BCEN & Friends

BCEN & Friends
  • 4.9 (11)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

The BCEN and Friends podcast is an opportunity to have interesting conversations about learning with a range of thought leaders, BCEN certification holders, and industry professionals - and most importantly to create value and insight for you - our professional nurses across the emergency spectrum. We hope you find our discussions interesting, informative, sometimes funny, sometimes serious - but always valuable.

  1. Jul 21

    A Heart for Learning and a Soul to Serve; Spotlight on the 2026 Distinguished CEN Winner (Michael Isaacs S7E15)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Isaacs, BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CEN, for a thoughtful conversation about lifelong learning, service, and the lasting impact of investing in others. Michael Isaacs started out more than 30 years ago as a New York EMT, served as an Army Medic, and then chased his calling straight into the ER. Since day one, he’s been the kind of nurse who lifts everyone around him—teaching ACLS, CEN, ENPC, ENTEP and more—while still pushing himself as a lifelong learner working toward his fifth degree, a Doctor of Nursing Education from The Ohio State University. Today, Mike serves as the Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Emergency Services in central California, shaping the next generation of emergency nurses. When he’s not doing that, you’ll find him volunteering on medical teams at local sporting events, building LEGO as a proud Adult Fan Of Legos, staying active in his church, or hanging out with his wife and their rescue pup, Sadie. Mike was also recently honored as BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CEN. Drawing from more than 30 years in emergency medicine, Michael shares how curiosity, certification, and a commitment to continuous learning have guided his journey, while offering insights into what meaningful education looks like for today’s nurses. Through stories of perseverance, purpose, and professional growth, Michael reminds us that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared in service of others. This episode is titled, “A Heart for Learning and a Soul to Serve.” Michael can be contacted on LinkedIn @MichaelIsaacs BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  2. Jul 7

    Running a Race Bigger Than Yourself: Spotlight on the 2026 Distinguished CPEN Winner (Solomiya Veturys S7E14)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Solomiya Veturys, BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CPEN, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, certification, and the lasting impact of investing in others. With more than 18 years in nursing, Solomiya Veturys has built a dynamic career spanning adult and pediatric emergency care. Her leadership experience ranges from charge nurse to associate nurse manager, and she now serves as the Trauma Program PI and Research Coordinator at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Solomiya recently completed her MSN in May 2026. Dedicated to advancing quality and certification, she leads her hospital’s quality council, champions certification efforts, and was honored as BCEN’s 2026 Distinguished CPEN. Drawing from her experiences in pediatric trauma care, quality improvement, and certification advocacy, Solomiya  shares how pursuing excellence is about more than personal achievement—it’s about creating opportunities, elevating teams, and building a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves. Through stories of influence, perseverance, and purpose, she reminds us that the most meaningful journeys are the ones that help others cross the finish line, too. This episode is titled, “Running a Race Bigger Than Yourself.” Solomiya can be contacted on LinkedIn @SolomiyaVeturys BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  3. Jun 23

    The Pulse within the Pages of Healthcare (Marilyn McCullum S7E13)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Marilyn McCullum for a thoughtful conversation on the art and responsibility of nursing, clinical documentation, and the deeper stories captured within the healthcare record. Marilyn McCullum is an experienced emergency nurse with over 15 years in high-acuity emergency and trauma care across the United States. Triple board-certified in emergency, pediatric emergency, and trauma nursing, she is a recognized educator and speaker with expertise in triage, emergency department operations, and clinical documentation. Marilyn is also a published author dedicated to improving patient flow and quality of care. Together, we explore how what we write reflects not only clinical care, but accountability, ethics, and the human experience behind every patient interaction. Marilyn shares insight shaped by research, practice, and creativity, offering a perspective that reminds us—the first pulse we take is our own. This episode is titled, “The Pulse Within the Pages of Healthcare.” Marilyn can be contacted on LinkedIn @MarilynMcCullum BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  4. Jun 9

    Growing through mentorship in the Rainey seasons (Antrell Rainey S7E12)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Antrell Rainey for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the life experiences that shape how we lead. Antrell Rainey is an MBA prepared executive leader, clinical professional, and patient advocate with more than 14 years of experience working with high acuity pediatric and substance use populations. His understanding of healthcare operations goes far beyond the classroom—shaped most profoundly by navigating the healthcare system as the parent of a medically fragile child with a severe heart defect. Antrell brings together his clinical background and executive leadership training to help healthcare organizations improve reliability, strengthen operations, and create systems that better support both patients and frontline staff. We will explore what high-reliability care looks like, the lessons leaders can learn from history, and how both challenges and relationships influence meaningful change. Antrell shares practical insight and a mindset shift for anyone working to lead within complex systems. This episode is titled “Growing through mentorship in the Rainey seasons.” Antrell can be contacted on LinkedIn @Antrell Rainey and on “Rainey on Leadership” Newsletter on Substack BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  5. May 26

    TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part Two) (Merideth Gradowski, Ashley Metcalf, Jamin Rankin S7E11)

