AWHONN Insights Podcast

AWHONN Insights Podcast

AWHONN Insights is your go-to source for candid nursing conversations with peers and experts alike. Our hosts and guests offer unique but familiar perspectives because they are perinatal nurses just like you. Join us as we dive into current nursing issues, challenge norms, and engage in real-world dialogue to affect change and drive solutions.

  1. May 20

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: How One Nurse Conquered Addiction and Found Strength Through Recovery

    Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet many silently battle addiction behind the scenes. In this raw, heartfelt episode, Shari Benson — a nurse in long-term recovery — bravely opens up about her experiences from addiction to advocacy. She explains her powerful decision to speak openly about her recovery, the ripple effects of her vulnerability, and her mission to break the stigma. Tune in now and find the courage to break the silence. You are never alone; help is within reach. Meet our guests: Shari Jill Benson Read More Shari has spent more than 22 years building a meaningful career in nursing driven by her deep commitment to helping others. Throughout her journey, she has supported individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments, which strengthens her compassion and dedication to care. In parallel, Shari celebrates over 11 years in recovery, a transformative experience that has reshaped her purpose. Today, she actively serves the recovery community, offering guidance, support, and hope to those seeking a new way of life. Shari’s story reflects perseverance, healing, and a lasting passion for helping others thrive and reclaim their lives. Episode Resources National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.  Alternative to Discipline Programs  Substance Use Disorder in Nursing  Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) – Florida  Professionals Resource Network (PRN) – Florida  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)  Free, confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year  English and Spanish The post How One Nurse Conquered Addiction and Found Strength Through Recovery appeared first on AWHONN.

  2. May 7

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: Preterm Birth and Health Risks in Adulthood

    Unlock the hidden long-term impacts of preterm birth that most health care providers overlook. Dr. Michelle Kelly breaks down the surprising health challenges preterm infants face decades later — from respiratory decline to hypertension, mental health issues, and more. If you’re a nurse, parent, or health care professional, understanding these connections can transform how you care for and advocate for your tiniest patients. Meet our guests: Michelle M. Kelly, PhD, CRNP, CNE, FAANP, FAAN Read More Dr. Michelle Kelly is Professor and Co-Director of the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment at Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Her research centers on preterm birth outcomes, exploring the link between preterm birth and future health complicated by environmental exposures, poverty, and toxic stress. She is a dual-certified pediatric and neonatal nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience providing care to children of all ages, in a variety of settings. Dr. Kelly is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Episode Resources Crump C. (2020). An overview of adult health outcomes after preterm birth. Early Human Development, 150, 105187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105187  Raju, T. N. K., Pemberton, V. L., Saigal, S., Blaisdell, C. J., Moxey-Mims, M., & Buist, A. S. (2017). Long-term healthcare outcomes of preterm birth: An executive summary of a conference sponsored by the National Institute of Health. The Journal of Pediatrics, 181, 309-318.   Kelly, M. M., Tobias, J., & Griffith, P. B. (2021). Addressing Preterm Birth History With Clinical Practice Recommendations Across the Life Course. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 35(3), e5–e20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.12.008  Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units  Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment (MACCHE) Email: macche@villanova.edu   Adult Preemie Advocacy Network  The post Preterm Birth and Health Risks in Adulthood appeared first on AWHONN.

  3. Apr 23

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: Voces de la Isla: Advancing Birth Equity in Puerto Rico - Spanish

