Podcasts by The FreshRN Podcast with Kati Kleber

Most Common New RN Questions - And Answers! from 2023-12-08T11:00

In this episode, Brittney Wilson role plays as a new grad RN and asks me the most common questions I get via email and social media from new nurses all over the country.

Get weekly tips, ...

Behind the Scenes of Oncology Nursing: Insights from Two Nursing Leaders at St. Jude's from 2023-05-09T10:00

In this episode of the FreshRN Podcast, Kati interviews Morgan Melancon MSN, RN, CCRN-K and Annabeth Davis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC. It's Part II of our two-part interview.

Morgan is the director...

Nurse Residency Programs - An Interview With Nursing Leaders From St. Jude's (Part 1) from 2023-05-02T09:00

In this episode, Kati Interviews Morgan Melancon MSN, RN, CCRN-K and Annabeth Davis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC.

Listen

Celebrating 10 Years - Featuring Guest Host Brittney Wilson, BSN RN from 2023-04-25T10:00

Join Brittney Wilson, BSN RN, founder of The Nerdy Nurse, as she interviews Kati about where FreshRN started, why she created it and is so passionate ab...

What’s the Big Deal With Delirium? An Interview with Sarah from the Rapid Response RN Podcast from 2023-04-21T10:00

In this episode, I interview Sarah Lorenzini from the Rapid Response RN Podcast about delirium. We discuss a powerful experience Sarah had with delirium in the ICU, common mistakes new nurses ma...

From Chaos to Clarity: Tackling Delirium in the Hospital Setting as a Nurse from 2023-04-12T10:00

If you're a nurse working in a hospital who cares for intubated and sedated patients (ICU nurses!) or on units in which your patients were intubated and sedated (med-surg RNs, I'm talking to you...

[Partial Dose] "What Are Your Weaknesses?" Howto Answer This Common Nursing Interview Question from 2023-03-28T15:53

In this mini episode, I discuss how to answer the common "what are your weaknesses?" interview question with confidence and without compromising credibility - all while coming off authentic and ...

Nurses Arrested After Missing Dressing Changes from 2023-03-13T11:00

On Dec 5, 2022, two LPNs in South Carolina were arrested after dressing changes were not performed on two vulnerable adults from Sept. 9-11, 2022 resulting in worsening of their health. In this ...

[Partial Dose] What to Say When a Patient Wants to Harm Themselves from 2023-03-09T21:28

[MINI-EPISODE] When a patient gets admitted to the hospital, we ask routine questions to assess risk for self-harm. But... what should you say when they say yes? I asked my husband (professional...

The Ideal NCLEX Prep Study Timeline from 2023-01-12T11:00

In this episode, Kati covers how to plan your time to successfully pass the NCLEX. She starts by outlining what to do during your last semester, laying the post-graduation groundwork, and how to...

4 Nurses on TikTok Fired: My Thoughts from 2022-12-21T13:31

Four labor and delivery nurses were recently terminated over one TikTok video. In this episode, Kati outlines what happened, the response, and her thoughts. To sign-up for the FreshRN email list...

NCLEX Next Generation and NCLEX FAQ's from 2022-12-08T11:10

Get ready, people! The NCLEX is being updated in 2023! In this episode, Kati outlines the specific changes to scoring and new question formats, as well as answers common questions students tend ...

ER Nursing vs. Floor Nursing from 2022-11-10T10:00

What are the major differences between the ER and the floor? In this episode, Kati covers how these two units differ in responsibilities, flow of the shift, patient population, and how to know w...

4 Reasons Why Nurses Are Mean to Nursing Students from 2022-10-13T10:00

Has your clinical instructor or the primary nurse of your patient in clinical been cold or even rude to you? In this episode, Kati explores a few reasons behind it plus tips on how to deal with ...

Maureen Osuna, MSN RN CCRN from 2022-09-22T10:00:26

In this episode, Maureen and I chat about her nursing story, and journey through nursing school. Maureen has experience in the ICU, PACU, and as a nurse educator. She is also the owner of Listen

How to Study For Nursing School from 2022-09-08T10:00:37

In this episode, Kati discusses her tips to optimize your study time specifically for nursing school courses.

We cover:

• How to organize your study life
• Tips to optim...
  Listen

Mini Bonus: The Power of a Quick Win from 2022-09-07T18:47:41

In this episode, Kati quickly covers why frontloading quick wins into your orientation process are powerful motivators and can change the game for your development long-term.

Our comprehe...

How to Pass Nursing School Exams from 2022-08-11T10:00:33

Another semsester is upon us! In this episode, Kati talks through 6 tips to passing nursing school exams. 

