Nursing Uncharted
Welcome to the Nursing Uncharted Podcast, where raw and real stories of nurses are told. Join us as we navigate the uncharted territories of nursing, together. We delve into candid conversations covering travel nursing, career advice, nurse empowerment, unique nursing experiences, and some of the technologies that are driving nurse satisfaction and engagement. Tune in for laughter, learning, and discovering new aspects of the incredible profession of nursing. Welcome to our show, where every nurse’s story finds its voice.
Episodes
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 ji...
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 ...
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 a...
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 share...
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...
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 a...
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 ...
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 chair...
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 equip...
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 ho...
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 me...
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 ...
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 decisi...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 intentio...
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we dive into the critical role physical health plays in the lives of nurses. Hailey Abell, a personal trainer with a passion for fitness, shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a fitness advocate. Together, we explore the mental and physical benefits of staying active, practical strategies for incorporating fitness into a nurse's busy schedule, and the importance of b...
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, Nicole Obra, Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, joins host Ann to discuss their experiences and highlights at TravCon 2025. Together, they discuss the vibrant atmosphere, the importance of networking, and the value of face-to-face interactions in fostering collaboration and understanding within the travel nursing community. The episode also highlights AMN Healthcare's innovative contrib...
In this episode of Nursing Uncharted, we explore the evolving world of travel nursing, with a spotlight on the recruitment process and the lasting effects of COVID-19 on nursing demand. Bianca Otero, a Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare, shares her expertise on high-need contracts, the critical role of compensation, and the dynamics of the nurse-recruiter relationship. The conversation highlights the importance of quality nu...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.