    Bienvenidos! Join us on AWHONN Insights for our first bilingual episode shining a light on the nursing workforce in Puerto Rico. Drs. Danielle Jones, Angela Lober, and Noemy Diaz-Ramos discuss research after the COVID-19 pandemic that focused on a committed, yet overly stressed nursing workforce in Puerto Rico as well as AWHONN’s new initiative to build representation among the U.S. territories and understand their nursing workforce needs through community-led efforts. Listen to how a collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico unfolded that centers the voices of Puerto Rico nurses and informs AWHONN on methods to support their professional development goals. Meet our guests: Noemy Díaz-Ramos, EdD, RN, MSN Read More Dr. Noemy Díaz-Ramos currently serves as a Professor and Researcher at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, and as Interim Associate Dean of Research at the School of Nursing. She is a psychiatric and mental health nurse with a primary focus on qualitative research, while also integrating quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. Her work centers on trauma-informed and culturally responsive research related to interpersonal violence, mental health, education, and underserved populations. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and collaborates in national and international research initiatives. Angela Lober, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC Read More Dr. Angela Lober is Director of Research and Grants at AWHONN, where she advances nursing science to improve outcomes for women and families. A registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, she has delivered evidence-based care since 2001. With a PhD and experience as a Clinical Associate Professor, she is an active researcher and dedicated educator. Angela is a committed advocate for maternal-child health, engaging in professional and community efforts to support families. Through mentorship, scholarship, and advocacy, she works to strengthen the nursing profession and promote equitable care. Episode Resources Alvarez, C., & Diaz-Ramos, N. (2022). Puerto Rican healthcare workers’ perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their role, patient care, and mental health. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 55(1), 112-122. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12820  Press Release: ASAE Research Foundation Announces 2024 Recipient of Sal Martino Grant for DEI Research  The post Voces de la Isla: Advancing Birth Equity in Puerto Rico – Spanish appeared first on AWHONN.

  4. Apr 23

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: Voces de la Isla: Advancing Birth Equity in Puerto Rico - English

    Bienvenidos! Join us on AWHONN Insights for our first bilingual episode shining a light on the nursing workforce in Puerto Rico. Drs. Danielle Jones, Angela Lober, and Noemy Diaz-Ramos discuss research after the COVID-19 pandemic that focused on a committed, yet overly stressed nursing workforce in Puerto Rico as well as AWHONN’s new initiative to build representation among the U.S. territories and understand their nursing workforce needs through community-led efforts. Listen to how a collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico unfolded that centers the voices of Puerto Rico nurses and informs AWHONN on methods to support their professional development goals. Meet our guests: Noemy Díaz-Ramos, EdD, RN, MSN Read More Dr. Noemy Díaz-Ramos currently serves as a Professor and Researcher at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, and as Interim Associate Dean of Research at the School of Nursing. She is a psychiatric and mental health nurse with a primary focus on qualitative research, while also integrating quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. Her work centers on trauma-informed and culturally responsive research related to interpersonal violence, mental health, education, and underserved populations. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and collaborates in national and international research initiatives. Angela Lober, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC Read More Dr. Angela Lober is Director of Research and Grants at AWHONN, where she advances nursing science to improve outcomes for women and families. A registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, she has delivered evidence-based care since 2001. With a PhD and experience as a Clinical Associate Professor, she is an active researcher and dedicated educator. Angela is a committed advocate for maternal-child health, engaging in professional and community efforts to support families. Through mentorship, scholarship, and advocacy, she works to strengthen the nursing profession and promote equitable care. Episode Resources Alvarez, C., & Diaz-Ramos, N. (2022). Puerto Rican healthcare workers’ perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their role, patient care, and mental health. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 55(1), 112-122. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12820  Press Release: ASAE Research Foundation Announces 2024 Recipient of Sal Martino Grant for DEI Research  The post Voces de la Isla: Advancing Birth Equity in Puerto Rico – English appeared first on AWHONN.

  5. Apr 9

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: The Complexities of Caring for Late Preterm Infants

