FreshRN®

Are online nursing degrees respected? Do employers take them seriously? What about clinicals and accreditation? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Karen Cox, President of Chamberlain University—the largest nursing school in the U.S.—to tackle the most common misconceptions about online nursing education.

We cover things like:

The evolution of online RN, BSN, and grad programs

How online clinicals actually work

What accreditation means and why it’s non-negotiable

How employers view online degrees

Confidence-building advice for nurses at every career stage

We even discuss her career path from LPN to PhD! (Yes, just took every step in between: LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and finally PhD!) So, if you're interested in an online program or if you're curious about the path of a PhD-prepared RN, this episode is for you. 

New FreshRN freebie alert! I created a workbook to help you compare nursing schools (at any level) + track costs + map out your best path. Get it at no cost at https://www.freshrn.com/planner/ 

Don't overpay for student loans, people. After you max out your school's financial aid package and select your federal loans, most people have to take out private loans to bridge the gap. Make sure you're getting the best interest rate possible because even just 1-2% more can cost thousands over the lifetime of the loan. My new partner, Juno, uses group bargaining power to get lower interest rates, as much as 4% below market rates. It's free to join and check their rates to compare to yours before you sign on the dotted line. Use my link to sign up for free with no commitment here: https://www.freshrn.com/juno

Get on my email list already! https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/ 

Considering getting your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) but feeling totally overwhelmed by the options? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down what an MSN actually is (and what it isn’t), the difference between clinical and non-clinical paths, and how to choose a program that aligns with your goals, not just what seems affordable or popular.

  You’ll learn:

What an MSN really means (and why it’s not a job title)

The difference between clinical MSN paths (like NP and CNS) vs. non-clinical paths (like education or leadership)

What an APRN is, and how licensure + certification work

Common program formats, including direct-entry, competency-based, and post-master’s certificates

How to reverse-engineer your education based on the career you actually want

Why clarity now can save you time, money, and frustration later

Free Resource: Download my Nursing School Planner to compare programs, track costs, and reflect on your long-term goals → FreshRN.com/planner

  Read the full blog post: https://www.freshrn.com/msn-programs/

  Want more support and clarity? Sign up for my email list → https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/  

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Morin, MSN, RN-BC, CNIO, to talk about a topic that’s generating a lot of buzz (and questions): AI in nursing.

  We dive into how artificial intelligence is already being used in clinical settings—like fall prevention, EMR automation, staffing optimization, and more. Ali shares her journey from pediatric critical care nurse to informatics leader and offers a clear, thoughtful breakdown of what AI can really do for nurses at the bedside.

  We also explore:

How AI is helping reduce burnout and documentation overload

Why trust is a major barrier for nurses with new tech

What nurse leaders need to know about integrating AI tools

A hopeful vision of what a med-surg shift could look like 20 years from now

Insight on her professional nursing journey to informatics 

Whether you’re a student, new grad, or experienced nurse feeling overwhelmed by clunky workflows—this episode will give you clarity, hope, and a realistic take on where nursing and technology are headed.

  “AI can never replace the human touch—but it can absolutely take work off your plate.”

  Want more insights like this? Head over to https://www.freshrn.com and sign up for our email list! You’ll get helpful, non-spammy updates packed with practical tips, resources, and encouragement—especially for new nurses navigating real-world practice.

  For our nursing school planner, head to https://www.freshrn.com/planner 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be in a BSN program today? In this episode, I interview Padraic Day, a current BSN nursing student who shares his firsthand experience balancing the classroom, clinicals, and his role as a nurse extern in the MICU. 

What You’ll Learn:

What nursing school and clinicals are really like from a student’s perspective.

How working as a CNA prepares you for bedside nursing.

What it’s like to work as a nurse extern in a Medical ICU (MICU) while still in school.

Whether you’re a nursing student, aspiring nurse, or just curious about the path to becoming a nurse, this episode is packed with relatable insights and tips. And for those of us who have been around for a while, it's interesting to hear what nursing school is like in 2024!

If you want access to ALL of our FreshRN resources, check out the FreshRN All-Access Pass ➡️ https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/ 

Free Nursing Resources 👇

Cardiac content: https://www.freshrn.com/cardiac-nursing/

Neuro content: https://www.freshrn.com/neuro-nursing/

Jobs and interviews: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-jobs-interviews/

Nursing school: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-student/

Ortho content: https://www.freshrn.com/ortho-nursing/

New grad support: https://www.freshrn.com/new-grad-nursing/

Professional development: https://www.freshrn.com/professional-development/

Critical care: https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/

Med-surg: https://www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nursing/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/ 

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

X: https://x.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn 

In this enlightening interview, I sit down with Jennifer Flynn, a seasoned expert in risk management and professional liability. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare insurance, Jennifer brings her wealth of knowledge to help nurses navigate the complex world of liability, patient safety, and quality management.