    In Part Two of this TCRN Roundtable, our discussion shifts to the ethical, professional, and personal complexities of trauma nursing. We explore challenging scenarios, pediatric readiness in adult trauma centers, the evolving role of the TCRN, and the experiences that shape leadership, growth, and resilience within trauma systems. Let's dive right back in with Merideth, Ashley and Jamin. Merideth Gradowski is an experienced nursing leader with over 15 years in the field and a strong focus on trauma care. She holds a BSN from Arizona State University and an MSN in nursing administration from Queens University of Charlotte. Currently serving as a Trauma Program Manager, she leads system development and quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes. She is especially passionate about advancing pediatric trauma care within adult trauma centers. Ashley Metcalf began her nursing career in the Emergency Department and has spent more than 20 years dedicated to trauma care. She currently serves as a Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator at a Level I Trauma Center, where she focuses on advancing quality and outcomes. Ashley is also the President of the Trauma Association of South Carolina and co-chairs the Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses Committee through the Society of Trauma Nurses. She brings both deep clinical experience and strong leadership to the trauma nursing community. Jamin Rankin is a dynamic nursing leader with more than a decade of experience spanning emergency, trauma, and air-medical care. He currently serves as Trauma Program Manager and Stroke Program Manager at Ochsner LSU Health, where he leads accreditation, education, and systemwide quality initiatives. His background includes frontline work as a flight nurse and emergency clinician in both rural and Level I trauma settings. Jamin is widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to trauma systems, earning honors such as ENA’s 20 Under 40 and BCEN’s Distinguished TCRN designation. This episode is titled “TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part Two).” Our TCRN Roundtable guests can be contacted on LinkedIn @MeridethGradowski, @AshleyMetcalf, and @JaminRankin BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  6. May 12

    TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part One) (Merideth Gradowski, Ashley Metcalf, Jamin Rankin S7E10)

    In this episode, we’re joined by three exceptional Trauma Certified Nurse Leaders for an in-depth roundtable discussion. Merideth Gradowski is an experienced nursing leader with over 15 years in the field and a strong focus on trauma care. She holds a BSN from Arizona State University and an MSN in nursing administration from Queens University of Charlotte. Currently serving as a Trauma Program Manager, she leads system development and quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes. She is especially passionate about advancing pediatric trauma care within adult trauma centers. Ashley Metcalf began her nursing career in the Emergency Department and has spent more than 20 years dedicated to trauma care. She currently serves as a Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator at a Level I Trauma Center, where she focuses on advancing quality and outcomes. Ashley is also the President of the Trauma Association of South Carolina and co-chairs the Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses Committee through the Society of Trauma Nurses. She brings both deep clinical experience and strong leadership to the trauma nursing community. Jamin Rankin is a dynamic nursing leader with more than a decade of experience spanning emergency, trauma, and air-medical care. He currently serves as Trauma Program Manager and Stroke Program Manager at Ochsner LSU Health, where he leads accreditation, education, and systemwide quality initiatives. His background includes frontline work as a flight nurse and emergency clinician in both rural and Level I trauma settings. Jamin is widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to trauma systems, earning honors such as ENA’s 20 Under 40 and BCEN’s Distinguished TCRN designation. Trauma nursing lives at the intersection of standards, systems, and bedside decision-making, and in Part One we explore regulatory expectations, performance improvement, trauma program structure, and gaps across the trauma care continuum. This episode is titled “TCRN Roundtable: Code Red Activated (Part One).” Our TCRN Roundtable guests can be contacted on LinkedIn @MeridethGradowski, @AshleyMetcalf, and @JaminRankin BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  7. Apr 28

    On the Move When It Matters Most: Leadership in Pediatric Transport (Niki Shimko S7E9)

    In this episode, we're joined by Niki Shimko, a national leader in neonatal and pediatric transport and disaster preparedness. Niki Shimko is a leader in neonatal and pediatric transport with more than 26 years of nursing experience and over 12 years leading a pediatric and neonatal transport team. She serves as President of the Florida Neonatal Pediatric Transport Network Association and holds leadership roles focused on pediatric disaster preparedness at both the state and national levels. Niki played a key role in the evacuation of Golisano Children’s Hospital following Hurricane Ian and continues to advance pediatric disaster response as a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) instructor and national advocate. We will explore her 26 year nursing journey and the critical leadership decisions behind evacuating a children’s hospital during Hurricane Ian. Niki shares hard won lessons from transport medicine and offers practical, high impact steps frontline nurses can take today to strengthen pediatric disaster readiness. This episode is called, " On the Move When It Matters Most: Leadership in Pediatric Transport." Niki can be contacted on LinkedIn @NikiShimko BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

  8. Apr 14

    Hope, Grit, and Growth: Blending Science and Soul in Trauma Leadership (Pam Vanderberg S7E8)

    In this episode, we're joined by Pam Vanderberg, a nationally respected trauma leader and newly appointed BCEN Board member. Pam Vanderberg serves as Vice President of Trauma and Burn Services at Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma and burn centers. Pam oversees comprehensive trauma and burn operations, aligning clinical excellence with operational and financial sustainability. Nationally, she has advanced trauma nursing as an item writer for the TCRN® and as a contributor to the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program Best Practice Guidelines and the Advanced Practice Trauma Management course. Pam also serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Trauma Foundation, supporting statewide trauma system advocacy. Her career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening certification, advancing trauma systems, and elevating standards of care across the continuum. Pam shares powerful insights drawn from her journey through career disruption, trauma system expansion, violence prevention, and certification—offering a thoughtful perspective on leadership, resilience, and the future of emergency and trauma nursing. This episode is called, "Hope, Grit, and Growth: Blending Science and Soul in Trauma Leadership." Pam can be contacted on LinkedIn @PamelaVanderberg BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates: We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more. Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The BCEN and Friends podcast is an opportunity to have interesting conversations about learning with a range of thought leaders, BCEN certification holders, and industry professionals - and most importantly to create value and insight for you - our professional nurses across the emergency spectrum. We hope you find our discussions interesting, informative, sometimes funny, sometimes serious - but always valuable.

Information

  • Creator
    BCEN & Friends
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    BCEN & Friends