Nurses face long shifts and sleepless nights, but fatigue creates real risks for clinicians and patients. In this episode of Voices in Nursing, Dr. Susan Weaver and Dr. Terri Wurmser discuss their research on nurse fatigue, drowsy driving, and the impact of poor sleep on care. They also share practical strategies such as power naps, improved scheduling, and organizational support to promote nurse well-being, reduce errors, and strengthen patient safety.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Membership, offering members special discounts, clinical resources, and unlimited free CEs, with information on how to join available at (http://www.aacn.org/discoveraacn)www.aacn.org/discoveraacn (http://www.aacn.org/discoveraacn)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare, but what does that mean for nurses? In this episode, Dr. Carl Goforth, retired Navy nurse and educator, joins AACN’s Dr. Vicki Good and Andrea Schmitt to explore the promise and pitfalls of AI in nursing. From clinical decision support to ethical safeguards, Dr. Goforth shares how nurses can use AI as a supportive tool without losing their human touch at the bedside. Learn how to stay informed, safe and engaged in this new era.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Knowledge Assessment Tool, helping educators identify knowledge gaps and educational needs of nurses new to the unit, or new to ICU or PCU patient care, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse)www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse (http://www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse)

Could silence in healthcare be as dangerous as a clinical mistake? Joseph Grenny, co-founder of Crucial Learning and co-author of “Crucial Conversations,“ joins AACN’s Dr. Vicki Good and Brandee Pak to unpack the updated Silence Kills 2.0 study. Together, they reveal why speaking up matters more than ever, how behavioral agility drives innovation, and practical ways nurses and leaders can build psychologically safe teams that strengthen care, trust and collaboration.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, offering unit-level recognition for exceptional units, with information available at www.aacn.org/unitrecognition (http://www.aacn.org/unitrecognition)

What if well-being wasn’t a program but a practice embedded in every corner of a health system? Kristi McClure shares how OhioHealth created a long-term, data-informed strategy for clinician well-being — years before the pandemic made it urgent. She discusses how they’ve scaled support across 16 hospitals, leveraged the power of peer connection, and how dog therapy can become a symbol of care culture that starts from within an organization.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s online course, Essentials of Critical Care Orientation or ECCO, providing modular, interactive case-based orientation for ICU or PCU patient care, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/orientationcc)www.aacn.org/orientationcc (http://www.aacn.org/orientationcc)

Technology can be a powerful tool — especially if it truly supports the people using it. Dr. Sarah Rossetti, nurse informaticist and researcher, shares her work designing and studying digital systems in critical care. She discusses what happens when nurses shape technology from the ground up, why documentation fatigue matters, and how human-centered design can improve care delivery and nurse satisfaction.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/aacncommunities)www.aacn.org/aacncommunities (http://www.aacn.org/aacncommunities)

Human trafficking often goes undetected — even in clinical settings. Forensic nurse Ashley McAree shares how healthcare professionals can recognize signs of trafficking, debunk common myths and offer trauma-informed care. Learn how her team in Maryland transformed their SAFE program to meet the needs of some of society’s most vulnerable patients and how nurses everywhere can take part in building safer, more responsive systems of care.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/managerskills)www.aacn.org/managerskills (http://www.aacn.org/managerskills)

What if the key to reducing patient mortality lies in the workplace? Dr. Margo Brooks Carthon shares compelling research on how Healthy Work Environments empower nurses to deliver better outcomes—especially for patients facing social and economic barriers. This episode highlights how nurse-driven care, support, and advocacy can make a critical difference for underserved patients during health crises like COVID-19. A must-listen for every nurse-leader and changemaker.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Certification, offering specialty, subspecialty or advanced practice board certification, with information available at www.aacn.org/getcertification (http://www.aacn.org/getcertification)

Authentic leadership is personal. In this episode, Allison Steuber and Ryan Miller share how they tailor recognition and support to meet each team member where they are — from new parents who are adjusting work hours to nurses preparing for advanced practice. Join hosts Andrea Schmitt and Dr. Vicki Good for a conversation on leading with intention and empathy. When we see the individual, we lead with authenticity — and that’s where real connection begins.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course, Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/preceptorskills)www.aacn.org/preceptorskills (http://www.aacn.org/preceptorskills)

Across 135 nursing units in 45 hospitals, nurses, leaders and interprofessional teams are driving lasting, culture-based change — guided by AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards. Dr. Brenda Pun and Dr. Michelle Balas share the work of the HWE National Collaborative and how better work environments start with nurses — and create ripple effects across care teams.This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc (http://www.aacn.org/advancedcc)

What does it mean for nurses to own their power? In this Voices in Nursing episode, Dr. Lisa Johnson shares her journey from ICU direct care to hospital leadership — and why empowerment is more than a concept; it’s a call to action. With personal stories, valuable insights and practical advice, she challenges nurses to lead from every level and shape the future of care. This conversation will change how you see your role.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/csiaacn)www.aacn.org/csiaacn (http://www.aacn.org/csiaacn)