    Drs. Lori Christ and Angela Lober delve into the complexities of caring for late preterm infants. They highlight what makes these babies unique and how early intervention and proper support from clinicians and parents can dramatically improve their health and development. Use this episode to learn about practical strategies, education points, and resources that can prepare you and your colleagues to care for and educate families with the best evidence-based care. A must listen for postpartum or NICU nurses caring for this population! Meet our guests: Lori Christ, MD Read More   Dr. Lori Christ is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and a neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, working in both the NICU and newborn nursery. She has been recognized for excellence in clinical care and teaching, including the Faculty Teacher of the Year and the Penn Medicine Patient Advocacy Award. Dr. Christ oversees quality and patient safety initiatives for full term and preterm newborns, including reducing disparities in breastfeeding, guidelines for late preterm care, and promoting kangaroo care. She also mentors trainees with an interest in quality improvement, reducing disparities in healthcare, and health care innovation. Angela Lober, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC  Read More Dr. Angela Lober is Director of Research and Grants at AWHONN, where she advances nursing science to improve outcomes for women and families. A registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, she has delivered evidence-based care since 2001. With a PhD and experience as a Clinical Associate Professor, she is an active researcher and dedicated educator. Angela is a committed advocate for maternal-child health, engaging in professional and community efforts to support families. Through mentorship, scholarship, and advocacy, she works to strengthen the nursing profession and promote equitable care. Episode Resources AWHONN Late Preterm Infant Resources  AWHONN Newborn Warning Signs    The post The Complexities of Caring for Late Preterm Infants appeared first on AWHONN.

  6. Mar 19

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: Skills for the AI-Informed Nurse

    In today’s nursing world—AI is no longer optional, but essential. Dr. Linda Burke reveals how nurses can harness AI as a powerful support tool without compromising their humanity or wisdom. This conversation centers on shaping the role of ethical, effective AI in your EMR, eagerly streamlining workflows, and better predicting conditions based on patient data trends. The nurse’s role is irreplaceable and deserves a seat at the table to train AI. Health care practitioners—tune in today! Meet our guests: Linda Burke, MD Read More Dr. Linda Burke is a board-certified OB-GYN with extensive experience in maternal health improvement. She’s the founder of Perinatal Solutions LLC and has collaborated with nursing professionals in public health settings throughout her career. Currently, Dr. Burke provides consulting services to federal and state agencies. She’s a graduate of Stanford’s Health Futurist Leadership program and holds an AI certification, positioning her at the intersection of clinical practice and emerging technology. Dr. Burke also earned a certificate in Clinical Informatics from Johns Hopkins and has served as a federal subject matter expert in maternal mortality case reviews. Episode Resources The Smart Mother’s Guide  John Hopkins Clinical Informatics  Stanford Medicine Advanced Leadership Program/Health Futurists    The post Skills for the AI-Informed Nurse appeared first on AWHONN.

  7. Mar 5

    AWHONN Insights Podcast:Leveraging Tools for Trauma-Informed, Respectful Maternity Care

    How do trauma-informed care and Respectful Maternity Care converge to strengthen readiness across maternity care settings? Our guest experts discuss where practice gaps persist and how new and revamped tools support more consistent, respectful, and trauma-responsive care throughout the perinatal continuum. Listeners will gain practical perspectives on aligning these complementary frameworks, strengthening clinical readiness, and fostering systems that prioritize dignity, autonomy, and psychological safety for birthing individuals. Nursing Contact Hours: 1.0 nursing contact hours (NCPD activity available through 1/20/2029) To receive contact hours for this continuing education activity, participants must: Listen to the entire podcast episode. Add episode evaluation to your cart. Access the post-episode evaluation in the AWHONN Learning Center. Claim Your Credit: Access the evaluation and documentation Meet our guests: Shawana Burnette, DNP, NEA-BC, ANLC-P, CLNC, FAWHONN Read More Shawana Burnette is an innovative thought leader with over 20+ years of nursing leadership experience and 22+ years of experience as an OB nurse. Shawana works closely with AWHONN’s efforts to impact cultures of Respectful Maternal Care (RMC), serving as a member of the evidence-based group to develop the framework and toolkit for RMC initiatives. She is currently the Director of Nursing Excellence Programs for Advocate Health Enterprise Nursing, where she supports the ANCC designation program portfolio through resource alignment and strategic collaboration. Shawana has been recognized as one of North Carolina’s Great 100 Nurses, a Daisy Nurse Leader award recipient, and an inaugural AWHONN Fellow. She is an ardent advocate for rightful care outcomes with a commitment to creating inclusive care cultures for all. Maggie Runyon, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM (she/her) Read More Maggie Runyon is a nurse, educator, writer, and speaker. She began her nursing career in 2009 and has since practiced in hospitals and communities around the country. In 2019, Maggie founded the non-profit Your BIRTH Partners with a mission to cultivate inclusive, collaborative birth care environments rooted in autonomy, respect, and equity. Maggie is currently pursuing her PhD in Nursing and loves educating, mentoring, and learning alongside nurses. She recently authored her first book, I Thought I Was Here to Help, which chronicles her early career journey and the lessons she has learned. Her advocacy focuses on improving perinatal care in hospital environments through trauma-informed care, affirming nurses’ agency, and community collaboration. Episode Resources AWHONN Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) Program  RMC Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Program  RMC Designation  The Trauma Informed Birth Nurse Program  Runyon, M. C., Burgess, A., & Spielman, K. L. (2025). Attitudes about trauma-informed care among nurse and physician leaders in birthing hospitals in Maryland. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2025.11.005.  Author’s Perspective Video  Runyon, M. C., Irby, M. N., Rojas Landivar, P., and Pascucci, C. (2025). Reframing obstetric violence culture: A concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.70323.   Embodied Trauma-Informed Care Framework  Traumatic Stress Institute – Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care Scale (ARTIC)  The Trauma-Informed Climate Scale-10 (TICS-10)     Accreditation Statement The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. AWHONN is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP580 The post Leveraging Tools for Trauma-Informed, Respectful Maternity Care appeared first on AWHONN.

