Why We Nurse

Why We Nurse is a podcast that shares real stories from the heart of nursing. Hosted by Serena Tobar, each episode explores the moments, challenges, and triumphs that define the nursing journey. Whether you're a nurse, student, or simply curious - this is where compassion meets conversation.

Why We Nurse is a society podcast hosted by Serena Tobar, with 30 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Serena Tobar hosts Why We Nurse, a society show with 30 episodes published.

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  Episode #29

  Little Patients, Big Impact: The Heart of Pediatric Nursing

  Jul 28, 202623 minS4

  summary In this episode, pediatric nurse Lori Newton shares her journey, insights, and the unique challenges of pediatric nursing. Discover what makes this specialty rewarding and how nurses can build trust and resilience with their young patients and families. keywords pediatric nursing, healthcare, resilience, family-centered care, nursing tips key topics Differences between pediatric and adult nursing Building trust with young patients and families Handling emotional moments and death in pediatrics The importance of patience and creativity in pediatric care The quick bounce-back of children in ICU Family-centered care and supporting parents The impact of pediatric nursing on personal growth titles The Resilient Heart of Pediatric Nursing Building Trust in Pediatric Care: Insights from Lori Newton Sound Bites "Kids crash fast but bounce back even faster." "Trust is key to family-centered care." "Don’t take parents’ frustrations personally." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Pediatric Nursing and Guest Lori Newton 00:56Lori's Nursing Journey and Inspiration 01:51What Makes Pediatric Nursing Unique 02:56Children's Resilience and Overcoming Illness 04:01Explaining Medical Procedures to Different Age Groups 04:59Cohorting and Treating Different Age Groups in Pediatrics 05:57Surprising Severity of Children's Illnesses 07:06Quick Deterioration and Recovery in Pediatric Patients 07:58Qualities of the Best Pediatric Nurses 09:01Understanding the Emotional Aspects of Pediatric Care 09:48The Reality of Death and Dying in Pediatrics 10:56Misconceptions About Pediatric Nursing 11:46Building Trust with Pediatric Patients 13:06Role of Creativity and Play in Pediatric Care 14:15Humorous Stories from Pediatric Nursing 15:08Family-Centered Care and Supporting Families 16:01Handling Frustrated and Emotional Parents 17:01Self-Care for Pediatric Nurses 17:53Personal Growth Through Pediatric Nursing 18:50Advice for Aspiring Pediatric Nurses 20:05The Rewards of Pediatric Nursing 21:09How Pediatric Nursing Changes You Personally 22:11Children's Resilience as Inspiration 22:56The Impact of Personal Experiences with Illness 23:51Lessons Learned from Pediatric Patients 24:56Humility and Perspective Gained in Pediatrics 25:47Final Thoughts and Appreciation for Pediatric Nurses

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  Episode #28

  The Weight We Carry: Nurses, Anxiety, Depression and the Courage to Ask for Help

  Jul 21, 202613 minS4

  In this episode, Serena Tobar dives into the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by nurses, emphasizing the importance of culture change, self-compassion, and supportive environments to foster healing and resilience. Key Topics: The emotional and psychological toll of nursing, including anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and trauma The societal and workplace pressures that lead nurses to neglect their own mental health Personal story: Serena shares her experience with grief after losing both parents and the impact on her nursing journey The harmful effects of workplace incivility, bullying, lateral violence, and negative culture on nurse well-being The importance of creating psychologically safe work environments and fostering support and mentorship Challenging the stigma surrounding mental health in nursing and promoting open conversations Practical steps for change: normalizing mental health talk, leadership's role in creating safe spaces, and redefining resilience Support strategies: counseling, peer support, workload adjustments, and simple acts of affirmation The call for a community approach—building culturally supportive and compassionate nursing environments Encouragement for nurses to prioritize their well-being and seek help without guilt or fear Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Addressing the mental health crisis among nurses 00:31 - The weight of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout in nursing 01:27 - The silent suffering and fear of judgment 01:46 - The unique pressures and expectations placed on nurses 02:09 - Serena’s personal loss and its impact on her nursing life 03:08 - The exhaustion of caring for others without self-care 04:00 - How societal praise often ignores the emotional costs 04:28 - The role of workplace incivility and lateral violence in mental health 05:28 - The impact of workplace hurt on nurse confidence and belonging 05:56 - The importance of culture and safe environments for mental health 06:24 - How leadership and organizational culture influence nurse well-being 06:50 - Creating intentional, supportive nursing communities 07:18 - The interconnected challenges of workplace stress and emotional labor 07:42 - The stigma surrounding mental health and the need for honesty 08:10 - Challenging the narrative of resilience and seeking support as a strength 08:37 - Practical steps for fostering open conversations and psychological safety 09:06 - The importance of authentic support and varied strategies 09:36 - Building a culture where nurses can admit struggle without judgment 10:02 - The power of compassionate acknowledgment and community support 10:24 - A message for nurses who may be struggling, emphasizing they are not alone 10:53 - Reassurance: mental health challenges do not define worth or capability 11:27 - Collective responsibility: transforming healthcare culture for better mental health 11:57 - Closing thoughts: community, courage, and compassion in nursing