What We Discuss:

✅ Common scenarios where nurses might need to use their liability insurance—step-by-step insights.

✅ The Rhadonda Vaught case: How typical (or atypical) are criminal charges against nurses for medical errors? Should nurses be concerned?

✅ Practical, actionable strategies to minimize liability risks while enhancing patient safety.

✅ Breaking down the differences between employer-provided malpractice coverage and individual liability insurance.

Jennifer also shares tips to empower nurses to protect themselves professionally while delivering excellent patient care.

About Jennifer Flynn:

Jennifer is the Vice President of Risk Management for Nurses Service Organization in the Healthcare Division of Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, published author, and frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability topics. Jennifer is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals about liability risks and strategies to support patient safety.

Hub of helpful articles related to nursing risk management: https://www.nso.com/risk-management/individuals 

Free Nursing Resources 👇

Cardiac content: https://www.freshrn.com/cardiac-nursing/

Neuro content: https://www.freshrn.com/neuro-nursing/

Jobs and interviews: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-jobs-interviews/

Nursing school: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-student/

Ortho content: https://www.freshrn.com/ortho-nursing/

New grad support: https://www.freshrn.com/new-grad-nursing/

Professional development: https://www.freshrn.com/professional-development/

Critical care: https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/

Med-surg: https://www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nursing/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/ 

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

X: https://x.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn 

[PARTIAL DOSE] Ever had a patient or their loved one really frustrated that they haven't received diagnostic results immediately after they were completed? Not sure how to handle that with tact and care? In today's bonus episode, I discuss how to handle this very specific yet common situation for bedside nurses so you can feel like a pro.

Don't forget - the Black Friday sale is going on NOW! Save 40% on our All-Access Pass (lowest price of the year) now through Cyber Monday. 

Click here to learn more: https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/ 

In this mini-bonus episode, I’m sharing my favorite go-to potluck items for RN gatherings! These are all easy, require minimal to no cooking/baking but are so delicious.

 Plus, don’t forget—our FreshRN Black Friday Sale kicks off TOMORROW!  Get access to our all-inclusive membership for the lowest price of the year. 

• $57/month (normally $97)

• $587/year (normally $997)

Link to learn more about the pass: https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/ 

Make sure to snag these deals while they last. Join the FreshRN community to build confidence, master critical skills, and love your nursing career again. 

In this episode, we dive into the art of giving and receiving nursing reports during your shift—especially when the pressure is on. Whether you’re dealing with nit-picky nurses, feeling intimidated by experienced colleagues, or handling less-than-friendly handoffs, this episode is for you.

We’ll share realistic examples of challenging moments, offer strategies for managing your emotions and reactions, and teach you how to respond with confidence and professionalism. Plus, I introduce my new Nursing Report Masterclass, part of the New Grad RN Toolkit, designed to help you feel prepared and empowered in your nursing career.

👉 Ready to level up your report skills? Check out the Nursing Report Masterclass at https://www.courses.freshrn.com/p/toolkit

Get notified about my Black Friday sale + a special discount ➡️ https://www.freshrn.com/black-friday-ready/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FKr5QETZFbU 

Here’s what we cover:

 [0:27] Overview of the Report Masterclass

 [3:03] Examples of tricky interactions with off-going/oncoming nurses

 [5:38] Strategies to handle these moments gracefully

 [8:16] How to offer gentle pushback

 [16:33] Managing consistent negativity

{22:50] A sneak peek into my New Grad RN Toolkit

  If you’re a new nurse, this episode will give you the tools to navigate one of the most challenging parts of your shift with poise. Tune in and take the first step toward mastering your nursing reports!

Free Nursing Resources 👇

Cardiac content: https://www.freshrn.com/cardiac-nursing/

Neuro content: https://www.freshrn.com/neuro-nursing/

Jobs and interviews: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-jobs-interviews/

Nursing school: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-student/

Ortho content: https://www.freshrn.com/ortho-nursing/

New grad support: https://www.freshrn.com/new-grad-nursing/

Professional development: https://www.freshrn.com/professional-development/

Critical care: https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/

Med-surg: https://www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nursing/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/

Click here for my podcast for students and new nurses: https://www.freshrn.com/podcast

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn  

In this episode, we dive into the art of giving and receiving nursing reports during your shift—especially when the pressure is on. Whether you’re dealing with nit-picky nurses, feeling intimidated by experienced colleagues, or handling less-than-friendly handoffs, this episode is for you.