Show notes are located here: Listen

July Update from 2022-07-18T19:45:18

Kati updates listeners on the new schedule for the FreshRN Podcast for the forseeable future.

To connect with Kati on YouTube, click here: Listen

Military Nursing, an Interview with a 20-Year Veteran, Julie Florentin from 2022-07-07T22:09:01

Get ready to learn about what it’s like to be a military nurse! In this episode, Julie shares with us what it’s like to work in the military as a nurse compared t...

An Interview with Tamar Rodney, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Researcher from 2022-06-30T10:00:03

Today, Kati interviews Tamar Rodney, an Assistant Professor at the John Hopkins School of Nursing, Psychiatric NP, researcher, and Jonas Philanthropies Scholar. T...

What’s a Death Doula? An Interview with Melanie Sheckels from 2022-06-23T10:00:34

Have you ever heard of a death doula? In this episode, Kati interviews Melanie Sheckels, who supports patients as they transition at the end of their lives. We di...

Common Questions about Malpractice Insurance for Nurses from 2022-04-21T14:00:07

In this episode, Kati answers the following questions about malpractice insurance: Does it make me a target for a lawsuit? Won't my hospital's insurance cover me? Does it cover criminal charges? Wh...

Traits to Develop as a New Grad Nurse - An Interview with Nurse Mo, MSN RN from 2022-04-14T12:00:54

Being proactive, situational awareness, applying what you've learned in the past to future situations are crucial skills to develop early on as a newly licensed nurse. Together with Nurse Mo, a fel...

RaDonda Vaught Case - Part 2 - Interview with Lorie Brown, Nurse&Lawyer from 2022-04-06T16:08:18

This week, Kati interviews Lorie Brown, who is both a nurse and lawyer. She works to help nurses protect their licenses, and offers her legal perspective of this case. Music: Keep My Cool by Benj H...

RaDonda Vaught Case Deep Dive - Part 1 - Context from 2022-04-01T17:10:52

In this episode, Kati does a deep dive into case of RaDonda Vaught, who was recently convicted of criminal charges after a medical error. She discusses the event itself, the charges, legal consider...

Surviving Your First Code Blue or RRT - An Interview with Will Kelly, MSN FNP-C from 2022-03-31T12:00:38

Code blues and RRT calls are very intimidating. In this episode, Kati interviews Will Kelly, MSN FNP-C who works as an inpatient hospitalist and regularly responds to codes and RRT calls. Will's we...

How to Study for the CCRN [Critical Care Certification Exam] from 2022-03-24T12:00:38

This week, I interviewed Nick McGowan, MSN RN CCRN. He is an expert critical care nurse with over 12 years of experience, and he’s here to discuss what he knows about the CCRN examination and certi...

When You Want More, But Your Brain Stops You from 2021-10-21T15:41:54

It's a lot easier to sit back into routine and normalcy, and not try new things. Our brains interpret predictability as safety. But, whenever we get bored and want to change things up, we tend to e...

Exploring Publication Bias from 2021-09-21T05:00

Publication bias results from the selective publication of studies. In this episode, we discuss exploring publication bias and what it means.

Communication Tips - Your Loved Ones from 2021-09-14T05:00

Communicating with loved ones can be hard. These communication tips - your loved ones can help make these conversations more effective.

Communication Tips - Difficult Conversations from 2021-09-07T05:00

No one likes difficult conversations. These communication tips - difficult conversations can help make these conversations a little better.

Communication Tips - Patients and Their Support Systems from 2021-08-31T17:54:22

Struggling with communication with your patients? These communication tips - Patients and their support systems can help.

BONUS: Deconstructing the NYT Article and My Thoughts on the Nursing "Shortage" from 2021-08-25T17:54:13

The NYT recently published an article about the nursing shortage we're dealing with. I deconstruct the article and discuss my thoughts on what's going on with the massive lack of staffing we're see...

Communication Tips - Other Members of the Healthcare Team from 2021-08-24T05:00

Struggling with communication with your team? These Communication Tips - Other Members of the Healthcare Team can help.

Communication Tips - Your Nursing Team from 2021-08-17T05:00

Struggling with communication among your team? Join Kati as she talks through communication tips that can help.

Nursing School Educator on Traits to Develop in New Grads from 2021-08-10T13:02:40

Join Kati as she talks with Nurse Mo from Straight A Nursing about nursing school educators and Traits to Develop in New Grads.

Mistakes We Made Being Precepted from 2021-08-03T05:00

Join Kati Kleber and Brittney Wilson as they discuss mistakes they made being precepted.

