The FreshRN Podcast with Kati Kleber

The FreshRN Podcast with Kati Kleber

Kati Kleber MSN RN, from FreshRN.com, reveals all of the things she learned the hard way during her nursing career so you don't have to make the same mistakes she did. Discover the insider info and unwritten rules of nursing while also feeling encouraged and uplifted as you embark on this challenging yet rewarding career. Kati regularly features experienced nurses who genuinely care about helping and supporting new nurses. Please, don’t brave the nursing wilderness alone. It is Kati's joy not only to guide nurses, but also be their biggest cheerleader too. Whether your a student, new grad, experienced nurse, or leader/educator - if you want to get ahead of the game, refine your practice, or learn how to support others, this show is for you. Hit subscribe and get ready to get nursey!

Episodes

June 12, 2025 30 mins

If I could hop in a time machine and redo my journey to becoming a nurse, knowing what I know now... I’d take a very different path (and spend a lot less money). In this episode, I’m walking you through what I actually did: From changing majors to juggling basketball and nursing school, and what I’d do differently if I could go back.

We’ll talk about:

✅ Why I wish I’d started as a CNA in high school

✅ How going the ADN route first ...

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Ok that title might be a little spicy, but stick with me. In this episode, I discuss why so many of us over-identify with our roles, how “we’re a family” culture keeps us stuck, and what learned helplessness looks like at the bedside. We’ll also talk about the sneaky way suffering becomes a badge of honor, and how to step out of that martyr mindset.

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In this episode, we’re diving into what happens when perfectionism collides with the messy, high-pressure reality of nursing. If you’ve ever felt like your entire identity is wrapped up in being the “good nurse” ... you know, the one who never messes up, never says no, and always holds it together, this conversation is for you.

We’ll talk about:

  • How nursing school subtly wires us for people-pleasing
  • Why high-pressure roles mak...
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In this episode, I interviews Dr. Kelly J. Dries, Ph.D., RN, Director of Nursing Program Success at Wolters Kluwer Health. As a former dean of a nursing school, Dr. Dries shares:

  • Her educational journey from someone telling her she'd never make it in nursing school, all the way to her PhD
  • How nursing schools decide what their curriculum will look like
  • The (sometimes sutble but important) differences between programs
  • Smart ques...
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In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Michelle Boes, FNP, a nurse practitioner and board prep expert who’s helped thousands of aspiring NPs pass their exams with confidence. We talk about what it’s really like to go through the certification process, how to choose the right study tools, and what Sarah wishes every NP student knew before sitting for the test.

We cover:

  • Sarah...
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All of the NP track options are confusing. I'm Kati Kleber, an MSN-prepared nurse educator and in this video I'll explain the FNP role and differentiate it from other NP tracks.

Full article → https://www.freshrn.com/fnp-vs-agacnp/

We discuss:

  • What is an FNP, really?
  • Why the "family" part actually matter
  • NP tracks and scope of practice explained
  • What makes the FNP role stand out
  • FNP vs. AGACNP vs. PNP and more
  • What real NPs ha...
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Thinking about going back to school to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) but feeling overwhelmed by what it actually means? In this episode, I break down what the DNP is, who it’s for, how it compares to an MSN or PhD, and share perspectives from DNP and DNAP-prepared nurses.

I outline:

  • What the DNP really is (and how it’s different from a PhD)
  • Why some nurses pursue it, and others don’t
  • The difference between a 
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April 30, 2025 14 mins

I have been keeping my eye on NCLEX prep products for at least a decade and because of this, I maintain a checklist of features that make a program superior. I know a good one when I see one, what a reasonable price looks like, and what really moves the needle. 

In this episode, I explain my top three in detail. I would 10/10 use any of these if I were studying for the NCLEX again. (But thank GOSH I don'...

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Are online nursing degrees respected? Do employers take them seriously? What about clinicals and accreditation? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Karen Cox, President of Chamberlain University—the largest nursing school in the U.S.—to tackle the most common misconceptions about online nursing education.

We cover things like:

  • The evolut...
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Considering getting your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) but feeling totally overwhelmed by the options? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down w...
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    In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Morin, MSN, RN-BC, CNIO, to talk about a topic that’s generating a lot of buzz (and questions): Read more
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    Ever wondered what it’s like to be in a BSN program today? In this episode, I interview Padraic Day, a current BSN nursing student who shares his firsthand experience balancing the classroom, clinicals, and his role as a nurse extern in the MICU. 

    What You’ll Learn:

    • What nursing school and clinicals are really like from a student’s perspective.
    • How working as a CNA prepares you for bedside nursing.
    • What it’s like to work as a ...
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    In this enlightening interview, I sit down with Jennifer Flynn, a seasoned expert in risk management and professional liability. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare insurance, Jennifer brings her wealth of knowledge to help nurses navigate the complex world of liability, patient safety, and quality management.

    What We Discuss:

    ✅ Common scenarios where nurses might need to use their liability insurance—step-by-step insigh...

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    [PARTIAL DOSE] Ever had a patient or their loved one really frustrated that they haven't received diagnostic results immediately after they were completed? Not sure how to handle that with tact and care? In today's bonus episode, I discuss how to handle this very specific yet common situation for bedside nurses so you can feel like a pro.

    Click here to learn more: https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/ 

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    November 28, 2024 10 mins

    In this mini-bonus episode, I’m sharing my favorite go-to potluck items for RN gatherings! These are all easy, require minimal to no cooking/baking but are so delicious.

     Plus, don’t forget—our FreshRN Black Friday Sale kicks off TOMORROW!  Get access to our all-inclusive membership for the lowest price of the year. 

    $57/month (normally $97)

    $587/year (normally $997)

    Link to learn more about the pass: https://www.freshrn.com/al...

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    In this episode, we dive into the art of giving and receiving nursing reports during your shift—especially when the pressure is on. Whether you’re dealing with nit-picky nurses, feeling intimidated by experienced colleagues, or handling less-than-friendly handoffs, this episode is for you.

    We’ll share realistic examples of challenging moments, offer strategies for managing your emotions and...

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    Are you preparing for a nursing job interview? Before you accept that offer, make sure you’re aware of the red flags that could signal a toxic work environment, burnout, or lack of support. In this video, we’ll uncover the most important warning signs every nurse should look out for during an interview—from vague answers about staffing ratios to comments about workload and training.

    Whether you’re a new grad or an experienced nurse...

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    In today’s episode, expect to learn 10 different smart questions to ask in an interview. We first will discuss questions to ask during a screening interview with a general hiring manager, and then more specific questions for an interview with a nurse manager who could potentially be your next boss! Make a great impression with these thoughtful questions. 

    If you want to have a written versi...

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    We dig into a reader question for a newer charger nurse + some encouragement for those of you thinking of quitting.

    0:14 Why I do this

    1:46 My college journey and the price tag

    3:44 Encouragement from Leah, RN

    5:09 A helpful nursing resource

    5:33 Career experience from Joy, RN

    6:11 Encouragement from Jennifer, RN

    6:46 Charge RN question from "Sarah"

    8:54 Stepping into your earned authority

    10:04 Dealing with challenging personaliti...

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    This episode is part of a PodSwap, where we swap episodes so each of our audiences can learn from one another! We are swapping episodes with Nurse Mo, MSN RN from Straight A Nursing. She currently works in the PACU, teaches in a BSN program, and manages her educational platform for nursing students.

    In this episode, Nurse Mo is sharing all the reasons why older nursing students can (and do!) thrive in thei...

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