In this honest reflection episode, we explore the messy, beautiful, non-linear evolution of nursing confidence — from those overwhelming early shifts to the moment things start to “click”… and what it feels like to become new again in a new unit.

Whether you're one year in, five years in, or stepping into a new specialty, this conversation offers reassurance, connection, and clarity.

• The mental load of the first 1–2 years

• Running every decision by someone — and why it’s normal

• How systems + routines finally fall into place

• Becoming aware of the whole unit, not just your assignment

• Learning through mistakes without shame

• The “confidence dip” when changing departments

• The role of supportive teams in skill-building

• Staying somewhere you love vs. chasing change

• Why nursing always keeps you humble

In an illuminating episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Sarah Lorenzini, the eminent voice behind the Rapid Response RN podcast, who joined us for an in-depth discussion on the intricacies of rapid response nursing. If you are an acute care nurse, ER nurse, or simply passionate about nursing, this conversation is essential listening. Sarah shared her passion for rapid response nursing to respond effectively to emergencies outside the emergency room. The aim is to intervene swiftly to prevent emergencies from escalating. She emphasized the proactive nature of her role, explaining how her team frequently responds to early warnings from nurses who have an intuition that "something's up" with their patients. Sarah detailed her process of assessing a patient's stability, which prioritizes compensation symptoms over raw vital signs figures. Sarah advocated for using shared language when calling doctors, emphasizing the urgency of the situation without overwhelming details and being detailed but concise. She also introduced the CUSS method for communication: expressing Concern, Uncomfortableness, and Safety to highlight serious issues effectively. We discussed how med-surg nurses can aid rapid response efforts. Sarah advised having recent vital signs and blood sugar levels ready, being familiar with patient charts, and ensuring IVs are working. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, reiterating that often the simplest interventions—like ensuring a patient’s oxygen is actually flowing—can make significant differences. This conversation provides potent reminders and learning for all in the nursing field. From recognizing subtle warning signs to navigating the nuances of patient wishes and communication with doctors, Sarah Lorenzini offers critical perspectives that underscore the profound responsibility and reward in rapid response nursing. We look forward to future episodes with Sarah and further explorations into the important role nurses play in patient care.