In this solo-hosted episode, Jo King sits down with Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Annie Phylaxis to unpack the real, raw transition from bedside nurse to advanced practice provider. From imposter syndrome to night shift burnout, Annie gets honest about the growing pains of stepping into the NP role — and how she’s learned to survive (and thrive) in the chaos. They swap stories on confidence-building, setting boundaries, surviving night shift, and the non-negotiables of self-care. If you’re a new grad, student, or just trying to find your footing in advanced practice, this one’s brewed just for you.

This week on Code Brew, Jo King sits down with the one and only Dee Cision to talk all things nursing leadership. From surviving imposter syndrome to mastering policy and everything in between, this episode explores how nurses can grow beyond the bedside and level up into roles that shape the future of healthcare. Dee shares her journey from floor nurse to Director of Clinical Support Services—and drops some serious wisdom along the way. Whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned nurse wondering what’s next, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a dash of chaos (including a story about a feral cat in the wall… yeah, you read that right).

In this on-the-road edition of Code Brew, Jo King and returning guest Lora Zappem (our resident CVICU travel pro) spill the tea on all things travel nursing—the good, the bad, and the absolutely chaotic. From shady contracts and camper life to recruiter red flags and housing horror stories, we’re unpacking what it really takes to thrive as a travel nurse. If you’ve ever thought, “Should I take this show on the road?” — this episode is your roadmap. Buckle up.

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm delve into the critical issue of violence against healthcare workers. They discuss the normalization of violence in healthcare settings, the lack of proper reporting and awareness, and the need for stronger legal protections. The conversation highlights recent incidents of violence, the impact of gun violence, and the importance of advocating for legislative changes to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. The hosts emphasize the need for healthcare workers to speak up, report incidents, and support one another in creating a safer work environment.

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm sit down with Sunny D, a certified Child Life Specialist, to dive into the world of pediatric emotional support and the role of child life specialists in healthcare. This special episode, released in honor of Child Life Month, sheds light on how child life specialists help children and families navigate the hospital experience. Key Topics Covered: • What is a Child Life Specialist? • Their role in supporting children and families in medical settings • How their background in child development, psychology, and family studies prepares them for their work • The importance of play therapy, emotional support, and developmental understanding • The Power of Facility Dogs in Healthcare • G-Man, a yellow lab facility dog, works alongside Sunny D to provide emotional support • How facility dogs help reduce anxiety, encourage mobility, and bring comfort to both patients and staff • The growing presence of facility dogs in pediatric and adult hospitals • How Children Process Medical Situations Differently • Developmental stages impact how kids understand and cope with medical experiences • The importance of using simple, clear language to explain procedures to kids • Creative coping strategies, like using toys, play, and facility dogs, to make hospital experiences less scary • Child Life Specialists & Nurses: A Team Approach • How child life specialists and nurses work together to make procedures less traumatic • Trauma choreography: The role of child life specialists in pediatric trauma care • Techniques to help children take medications, stay calm during procedures, and process hospital stays positively • Memorable Stories & Impactful Moments • A burn patient using G-Man for emotional healing • A heartbreaking but powerful moment supporting two young children visiting their dying mother • How small interventions—like a simple toy or distraction—can completely change a child’s hospital experience • Tip for New Grads from Sunny D • “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, will win, no matter what the outcome.” – Patch Adams • Encouraging healthcare providers to see beyond the illness and treat the whole person • The importance of using psychosocial supports like child life specialists, therapy animals, music therapy, and chaplains Wrap-Up: The episode highlights the invaluable role of child life specialists and facility dogs in pediatric care. Jo King, Luke Warm, and Sunny D emphasize the need for multidisciplinary teamwork to improve patient experiences. The conversation ends with a reminder for nurses and healthcare providers to advocate for child life services in their facilities. Listen Now Wherever You Get Your Podcasts! 🔗 Check out our merch! codebrewpodcast.myshopify.com

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm with guest, J-EZ, celebrate their podcast milestones, dive deep into the complexities of trauma care, and share humorous and insightful stories from their experiences in healthcare. They discuss the dynamics of trauma surgeons, the emotional toll of trauma on healthcare professionals, and the importance of humor and camaraderie in high-stress environments. The conversation also touches on the significance of mentorship, the challenges faced by new nurses, and the unique stories behind tattoos seen in the healthcare setting.