Patient Pathways - Whipple from 2021-07-20T05:00

Join us as we discuss patient pathways for Whipple patients. Including what to expect, managing meds, discharge, and more.

Patient Pathways - OMFS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 2021-07-13T05:00

Join us as we discuss patient pathways for OMFS patients. Including what to expect, managing meds, discharge, and more.

Patient Pathways - Trauma Patient from 2021-07-06T05:00

Join us as we discuss patient pathways for trauma patients. Including managing pain meds, working with PT and doctors.

How I Got Started in Nursing from 2021-06-29T05:00

Join Kati Kleber, MSN RN CCRN-K as she talks about how she got started in nursing and why she jumped from ICU to Med-Surg.

Is Nursing Sustainable? from 2021-06-22T05:00

I get asked all the time, “Is Nursing Sustainable?”. Well, I go over this and answer that question in the newest episode of the Fresh RN podcast.

I Finally Know What I’m Doing - Now What? from 2020-07-21T05:00

You are now clocking in with confidence, and you’re ready for the next challenge. But you enjoy your role, your team, and don’t want to change units or go back to school. In this episode, Kati, Amb...

How to Prepare for Your First Shift from 2020-07-14T05:00

The first day of your new job is surely a mix of excitement and anxiety. It’s not uncommon to want to prepare for your first shift. This week Kati, Amber, and Chelsea discuss what you can and canno...

When You Don’t Land Your Dream Job from 2020-07-07T05:00

So you didn’t land your dream job right out of nursing school. That’s OK! Many new nurses don’t. This week Kati, Amber, and Chelsea talk about how to handle not getting that ideal job and how to be...

What Does a High-Performing New Grad Look Like? from 2020-06-30T05:00

Your idea of a “high performing” new grad might not be the same as what your leadership team actually expects of a brand new nurse. In this episode, we hear from Amber and Chelsea, who lead a nurse...

The Unspoken Nursing Hierarchy and Why It’s Garbage from 2020-06-23T05:00

By the time we leave nursing school, most of us have a hierarchy of nursing roles ingrained in our minds-- that you should want to work your way “up” to the ICU and also go back to school to become...

Nursing Interview Questions: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from 2020-06-16T05:00

In this episode Kati, Amber, and Chelsea sit down to discuss nursing interviews. We cover some very common interview questions, discuss good and bad answers, and learn what your interviewer is real...

Proactively Preventing Nurse Burnout from 2020-06-09T05:00

What is nurse burnout? Why does it happen? How do we prevent it? In this episode, we talk all about nurse burnout, self-compassion, and things you can do to live your healthiest nurse life.

Unwritten Rules of Nursing from 2020-06-02T05:00

In this episode, we are discussing the rules of nursing that are not found in your textbooks. What’s cool, what’s not cool, and how to be an awesome teammate right out of nursing school. 

Tips for New Charge Nurses from 2020-05-26T05:00

The charge nurse is the boots-on-the-ground leader and a role model for a unit. It can be a stressful job, but it can also be fun and empowering as you gain knowledge and experience. In this episod...

Tips for New Nurse Preceptors from 2020-05-18T05:00

We don’t stay new nurses forever. And some of our earliest Fresh RNs are now precepting newbies of their own! In this episode, we discuss when to start precepting, your role as a new nurse precepto...

Back to Nursing Basics from 2020-05-12T05:00

At the very beginning of nursing school, we learn basic care of our patients: turning, intake and output, oral care, and so forth. Once we reach the bedside, we tend to become focused on the more c...

When Nurses Should Call the Rapid Response Team from 2020-05-05T05:00

Most hospitals have some form of Rapid Response Team that can be called when patients are becoming unstable to bring people and resources to the bedside quickly. In this episode, we discuss when to...

Nurses and the Coronavirus: Current PPE Recommendations Dissected from 2020-03-20T15:53:16

Kati spent hours combing through the CDC and WHO recommendations and research articles discussing appropriate PPE for healthcare providers taking care of Coronavirus patients (COVID-19) and transla...

Nurses and the Coronavirus: Coping With Fear from 2020-03-20T15:30:24

Kati sits down with an experienced mental health professional to outline how nurses can manage fear while still being effective at work and mentally present at home in the midst of the Coronavirus ...

Nurses and the Coronavirus: Background, Boundaries, and Fear from 2020-03-20T15:19:23

This episodes provides some coronavirus (COVID-19) background, and dives into why this is such a big deal for the nursing community, Kati's experience as a nurse on the Ebola Team back in 2015, and...

How to Trust Your Nursing Judgment from 2018-03-01T14:00

Ok, you're off orientation, there's no preceptor checking behind you and you're on your own taking care of patients. How do you learn to trust yourself and your nursing judgment? In this episode, w...

