The Super Nurse Podcast

Brooke Wallace

The Super Nurse Podcast is for nursing students taking NCLEX, new graduate nurses, and working nurses who want to level up their game. This podcast helps you survive nursing school, thrive in clinicals, and step confidently into real-world practice as a Super Nurse— guided by 20-year ICU nurse Brooke Wallace, RN, BSN, CCRN, CPTC. 👉 Train smarter. Build confidence. Become a Super Nurse. Visit supernurse.ai for AI-powered tools, study support, and next-generation nursing resources. Powered by AI and real-world nursing experience, each episode delivers conversational, supportive insights based on the most common questions and challenges faced by student and new graduate nurses. Think of it as a focused study session — blending evidence-based strategies, clinical pearls, encouragement, and confidence-building guidance in a way that actually sticks. Whether you’re tackling pharmacology, preparing for clinicals, studying for the NCLEX, or learning how to manage your first 12-hour shift, The Super Nurse Podcast helps you grow stronger, sharper, and more resilient — from student nurse to confident clinician. Inspired by the real FAQs nurses ask, we answer the questions that matter most: How do I survive pharmacology? How do I speak to patients with confidence? What should I expect on my first 12-hour shift? Created by seasoned ICU nurse Brooke Wallace, each episode delivers practical study tips, NCLEX prep strategies, and real-world clinical wisdom, alongside honest conversations about the realities of nursing school and early practice. 👉 Train smarter. Build confidence. Become a Super Nurse. Visit supernurse.ai for AI-powered tools, study support, and next-generation nursing resources.

  1. Defusing A Difficult Family in 15 Minutes: The Psychology, Strategy, and Legal Protections Every Nurse Needs

    1D AGO

    Defusing A Difficult Family in 15 Minutes: The Psychology, Strategy, and Legal Protections Every Nurse Needs

    Check out SuperNurse.ai for AI-powered learning, printables, and  more!   Why the First 15 Minutes MatterResearch identifies the initial interaction as the trust assessment phase Families are often operating under high stress hormones, impairing logical thinking This is a predictable psychological event—not random hostility The Amygdala Hijack ExplainedThe amygdala overrides the brain’s logic center during perceived threat Families cannot process complex explanations or medical jargon in this state Logical data can feel threatening instead of reassuring The Perspective GapNurses experience the encounter as a task interruption Families experience the nurse as their only lifeline Powerlessness—not anger—is the root driver of most confrontations Common Nursing Responses That BackfireActive listening without structure can increase frustration Immediate boundary setting can escalate fear if done too early Pandexing (overexplaining with medical detail) overwhelms families Avoidance is the top predictor of complaints and litigation The Relational Practice ModelIdentifying a family’s emotional priority early improves outcomes Reduces length of stay and resistance to care plans Fifteen minutes upfront prevents hours of conflict later Tactical De-Escalation Tools Nurses Actually UseThe Clipboard Buffer: Writing concerns slows escalation and validates emotions The Sit-Down Effect: Sitting increases perceived time spent by about 40 percent The Hospitality Bridge: Offering water or coffee disrupts adversarial dynamics Time Container Statements: Setting a clear time frame keeps conversations focused Legal Protections Every Nurse Should KnowWorkplace violence prevention laws are expanding across states Assaulting a healthcare worker is now a felony in many states Nurses have the right to request reassignment when care becomes unsafe Abuse is not “part of the job” and does not need to be tolerated Key TakeawayThe first 15 minutes isn’t wasted time—it’s a strategic investment. Addressing fear early protects your shift, your license, and your well-being. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    16 min
  2. Your First Code Blue: Practical Hacks Every New Nurse Should Know

