Beyond the Call Light

Gary the ER Nurse

What really goes on in emergency rooms? Is it really like ER or The Pitt? What are the names of those medications you got? How does it all work? I’m Gary the ER nurse and I’m here to shed some light on what life is like in emergency rooms. We’ll cover a wide range of topics and help dispel common myths. Whether you’re a nursing student, patient, or are just curious about emergency medicine, I’m confident you’ll learn something with each episode.

Episodes

  1. Episode 5: The Nurse's Financial Guy helps nurses achieve their financial goals

    11/21/2025

    Episode 5: The Nurse's Financial Guy helps nurses achieve their financial goals

    In this episode of "Beyond the Call Light," host Gary, the ER nurse, is joined by Ricky, the nurse financial guy, to explore the financial challenges and opportunities faced by nurses. From budgeting tips to understanding retirement plans, Ricky shares valuable insights to help nurses achieve financial freedom. Tune in to learn how to balance your passion for healthcare with smart financial planning. Takeaways Nurses often lack a budget, which is crucial for financial planning.Understanding how retirement accounts are taxed is essential for nurses.Many nurses rely too heavily on pensions without contributing to 401(k)s or 403(b)s.Travel nurses must set aside funds for taxes and retirement.Disability insurance is vital for nurses due to the physical demands of their job.Maximizing health savings accounts (HSAs) can provide significant tax benefits.Financial literacy should be a focus in nursing education.Catch-up contributions can significantly boost retirement savings for those over 50.Side hustles can provide additional income streams for nurses.Discipline in financial planning is key to achieving long-term goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Nurses 06:49 Understanding Pensions and Retirement Accounts 14:02 The Importance of Financial Planning for Nurses 19:06 Catch-Up Contributions for Nurses Over 50 24:27 Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA Explained 29:29 Creating a Fun Budget for Nurses 34:29 Defining Financial Freedom for Nurses 39:58 Small Financial Changes for Nurses 47:49 Debunking Financial Myths for Nurses

    50 min
  2. 10/31/2025

    Episode 2: Reducing the "Pucker Factor" in Pediatric Emergencies with Christopher of TheBlakeryContent

    In this episode of Beyond the Call Light, Gary the ER Nurse interviews Christopher from Blakery Content, a seasoned pediatric flight nurse. They discuss the unique challenges of pediatric emergency care, the importance of family-centered care, and the misconceptions surrounding pediatric emergencies. Christopher shares his journey into pediatrics, the emotional impact of caring for children, and the significance of communication in healthcare. They also explore the future of pediatric care, including the role of technology and mental health support for healthcare providers. Key Takeaways Pediatric patients require specialized care and training.Family presence during emergencies can improve outcomes.Communication with families is crucial in pediatric care.Pediatric emergencies are often misunderstood by providers.Technology is changing the landscape of pediatric care.Mental health support is essential for healthcare providers.Experience in critical care is vital for flight nursing.Pediatric readiness is a key focus for emergency services.AI will enhance decision-making in pediatric emergencies.Continuous education and training are necessary for pediatric care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pediatric Emergency Care 06:47 Family Presence in Pediatric Emergencies 12:37 Structured Handoffs and Communication 19:58 Personal Experiences Shaping Care 30:18 Mental Health and Resilience in First Responders 54:29 Conclusion and Future Directions

    57 min
  3. Episode 1: The Path from Paramedic to RN with guest John Smith, RN, NRP

    10/24/2025

    Episode 1: The Path from Paramedic to RN with guest John Smith, RN, NRP

    In this conversation, John Smith, RN, NRP, discusses the key differences between being a paramedic and a nurse, emphasizing the focus on acute care in paramedic training versus the comprehensive scope of nursing education that includes preventative and long-term care. Takeaways The primary focus of paramedic training is acute care.Nursing education encompasses a broader range of healthcare topics.Paramedics are trained for emergency settings, while nurses cover various care levels.Understanding the transition from paramedic to nursing is crucial.Nursing includes preventative, acute, subacute, and long-term care.The skills required for nursing differ significantly from those of paramedics.Nurses must adapt to a wider range of patient needs.The educational journey for nurses is more extensive than for paramedics.Recognizing the differences in training helps in career transitions.The role of a nurse is multifaceted compared to that of a paramedic. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Smith and His Journey03:17 Transitioning from Paramedic to Registered Nurse04:54 The Challenges of Managing Multiple Patients09:44 Being an Older Nursing Student10:24 Charting: EMS vs. In-hospital12:36 EMS Experience in Nuring School: Helpful or Hinderance15:05 Bridging the Gap: Paramedics to RNs18:18 Mental Health in Emergency Services21:19 Finding Balance: Managing Emotional Weight25:21 Advice for Future Paramedics Considering Nursing27:03 Future Aspirations and Career Paths29:54 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks30:14 Advice for your younger self31:41 What the future holds34:30 Advice for future paramedic-to-RN candidates40:20 BTCL Outro

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

What really goes on in emergency rooms? Is it really like ER or The Pitt? What are the names of those medications you got? How does it all work? I’m Gary the ER nurse and I’m here to shed some light on what life is like in emergency rooms. We’ll cover a wide range of topics and help dispel common myths. Whether you’re a nursing student, patient, or are just curious about emergency medicine, I’m confident you’ll learn something with each episode.