The FreshRN Podcast with Kati Kleber
Episodes
Hate the ICU but Eyeing CRNA? What It Really Takes to Get In (and Thrive)
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hate the ICU, but still thinking about CRNA school? You're not alone. And it might not be the dealbreaker you think. In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, ...
Correctional, Home Health, and AI: Inside NSO's New Nurse Liability Data
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Correctional nursing, home health, aesthetics, nurse leaders… and now AI? NSO's newest nurse liability report highlights some surprising trends in w...
Lessons From a Nurse Who Landed on Probation
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A home health nurse thought she was helping her patient, but her actions ultimately led to probation with the state board of nursing. In this episode,...
Love Nursing, Hate People
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Being a new nurse is overwhelming enough, but what if you also feel out of sync socially with the people around you? Socially awkward. Emotionally dra...
The Pressure to Perform: Why Nurses Feel Like They Should Know It All
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New nurses step onto the floor with a license, but not with all the answers. Yet patients, families, and even friends often expect brand-new RNs to pe...
Allergy Assessment for Nurses: True Allergy vs Sensitivity, IgE Testing, and Safer Care
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New nurses are often handed a long "allergy list" and five minutes to make sense of it. In this episode, Kati Kleber talks with Sophia L. Thomas, DNP,...
Feeling Valued Again: How Virtual Nursing Is Redefining Bedside Care
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Traditional nursing models are breaking under the weight of higher acuity, staffing shortages, and relentless workload. But nurse leaders aren't waiti...
How AI Can Transform Nursing... Without Replacing Nurses
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The FreshRN Podcast, host Kati Kleber, MSN RN, sits down with Dr. Susan Grant, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN (Chief Clinical Officer at sym...
Leading Better Sepsis Care: Lessons from the Frontline
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking less about what sepsis is and more about how to build systems that actually help nurses catch and treat it earlier, wit...
What I Would Do Differently If I Could Go Back to Day 1 of Nursing School
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If I could hop in a time machine and redo my journey to becoming a nurse, knowing what I know now... I'd take a very different path (and spend a lot ...
Your Hospital Is Not Your Mom: Detaching Emotionally From Your Employer
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ok that title might be a little spicy, but stick with me. In this episode, I discuss why so many of us over-identify with our roles, how "we're a fami...
The Identity Crisis of the People-Pleasing RN
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're diving into what happens when perfectionism collides with the messy, high-pressure reality of nursing. If you've ever felt like...
Nursing School Curriculum Explained: How Educators Choose What You Learn
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interviews Dr. Kelly J. Dries, Ph.D., RN, Director of Nursing Program Success at Wolters Kluwer Health. As a former dean of a nursi...
From NP School to Certification: Board Prep Strategies with Sarah Boes
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Michelle Boes, FNP, a nurse practitioner and board prep expert who's helped thousands of aspiring NPs pass thei...
Behind the Badge: The FNP Role Explained
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All of the NP track options are confusing. I'm Kati Kleber, an MSN-prepared nurse educator and in this video I'll explain the FNP role and differentia...
Is a DNP Worth It? Options, Reality, and Regret-Proofing
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about going back to school to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) but feeling overwhelmed by what it actually means? In this episode, ...
[PARTIAL DOSE] My Top 3 NCLEX Resources
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I have been keeping my eye on NCLEX prep products for at least a decade and because of this, I maintain a checklist of features that make a program su...
Breaking Down the Myths About Online Nursing Degrees: An Interview With Chamberlain University's President
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are online nursing degrees respected? Do employers take them seriously? What about clinicals and accreditation? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ka...
Which MSN Path Is Right for You? A Straightforward Guide for Nurses
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Considering getting your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) but feeling totally overwhelmed by the options? You're not alone. In this episode, I br...
AI at the Bedside: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Nursing Right Now
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
BSN Student Spotlight: Life as a Student and Nursing Extern in the MICU with Padraic Day
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 firs...
Is Insurance For Nurses Worth It? Navigating Nursing Liability With a Risk Management Expert
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening interview, I sit down with Jennifer Flynn, a seasoned expert in risk management and professional liability. With over 24 years of...
Behind the Scenes: Why CT Scan Results Take Time & How to Explain It to Families
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
[PARTIAL DOSE] Ever had a patient or their loved one really frustrated that they haven't received diagnostic results immediately after they were compl...
My Top 5 Nurse Potluck Items
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 bu...
How to Realistically Deal With Rude RNs During Report
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
How to Realistically Deal With Rude RNs During Report
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
RED FLAGS During the Nurse Interview Process
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 en...
Questions to Ask During a Nursing Interview
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 int...
Questions to Ask During a Nursing Interview
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 int...