    2D AGO

    Your First Code Blue: Practical Hacks Every New Nurse Should Know

    Visit SuperNurse.ai for AI-powered learning, printables, and more! 1. Why Code Blues Feel So Overwhelming for New NursesCode blues activate fear, uncertainty, and cognitive overload New nurses often freeze because they don’t know where to focus The goal is not perfection — it’s having a plan 2. The Biggest Myth About Code BluesMost people believe codes are sudden Research shows most patients show early signs of deterioration hours before arrest A code is often the final stage of a slow decline, not a surprise event 3. Early Warning Signs New Nurses Must TrustA patient who “just doesn’t look right” Rapid breathing that keeps trending upward Subtle agitation, restlessness, or picking at sheets A patient expressing a sense of impending doom These signs are often dismissed — but they are critical red flags 4. Code Blue Prevention Starts Before the CodeExperienced nurses prepare the room assuming a code could happen This mindset shift alone improves outcomes Prevention is the most powerful code blue skill 5. Room Readiness Hacks Every New Nurse Should KnowTurn suction on and set it up before it’s needed Take the bag-valve mask out of the packaging ahead of time Make sure oxygen is ready and flowing Ensure the bag includes a PEEP valve for ICU patients when needed Locate the CPR lever on the bed at the start of the shift Use a step stool if needed to deliver effective compressions 6. The First Minutes of a Code: What Actually MattersMinimize interruptions to compressions Move quickly but deliberately Flow matters more than frantic activity Shock when indicated, then immediately resume compressions Don’t stop to stare at the monitor 7. Pit Crew Hacks That Reduce ChaosRotate compressors frequently to maintain quality Check the femoral pulse during compressions to avoid wasted pauses Write medication times and events on a visible surface Use a single container to collect empty medication packaging This creates an instant audit trail and simplifies documentation 8. Medication and Access Efficiency TricksUse pressurized saline to flush medications rapidly Reduce clutter and wasted time fumbling with syringes Speed and organization matter more than perfection 9. Finding the Cause, Not Just Doing CPRICU arrests are usually secondary to another failure Think through respiratory, volume, electrical, and metabolic causes Draw labs early to identify hypoxia, acidosis, or high potassium Use bedside ultrasound when available to identify reversible causes 10. Talking to Families Before the Crisis“Do you want us to do everything?” is a misleading question Clear, honest language helps families understand what CPR truly is Early conversations reduce moral distress and futile codes 11. The One Mindset Shift That Stops Panic“The patient is already dead. You cannot make them more dead.” This removes fear of making mistakes Panic fades when process replaces emotion 12. The One-Minute DebriefTake sixty seconds after every code Identify what worked and what didn’t Immediate reflection builds confidence faster than charting alone 13. Final Takeaway for New NursesCode blue confidence comes from preparation, not experience alone You don’t need to know everything — you need a framework These hacks turn chaos into control Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    17 min
  3. How To Survive Night Shift With Proven Hacks

    3D AGO

    How To Survive Night Shift With Proven Hacks

    Check out SuperNurse.ai for AI powered learning and really fun downloads Why Night Shift Hits So HardCircadian rhythm disruption alters hormone signaling  Suppressed melatonin and reversed cortisol rhythms “Tired but wired” stress response Lingering fatigue even on days off The Metabolic and Brain CostReduced nighttime insulin sensitivity Appetite hormone imbalance drives cravings and crashes Cognitive slowing and impaired focus at 4 a.m. Brain fog linked to poor deep sleep and waste clearance Proven Night Shift Survival HacksStrategic Napping Pre-shift anchor naps to improve alertness Short on-shift naps that boost reaction time Avoiding sleep inertia traps Caffeine Timing That Actually Works Pairing caffeine with naps Preventing jittery crashes and overstimulation Schedule Flip Strategies How to ease into night shift before the first shift The 4-hour rule for flipping back to days Using light exposure to reset circadian signals Environmental Sleep Protection Creating a true blackout sleep environment Reducing noise, light, and sensory stimulation Tools that support deeper daytime sleep Metabolic & Recovery Hacks Night-friendly eating strategies Hydration and electrolyte support Small behavioral shifts that protect long-term health Big Picture TakeawayNight shift does carry a biological cost — but it’s not a life sentence. With intentional, proven strategies, nurses can reduce fatigue, protect cognitive performance, and preserve their health while working nights. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    13 min
  4. When Patients Trust AI More Than You: Nursing Strategies That Work