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm engage in a deep conversation with J-EZ about the complexities of trauma nursing and the dynamics of working in a trauma ICU. They explore memorable trauma cases, the types of injuries encountered, the importance of teamwork, and the workflow in the ICU. The discussion emphasizes the significance of assessment skills, trauma resuscitation techniques, and the collaboration required between different healthcare teams. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger about a unique patient case, setting the stage for a follow-up discussion.

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm welcome Lora Zappem, a CVICU nurse with extensive experience in various nursing fields. They discuss Lora’s journey in nursing, the unique challenges and rewards of working in the CVICU, and the patient population typically seen in this specialized unit. The conversation delves into the advanced technology and devices used in CVICU, including hemodynamic monitoring and ECMO, highlighting the critical role nurses play in patient care and the importance of continuous learning in the nursing profession. In this conversation, Jo King and Lora Zappem discuss the importance of teamwork in patient care, particularly in the context of cardiac devices like impellas and LVADs. They explore the differences between impellas and balloon pumps, the benefits of LVADs for patients, and the complexities of heart transplants. The discussion also covers emergency situations in the CVICU and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in nursing practice.

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm welcome their first guest, Norma Saline, to discuss the intricacies of ICU nursing. They explore the definition of ICU nursing, the critical responsibilities of ICU nurses, the importance of teamwork and communication, and the emotional resilience required in this challenging field. The conversation also provides valuable tips for new graduates transitioning into ICU roles, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and effective patient care.

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo and Luke dive deep into the critical topic of Code Blues, discussing the essential actions, roles, and strategies involved in responding to a cardiac arrest situation. They emphasize the importance of high-quality CPR, the roles of various team members, and the key concepts that can improve patient outcomes during resuscitation efforts. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of dealing with such high-stakes situations and offers valuable advice for new nurses and healthcare professionals.

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo and Luke delve into the complexities of stroke, discussing its various types, the critical importance of timely treatment, and the BEFAST assessment tool for quick identification. They explore the guidelines for stroke care, the significance of patient education, and the similarities between stroke and hepatic encephalopathy. The conversation emphasizes the need for rapid response in stroke situations and the importance of ongoing education for healthcare professionals.

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm discuss the critical conditions of sepsis and hypovolemia, emphasizing the vital role of nursing in early identification and treatment. They explore the definitions, criteria, and management strategies for sepsis, including the importance of fluid resuscitation and the use of vasopressors. The conversation highlights the need for effective communication within healthcare teams and the significance of preventing infections through proper techniques. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of sepsis on patient outcomes and the importance of early intervention.

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo and Luke discuss the importance of setting goals for the new year, introduce a mini-series focused on rapid response in nursing, and emphasize the significance of recognizing patient deterioration. They cover various physiological changes, circulatory assessments, neurological changes, infection and sepsis progression, and when to call for help. The conversation highlights the need for effective communication and trusting one’s instincts in nursing practice.

In this episode of the Code Brew Podcast, hosts Jo and Luke discuss the importance of setting goals and reaching milestones in nursing. They explore how goals differ for student nurses and experienced nurses, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations and continuous learning. The conversation covers strategies for maximizing clinical experiences, the significance of mentorship, and the value of professional organizations in advocating for nurses. The episode concludes with a recap of key points and the importance of setting SMART goals for the upcoming year.

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm discuss the lessons that nursing school did not teach, focusing on time management, navigating chaos in the ER, managing interruptions, the importance of delegation, effective communication with providers, and addressing burnout and resilience in nursing. They share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for nurses to develop skills that enhance their practice and well-being. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the challenges and experiences faced by nurses, particularly focusing on the transition from nursing school to real-world practice. They discuss the emotional toll of burnout and moral distress, the importance of mentorship, and the value of new graduates bringing fresh knowledge to the field. The conversation also touches on humorous learning experiences in nursing and the significance of maintaining holiday spirit in healthcare settings.

In the inaugural episode of the Code Brew podcast, hosts Sarah and Luke introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds in nursing. They explore the good aspects of nursing, including the care and compassion nurses provide to patients and families. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by nurses, including the emotional toll of the job and the lack of support systems for patients. They emphasize the importance of advocacy and communication in nursing. The hosts also discuss coping mechanisms, including humor, and the need for a supportive nursing community. They conclude by inviting listeners to engage with them and share their experiences.

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo and Luke discuss the challenges faced by new nurses transitioning from nursing school to real-world practice. They explore the gaps in nursing education, the importance of critical thinking, and the complexities of the healthcare system. The conversation emphasizes the need for ongoing learning and adaptation in nursing, as well as the value of community support among nurses.