We’ll share realistic examples of challenging moments, offer strategies for managing your emotions and reactions, and teach you how to respond with confidence and professionalism. Plus, I introduce my new Nursing Report Masterclass, part of the New Grad RN Toolkit, designed to help you feel prepared and empowered in your nursing career.

👉 Ready to level up your report skills? Check out the Nursing Report Masterclass at https://www.courses.freshrn.com/p/toolkit

Get notified about my Black Friday sale + a special discount ➡️ https://www.freshrn.com/black-friday-ready/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FKr5QETZFbU 

Here’s what we cover:

 [0:27] Overview of the Report Masterclass

 [3:03] Examples of tricky interactions with off-going/oncoming nurses

 [5:38] Strategies to handle these moments gracefully

 [8:16] How to offer gentle pushback

 [16:33] Managing consistent negativity

{22:50] A sneak peek into my New Grad RN Toolkit

  If you’re a new nurse, this episode will give you the tools to navigate one of the most challenging parts of your shift with poise. Tune in and take the first step toward mastering your nursing reports!

Free Nursing Resources 👇

Cardiac content: https://www.freshrn.com/cardiac-nursing/

Neuro content: https://www.freshrn.com/neuro-nursing/

Jobs and interviews: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-jobs-interviews/

Nursing school: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-student/

Ortho content: https://www.freshrn.com/ortho-nursing/

New grad support: https://www.freshrn.com/new-grad-nursing/

Professional development: https://www.freshrn.com/professional-development/

Critical care: https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/

Med-surg: https://www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nursing/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/

Click here for my podcast for students and new nurses: https://www.freshrn.com/podcast

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn  

Are you preparing for a nursing job interview? Before you accept that offer, make sure you’re aware of the red flags that could signal a toxic work environment, burnout, or lack of support. In this video, we’ll uncover the most important warning signs every nurse should look out for during an interview—from vague answers about staffing ratios to comments about workload and training.

Whether you’re a new grad or an experienced nurse switching specialties, spotting these red flags early can save you from a stressful experience later on. We’ll cover what questions to ask, the subtle cues to observe, and how to trust your gut instincts to make the best decision for your career and well-being. 

Get notified about our Black Friday sale early with an exclusive discount: https://www.freshrn.com/black-friday-ready/

Learn more about Hired: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/hired

Get on my email list here: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/

Click here for my podcast for students and new nurses: https://www.freshrn.com/podcast

  Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

X: https://X.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn 

In today’s episode, expect to learn 10 different smart questions to ask in an interview. We first will discuss questions to ask during a screening interview with a general hiring manager, and then more specific questions for an interview with a nurse manager who could potentially be your next boss! Make a great impression with these thoughtful questions. 

If you want to have a written version of this, check out this blog post: https://www.freshrn.com/questions-to-ask-during-a-nursing-interview/

Check out the Hired course here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/hired

Sign up for the FreshRN email list here: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/

The FreshRN New Nurse Toolkit: https://www.courses.freshrn.com/p/toolkit  

In today’s episode, expect to learn 10 different smart questions to ask in an interview. We first will discuss questions to ask during a screening interview with a general hiring manager, and then more specific questions for an interview with a nurse manager who could potentially be your next boss! Make a great impression with these thoughtful questions. 

If you want to have a written version of this, check out this blog post: https://www.freshrn.com/questions-to-ask-during-a-nursing-interview/

Check out the Hired course here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/hired

Sign up for the FreshRN email list here: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/

The FreshRN New Nurse Toolkit: https://www.courses.freshrn.com/p/toolkit  

We dig into a reader question for a newer charger nurse + some encouragement for those of you thinking of quitting.

0:14 Why I do this

1:46 My college journey and the price tag

3:44 Encouragement from Leah, RN

5:09 A helpful nursing resource

5:33 Career experience from Joy, RN

6:11 Encouragement from Jennifer, RN

6:46 Charge RN question from "Sarah"

8:54 Stepping into your earned authority

10:04 Dealing with challenging personalities

12:17 It's giving professional

13:50 Being a charge RN is like being the coach for a shift

15:54 What to do with gossip in the moment

17:19 Run a tight ship

19:14 A team mentality works tbh

23:05 Pls share kthanksbye 

My course for new charge nurses: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/charge-nurse-jump-start

Crafting Your Dream Career (affiliate link): https://freshrn--wholelifenurse.thrivecart.com/cydc/

All-Access Pass: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/membership

YouTube video on Commanding Respect vs. Earned Authority: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEzmFieWtUY&t=16s

Sign up for my email list: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/

My blog: https://www.freshrn.com/blog/

Follow me on social!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

X: https://x.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn 

This episode is part of a PodSwap, where we swap episodes so each of our audiences can learn from one another! We are swapping episodes with Nurse Mo, MSN RN from Straight A Nursing. She currently works in the PACU, teaches in a BSN program, and manages her educational platform for nursing students.

