The transition to practice is one of the most vulnerable, defining moments in a nurse’s career. New graduates enter the workforce eager, anxious, hopeful, and unsure — and the way we welcome them shapes not only their confidence, but the future of our profession.

For too long, nursing has tolerated the “eat your young” mentality, the sink‑or‑swim orientation, and the belief that toughness is built through trial by fire. But that culture doesn’t build strong nurses — it builds exhausted ones. It creates turnover, burnout, and fear. And it undermines the very values we claim to uphold.

The future of nursing starts with us because culture is created by people, not policies. Every interaction with a new nurse is an opportunity to model professionalism, compassion, and collaboration. When we choose mentorship over criticism, guidance over gatekeeping, and community over competition, we strengthen the entire workforce.

Supporting new graduate nurses isn’t just kindness — it’s strategy. It’s retention. It’s safety. It’s leadership. And it’s how we ensure that the next generation of nurses enters practice prepared, confident, and proud to be part of this profession.

We are colleagues. We are humans. And nursing is hard enough without making it harder for each other. The future of nursing depends on how we show up today — for our patients, for our teams, and for the nurses who are just beginning their journey.

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 This episode features an insightful conversation with Kate, who brings her expertise in trauma‑informed care to the world of education. Together, we unpack what it means to teach with compassion, how trauma shapes student experiences, and why educators play a critical role in fostering emotional safety. Kate offers actionable strategies that help educators respond rather than react, build trust, and support students through a trauma‑sensitive lens. 

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 In this episode, Jamie sits down with Kate for a deep dive into trauma-informed care what it is, why it matters, and how practitioners can integrate its principles into everyday practice. Together, they explore the foundations of safety, trust, empowerment, and cultural humility, offering real-world examples that illuminate how trauma-informed approaches can transform the way we support individuals and communities. 

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When you hear the word leader, who comes to mind? A CEO? A manager? Someone with a title? 

In this episode, we challenge the common belief that leadership is reserved for a select few. Drawing from real experiences teaching American Heart Association BLS classes, we'll explore why so many people hesitate to see themselves as leaders, even when they demonstrate leadership every day. 

From directing a resuscitation effort and coordinating a team during a cardiac emergency to advocating for patients, mentoring colleagues, and creating positive workplace culture, leadership is often found in ordinary moments, not extraordinary titles. 

Join me as we redefine leadership as influence, action, and responsibility, and discuss how every healthcare professional, team member, and individual has the power to make an impact. 

Because the question isn't whether you're a leader. 

The question is: What kind of leader are you choosing to be today? 

#Leadership #HealthcareLeadership #PatientCare #ProfessionalDevelopment #Teamwork #Influence #HealthcarePodcast

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In this opening episode, Jamie Bunn invites listeners into the mission and vision of The Bunn Institute and the heart behind Behind the Stethoscope. This introduction sets the stage for a podcast dedicated to leadership, meaningful mentorship, clinician coaching, trauma informed care and compassionate, equity‑centered care.

Jamie shares why this space was created, what it means to lead and heal in today’s complex healthcare landscape, and how the podcast will support professionals who want to grow, transform, and make a deeper impact. Listeners will learn what to expect in future episodes—from real stories and honest conversations to practical strategies that strengthen confidence, connection, and resilience.

This welcome episode is an invitation to step behind the stethoscope and explore the humanity, courage, and purpose that drive healthcare forward.

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