In this episode of Nursing Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Cynthia Clark, founder of Civility Matters and Professor Emeritus at Boise State University. A global leader in promoting civility in nursing and healthcare, Dr. Clark brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the conversation. As a fellow in both the American Academy of Nursing and the NLN Academy of Nursing Education, Dr. Clark has co-chaired the American Nurses Association’s Panel on Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence and developed essential tools for addressing incivility, now utilized in 32 countries. We dive into Dr. Clark’s latest work, Core Competencies of Civility for Nursing & Healthcare, and discuss practical ways nurses can contribute to creating and sustaining healthy work environments.
Core Competencies of Civility for Nursing & Healthcare book: Core Competencies of Civility in Nursing & Healthcare: 9781646480258: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com
Write to Nursing Conversations at wecare@uabmc.edu
In this episode of Nursing Conversations, we’re excited to welcome Vickie Leff, a clinical social worker and palliative care consultant with over 30 years of experience. Vickie has dedicated her career to advancing palliative and hospice care, holding leadership roles at Duke University Hospital and serving as Interim Executive Director at the Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network (SWHPN). She is currently an adjunct professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and a mentor for the Zelda Foster Fellowship. Vickie’s work focuses on healthcare provider wellness, with a special emphasis on debriefing practices. Join us as we take a deep dive into the vital role debriefing plays in helping healthcare teams navigate and process challenging experiences, particularly in high-pressure environments.
CAPC Facilitator Training Manual:
https://www.capc.org/documents/download/929/
Webinar Series on Debriefing from Vickie Leff:
https://www.capc.org/events/recorded-webinars/part-1-learn-how-to-facilitate-well-being-debriefings-within-your-organization/
Attend a Regularly Scheduled Debriefing Session:
https://www.capc.org/events/virtual-office-hours/wellness-debriefings-open-talk-about-the-challenges-of-our-work/
Write to Nursing Conversations at wecare@uabmc.edu.
In this episode of Nursing Conversations, Joey and Dana sit down with Corey Feist, CEO and Co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. Corey has dedicated his career to supporting healthcare workers' mental health and well-being, inspired by the tragic loss of his sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen. Corey has been instrumental in the creation and passage of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, the first federal law specifically designed to address health worker well-being. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including his role as CEO of the University of Virginia Physicians Group, Corey shares his insights, passion, and ongoing efforts to transform the landscape of healthcare mental health. Join us as Corey discusses the impactful work of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, the importance of removing barriers to mental health care for healthcare workers, and the toolkit resources available to create supportive environments. This episode is a powerful conversation on turning pain into purpose and advocating for change.
Toolkit on Fixing Mental Health Questions: Available on the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation’s website. Learn more about how to advocate for removing barriers to mental health care: https://drlornabreen.org/removebarriers/
Impact Well-being Guide: A comprehensive guide for enhancing healthcare worker well-being, provided by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/impactwellbeing/index.html
Support the Reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act: Get involved and support ongoing efforts to protect healthcare workers: https://drlornabreen.org/reauthorizelba/
Write to Nursing Conversations at wecare@uabmc.edu.
*If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please seek help immediately. You are not alone.
U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
For international listeners, please find local resources and reach out to a trusted person in your community.
In this episode of Nursing Conversations, we are honored to have Dr. Bernadette Melnyk join us for a deep dive into evidence-based wellness. Dr. Melnyk is a renowned leader in nursing and healthcare, she is the Chief Wellness Officer at The Ohio State University and is the founder of the Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare. She has made significant contributions to the field with her development of the MINDBODYSTRONG program and her role as the Editor in Chief of Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing. Dr. Melnyk shares her wealth of knowledge on the importance of evidence-based practice in promoting nurse wellness and mental health.
“Invasive Mental Health Questions Have No Place on Nurse Licensing Applications” can be read here: https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/second-opinions/107375
*If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please seek help immediately. You are not alone.
U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
For international listeners, please find local resources and reach out to a trusted person in your community.
