss why the bond between a travel nurse and their recruiter is the cornerstone of a successful assignment. Trust, vulnerability, and clear communication help navigate the ups and downs of travel healthcare.
• Why Nurses Travel Today: The motivations for hitting the road are changing. We explore factors like flexibility, leadership shifts in hospitals, cost of living pressures, and maintaining financial stability.
• AMN Passport App: Discover how technology is streamlining the travel experience. We break down the features of the AMN Passport app, from finding positions to managing credentials and connecting with a community of peers.
• Valuing Experience and Certifications: A look at how specialized skills and certifications should be recognized and how they impact placement and career growth.
• Support Beyond the Bedside: How AMN supports nurses holistically, including platforms like this podcast and continuing education resources.

Timestamps

• 00:01:16 – How AMN supports nurses beyond the bedside
• 00:02:21 – Meet Audrey Tate: The role of a recruiter
• 00:04:12 – The importance of the nurse-recruiter relationship
• 00:15:38 – The financial realities and cost of living challenges for travelers
• 00:19:00 – Evolving reasons why nurses choose to travel
• 00:36:10 – AMN Passport app features
• 00:51:10 – Recognizing and valuing nurse experience and certifications

About Our Guest

Audrey Tate is a Senior Travel Nurse Recruiter with AMN Healthcare and brings a wealth of knowledge about the industry. She emphasizes the "human" side of recruiting, advocating for vulnerability and trust as key components of professional relationships.

Resources & Links

• AMN Passport App: Download the app to view available positions, manage credentials, and track your impact.
• AMN Healthcare Learning Center: Access free continuing education units (CEUs) and certification assistance. Visit AMN Healthcare
• Nursing Uncharted: Learn more about the show and past episodes.

Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Nursing Uncharted on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us reach more nurses and healthcare professionals.

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

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Highlights

Reflecting on 2025 & Setting Intentions

Ann shares how embracing the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of 2025 helped shape her current perspective. Rather than setting rigid resolutions that can lead to failure, the focus shifts to setting up a state of being. The chosen word for 2026 is "Manifest." This isn't about passively wishing for success or happiness; it is about visualizing where you want your life to go and actively doing the hard work to get there.

The "Work" in Nursing

The concept of "putting in the work" translates directly to the bedside. Nurses don't just show up and check tasks off a list. They use their brains, hearts, and intuition to advocate for patients who may not speak up for themselves. Ann discusses how to be fully present and proactive in patient care, rather than just existing in the role.

Mental Health and Recognizing "Empty Cup" Moments

A key segment of this episode involves a raw personal story about reaching an emotional limit. Ann recounts a specific shift involving a critically ill infant and a challenging interaction with a patient's father. She knew she was burnt out and couldn't respond with the empathy the situation needed. By stepping away and asking her Charge Nurse for help, she protected both her own mental health and patient experience.

Work-Life Balance & Self-Care

Nurses give endlessly, often sacrificing their own well-being. This episode emphasizes the necessity of filling your cup back up, whether that's through a free activity or a financial splurge. Ann shares her decision to book a five-day trip to Mexico with a friend. Despite financial goals, she recognized the need for a reset to maintain her passion for her career.

The Evolving Landscape of Healthcare

As we move into 2026, the healthcare and travel nursing industries continue to shift. The host touches on the excitement surrounding these changes, the recovery from post-COVID transitions, and what the future holds for travel nursing.

Key Takeaways

Manifestation requires action: You cannot wait for someone else to fix your life or hand you success; you must pull yourself up and do the work.

It's okay to tap out: Recognizing when you have "nothing left to give" is a strength, not a weakness. It ensures patient safety and preserves your sanity.

Prioritize the reset: Whether it's a vacation or a small treat, reclaiming your time off is essential to surviving life at the bedside.

Embrace the unknown: Healthcare changes are inevitable. Approaching them with excitement rather than fear can change your entire experience.