What if we measured nursing by its healing impact — not only by harm avoided? Dr. Martha Curley shares a bold call to action to redefine the value of direct care nursing. Learn how a new blueprint aims to measure what matters most: advocacy, vigilance, human connection and the outcomes only nurses can deliver.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Knowledge Assessment Tool, helping educators identify knowledge gaps and the educational needs of nurses new to the unit, or new to ICU or PCU patient care. Information available at (http://www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse)www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse (http://www.aacn.org/assessnewnurse)

From microaggressions to outright bullying, incivility in nursing takes many forms. Dr. Shalanda Perkins shares her personal journey, from experiencing workplace hostility to becoming a leader in promoting a culture of respect and civility. Hear her powerful insights and evidence-based strategies for creating a culture of respect in nursing.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at www.aacn.org/aacncommunities (http://www.aacn.org/aacncommunities)

Dr. John Gallagher, DNP a critical care expert and former AACN board member, shares his journey as the only nurse on the NIH COVID-19 treatment panel—and how he worked to ensure nursing expertise influenced patient care at a crucial moment in both his personal life and in our nation’s history.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Membership, offering members special discounts, clinical resources, and unlimited free CEs, with information on how to join available at (http://www.aacn.org/discoveraacn)www.aacn.org/discoveraacn (http://www.aacn.org/discoveraacn)

Have you ever considered yourself a last responder? While first responders are widely recognized, those who provide care in life’s final moments sometimes go unnoticed. In this episode, Clinical Nurse Specialist Melinda Mayorga shares the powerful story that led her to define this role and why it matters. Tune in to reflect, reframe and recognize the profound positive impact you may already be making.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Online Nursing Community Forums, offering support, inspiration and sharing of best practices online, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/aacncommunities)www.aacn.org/aacncommunities (http://www.aacn.org/aacncommunities)

After the sudden and tragic death of her husband, Dr. Sue Hassmiller channeled her grief into a blog that later became her acclaimed book “Resetting: An Unplanned Journey of Love, Loss, and Living Again.” She reflects on her experiences as both a nurse and a grieving spouse, her advocacy for compassionate care, and living through unimaginable challenges.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, offering recognition for exceptional units, with information available at www.aacn.org/unitrecognition (http://www.aacn.org/unitrecognition)

Yolanda G. Smith, a former critical care nurse and CNO, transformed personal tragedy into a powerful catalyst for change. In this inspiring episode, she shares her journey of resilience and how the loss of a beloved friend due to preventable errors motivated her to develop innovative programs that enhance nurse well-being and improve patient safety.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s award-winning, online leadership course, Fundamental Skills for Nurse Managers, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/managerskills)www.aacn.org/managerskills (http://www.aacn.org/managerskills)

In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a light on the inspiring story of Dr.Virginia Allen and the 'Black Angels,' whose bravery and compassion transformed nursing and patient care during a time of fear and segregation. Their legacy has left an indelible mark on history and continues to inspire generations of nurses.This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, with information available at www.aacn.org/advancedcc (http://www.aacn.org/advancedcc)

Dr. Vicki Good and guest co-host Dr. Devin Bowers sit down with Dr. Sylvain Trepanier, chief nursing officer at Providence Health Systems, to explore how the innovative co-caring model is transforming nursing practice, supporting appropriate staffing and fostering joy in the work environment.This episode is sponsored by AACN’s online course, Fundamental Skills for Preceptors, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/preceptorskills)www.aacn.org/preceptorskills (http://www.aacn.org/preceptorskills)

Discover how direct-care nurses Annie Nguyen and Randy Padua teamed up to transform their unit’s infection management protocol. This episode explores their inspiring journey through AACN’s CSI Academy and how they created sustainable practices. Learn how structured guidance, teamwork, and innovative solutions empowered them to improve patient outcomes and drive change.This episode is brought to you by AACN’s Clinical Scene Investigator Academy, providing the knowledge, skills and tools to lead innovation, with information available at (http://www.aacn.org/csiaacn)www.aacn.org/csiaacn (http://www.aacn.org/csiaacn)

Join hosts Vicki Good and Andrea Schmitt as they talk with Kelly Kester, nursing director at Duke University Health System, about fostering healthy work environments and improving staffing in critical care. Kelly shares her leadership journey and how AACN's Healthy Work Environment standards helped her enhance nurse retention and engagement. Discover strategies for onboarding new nurses and empowering teams to create resilient workplaces in this inspiring and informative conversation. This episode is sponsored by the award-winning quarterly journal AACN Advanced Critical Care, www.aacn.org/advancedcc (http://www.aacn.org/advancedcc)