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. 6d ago

    64// Leadership, Dialogue, and Positioning Lessons:3 Lessons From My First Year as Nurses Association President

    I'm back. My last episode dropped in November 2025, right as I was stepping fresh into my presidency — and then life got busy in ways I couldn't have predicted. You don't really know the time and capacity you have until you're juggling all of it at once and have to recalibrate. So in this comeback episode, I catch you up on where I've been, what I've been building behind the scenes (a one-on-one coaching offer that goes deep into leadership positioning), and why so many of my conversations with graduate-prepared nurses keep circling the same ache: you're doing the work, showing up every day, and it's still not translating into a promotion. Then I get into the heart of it — three leadership lessons I've been sitting with since taking this seat. These aren't polished takeaways I've mastered; some I'm still evolving in. But each one shifted how I lead, how I have hard conversations, and how I think about positioning. If you're leading now — or you want to understand what leadership actually looks like when there's no manager title attached — these are for you. Because leadership is leadership wherever you go. Chapter Markers 00:00 — Why I paused: stepping into the presidency and recalibrating my time02:00 — What I've been building: a coaching shift toward leadership positioning05:00 — Lesson 1: Everyone has an underlying value driving their decision13:00 — Lesson 2: Inclusivity has limits, and that's okay16:30 — Lesson 3: The president facilitates, the board decides21:00 — My pet peeve — and a word for the nurse who's feeling stuck24:00 — What's next, and why I'm already thinking ahead 3 Takeaways Dialogue beats agreement. When you stop trying to win someone over and start getting curious about the value underneath their decision, you leave with more respect — and more room to work together on the next thing. Being easily offended just gets you distracted from the work that actually needs you.Inclusion isn't always the answer, and that's not a contradiction. "A nurse is a nurse is a nurse" falls apart the moment you need the right skill set matched to the right patient. Knowing when to include and when to set a boundary is its own leadership skill.Influential leadership means weighing in last. As president, I facilitate the conversation and let the board decide — I don't steer it with my opinion. That takes the pressure off making every call myself, and puts the pressure on making sure they have what they need to decide well.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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  2. 11/04/2025

    63// Voting as a Nurse: A Call to Action

    I recorded this one live on Election Day, and I couldn't wait to get it out. It's my unscripted call to every nurse who's ever claimed the title "patient advocate" — and then stayed silent at the ballot box. It started in the simulation lab: a pediatric scenario with a baby admitted for hypoglycemia and a mother diluting formula to make it stretch. A scenario I'd written months earlier and run many times before. But during the debrief, one of my nurses connected it out loud to what's happening right now with WIC and SNAP — and the line between Washington policy and the hospital bedside snapped into focus. That connection is the whole episode: what happens in the voting booth shows up on your unit. I make the case that we as nurses hold insight on healthcare no one else has, which makes your vote uniquely powerful — and explains exactly why politicians fight so hard to control it. From redistricting battles to a fragmented CDC and measles resurgence, I walk you down the direct line from policy decisions to the patients walking through your doors. And I land on a challenge: your first assignment as an advocate isn't at the bedside. It's at the ballot box. 3 Takeaways Policy isn't abstract — it's clinical. The babies coming in hypoglycemic because formula got diluted are a downstream effect of decisions made in Washington and your state capital. You see the ripple first.Your vote scares the powerful — that's the proof it matters. Redistricting fights and gerrymandering only make sense if the people in power know your ballot has weight. Act accordingly.Voting is your first assignment as an advocate, not your last. Bedside advocacy without ballot-box advocacy is incomplete. Real advocacy extends to the voting booth, the town hall, and every space where health decisions get made. Mentioned / Referenced WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program)SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)Your state's Nurse Practice ActLocal polling location lookup (search your state board of elections)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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  3. 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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  4. 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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  5. 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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  6. 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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  7. 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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

  8. 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 Tired of being overlooked for promotions? Book a Nurse Leadership Positioning Intensive—a 60-minute 1:1 session to pinpoint what's blocking your advancement and map out your plan to get there.

See All (64)

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.

Information

You Might Also Like