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
Claim This Podcastby Serena Tobar
5.0(1 reviews)
28 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
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.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/27/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Why We Nurse
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Recent Episodes
July 1, 2026
The Calm Before We Care: A 911 Dispatcher’s Role in Patient Care
<p><b>Understanding the Daily Realities of a 911 Dispatcher: An Inside Perspective</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><b>Key Topics Covered:</b></p><ul><li>The multifaceted role of dispatchers beyond answering calls</li><li>Emotional toll and coping strategies: leaning on a team, music, and resources</li><li>Impactful calls: pediatric emergencies, bizarre or humorous incidents</li><li>Misconceptions about dispatchers, including their status as first responders</li><li>The technological limitations and realities compared to Hollywood portrayals</li><li>Interdisciplinary teamwork between dispatchers, EMS, and nurses</li><li>The importance of mental health support and encouraging help-seeking behaviors</li><li>A call for public understanding of dispatchers' vital, yet often invisible, work</li><li>Advice for prospective dispatchers: speak up and seek help when needed</li><li>Personal reflections on how the job shapes perceptions of crisis, compassion, and resilience</li><li></li></ul><p><b>Timestamps:</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction to the guest and episode focus<br />00:31 - What inspires Jennifer’s career in emergency dispatching<br />01:46 - A day in the life of a dispatcher and the unpredictability of calls<br />02:50 - Managing emotional stress in high-pressure situations<br />03:38 - Support resources available for dispatchers’ mental health<br />04:22 - Personal methods of stress relief after shifts<br />05:33 - Calls involving children and memorable anecdotes<br />06:15 - Hollywood vs reality: misconceptions about dispatcher work<br />07:48 - Processing heavy calls and supporting team members<br />08:37 - The importance of compassion and understanding of emotional reactions<br />09:44 - The crucial partnership between dispatchers and EMS<br />11:29 - Interdisciplinary collaboration with nurses and hospitals<br />12:02 - Common misconceptions and public perceptions<br />13:55 - Challenges with technology and public awareness<br />15:14 - The realities vs dramatizations in medical TV shows<br />16:41 - How the job influences personal worldview and empathy<br />17:08 - The emotional toll and understanding human reactions<br />18:41 - Personal advice for aspiring dispatchers and healthcare workers<br />20:07 - Mental health challenges, burnout, and seeking help<br />21:48 - Final thoughts: recognizing dispatchers as vital heroes</p>
June 24, 2026
The Many Lives of an LVN: Nursing Across Settings
<p>In this episode of <i>Why We Nurse</i>, Serena Tobar speaks with Patty Allison, a seasoned LVN whose diverse career spans acute care, pharmacy clinics, rehab, corrections, and home health. Patty shares insights into how each setting has shaped her nursing perspective, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, compassion, and continuous growth in the profession.</p><p></p><p>Key Topics:</p><ul><li>Patty's journey into nursing and what drew her to become an LVN</li><li>The evolving scope of LVNs in acute care during the pandemic</li><li>The unique challenges and rewards of pharmacy clinics, including healthcare access issues</li><li>How rehab nursing focuses on small wins and patient-centered progress</li><li>The nuances of home health care and working within patients' environments</li><li>Corrections nursing: maintaining boundaries, dignity, and safety with incarcerated patients</li><li>The lessons learned from diverse settings that enhance overall nursing practice</li><li>Advice for aspiring LVNs about flexibility, scope, and understanding local roles</li></ul><p></p><p>Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Patty Allison and her versatile nursing career<br />01:02 - Patty’s motivation to become an LVN based on personal health experiences<br />01:42 - Working in acute care during the pandemic: lessons and opportunities<br />04:14 - Learning about cardiac care in critical care units<br />05:01 - Comparing pharmacy clinic work to traditional bedside nursing<br />06:49 - The importance of access to primary care in pharmacy settings<br />08:36 - Insights into rehab nursing and supporting patient milestones<br />12:46 - Home health nursing: navigating patients' environment and family dynamics<br />20:38 - Corrections nursing: respecting boundaries and providing care in a secure environment<br />30:14 - What diverse experiences teach about holistic patient care<br />33:25 - Advice for LVNs and students: understanding scope, roles, and career pathways<br />36:10 - Final thoughts: the expansive impact of LVNs across healthcare</p>
June 18, 2026
After the Conference: Energy, Advocacy, and the Power of Showing Up Together
<p>Key Topics:</p><ul><li>The transformative power of community and connection among nurses</li><li>Innovative approaches in nursing education and workforce development</li><li>The role of dissemination in advancing nursing practice and scholarship</li><li>Rising themes of innovation, well-being, equity, leadership, and technology in nursing</li><li>The importance of advocacy at local, state, and national levels</li><li>Networking as a form of care and a tool to prevent burnout</li><li>The momentum generated by conferences to inspire action and change</li></ul><p>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</p>
28 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Why We Nurse?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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