    1h 1m

  8. Feb 19

    AWHONN Insights Podcast: Breaking the Silence on Syphilis

    Dr. Helen Hurst emphasizes the rising rates of syphilis in pregnant individuals and pinpoints the critical need for open, nonjudgmental conversation and education between clinicians and their patients. Use this episode as a guide to discuss sexual health, address myths, implement talk, test, treat at the point of entry to care, and collaborate with community partners to create campaigns that will improve the awareness and health of those in your surrounding zip codes. Meet our guests: Helen M. Hurst, DNP, RNC-OB, APRN-CNM Read More Dr. Helen Hurst is a distinguished leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. She’s served as Associate Dean of Nursing and Professor at Creighton University since July 2022, where she provides oversight and leadership for the College of Nursing. Her years in clinical practice encompassed being an RN in L&D and women’s health. As a CNM, she provided antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and women’s health care at a community hospital in southwestern Louisiana. For more than 30 years, Dr. Hurst has cultivated expertise in academic administration, innovative curriculum development, and healthcare partnerships, positioning her as a pivotal force in advancing nursing education. Among her notable achievements is being a co-patent holder along with her team at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for a women’s mobile health unit for use in emergency preparedness. Dr. Hurst is an esteemed member of professional organizations, including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the National League of Nursing. As a nationally sought-after speaker, Dr. Hurst is committed to advancing nursing education, empowering women’s health, and fostering scholarly excellence to inspire and shape the next generation of nursing professionals. Her dedication to nursing education, maternal health, and nursing leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Certificate of Achievement in Innovation, and the Cols. Jean & Philip Piccone Nursing Faculty Development Award. Additionally, Dr. Hurst was a Fellow in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Leadership in Academic Nursing Program. Episode Resources CDC Talk, Test, Treat  AWHONN Syphilis Infectious Disease Resources  Interpret Lab Values  Educating Your Patients  Provider-to-Provider Conversation  CLIA-Waived Syphilis Point-of-Care Testing Options for Providers  FDA Marketing Authorization Enables Increased Access to First Step of Syphilis Diagnosis  FDA Approves First At-Home Syphilis Test    The post Breaking the Silence on Syphilis appeared first on AWHONN.

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

AWHONN Insights is your go-to source for candid nursing conversations with peers and experts alike. Our hosts and guests offer unique but familiar perspectives because they are perinatal nurses just like you. Join us as we dive into current nursing issues, challenge norms, and engage in real-world dialogue to affect change and drive solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    AWHONN Insights Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AWHONN 2020
  • Show Website
    AWHONN Insights Podcast

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