Talking to Unconscious Patients from 2018-02-22T05:00

Taking care of someone who is unable to interact or make their own medical decisions can be complex. In this episode, we discuss some tips on talking to an unconscious patient and their loved ones,...

All Things Urinary Catheters from 2018-02-15T05:00

In this episode we talk all things urinary catheters... CAUTIs, tips, tricks, internal and external devices, and nursing considerations.   Music: "Keep My Cool" by Benj Heard

What Nursing Teamwork Practically Looks Like at the Bedside from 2018-02-08T05:00

Teamwork is one of those nursing buzzwords, but what does it practically look like during elbow-to-elbow nursing care? In this episode, we chat tips, what good teamwork feels and looks like, and ho...

Tips for Floating to Another Unit from 2018-02-01T13:00

Join us as we discuss some tips for floating to another nursing unit. We cover how to start out your shift with success in a different environment, questions to ask, how to manage your nerves, and ...

Nursing Considerations for Organ Procurement from 2018-01-25T12:00

When the patient is now donating their organs, there are a lot of things that are now the responsibility of the nurse. In this episode, we discuss what it practically looks like to prepare a patien...

Nursing Considerations with Brain Death and Organ Procurement from 2018-01-18T06:00

We discuss the difference between coma and brain death, how brain death is determined, working with an organ procurement team, and general insights related to this sensitive topic.  

How to Deal With Family Members (who are not mad at you) from 2018-01-11T15:00:30

So, how do you deal with the family members... like, normally? How do you meet their expectations and work together as a team? We discuss routine communication points with typical family members wh...

Intensive Care Devices: Part 2 from 2017-11-09T14:00

Arterial lines, ventilators, central lines galore! Together with Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Sean Dent, Melissa and Kati discuss some tips and tricks for dealing with typical ICU devices.

Intensive Care Devices: Part 1 from 2017-11-02T13:00

Arterial lines, ventilators, central lines galore! Together with Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Sean Dent, Melissa and Kati discuss some tips and tricks for dealing with typical ICU devices

How to Navigate Nursing Conferences from 2017-10-26T15:20:21

Nursing conferences are fun, but can be pretty overwhelming. Melissa and Kati discuss some practical tips to get the most out the experience and investment.

What Nurses Need to Know About Palliative Care - An Interview with Kathleen Puntillo from 2017-10-19T14:00

In this episode, we interview Kathleen Puntillo, PhD RN FAAN who has written about and researched palliative care extensively, about what the nurse needs to know about palliative care and considera...

Understanding Nursing Leadership - an Interview with Megan Brunson from 2017-10-12T16:45:50

Ever wonder about how the bedside nurses work with nursing leadership? We interview a current practicing nursing supervisor, chain of command, and discuss how the bedside nurse can leverage leaders...

All Things Respiratory from 2017-10-05T13:00

Grab your nasal cannula and crank it up to 4L/min because in this episode, we interview Sean Dent who is an NP in acute care and discuss all things respiratory!

What Nurses Need to Know About Sepsis from 2017-09-28T13:00

Welcome to Season 3 of the FreshRN Podcast. In this episode, Kati and Melissa interview Michael Ackerman DNS RN APRN-BC and Tom Ahrens, PhD RN FAAN on sepsis, priorities for the new nurse, and curr...

Nursing Certifications - The What, Why, How, and When from 2017-09-21T03:58:09

Welcome to Season 3 of the FreshRN Podcast. In this episode, we interview Karen Kesten DNP APRN CCRN-K CCNS CNE, with the AACN about nursing certifications and why they are important to our profess...

Cardiac Nursing Tips from 2017-09-14T05:06:54

In this episode, we interview about her top tips for cardiac tips for new nurses. Music: “Keep My Cool” by Benj Heard.

The Patients We Will Never Forget from 2017-06-08T15:00

In this episode, we discuss the patients we will never forget.  Identifying patient details were changed to protect patient privacy, however the meaning and lessons of the stories remain. Music: “K...

Tips for Working Night Shift from 2017-06-01T15:00

This episode discusses very practical tips for learning how to live the night shift life from the perspective of current and former night shift nurses.  We discuss eating and sleeping tips, to how ...

Code STEMI, Code Stroke, Code Sepsis from 2017-05-25T15:00

In this episode, Elizabeth (former code-team nurse) takes the lead in discussing what’s important for new nurses to know about STEMI, stroke, and sepsis. 

Dealing with a Negative Unit Culture, Bullies, and Confrontation from 2017-05-18T15:00

This episode discusses how to deal with a negative unit culture, the importance of emotional intelligence, self-inventory, how to respond to bullies, and confrontation. We talk empathy, sympathy, a...

