Chaos to Competence is the ultimate survival guide for the novice nurse. Clinical tips, emotional support, and honest conversations to help you find your footing in the fast lane. From conquering pre-shift anxiety to surviving your first code, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone, you’re not incompetent, and yes—everyone feels this way. Grab your caffeine of choice and let’s start our shift report. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect any organization or employer with which the hosts may be affiliated.
Beyond the Chart: Mastering difficult conversations, grief, and the final goodbye
In this episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse’s Guide, we’re talking about one of the hardest parts of nursing: caring for people through grief, death, and dying. We’re getting real about the conversations no one can truly prepare you for, the words you struggle to find, and the silence that can feel deafening.
In this episode, Sarah and Savannah are joined by guests Kristen and Chris in talking about supporting patients and families through unimaginable moments, navigating grief as a nurse, and what happens when we become emotionally invested in the people we care for. There’s no perfect way to have these conversations. No magic words that make death hurt less. But there are ways to show up, listen, sit in the uncomfortable silence, and remind someone that they don’t have to go through it alone.
If you ever find yourself wanting to avoid those hard conversations, this episode is for you!
1 Jul 2026
Coffee Break Mini - Unit Lore: Rituals and Superstitions
Every nurse has heard of them, or maybe even follows a few! In this coffee break mini episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide Podcast, we're diving into the fun (and surprisingly common) world of nursing rituals and superstitions. From never saying the "Q-word" out loud, to the full moon "scaries", we explore the traditions, habits, and little rituals nurses swear by to survive chaos in healthcare.
25 May 2026
Code Blue and You: Preparation, Performance, Processing
This episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide Podcast breaks down the reality of responding to a code blue as a nurse, focusing on three key phases: preparation, performance, and processing.
Join Sarah and Savannah as they share personal stories and practical advice on familiarizing yourself with crash carts, finding your voice in a chaotic environment, and taking care of yourself and your team after the room goes quiet. Learn how mental rehearsal and understanding team roles can turn panic into competence, and why debriefing and self-care are essential for nurses facing high-stress situations.
23 Apr 2026
Needles, Shocks, and Controlled Chaos
Pressure is part of the job, confidence is built.
In this episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide, Sarah and Savannah are joined by ER nurse Jimmy McRedmond (“Nurse Jimmy”) to tackle three essentials for high-stress nursing: IV access, cardiac monitoring, and managing deterioration with composure. From choosing the right catheter and improving IV success to simplifying EKG interpretation and treating the patient—not just the monitor—this episode is packed with practical, real-world tips.
They also dive into staying calm when it matters most, using the mantra “slow is smooth, smooth is fast,” and the power of teamwork and clear communication. Plus, an honest look at emotional resilience and why quick debriefs are critical after tough cases.
Less chaos. More control. Real competence.
1 Apr 2026
Preceptor Roulette: Navigating the Luck of the Draw
Orientation can feel overwhelming, but the right preceptor relationship can turn chaos into competence. In this episode, Savannah and Sarah, joined by guests Kristen and Michaela, dive into the dynamics between new nurses and their preceptors—exploring the different archetypes you might encounter, from the drill sergeant to the bestie to the sink-or-swim mentor.
The conversation unpacks real experiences from the floor and offers practical scripts for navigating common challenges like personality mismatches, hovering preceptors, disappearing mentors, and practice drift. You’ll hear honest stories about the pressures of orientation, the importance of communication and feedback, and how to advocate for yourself while maintaining professionalism.
Whether you’re a brand-new nurse finding your footing or a seasoned preceptor shaping the next generation, this episode is packed with insights on building trust, giving grace, and making the most of the orientation journey.
11 Mar 2026
Shift Happens: Your First Shift as a New Nurse
In this episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide, Sarah and Savannah unpack what really happens during those early days on the unit: rookie mistakes, role confusion, time management struggles, and the quiet pressure to "have it all together". Through real stories, honest reflection, and practical advice, they explore how confidence is built - not through perfection, but through learning, teamwork, communication, and resilience. If you've ever left work replaying what you could have done differently or wondering if you belong - this episode is for you. Growth in nursing happens one shift at a time.
12 Feb 2026
Welcome to the Madness: Orientation & First Impressions
Starting nursing can feel like drinking from a fire hose. You're excited, overwhelmed, anxious, and suddenly responsible for real people. In this first episode of Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide, emergency nurses Savannah Hauberg and Sarah Foster walk you through what orientation actually looks like and why feeling unsure doesn't mean you're failing.
Think of this episode as your pocket preceptor. Savannah and Sarah break down orientation into real, relatable terms- covering preceptors, educators, unit culture, competencies, feedback, and the emotions no one warns you about. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and evidence-based insight, they reframe orientation as a process of growth, not perfection.
Whether you're about to start orientation or already in it, this episode is a reminder; you're not behind, you're not alone, and confidence comes with time. Welcome to Chaos to Competence: A Nurse's Guide. We're in this together.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
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