Tips for Charge Nurses: How to Handle SPICY CNAs and RNs
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
[PodSwap] You're Not to Old For Nursing School - Nurse Mo
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Code Calm: Mastering RRT Nurse Calls with a Nurse Practitioner's Insight
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 discu...
Inside CVICU Nursing: A Veteran's Guide with Jeannie Cisney
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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: ...
[Encore] ICU Equipment Deep Dive: A Revisit with Sean Dent
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 dee...
Bones & Beyond: Thriving in Ortho Nursing with Elizabeth Fields
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kati interviews Elizabeth Fields, MSN FNP APRN, a nurse practitioner specializing in orthopedics. She sees patients in the hospital a...
[Encore] The Subtle Art of Mastering Nursing Interview Questions
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kati and two nursing professionals who interview new grad nurses for a well-known accredited nurse residency program walk through fou...
[Encore] Hand-Off Hurdles: Navigating Nursing Report with Kati & Elizabeth
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Giving and receiving hand-off from an experienced nurse is pretty overwhelming to a nursing student or newly licensed nurse. In this previously releas...
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Preceptor Strategies with Beth Hawks
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This interview comes from the archives! Kati interviewed Beth Hawks, MSN RN-BC, a highly experienced and amazing nursing professional development spec...
[Encore] The Ultimate Guide to Nursing Communication: A Mega Compilation
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Previously, Kati had a series of episodes on nursing communication. This mega dose combines all episodes into one for easy listening! The topics inclu...
[Encore] The Neuro Nursing Chronicles: A Masterclass from the Archives
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are re-sharing our most popular neuro episodes from the archive in one massive episode. Kati Kleber, Elizabeth Mills, and Melissa ...
Nurse Fatigue Triage: Resources & Tips for When You're Tired of Nursing with Dr. Kate King
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost two-thirds of nurses (62%) experience burnout in the U.S. And it's especially common among younger nurses. In this episode, Kati interviews Dr....
What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist ... Really?
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you've heard the term "clinical nurse specialist" or "CNS" before but are not exactly sure how that differs from a nurse practitioner or nurse e...
Straight from the Source: A Nurse Manager's Honest Career Advice
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we chat with Sheri Walsh, MSN RN, a highly experienced nurse manager of a cardiac progressive unit that has over 100 staff member...
Most Common New RN Questions - And Answers!
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 al...
The Anxious Nurse's Guide to Thriving in a High-Pressure Environment
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dig into practical tips for functioning in a high-pressure environment, like the hospital, if you already deal with anxiety. We d...
Behind the Scenes of Oncology Nursing: Insights from Two Nursing Leaders at St. Jude's
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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-p...
Nurse Residency Programs - An Interview With Nursing Leaders From St. Jude's (Part 1)
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kati Interviews Morgan Melancon MSN, RN, CCRN-K and Annabeth Davis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC. Morgan is the director of Nursing Education and...
Celebrating 10 Years - Featuring Guest Host Brittney Wilson, BSN RN
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What's the Big Deal With Delirium? An Interview with Sarah from the Rapid Response RN Podcast
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Sarah Lorenzini from the Rapid Response RN Podcast about delirium. We discuss a powerful experience Sarah had with deliri...
From Chaos to Clarity: Tackling Delirium in the Hospital Setting as a Nurse
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
[Partial Dose] "What Are Your Weaknesses?" How to Answer This Common Nursing Interview Question
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this mini episode, I discuss how to answer the common "what are your weaknesses?" interview question with confidence and without compromising credi...
Nurses Arrested After Missing Dressing Changes
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 resu...
[Partial Dose] What to Say When a Patient Wants to Harm Themselves
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
[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 th...
The Ideal NCLEX Prep Study Timeline
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, layin...
4 Nurses on TikTok Fired: My Thoughts
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Four labor and delivery nurses were recently terminated over one TikTok video. In this episode, Kati outlines what happened, the response, and her tho...
NCLEX Next Generation and NCLEX FAQ's
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 wel...
ER Nursing vs. Floor Nursing
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
4 Reasons Why Nurses Are Mean to Nursing Students
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 reas...
Maureen Osuna, MSN RN CCRN
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 nur...
How to Study For Nursing School
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kati discusses her tips to optimize your study time specifically for nursing school courses. We cover: How to organize your study li...
Mini Bonus: The Power of a Quick Win
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kati quickly covers why frontloading quick wins into your orientation process are powerful motivators and can change the game for you...
How to Pass Nursing School Exams
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Another semsester is upon us! In this episode, Kati talks through 6 tips to passing nursing school exams. Show notes are located here: https://www....
July Update
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kati updates listeners on the new schedule for the FreshRN Podcast for the forseeable future. To connect with Kati on YouTube, click here: https://www...
Military Nursing, an Interview with a 20-Year Veteran, Julie Florentin
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 nurs...
