The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities

The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities

Are you feeling stuck in your current clinical environment? Maybe you want a change because you're too exhausted, burned out, or ready for different leadership. Do you want to make a change in your clinical career, but you're not sure what to do next? You're in the right place. This podcast will help you get the clarity you need to grow so you can have the flexibility and autonomy you want while leveraging your voice and expertise. I'm Bonnie Meadows a Board Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, Influential Leader, Career Coach & Well-Being Coach. Since being in the nursing & healthcare profession since 2004, I have found myself ready to make the next step but felt stuck. I got to a place where I dreaded going to work. I felt burnt out and unmotivated. I knew deep down I always wanted something else. But I had no clue how to even with the hope of a graduate degree to advance me. I finally realized that growing in nursing is about the journey and not the destination. I finally stopped looking for a specific job to fill my cup. I developed a framework I frequently implemented to get the clarity I needed for my career and catapulted me into areas of nursing and healthcare I never imagined. I am sharing it all with you. If you are ready to find career strategies crafted as an experienced nurse using your gifts and abilities, A guide to help you get clear on your next career steps, Contentment and joy in your work-this podcast is for you!! So get ready to kick off those Crocs, pop in those earbuds, and let's chat!!

Episodes

June 26, 2025 18 mins

Feeling stuck in your nursing career—even with years of experience or an advanced degree? You’re not alone. In this episode, Bonnie breaks down the real reasons nurses feel uncertain about what’s next—and introduces a simple tool to help you get clear. Whether you're an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, discover how self-awareness and career reflection can reignite your purpose.

Key Takeaways:

  • Common causes of career stagnation
  • The ...
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This podcast was #1 one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.

How do I find my nursing niche? How do I advance my career as a nurse? Have you asked these questions before? 

There are so many career paths for nurses that we get stuck. It's a good problem and a bad problem to have. It's good because it gives us options. It's bad, b...

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This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.


The blueprint for developing your nursing career is right here. Founded on the principles of Professional Ascension, the Ambitious Nurse Podcast is about helping nurses grow professionally. Professional Ascension provides career coaching and mentoring for nurses with experience. <...

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This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.

There are red flags that indicate it's time to move on from your current job, but many people stay longer than they should. This episode is to help the nurse consider whether to stay at the bedside or leave.

Should they stay in nursing or leave nursing? 

Should they stay in healthca...

Mark as Played

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025.


Can you imagine finding joy in your nursing career while maintaining financial stability, even during the strenuous summer months? 

By establishing boundaries, you can achieve greater flexibility and autonomy, focusing on what truly matters professionally and personally.<...

Mark as Played

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 


Are you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications?

 Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you...

Mark as Played

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 

Are you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action.

Bonnie challenges the "checklis...

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What a milestone!! This is my 50th episode. I decided to get a little personal and controversial even for me. I pray it blesses you and directs you on your next steps in advocating for your patients, families, and yourself. 


This episode discusses the current political climate and its effects on nursing. You must advocate for yourself and your patients. I also stress the role of faith and prayer in navigating difficult times, e...

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There is a lack of clarity when it comes to nursing career goals. The majority of nurses know what they want to do when they join the nursing profession. However, for some, their thoughts about what they want to do begin to change after they've been in the profession for a while. Exposure to more influences their desire to follow a different path. Often, they don't know what that path will be.  It is my goal to make you f...

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Join me,  as we celebrate Black History Month by exploring how these figures' can invigorate your own approach to leadership in healthcare. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into leading with love, kindness, and assertive strategies when necessary, all aimed at empowering you to make a real difference in advocating for patients.

Explore the secrets to amplifying your influence in the nursing field without r...

Mark as Played

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 

This week's episode peels back the layers of why embracing a career mindset in nursing benefits personal growth and improves the nursing profession. 

We also discuss the impact of a career-focused approach on workplace morale and patient care. Actionable advice is provid...

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This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 

Ever wondered how an advanced degree could help your nursing career? With 17.4% of registered nurses holding a master’s degree, Bonnie explores the transformative benefits of higher education in nursing. 

She breaks down the advantages, from enhanced job opportunities to flex...

Mark as Played

This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. 

In this week’s episode, Bonnie Meadows encourages nurses who feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed in their career journey. 

She reminds us to press forward, stay committed to our goals, and believe in the right path. Drawing from her personal experience and passion...

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In this episode, we explore how gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift your mindset, enhance resilience, and bring joy to your nursing career—even in the face of challenges. As we enter the holiday season, it's important to reflect on what we’re thankful for and practice gratitude daily. Drawing inspiration from renowned thought leaders like Mel Robbins and Gretchen Rubin, we’ll unpack the science of gratitude and how it re...

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The end of the year is here, and it’s time to shift gears. As ambitious nurses, we often feel the pressure to go hard year-round, but recovery and rest are vital for long-term success and well-being. In this episode, I’m sharing how I plan to wind down the year with intention, balance work and play, and set the foundation for a purposeful 2025.

I’ll reflect on my experiences from 20 years of nursing, from slower patient volumes duri...

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Are you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action.


Bonnie challenges the "checklist mentality" many nurses adopt, urging you to shift from procedure to strategy. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, ask...

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In this episode, we delve into essential resume tips specifically tailored for nurses looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree or seeking new opportunities in healthcare, a well-crafted resume is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market. Join Bonnie Meadows as she shares actionable insights on tailoring your resume, highlighting your qualifications, and showcasing your accomplishments ...

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In this episode, Bonnie Meadows dives deep into the essential tools you need to stand out as an experienced nurse in today's competitive job market: resumes, CVs, and portfolios. 

Whether pursuing a graduate degree, transitioning into an advanced practice role, or aiming for leadership, understanding how to leverage these documents can make all the difference in your career progression. 

Bonnie shares high-le...

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Are you a nurse feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or unsure about your next career move? Do you crave a purposeful and fulfilling career path? If so, this episode is your compass to navigate the exciting journey of self-discovery and unlock your full potential.

Key Points:

  • Self-awareness isn't just a buzzword – it's the secret ingredient to a fulfilling nursing career.
  • Forget the linear path; your career is an adven...
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Is your nursing career not progressing as quickly as you'd hoped? Discover practical strategies to accelerate your career growth, even while managing the demands of work and life. 

Say goodbye to the mindset of blaming "they" for career stagnation. Instead, embrace a proactive approach to advancement with our expert advice designed to keep you focused and motivated.

We'll explore the importance...

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