In this episode of Nursing Conversations, we explore the transformative impact of telemedicine with Dr. Eric Wallace. As the UAB Medical Director of Telehealth and a pioneer in virtual care, Dr. Wallace discusses how telemedicine enhances patient access and quality of care beyond traditional settings. We delve into the role of nurses in telehealth, its evolving landscape, and the future directions shaping healthcare delivery.
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
In this episode of Nursing Conversations, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Dean. An alumna of Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Dean has an extensive background in surgery and psychiatry, bolstered by her groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine with the US Army, where she managed research funding and guided strategy for major investments in hand and face transplants. Currently, Dr. Dean is dedicated to enhancing healthcare for both patients and healthcare workers through her nonprofit work and by supporting new talents and ventures. In this episode, Dr. Dean delves into the crucial topic of moral injury, exploring how to recognize it and its profound impact on healthcare professionals, offering insightful strategies to address this pressing issue.
For more information on Dr. Wendy Dean: https://wendydeanmd.com/
Moral Injury of Healthcare: https://www.fixmoralinjury.org/
Moral Matters Podcast: https://www.fixmoralinjury.org/podcast
If I Betray These Words (Book): https://www.fixmoralinjury.org/book
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
In Part 2 of the Community Resiliency Model, we have the privilege of interviewing Elaine Miller-Karas, a trailblazer in the field of trauma resiliency. As the Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at the Trauma Resource Institute, Elaine has pioneered transformative approaches to healing trauma on a global scale. With her extensive background, including authoring the acclaimed book "Building Resiliency to Trauma" and developing the groundbreaking Trauma and Community Resiliency Models, Elaine shares insights into the origins and principles of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM). This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary contributions of Elaine Miller-Karas and the transformative power of resilience.
For more information on the Trauma Resource Institute: traumaresourceinstitute.com
iChill App: ichillapp.com
WE CARE publications on CRM:
Navigating challenges: The impact of Community Resiliency Model® training on nurse leaders. (Travis et al., 2024)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2024.05.006
Shift type and resilience training on nurse outcomes. (Montgomery et al., 2025)
https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459251340779
Workforce Engagement for Compassionate Advocacy, Resilience and Empowerment (WE CARE): An evidence-based wellness program. (Patrician et al., 2024)
https://doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000626
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
In this episode of Nursing Conversations, Toni Beam and Joey Travis explore the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), developed by Elaine Miller-Karas of the Trauma Resource Institute. Exploring its fundamental components, they offer insights into its application within healthcare settings, specifically focusing on its advantages for nurses. Tune in as they share how CRM empowers nurses and other healthcare professionals to foster resilience and well-being amidst challenging environments.
For more information on the Trauma Resource Institute: traumaresourceinstitute.com
iChill App: ichillapp.com
WE CARE publications on CRM:
Navigating challenges: The impact of Community Resiliency Model® training on nurse leaders. (Travis et al., 2024)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2024.05.006
Shift type and resilience training on nurse outcomes. (Montgomery et al., 2025)
https://doi.org/10.1177/01939459251340779
Workforce Engagement for Compassionate Advocacy, Resilience and Empowerment (WE CARE): An evidence-based wellness program. (Patrician et al., 2024)
https://doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000626
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
On this episode of Nursing Conversations, we welcome Dr. Patricia Patrician, Professor Emerita at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing. Dr. Patrician brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion with over 26 years of experience in the US Army Nurse Corps and a plethora of accolades to her name. In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of burnout in nursing and chart a course forward. Dr. Patrician's extensive research on the nursing workforce and patient safety equips her to offer invaluable insights into this crucial topic. From her former role as Co-Director of the VA Quality Scholars fellowship program to her mentorship in quality improvement initiatives, Dr. Patrician's contributions to the field are unparalleled. Tune in as we explore strategies to combat burnout and foster resilience in nursing. Dr. Patrician's breadth of knowledge promises to shed light on this important conversation, offering guidance for both nurses and healthcare organizations alike.
