Navigating the first few years as a new nurse can be overwhelming and full of surprises. Hosted by FNA Early Career Director, MacKenzie Simmons, this podcast dives into all the things that no one tells you in nursing school.
No One Tells You...Being Busy is Not the Same as Being Effective
We've all said it: "I've just been so busy." But what if busyness isn't a sign of success? In this episode, we explore why the most effective nurses aren't necessarily the busiest ones. Reflecting on clinical practice and everyday life, host MacKenzie Simmons discusses how prioritization, intentional leadership, and focusing on what truly matters can help you build a more meaningful career and life.
30 Jun 2026
No One Tells You How to Be Authentically Yourself
In nursing, professionalism doesn't mean hiding who you are—it means bringing your authentic self to the care you provide.
In this episode of No One Tells You This..., MacKenzie Simmons shares her journey of learning to embrace her personality while building credibility as a nurse. From feeling the pressure to fit a certain mold to discovering that authenticity is one of her greatest strengths, she explores what it really means to show up as yourself in a profession that often encourages conformity.
Join MacKenzie for an honest conversation about finding your voice, building confidence, and resisting the urge to become a carbon copy of those around you. You'll walk away encouraged to lead with authenticity, connect more meaningfully with your patients and colleagues, and recognize that the qualities that make you different may be exactly what make you an exceptional nurse.
27 May 2026
No One Tells You...that You Might Be Leading Before You Think You're Ready
In this episode of No One Tells You This, host Mackenzie Simmons dives into a truth many early career nurses experience but rarely talk about—stepping into leadership before feeling fully ready. Joined by Andrea Wollitz and Aminah Johnson, the conversation explores what leadership really looks like beyond titles, from quiet moments of influence to navigating self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of being looked to for guidance early in a nursing career.
Together, they share personal stories, lessons learned, and encouragement for nurses who may not yet see themselves as leaders. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t something you wait to grow into someday—it begins the moment you choose to show up, speak up, and care deeply for others.
28 Apr 2026
No One Tells You... It's Ok to Say No
In this episode of No One Tells You This, host MacKenzie Simmons dives into a topic many nurses struggle with—but rarely talk about: the power of saying no. From picking up extra shifts to taking on additional responsibilities, nurses are often conditioned to always say yes, even at the expense of their own well-being.
MacKenzie explores why setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. She shares real-life scenarios, practical strategies for navigating guilt, and how prioritizing self-care ultimately leads to safer patient care, stronger teams, and a more sustainable career. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or simply need reassurance, this episode is your reminder that protecting your energy is part of being a great nurse—not a failure of it.
31 Mar 2026
No One Tells You...Advocacy Begins With You
Think advocacy is something you do later in your career? Think again.
Our guest today is Ryan Moran, BSN, RN, CCRN, a critical care nurse who’s spent the past six years in the ICU and is currently pursuing his DNP. But beyond the bedside, Ryan has been deeply engaged in advocacy—through his involvement with the Florida Nursing Students Association, Florida Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association—bringing a strong voice to health policy conversations at both the state and national level.
In this episode of No One Tells You This, Ryan shares how advocacy begins the moment you step into your role as a nurse. From speaking up for patients at the bedside to influencing change in your community and beyond, this conversation will challenge you to see advocacy as part of your everyday practice—and remind you that your voice matters more than you think.
24 Feb 2026
No One Tells You...Your First Year is the Hardest
In the very first episode of No One Tells You This, host MacKenzie Simmons sits down with special guest Cathleen Paton, DNP, RN, CCRN to unpack the unspoken realities of early career nursing. From imposter syndrome and pre-shift anxiety to navigating bullying, burnout, and that first terrifying code, MacKenzie shares the honest truth about what her first year in the CCU really looked like.
This episode dives into the challenges no one prepares you for—learning to prioritize, finding your confidence, setting boundaries, making mistakes, and discovering that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re cut out for nursing, this conversation is your reminder: you’re not failing—you’re growing.
Because no one tells you this… your first year isn’t breaking you. It’s building you.
17 Feb 2026
Introducing: No One Tells You This...
Nursing school prepared you to care for patients — but not for the realities of being a nurse.
The exhaustion. The self-doubt. The moments you wonder if everyone else has it figured out except you.
No One Tells You is a new podcast created for early-career nurses that explores the realities of the first years of practice — the challenges, the growth, and the lessons no one warned you about.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact No One Tells You This...
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of No One Tells You This...?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
