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.

In this episode of Working Short, nurse Carrie Rose shares her medical story living with epilepsy, diagnosed in 2006 with temporal lobe focal aware seizures that were mistaken for panic attacks in high school, leading to antidepressant treatment. After initial seizure control with medication, her condition changed in 2017 with sudden drop attacks captured on security footage and frightening episodes in public, including on an airplane and while cooking with a friend. Evaluation in a seizure investigation unit revealed ictal asystole (her heart stopping during seizures), resulting in driving restrictions, disrupted nursing plans, severe depression worsened by Keppra, and eventual pacemaker placement. SEEG monitoring showed seizures from both sides of her brain, making her not a surgical candidate; probe removal caused a CSF leak and chest symptoms. She completed nursing school, now works in an epilepsy clinic, discusses epilepsy stigma and underfunding, and describes her New York Times “Diagnosis” story and patient support resources.

In our recent episode of Working Short, we delved into menopause with Dr. Jenny, a naturopathic doctor from the Living Wellness Centre. This enlightening discussion shed light on the complexities of menopause, a natural phase that affects a significant portion of a woman’s life. We explored the stages of menopause, starting with perimenopause in the late 30s to late 40s, where hormonal fluctuations can lead to a mix of symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbances, and heavier periods. Menopause itself is defined as 12 months after the last menstrual period, with symptoms peaking in the surrounding years, while post-menopause often brings symptom stabilization but may see issues like vaginal dryness worsen. Diagnosing menopause can be tricky due to these hormonal fluctuations, making cycle pattern monitoring essential. Treatment options like menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can be highly effective, especially when started within ten years of menopause, with transdermal methods being the safest choice. Dr. Jenny emphasized a holistic care approach, integrating lifestyle changes and symptom management to empower women during this transitional phase. Mental health also plays a crucial role, as women are particularly vulnerable to mood disorders during menopause, highlighting the importance of seeking support. Ultimately, understanding menopause can equip women to navigate these changes with confidence and seek the care they need for a healthier future. For more insights, be sure to listen to the full episode!

• The exact steps to become a U.S. travel nurse as a Canadian

  • CGFNS + CES credentialing

  • State nursing license (Washington recommended)

  • TN visa process at the border

  • Social Security & onboarding logistics

• How travel nurse pay actually works

  • Tax-free stipends vs taxable hourly wage

  • Maintaining a “tax home” for duplicate expenses

  • What weekly income really looks like ($2,300/week USD)

• Pros & cons of travel nursing

  • Flexibility, high pay, and geographic freedom

  • Floating first, contract cancellations, and unit culture variability

• Choosing agencies & recruiters

  • Importance of a good recruiter (shout-out to Aya)

• Transitioning from travel to staff

  • Why Mady moved to an outpatient peri-op role

  • Mental health and lifestyle improvement

• Cultural difference in U.S. vs Canadian healthcare

  • Insurance awareness & financial stress for patients

  • System values and nurse autonomy experiences

• Stabilize first, diagnose later: Airway, breathing, circulation always come before anything else

• The ER is uncertainty-heavy: Work with minimal info and build your differential as you go

• Nurse-initiated actions matter: ER nurses can give fluids, aspirin, even epi when life-threatening

• Med-surg and ER thinking are different: Known problem vs ruling out the worst first

• CTAS is not about sick vs not-sick: Stable vitals ≠ safe; patients can deteriorate fast

• Pace & prioritization: You can’t do everything—prioritize immediate threats, then reassess

• Team culture saves patients: Ask for help early; no one can manage two crashing patients alone

• Resource pressure is real: Offload delays + hallway care = constant need to move patients

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the stages of sleep and their roles in cognitive health.

• Learn about chronotypes and how they affect sleep patterns.

• Explore effective strategies for managing light exposure and incorporating naps.

• Discover the importance of a consistent pre-sleep routine.

• Gain insights into creating an optimal sleep environment.

• Emotional realities of infertility: feelings of desperation, shame, and isolation.

• Importance of supportive communication in fertility care.

• Overview of diagnostic workflows, including semen analysis and ovarian reserve indicators.

• Treatment pathways: IUI vs. IVF and associated costs.

• Discussion on employer benefits covering fertility treatments.

• Insights on fertility preservation, particularly egg freezing.