The Ambitious Nurse | Career Strategy for High-Performing Nurses Ready to Advance in Leadership

Bonnie Meadows MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG | Nurse Career Coach, Influential Leader, Nurse Career Coach, Well-Being Coach, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5.0 (16)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

You are a high-performing nurse with experience, credentials, and a graduate degree, yet you may face barriers like visibility or self-promotion. Not because you're unqualified, but because you haven't yet learned how to position yourself as leadership-ready. The Ambitious Nurse is the career strategy podcast for experienced nurses who are done waiting to be chosen and ready to start engineering the outcome. Hosted by Bonnie Meadows Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and President of the North Carolina Nurses Association this podcast gives you the strategic thinking, visibility frameworks, and identity shifts that most nurses never get access to. If you are ready to stop being the most reliable person in the room and start being the one they actually advance this is your show. New episodes drop weekly, providing you with ongoing strategies to elevate your leadership journey. Subscribe wherever you listen to stay ahead.

  1. 11/04/2025

    Voting as a Nurse: A Call to Action

    Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    15 min

  2. 10/24/2025

    62// Why Loving Nursing Isn’t Always Enough—And What to Do About It

    You love being a nurse—but lately, something feels off. Maybe your nursing job isn’t giving you the same sense of purpose it once did. In this episode, Bonnie explores why passion for nursing alone isn’t always enough to keep you fulfilled in your career—and what you can do to bring meaning, clarity, and direction back into your professional life. She shares how to evaluate your current nursing role through the lens of your strengths and values, plus practical ways to take your next step with confidence—whether that’s a new nursing job, a leadership opportunity, or a renewed mindset in your current role. Key Takeaways: The real reason loving nursing doesn’t guarantee long-term fulfillmentHow to assess if your nursing career still reflects your strengths and valuesWhat to do when your current role no longer fits your professional goalsSmall shifts that can help you rediscover joy and motivation at workWhy self-awareness and reflection are the foundation of career growth👉 Download the free Nursing Career Growth Roadmap (link below) to start clarifying your next steps and build a career that grows with you. Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    17 min

  3. 09/11/2025

    61// The 5-Minute Exercise That Can Change Your Nursing Career Direction

    In this episode, Bonnie shares a simple 5-minute reflection exercise that helps you gain fresh perspective on your career path. Whether you’re an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, this quick practice guides you to notice the moments that bring the most fulfillment—and points you toward nursing job opportunities that truly fit. Key Takeaways: Why clarity doesn’t require hours of career planningA 3-step journaling exercise to highlight what energizes youHow to match your skills with new nursing career opportunitiesThe importance of choosing roles you enjoy—not just those you do well👉 Download the free Nursing Career Growth Roadmap in the show notes to take this exercise further! Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    19 min

  4. 08/28/2025

    60 // Stuck, Exploring, or Growing? Discover Your Stage in the Nursing Career Journey

    In this episode, I introduce the Nurse Career Growth Roadmap, a practical guide to help you identify your current stage and take the right next step. You’ll learn: The 5 stages every nurse experiencesWhy even highly educated nurses struggle with clarityAction steps to create momentum in your career (without waiting for permission)Whether you’re an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, this episode will help you gain clarity, confidence, and direction in your nursing career journey. Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    18 min

  5. 08/14/2025

    59 // Don’t Wait Until You’re Burnt Out or Ready to Leave: How to Create Nursing Career Options Now

    If your entire professional identity is tied to one nursing job, you might be limiting your growth — and your joy. In this episode, I share why putting all your eggs in one job basket could be holding you back and how to expand your skills, network, and opportunities without burning out. Whether you’re an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, you’ll learn how to diversify your career, grow your influence, and create new possibilities before you need them. Key Takeaways: Why long-term loyalty can sometimes limit career growth3 ways to diversify your skills and networkHow to prepare for career transitions before you’re forced into one🎧 Listen now and start building the nursing career you really want! Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    20 min

  6. 07/10/2025

    58// Does What You Wear As a Nurse = How You Lead? What Your Outfit is Saying Before You Speak

    In this style-meets-leadership episode, we’re talking about what your outfit says before you even introduce yourself.  Bonnie is joined by certified image consultant and color specialist, Heather Riggs, who shares expert tips on how RNs, APRNs, and nursing leaders can align their personal style with their professional goals. Whether you're stepping into a boardroom, a Zoom interview, or a networking event—your wardrobe is speaking for you. Let’s make sure it’s saying the right thing. Key Takeaways: Why professional image matters in nursing leadershipWhat to wear (and avoid) in interviews, presentations, and virtual settingsHow to build a capsule wardrobe without overwhelmSimple ways to dress with confidence—even in scrubsHow your personal style can boost your credibility and visibility👉 This episode is especially for nurses who want to lead with presence—and style. Heather Riggs Info:  Join HER Style community on Facebook - https://herstylellc.com/community  Take the free Personal Style Quiz - https://herstylellc.com/quiz  Listen to HER Style Podcast - https://herstylellc.com/podcast Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    36 min

  7. 06/26/2025

    57// The Real Reason Nurses Feel Stuck in Their Careers (+ What to Do First)

    Feeling stuck in your nursing career—even with years of experience or an advanced degree? You’re not alone. In this episode, Bonnie breaks down the real reasons nurses feel uncertain about what’s next—and introduces a simple tool to help you get clear. Whether you're an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, discover how self-awareness and career reflection can reignite your purpose. Key Takeaways: Common causes of career stagnationThe power of clarity over job searchingHow to use the free Nurse Career Growth RoadmapGot a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    18 min

  8. 04/24/2025

    56 // 4 Steps to Determine Your Unique Nursing Career Path (Replay)

    This podcast was #1 one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. How do I find my nursing niche? How do I advance my career as a nurse? Have you asked these questions before?  There are so many career paths for nurses that we get stuck. It's a good problem and a bad problem to have. It's good because it gives us options. It's bad, because we have so many options that we stay stuck because we don’t know what to choose or are afraid to make a wrong choice.  Stick around in this episode. I address these questions and more. Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here. Support the show Trying to figure out your next career step?  Download my FREE  Nursing Career Growth Roadmap Join me for a **1:1 Nurse Career Clarity Coaching Call**—a 1:1 coaching session where we’ll get you unstuck and find clarity to make the next move in your career.

    14 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

You are a high-performing nurse with experience, credentials, and a graduate degree, yet you may face barriers like visibility or self-promotion. Not because you're unqualified, but because you haven't yet learned how to position yourself as leadership-ready. The Ambitious Nurse is the career strategy podcast for experienced nurses who are done waiting to be chosen and ready to start engineering the outcome. Hosted by Bonnie Meadows Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and President of the North Carolina Nurses Association this podcast gives you the strategic thinking, visibility frameworks, and identity shifts that most nurses never get access to. If you are ready to stop being the most reliable person in the room and start being the one they actually advance this is your show. New episodes drop weekly, providing you with ongoing strategies to elevate your leadership journey. Subscribe wherever you listen to stay ahead.

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