    4D AGO

    When Patients Trust AI More Than You: Nursing Strategies That Work

    What’s Changing at the BedsidePatients are arriving with AI-generated self-diagnoses and treatment recommendations AI outputs often sound confident, complete, and authoritative — even when wrong This creates tension, mistrust, and time pressure during already tight clinical workflows The Nurse’s New Role: From Conflict to CollaborationWhy dismissing AI outright destroys trust How validation takes seconds but prevents long arguments later Turning AI diagnoses into a clinical discussion instead of a confrontation The 6-Step Nurse Framework for AI-Driven PatientsValidate engagement – Acknowledge the patient’s effort and concern Listen actively – Ask what symptoms and prompts were entered into the tool Use AI as data – Treat it as patient-reported information, not a threat Educate clearly – Explain AI limitations using simple, relatable language Lead with empathy – Address fear, anxiety, and body language Document appropriately – Chart AI tools mentioned for continuity of care Understanding AI Hallucinations (Why This Is Dangerous)What AI hallucinations actually are and why they happen Training data gaps, probabilistic outputs, and confidence without accuracy Real-world examples of fabricated diagnoses, fake citations, and invented medications Why hallucinations are an equity issue, not just a tech flaw Patient Safety ImplicationsAI hallucination rates in specialized medical fields Risks in diagnostics, transcription, medication safety, and mental health care Why human verification is non-negotiable Safe AI Use for Nurses in 2026Documentation and ambient scribing tools that reduce charting time Clinical decision support tools that assist — not replace — judgment Imaging, triage, and patient education AI with proper safeguards Why compliance, transparency, and oversight matter more than speed The Bottom LineNurses are not being replaced — they are becoming the fail-safe Trust is built through collaboration, not correction AI can enhance care, but only when guided by professional clinical judgment 👉 For AI-powered nursing courses, CE opportunities, and practical tools designed for real bedside use, visit SuperNurse.ai Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    13 min
  5. AI for Nurse Burnout: Helping Nurses Breathe Again

    5D AGO

    AI for Nurse Burnout: Helping Nurses Breathe Again

    Visit SuperNurse.ai for AI-powered courses, career strategy tools, and resources designed to help nurses think critically, learn confidently, and build sustainable careers. Why Nurse Burnout Is a CrisisOver half of nurses report symptoms of burnout Nursing students and new graduates experience burnout earlier and more intensely Long shifts, emotional labor, high-stakes decisions, documentation overload, and chronic understaffing are major contributors AI as Emotional Support for NursesMany nurses feel more comfortable using AI-driven mental health tools due to privacy, accessibility, and lack of stigma Research shows AI chatbots can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in mild to moderate cases Some AI tools demonstrate symptom improvement comparable to traditional outpatient therapy AI support is best used as a supplement, not a replacement, for professional mental health care Safety, Ethics, and Privacy ConsiderationsNot all AI tools are clinically validated Generic public chatbots may provide unsafe or inappropriate responses Privacy risks include data storage, training use, and lack of healthcare-grade protections Nurses must avoid sharing any identifiable patient, facility, or workflow information Always opt out of data training when available and prioritize compliant platforms AI Reducing the Root Causes of BurnoutAmbient AI documentation tools can reduce charting time by more than half Nurses report significant reductions in EHR-related stress Time savings translate into better work-life balance and reduced cognitive load AI and Smarter StaffingPredictive analytics can identify burnout risk before crisis occurs AI staffing tools analyze acuity, overtime trends, and workforce strain Proactive staffing improves nurse satisfaction and reduces chronic overload Challenges to AdoptionTechnostress and fear of job displacement remain barriers Poor implementation can increase workload instead of reducing it Training, workflow integration, and representative data are critical Key TakeawayAI has the potential to change nursing practice by reducing burnout from both the emotional and systemic sides. When implemented thoughtfully and ethically, it can help nurses reclaim time, mental space, and meaning in their work — but human care and professional judgment remain essential. Resources Mentioned: Visit SuperNurse.ai for AI-powered courses, career strategy tools, and resources designed to help nurses think critically, earn confidently, and build sustainable careers. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    14 min
  6. The Nursing Gig Economy: How New Grads Can Escape the 3×12 Schedule