Tips for New Grad Nurses on Resumes, Applications, and Interviews from 2017-05-11T15:00

This episode covers the essential aspects of landing a job as a new nurse; resumes, applications, and interviews.  All three of the hosts have experience interviewing new graduates and we give you ...

Nurses Make Mistakes from 2017-05-04T15:00

Contrary to popular belief, nurses as not perfect. We make mistakes. In this episode, we discuss the mistakes we’ll never forget, as well as a few others. We also discuss some tips on how to deal w...

Nursing Pain Management Tips from 2017-04-27T14:30

This episode covers the important difference between pain management and pain elimination, patient education, appropriate assessment, a proactive approach to pain management versus reactive, and so...

Tips for New Grads in the ICU from 2017-04-20T14:30

This episode we discuss characteristics of the intensive care nurse, normal expectations, critical thinking, advocacy, communication, and more. We dive into 8 tips for success for newbies in the IC...

Neuro Nurse Tips for Newbies, Part 3: Meds, Monitoring, Diagnostics, and Surgeries from 2017-04-13T14:30

This episode discusses some important meds (mannitol, hypertonic saline), different kinds of monitoring (ICP), diagnostics (CTA, MRI), and surgeries (craniotomies) that are pertinent to the neurocr...

Neuro Nurse Tips for Newbies, Part 2: Disease Processes from 2017-04-06T14:30

This episode discusses subdural and epidural hematomas, seizures, brain tumors, and diffuse axonal injury from the nursing perspective. This episode is hosted by three neuro ICU nurses. Music: "Kee...

Neuro Nurse Tips for Newbies, Part 1: When to Worry, Disease Processes from 2017-03-16T15:00

This episode discusses the main questions newbies to neuro have: if neuro changes are subtle, when do I worry? We also discuss common neuro disease processes including ischemic and hemorrhagic stro...

Nursing Report for Newbies from 2017-03-16T14:30

This episode discusses the basic nursing considerations for report, including etiquette, LDA’s, meds, alarm management, what to expect when giving and receiving report from various levels of care, ...

Nursing Time Management from 2017-03-02T13:00

This episode discusses why time management is essential for every nurse to consider as well as practical tips for the floor and critical care environment. Music: "Keep My Cool" by Benj Heard.  

Dealing with Patient Deaths from 2017-02-23T15:30

This episode discusses how to practically deal with patient death as it is happening right in front of your eyes, how to support the patient’s loved ones, practical considerations, as well as our o...

Diagnostics 101 for New Nurses from 2017-02-16T15:00

This episode discusses a basic differentiation and considerations for CT’s, MRI’s, and x-rays, as well as collecting and interpreting lab results.  Music: "Keep My Cool" by Benj Heard.

Dealing With Difficult Patients and Families from 2017-02-09T15:00

This episode discusses practical tips and tricks and personal experience dealing with frustrating, demeaning, demanding or rude patients and/or families. Music: "Keep My Cool" by Benj Heard.

If It Wasn’t Documented It Wasn’t Done from 2017-02-02T15:00

This episode discusses practical tips and tricks for efficient, yet thorough documentation, as well as important things to consider that many do not realize. Music: "Keep My Cool" by Benj Heard.

Delegation for New Nurses from 2017-01-26T15:30

This episode discusses the frequently challenging topic of delegation, specifically to nursing aides as well as colleagues.  We’ll discuss tips and tricks, as well as the importance of building rap...

Working With Physicians: Tips for Nurses from 2017-01-19T15:30

This episode discusses some basics that are essential to understand when working with a medical team, including how they functions and their expectations from the nurse, rounding, common new grad m...

Work Life Balance for New Nurses from 2017-01-09T05:50:54

This episode discusses how to structure your life outside of work so that you’re able to fully enjoy both your work life and your home life. Music: "Keep My Cool" by Benj Heard.

What To Do During a Code (For New Nurses) from 2017-01-09T05:26:13

This episode discusses the warning signs of an impending code and when to get concerned. We also discuss rapid response situations and what to do in a code blue situation when you don’t know what t...

Central Venous Catheters 101: Basics for New Nurses from 2017-01-09T05:08:50

This episode discusses the basic information the bedside nurse should know related to central lines or central venous catheters. This includes things you should never do, things you should always d...

What to Expect During Your New Graduate Nursing Orientation from 2017-01-09T04:26:32

  This episode discusses structure of a typical nursing orientation, what to expect, tips for working with a preceptor, what to do when you and your preceptor don’t get along, and how to acclimate ...