  In this episode, Nurse Mo is sharing all the reasons why older nursing students can (and do!) thrive in their programs. Hit play on this episode so you can focus on the positives, recognize your strengths, and realize it’s not too late to follow your dream!

  (affiliate) Crucial Concepts Bootcamp - Start nursing school ahead of the game, or reset after a difficult first semester with this nursing school prep course, Crucial Concepts Bootcamp. Learn key foundation concepts, organization and time management, dosage calculations, and so much more. 

  FREE CLASS – If all you’ve heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES… you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life!

  Straight A Nursing Website - Learn nursing concepts and get tips to help you thrive in school and at the bedside.

  Learn more about the FreshRN All-Access Pass here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/membership

  To see our latest course catalog (med-surg, ICU, precepting, charge nurse, ortho, cardiac, neuro courses, and more), click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/

  Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside, and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/

  Connect With Me Online!

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kati_Kleber

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn

  Music credit: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard

We sit down with Will Kelly, MSN FNP-BC, who has experience as a telemetry nurse, ER nurse, ER nurse practitioner, and inpatient hospitalist. We discuss:

Our first codes and lessons we learned

Advice for students in clinical

Tips for rapid response situations and calls

How to be calm and collected in the face of controlled chaos

For ALL of our ICU nursing content: ​​https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/ 

For our free mini-course ICU Drips For Beginners, click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/icu-drips-for-beginners 

For a 14-page ECG cheatsheet: https://bit.ly/3Ws75NT

Will’s FreshRN course, ECG Rhythm Master: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/ecgmastery 

To learn more about our comprehensive ICU prep course, Breakthrough ICU: A Crash Course For New ICU Nurses, click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/breakthrough-icu 

Learn more about the FreshRN All-Access Pass here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/membership

To see our latest course catalog (med-surg, ICU, precepting, charge nurse, ortho, cardiac, neuro courses, and more), click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside, and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/ 

Check out Will’s resources and website here: http://healthandwillness.org/ 

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn

Music credit: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard

In this interview, Kati chats with Jeannie Cisney, MSN RN. She is a 20+ year veteran of the CVICU (cardiovascular intensive care unit). We discuss:

The types of patients you’ll see in a CVICU

Her favorite and least favorite types of patients

A walkthrough of the patient pathway of a typical CABG patient

New grad vs. experienced nurse orientation experience into CVICU

Unexpected challenges of CVICU RNs

The advice she’d give her younger self

Jeannie is my co-author of Cardiac Confidence, a Crash Course for New Cardiac Nurses. To learn more and enroll, click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/cardiac-confidence 

For a 14-page ECG cheatsheet: https://bit.ly/3Ws75NT

For a free mini-course on how to handle afib with RVR: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/afib-with-rvr 

For my cardiac assessment checklist: https://bit.ly/4aV6RTO

For ALL of our cardiac content: https://www.freshrn.com/cardiac-nursing/ 

Learn more about the FreshRN All-Access Pass here - https://courses.freshrn.com/p/membership

To see our latest course catalog (med-surg, ICU, precepting, charge nurse, ortho, cardiac, neuro courses, and more), click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside, and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/ 

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn

Music credit: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard

In this episode, we are re-sharing an episode where we sit down with Sean Dent, DNP ACNP APRN, a highly experienced ICU nurse practitioner. We dig deep into the types of equipment you’ll run into in the ICU. These include:

Arterial lines

Different options for monitoring fluid status

Cooling devices

CRRT

Hemodialysis catheters

Impellas and aortic balloon pumps

Internal pacing

Proning devices 

These episodes were originally recorded in 2019, but the information is still incredibly relevant today for ICU nurses. This content is for informational purposes only; best practices may have changed. 

For ALL of our ICU nursing content: ​​https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/ 

For our free mini-course ICU Drips For Beginners, click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/icu-drips-for-beginners 

To learn more about our comprehensive ICU prep course, Breakthrough ICU: A Crash Course For New ICU Nurses, click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/p/breakthrough-icu 

Learn more about the FreshRN All-Access Pass here - https://courses.freshrn.com/p/membership

To see our latest course catalog (med-surg, ICU, precepting, charge nurse, ortho, cardiac, neuro courses and more), click here: https://courses.freshrn.com/

Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside, and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/ 

Connect With Me Online!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kati_Kleber

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn

Music credit: Keep My Cool by Benj Heard