    6D AGO

    The Nursing Gig Economy: How New Grads Can Escape the 3×12 Schedule

    What We Cover in This Episode: Why the traditional three-by-twelve nursing schedule is accelerating early burnout What the nursing gig economy really means for new graduate nurses How internal hospital float pools (IRP/float pool) work and why they’re ideal for new grads The financial strategy behind why hospitals pay float pool nurses higher hourly rates How new grads can gain rapid clinical exposure without locking into one unit Nursing gig apps explained: PRN, per diem, and on-demand shift platforms Which gig platforms are most accessible for nurses with less than one year of experience The real trade-offs of gig work: higher pay versus benefits and income stability How 1099 nursing work impacts taxes, insurance, and financial planning Beyond the bedside: nurse writing, tutoring, legal nurse consulting, and health coaching How to strategically combine stable clinical work with flexible gig income A practical starting plan for new grad nurses ready to explore flexible nursing careers Key Takeaway: New graduate nurses now have more control over their schedules, income, and career direction than ever before. With the right strategy, the gig economy can be a powerful tool—not a risk. Resources Mentioned: Visit SuperNurse.ai for AI-powered courses, career strategy tools, and resources designed to help nurses think critically, earn confidently, and build sustainable careers. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    14 min
  7. Working Remotely as a Nurse in 2026: Inside Hospital at Home

    JAN 15

    Working Remotely as a Nurse in 2026: Inside Hospital at Home

    👉 Explore AI-powered courses and career resources at SuperNurse.ai What Is Hospital at Home? Hospital at Home delivers acute, hospital-level care in a patient’s home instead of a traditional inpatient unit Includes in-person nursing visits combined with virtual monitoring, telehealth check-ins, IV therapy, labs, imaging, and 24/7 on-call support Originally developed in 1995 and scaled nationally after pandemic-era policy changes Why Hospital at Home Is Growing Fast Aging population and rising chronic disease burden Ongoing hospital capacity and staffing constraints Rapid advances in remote monitoring and telehealth technology Strong patient preference for receiving care at home when clinically appropriate The Regulatory Shift Driving Adoption Expansion accelerated after CMS launched pandemic waivers allowing reimbursement for acute care at home By 2024, more than 320 hospitals across 37 states were approved to deliver Hospital at Home services under Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Current waiver runs through early 2026, with legislation proposing a multi-year extension that could double program size Clinical Outcomes That Matter to Nurses Reduced length of stay by up to 30 percent Lower readmission rates compared to traditional inpatient care High patient satisfaction scores and improved resource utilization Frees critical hospital beds for higher-acuity patients The Nursing Career Roadmap Step 1: Build a Strong Clinical Foundation BSN preferred Pass the EN-klex and secure state licensure Gain 1–3 years of hands-on bedside experience (up to 5 years for advanced practice roles) Step 2: Secure Multistate Licensure Nurse Licensure Compact allows practice across participating states Essential for telehealth and remote roles Step 3: Develop Virtual Assessment Skills Learn to rely on patient interviews, visual cues, and remote data Practice “remote-first” assessments even while working bedside Build fluency with major electronic medical records and secure video platforms Step 4: Specialize and Certify Telehealth, digital health, and remote patient monitoring certifications Strong communication, documentation, and tech skills Advanced empathy and patient trust-building through a screen High-Demand Telehealth Jobs and Salaries Telehealth Nurse / Triage Nurse: RN license, clinical experience, strong assessment skills Virtual Care Coordinator: Operational focus, care coordination, EHR expertise Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice role with the highest earning potential in remote care Remote Medical Coder or Biller: Non-clinical pathway supporting hospital at home programs Specialization consistently leads to higher pay and long-term job security Key Takeaway Hospital at Home is a permanent shift in healthcare delivery. Nurses who combine solid bedside experience with digital skills, multistate licensure, and targeted certifications will be positioned for some of the most flexible and well-compensated roles in nursing by 2026. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    16 min
  8. If You Want to Be an NP or CRNA, This Loan Deadline Changes Everything