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
Join us for another episode of Nursing Conversations featuring Dr. Katherine A. Meese, CEO of HuMargin Group. In this episode, we dive into the concept of Human Margin, an idea at the intersection of leadership, well-being, and organizational behavior. Dr. Meese shares insights from her latest book, "The Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust." Drawing from extensive research and real-world experience, Dr. Meese unravels how to foster trust and create high-performance environments in healthcare organizations. Tune in to gain invaluable insights into building trust, enhancing well-being, and driving organizational success in today's healthcare landscape.
For more information on Dr. Katherine Meese: https://www.katherinemeese.com/
To check out Dr. Meese's newsletter, "Leading for the Human Margin": https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7087525013012049920/
To check out Dr. Meese's book, "Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust": https://www.amazon.com/Human-Margin-Building-Foundations-Trust/dp/1640554467/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BGP2XYPB0G28&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WNDnGSakBVSu5yjUBc69kYsqFnNn4mjSpBFgLc0TzTOlovOE5LSIiYGlUm4RfCuI.eGDsclM_PKTjLWbxRW34teZP2zhBy5bLBh8y8CJmbQM&dib_tag=se&keywords=katherine+meese&qid=1746195726&sprefix=katherine+meese%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
On this episode of Nursing Conversations, we explore the intersection of healthcare and innovation with Dr. Rubin Pillay. Dr. Pillay, a distinguished healthcare executive and medical futurist, brings decades of experience and expertise to our discussion. We dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for nursing. As the Assistant Dean for Global Health Innovation at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and Chief Innovation Officer of the Health System, Dr. Pillay is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform healthcare delivery. With a background in family medicine, clinical pharmacology, and a PhD in Business Administration, Dr. Pillay offers unique insights into the role of AI in revolutionizing nursing practice. From predictive analytics to personalized patient care, we explore the myriad ways AI is reshaping the landscape of nursing and enhancing patient outcomes. Join us as we unravel the potential of AI to empower nurses, streamline workflows, and ultimately, improve the quality of care delivery. Dr. Pillay's expertise and visionary outlook promise to inspire and inform our exploration of this groundbreaking topic.
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
Join us for a special episode of Nursing Conversations featuring Dr. Terri Poe, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of UAB Hospital. With her leadership guiding 5000+ nurses at a facility recognized as a Magnet Hospital by the ANCC six times - a distinction held by only 19 hospitals worldwide - Dr. Poe offers invaluable insights into her journey to becoming a CNO. Discover how mentors have played a pivotal role in her career trajectory and gain firsthand wisdom on prioritizing personal well-being while leading in a demanding healthcare environment.
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
Today on Nursing Conversations we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Suzanne Judd, a distinguished figure in the field of nutrition science. Dr. Judd serves as the Director of the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy and is a professor at the UAB School of Public Health. She has a PhD in Nutrition Sciences and is a PI on two large epidemiology studies at UAB. Dr. Judd’s research focuses on the role of diet and the environment as mediators of racial disparities in the risk of hypertension, kidney disease, and stroke. Dr. Judd's expertise will guide us through the nuances, separating fact from fiction and shedding light on the importance of informed choices in our dietary habits. So, sit tight and get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Suzanne Judd.
Contact us: wecare@uabmc.edu
Supporting nurses—personally and professionally—is essential for providing high-quality patient care. Nursing Conversations is a relaxed, engaging podcast created and produced by the WE CARE team at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, bringing together nurses from all backgrounds and generations to discuss the real challenges, triumphs, and evolving landscape of healthcare.
Each episode will dive into the topics that matter most to today’s nurses, including career growth, leadership, advocacy, work-life balance, mental health, and professional development. Through insightful discussions, practical strategies, and expert perspectives, this podcast fosters a supportive community where nurses feel empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive—both at the bedside and beyond.
Coming March 2025—follow now so you don’t miss an episode!