It's A Beautiful Day

Cheyeanne Smalley

Heya fellow nurses, nursing students, NICU champions and everyone else! My name is Cheyeanne, I'm a 24yo NICU nurse living in eastern North Carolina. I started this podcast to educate others about the NICU, being a nurse, and work-life balance. If you want to know everything there is to know about preemie kiddos, surviving nursing school, and/or what to do outside of work to avoid burnout, you're in the right place! Disclaimer: I do not use any real names, patient health information, or anything that would violate HIPAA. I also may use outside sources in some episodes to provide more information other than just my experience/personal knowledge. I cite my sources in my show notes :)

Episodes

  1. It’s a Beautiful Day to go Hiking

    Apr 14

    It’s a Beautiful Day to go Hiking

    It’s your day off! Let’s go explore the great outdoors. Today we’re discussing hiking as a hobby to maintain some good work-life balance. I’ll share stories of hikes I’ve done in Utah, Hawaii, Vegas, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Go put on your boots or your chacos and I’ll see you out there!

    21 min
  2. Nursing School Survival Guide: CNA life

    Apr 14

    Nursing School Survival Guide: CNA life

    School is in session, but first let’s get some experience! Today we’re talking about working as a CNA. We will discuss environments you can work in, your scope of practice, and some personal stories. All names of facilities are changed and patient privacy is maintained. Sources: Alzheimer's Association. (2025). What is dementia?Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia ‌Alzheimer's Association . (2022). Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies ‌Parkinson's Foundation. (2019). What Is Parkinson’s?Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons ‌Alzheimer's Association. (2025). What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

    34 min
  3. NICU Diaries: Omphalocele

    Apr 14

    NICU Diaries: Omphalocele

    We’re back at the bedside and today we’re talking about Omphalocele. This is an abnormality of the abdominal wall. We will discuss diagnosis, patho/physio, complications, causes, and treatment. We will also discuss empathy and bedside manner as healthcare providers. Sources: CDC. (2024). Omphalocele. Birth Defects. https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/about/omphalocele.html

    11 min
  4. Nursing School Survival Guide: Introduction

    Mar 26

    Nursing School Survival Guide: Introduction

    So you want to go to nursing school! I may be totally biased, but I think that's a great idea ;) This introductory episode explains the requirements, a very general cost breakdown, and what to expect. ATI is a beast, but we can conquer it together. Good luck, and I'll see you in class! Sources (in APA format, of course ;)) Werezak, L. (August 12, 2025). What are Nursing School Prerequisites? https://nurse.org/education/nursing-school-prerequisites/ ATI. (2025). What is the ATI TEAS Exam and other FAQs | ATI. Atitesting.com. https://help.atitesting.com/what-is-the-ati-teas-exam-and-other-faqs/ Jividen, S. (May 14, 2025). Top Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs. https://nurse.org/education/top-adn-programs/ American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2025). Accelerated Nursing Programs. https://www.aacnnursing.org/students/nursing-education-pathways/accelerated-programs Robinson, C. (July 9, 2025). How Much Does Nursing School Cost? https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/

    8 min
  5. NICU Diaries: What is the NICU?

    Mar 26

    NICU Diaries: What is the NICU?

    Are you a NICU parent, a nursing student interested in working in the NICU, or a new graduate nurse starting your career in the NICU? You've come to the right place. In this episode, I give you a very general overview of what the NICU is and what a typical day in the NICU looks like. Stay tuned for more specific info about the NICU in future episodes. Sources Stanford Medicine Children's Health. (2025). The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=the-neonatal-intensive-care-unit-nicu-90-P02389 Uhing, M. (August 8, 2016). What Does it Mean to Have a Level IV NICU? https://childrenswi.org/at-every-turn/stories/2016/08/what-is-a-level-iv-nicu Cleveland Clinic. (May 18, 2021). Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10026-necrotizing-enterocolitis

    15 min
  6. It's a Beautiful Day to Catch up

    Mar 26

    It's a Beautiful Day to Catch up

    Welcome back! It's been a couple years, and things are a little different! Let's talk about it :) This podcast will continue to have three different episode categories: NICU for moms and RNs, the Nursing School Survival Guide, and life outside of the hospital! You have one host: Cheyeanne! I am a 24yo NICU nurse living in eastern North Carolina. I enjoy traveling, hiking, and hanging out with my golden retriever Winston. I can't wait to continue this journey with you, and I hope you'll join me.

    11 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Heya fellow nurses, nursing students, NICU champions and everyone else! My name is Cheyeanne, I'm a 24yo NICU nurse living in eastern North Carolina. I started this podcast to educate others about the NICU, being a nurse, and work-life balance. If you want to know everything there is to know about preemie kiddos, surviving nursing school, and/or what to do outside of work to avoid burnout, you're in the right place! Disclaimer: I do not use any real names, patient health information, or anything that would violate HIPAA. I also may use outside sources in some episodes to provide more information other than just my experience/personal knowledge. I cite my sources in my show notes :)

Information

  • Creator
    Cheyeanne Smalley
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cheyeanne Smalley
  • Show Website
    It's A Beautiful Day