    JAN 13

    If You Want to Be an NP or CRNA, This Loan Deadline Changes Everything

    What’s Changing on July 1, 2026 Federal Grad PLUS loans are eliminated for new borrowers NP, CRNA, DNP, and MSN programs are classified as “graduate” — not “professional” Annual federal loan cap drops to 20,500 with a lifetime cap of 100,000 Medical, dental, and law students remain eligible for higher limits Why NP and CRNA Students Are Hit Hardest Advanced practice nursing degrees are not recognized as entry-to-practice licenses CRNA programs require full-time clinical immersion with no ability to work Students face annual funding gaps of tens of thousands of dollars Many are forced into high-interest private loans without federal protections The Long-Term Consequences Increased reliance on private loans with higher interest and credit requirements Loss of Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for private debt New federal repayment plans extend forgiveness timelines to 30 years Risk of worsening NP and CRNA workforce shortages, especially in rural care The Most Important Strategy: The Legacy Borrower Rule Borrowing even one dollar of a Grad PLUS loan before July 1, 2026 qualifies you Legacy borrowers keep uncapped federal loan access through 2029 or graduation Starting a program in spring or summer 2026 can lock in old loan rules This single move can save tens of thousands in interest over time Five High-Impact Ways to Afford NP or CRNA School Hospital-based fellowships, stipends, and work-to-learn programs Federal service scholarships like Nurse Corps and VA programs Military health profession scholarships and reserve options Stacking targeted nursing and specialty scholarships Choosing lower-cost public university programs strategically What to Watch Going Forward Ongoing advocacy by nursing organizations to reclassify DNP and CRNA programs Potential policy changes before final implementation in early 2026 The importance of staying informed while balancing work, family, and school plans 👉 Visit SuperNurse.ai for AI-powered tools, education, and resources to help you plan your next move with confidence. Need to reach out? Send an email to BrookeWallaceRN@gmail.com

    16 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

The Super Nurse Podcast is for nursing students taking NCLEX, new graduate nurses, and working nurses who want to level up their game. This podcast helps you survive nursing school, thrive in clinicals, and step confidently into real-world practice as a Super Nurse— guided by 20-year ICU nurse Brooke Wallace, RN, BSN, CCRN, CPTC. 👉 Train smarter. Build confidence. Become a Super Nurse. Visit supernurse.ai for AI-powered tools, study support, and next-generation nursing resources. Powered by AI and real-world nursing experience, each episode delivers conversational, supportive insights based on the most common questions and challenges faced by student and new graduate nurses. Think of it as a focused study session — blending evidence-based strategies, clinical pearls, encouragement, and confidence-building guidance in a way that actually sticks. Whether you’re tackling pharmacology, preparing for clinicals, studying for the NCLEX, or learning how to manage your first 12-hour shift, The Super Nurse Podcast helps you grow stronger, sharper, and more resilient — from student nurse to confident clinician. Inspired by the real FAQs nurses ask, we answer the questions that matter most: How do I survive pharmacology? How do I speak to patients with confidence? What should I expect on my first 12-hour shift? Created by seasoned ICU nurse Brooke Wallace, each episode delivers practical study tips, NCLEX prep strategies, and real-world clinical wisdom, alongside honest conversations about the realities of nursing school and early practice. 👉 Train smarter. Build confidence. Become a Super Nurse. Visit supernurse.ai for AI-powered tools, study support, and next-generation nursing resources.