An Interview with Tamar Rodney, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Researcher
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Kati interviews Tamar Rodney, an Assistant Professor at the John Hopkins School of Nursing, Psychiatric NP, researcher, and Jonas Philanthropie...
What's a Death Doula? An Interview with Melanie Sheckels
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Traits to Develop as a New Grad Nurse - An Interview with Nurse Mo, MSN RN
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being proactive, having situational awareness, and applying what you've learned in the past to future situations are crucial skills to develop early o...
Why I Hate 'Fake it Til You Make it'
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
'Fake it til you make it' is a common term we use to encourage people who are learning in a really intimidating and challenging environment. In this e...
RaDonda Vaught Sentencing Play-By-Play
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
RaDonda Vaught was recently sentenced in a court of law, and in this episode Kati dives into all that happened on that day, as well as details about h...
How to Take Charge of Your Nursing Career with Irnise Williams, Esq
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm joined by Irnise Williams who is both a nurse and attorney. We discuss legal considerations for nurses, realistic likelihoods of malpractic...
Are Digital Stethoscopes Worth The Money?
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I have spent time researching and trying out digital stethoscopes, and in this episode will share with you if I think they're worth the price tag, who...
VIP Question: Should I Work in the ICU as a New Grad?
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A FreshRN VIP asked a question Kati wanted to share with podcast listeners. The VIP currently works in an ICU as a CNA and is curious if it would be w...
My Thoughts on Nurses Week and Reaction to Amber Heard's Private Nurse's Testimony
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nurses Week 2022 has officially begun, and Kati shares her genuine thoughts on this annual week of "appreciation". Also, this past week the private nu...
What's an Awake and Walking ICU? An Interview with Kali Dayton, DNP AGACNP
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kati interviews a critical care nurse practitioner who helps transform traditional ICUs into "Awake and Walking ICUs". Kali Dayton defines what one is...
Common Questions about Malpractice Insurance for Nurses
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 insura...
RaDonda Vaught Case - Part 2 - Interview with Lorie Brown, Nurse & Lawyer
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 perspect...
RaDonda Vaught Case Deep Dive - Part 1 - Context
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kati does a deep dive into the case of RaDonda Vaught, who was recently convicted of criminal charges after a medical error. She disc...
Surviving Your First Code Blue or RRT - An Interview with Will Kelly, MSN FNP-C
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 regul...
How to Study for the CCRN [Critical Care Certification Exam]
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 wha...
When You Want More, But Your Brain Stops You
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
Exploring Publication Bias
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Publication bias results from the selective publication of studies. In this episode, Kati chats with Julie Birky, MSW MA LCSW, clinical social worker,...
Communication Tips - Your Loved Ones
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating with your own loved ones can be hard. Being a new nurse is a big lifestyle change and adjustment that will require plenty of potentially...
Communication Tips - Difficult Conversations
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No one likes difficult conversations, and as a new nurse these can be especially intimidating. These communication tips can help make these conversati...
Communication Tips - Patients and Their Support Systems
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with communication with your patients? These communication tips can help! We discuss: Predictability and why it's so helpful for curbing...
BONUS: Deconstructing the NYT Article and My Thoughts on the Nursing "Shortage"
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Communication Tips - Other Members of the Healthcare Team
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with communication with your team? These communication tips can help. We discuss: The culture of your hospital The different 'versions' of...
Communication Tips - Your Nursing Team
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with communication among your team? Join Kati as she talks through communication tips that can help. We discuss: How to communicate throug...
Patient Pathways For Med Surg Nurses - Whipple
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we discuss patient pathways for Whipple patients. We discuss: What a Whipple is Managing Meds Patient Priority & Potassium Levels and more...
Patient Pathways - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we discuss patient pathways for OMFS patients. Including a sample report on a theoretical whipple patient (grab your fav report sheet to pr...
Patient Pathways for Med-Surg Nurses – Trauma Patients
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, my guest, Hannah Schlake BSN RN CCRN CMSRN discusses the care of a trauma patient in-depth. She covers: A surgical floor description...
How I Got Started in Nursing
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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. Show notes are located here...
Is Nursing Sustainable?
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I get asked all the time, "Is Nursing Sustainable?". Well, I go over this and answer that question in this episode of the Fresh RN podcast. I discuss:...
I Finally Know What I'm Doing - Now What?
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How to Prepare for Your First Shift
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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, Am...
When You Don't Land Your Dream Job
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What Does a High-Performing New Grad Look Like?
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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, w...
The Unspoken Nursing Hierarchy and Why It's Garbage
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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" ...
Nursing Interview Questions: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Kati, Amber, and Chelsea sit down to discuss nursing interviews. We cover some very common interview questions, discuss good and bad a...
Proactively Preventing Nurse Burnout
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Unwritten Rules of Nursing
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...