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  Episode #27

  The Calm Before We Care: A 911 Dispatcher’s Role in Patient Care

  Jul 1, 202619 minS3

  Understanding the Daily Realities of a 911 Dispatcher: An Inside Perspective This episode offers a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer, a 911 dispatcher and sister of the host, Serena Tobar. She shares the emotional weight, challenges, and unrecognized heroism inherent in dispatching, and how her work intersects with medical and emergency services. Whether you're in healthcare, emergency response, or curious about the unseen frontline, this discussion sheds light on the critical roles that often go unnoticed. Key Topics Covered: The multifaceted role of dispatchers beyond answering calls Emotional toll and coping strategies: leaning on a team, music, and resources Impactful calls: pediatric emergencies, bizarre or humorous incidents Misconceptions about dispatchers, including their status as first responders The technological limitations and realities compared to Hollywood portrayals Interdisciplinary teamwork between dispatchers, EMS, and nurses The importance of mental health support and encouraging help-seeking behaviors A call for public understanding of dispatchers' vital, yet often invisible, work Advice for prospective dispatchers: speak up and seek help when needed Personal reflections on how the job shapes perceptions of crisis, compassion, and resilience Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the guest and episode focus 00:31 - What inspires Jennifer’s career in emergency dispatching 01:46 - A day in the life of a dispatcher and the unpredictability of calls 02:50 - Managing emotional stress in high-pressure situations 03:38 - Support resources available for dispatchers’ mental health 04:22 - Personal methods of stress relief after shifts 05:33 - Calls involving children and memorable anecdotes 06:15 - Hollywood vs reality: misconceptions about dispatcher work 07:48 - Processing heavy calls and supporting team members 08:37 - The importance of compassion and understanding of emotional reactions 09:44 - The crucial partnership between dispatchers and EMS 11:29 - Interdisciplinary collaboration with nurses and hospitals 12:02 - Common misconceptions and public perceptions 13:55 - Challenges with technology and public awareness 15:14 - The realities vs dramatizations in medical TV shows 16:41 - How the job influences personal worldview and empathy 17:08 - The emotional toll and understanding human reactions 18:41 - Personal advice for aspiring dispatchers and healthcare workers 20:07 - Mental health challenges, burnout, and seeking help 21:48 - Final thoughts: recognizing dispatchers as vital heroes

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  Episode #25

  After the Conference: Energy, Advocacy, and the Power of Showing Up Together

  Jun 17, 202612 minS3

  Key Topics: The transformative power of community and connection among nurses Innovative approaches in nursing education and workforce development The role of dissemination in advancing nursing practice and scholarship Rising themes of innovation, well-being, equity, leadership, and technology in nursing The importance of advocacy at local, state, and national levels Networking as a form of care and a tool to prevent burnout The momentum generated by conferences to inspire action and change Timestamps: 00:01 - The energy and significance of the Texas Nurses Association conference 00:31 - The emotional and professional community formed at the conference 00:42 - Nursing as a collective force beyond individual roles 01:16 - The impact of community in rebuilding resilience and fostering growth 01:46 - Sharing stories and ideas through networking and camaraderie 02:05 - Community as a protective factor against burnout 02:35 - The inspiration and purpose behind conference sessions 03:10 - Project: High school healthcare summer camp promoting pipeline and belonging 03:40 - Building confidence and exploring healthcare careers among youth 04:01 - The importance of creative, community-based workforce solutions 04:45 - Scholarly dissemination framework to support nurse-led research 05:15 - Impact: Increased acceptance of abstracts and nurse confidence 05:44 - The necessity of dissemination in sharing innovative practices 06:01 - Key themes: Innovation in education, workforce well-being, equity, expanded leadership, and technology 06:15 - Advances in simulation, competency-based learning, and technology integration 06:45 - Addressing staffing, safety, and well-being reforms 07:15 - Nurses’ influence in equity and advocacy work 07:32 - Nurses shaping the future through AI, telemedicine, and digital health 07:56 - Nurses as thinkers and strategists reshaping healthcare 08:25 - The critical role of policy and advocacy in nursing practice 08:55 - Advocacy at various levels, from local hospitals to federal legislation 09:01 - Nurses’ leadership in policy and protection 09:31 - The power of unity and collective action 09:45 - Networking as a form of care and community building 10:15 - Building future pathways and combatting burnout through connections 10:31 - Conference takeaway: Momentum for advocacy, innovation, and leadership 11:01 - The unstoppable force of collective nursing efforts 11:05 - Gratitude for the community and encouragement to stay connected and inspired

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  Episode #24

  Stronger Together: The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Healthcare

  Jun 9, 202611 minS3

  <h5><b>The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Healthcare</b></h5><p>In this episode of "Why We Nurse," host Serena Tobar explores what real-world interdisciplinary collaboration looks like in healthcare. Through insights from a physiologist, a patient care technician, and a nurse, discover how diverse roles come together to deliver compassionate, effective patient care.</p><b>Key topics covered:</b>The essence of teamwork: showing up for patients and each otherRoles of exercise physiologists in rebuilding strength and restoring quality of lifeThe vital contributions of patient care technicians at the bedsideNursing responsibilities as the coordination link and patient advocateHow...

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