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Overview

In this solo episode, Ann wraps up 2025 by looking back on a year filled with growth, change, and plenty of new experiences. Her word for the year, "embrace," set the tone for everything she did—good, bad, or in between. From going back to her favorite travel nursing assignment to making new friends and tackling the ups and downs of adulting, Ann shares what she learned along the way. This episode is all about finding the good, holding onto meaningful connections, and focusing on the little wins.

About the Host

Ann is a NICU travel nurse and the voice behind Nursing Uncharted. With more than six years on the road, she brings real stories and straight talk to nurses everywhere. Ann loves connecting with the nursing community and sharing both the highs and the challenges of the job.

Key Topics & Timestamps

[00:00:00] Looking Back and Picking a Word
Ann kicks things off by sharing her tradition of picking a word for the year. For 2025, “embrace” led the way and shaped how she tackled new situations.

[00:02:40] Trips, Memories, and Happy Moments
Ann tells us about her “ski trip” (where she didn’t actually ski!) with friends, and how flipping through old photos helped her remember all the good times that might have slipped her mind.

[00:06:05] Going Back to a Favorite Assignment
A call out of the blue brings Ann back to a hospital she loves. She talks about what it’s like to be remembered after years away, and how the place and people have changed and grown.

[00:11:00] Travel Nursing: Lonely but Rewarding
Ann gets real about how travel nursing can feel isolating, but explains how the friendships and warm welcomes make it all worthwhile.

[00:13:08] Working Holidays as a Nurse
Ann shares her thoughts on holiday shifts—why she doesn’t mind working if it means coworkers with families can be home, and how important it is to be there for patients and their loved ones.

[00:17:15] Podcasting as Therapy
Ann talks about how hosting her podcast helps her work through tough moments, connect with others, and keep growing personally and professionally.

[00:22:20] Focusing on the Good Stuff
Looking through photos, Ann realizes that this year had a lot of fun, even if it was hard. She encourages everyone to spot and appreciate the highs, no matter how tough things get.

[00:25:05] Making Friends and Embracing Adulting
She tells the story of meeting a new friend at the gym and shares some honest takes about moving, budgeting, and all the random challenges that come with getting older.

[00:27:54] Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
Ann thanks everyone for being part of her journey. She invites listeners to check out the next episode for her 2026 plans, and welcomes anyone interested in being a guest to reach out.

Notable Quotes

"My journey in 2025 was about embracing everything—good, bad, and ugly."

"The way people welcomed me back was the most fulfilling feeling I’ve had in a long time."

"Sometimes you just have to step back and remember why you do what you do."

"We capture smiles and fun in our photos—rarely the rough days—and that’s a good reminder to choose positivity."

"Even when half the year was rough, there were still positives that made it better."

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this second part of the series of “Unlocking Mobility,” we dive into the critical role of mobility and fitness in the nursing profession. Hailey Abell, a physical trainer dedicated to helping nurses prioritize their health, shares practical tips and routines designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules.

This episode highlights the importance of breathing techniques, core strength, and self-love, showing how intentional self-care can enhance personal well-being and the ability to care for others.

Chapters:

• 00:00 The Importance of Mobility in Nursing
• 02:48 Breathing and Movement: A Holistic Approach
• 06:00 Core Strength and Spine Health
• 08:58 Self-Love and Mental Health in Nursing
• 11:59 Building a Supportive Community
• 15:09 Practical Mobility Routines for Everyday Life
• 18:01 The Journey of Self-Improvement
• 21:06 Conclusion and Future Steps

Tune in as we explore the journey of self-improvement and holistic health with Hailey Abell. Whether you're a nurse or simply looking to improve your mobility and well-being, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.

Guest Bio:
Hailey Abell is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast who transitioned from a corporate career to pursue her passion for health and wellness. With a focus on helping busy professionals, especially nurses, Hailey emphasizes the importance of body awareness, strength, and mobility in achieving overall well-being.

Follow Hailey on Instagram!

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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.