AWHONN Insights Podcast

Many nurses face barriers in advancing their careers due to limited access to structured professional development, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities. While clinical expertise is well-developed through practice, gaps remain in areas such as leadership skills, strategic decision-making, health care business knowledge, and professional networking. These gaps can limit opportunities for advancement into leadership, management, or specialized roles. Addressing this gap by providing targeted education, mentorship, and career development resources will empower nurses to expand their career trajectories, enhance job satisfaction, and contribute more effectively to improving patient outcomes and organizational growth. Nursing Contact Hours Available This podcast episode provides 0.75 nursing contact hours. The NCPD activity is available through October 7, 2028. To earn contact hours, you will need to: Listen to the full podcast episode. Add episode evaluation to your cart. Access the post-episode evaluation in the AWHONN Learning Center. Claim Your Credit: Access the evaluation Cost: Free Meet our guests: Marie Biancuzzo, RN, MS, IBCLC Read More Marie Biancuzzo is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and content strategist whose career spans bedside nursing and far beyond. As the founding editor of Nursing for Women’s Health, she shaped the conversation on evidence-based care. She has successfully pivoted into non-traditional roles—developing healthcare courses, serving as university faculty, running a consulting business, and advising medical device companies on education and certification. Her expertise blends clinical insight with instructional design, publishing, and strategic content creation, helping nurses explore new career paths and design learning experiences that deliver real-world results. Episode Resources Articles on Medium.com Visibility, Value, and Voice: The Real Cornerstones of Career Success Career Change for Nurses: 30+ Non-Bedside Careers and Opportunities 7 Confidence Strategies to Strengthen Your Pivot Transferable Skills for Nurses: 6 Strengths You Already Have (and How to Use Them) 4 Types of Self-Sabotage Stopping You from Leaving Your Bedside Nursing Job 50 simple LinkedIn tips to boost your visibility—without spending your whole weekend on it Ernawati, E., & Bratajaya, C. N. A. (2021). Senior nurses’ perceptions of essential soft skills for novice nurses in a private hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia: A phenomenological study. Belitung Nursing Journal, 7(4), 320-328. doi: 10.33546/bnj.1549. Sullivan, Dan. The 4 C’S Formula: Commitment Courage Capability and Confidence. 2015. AWHONN SBARs The post Helping Nurses Navigate Career Transitions With Confidence appeared first on AWHONN.

Delve into the groundbreaking Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) program, a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross and AWHONN. Experts Jonathan Epstein and Julie Bacon discuss the critical need for innovative education in neonatal resuscitation as well as how to bridge the gap and provide this evidence-based training in maternity care deserts. Learn how NALS differs from existing programs, what it offers health care professionals, and how you can bring it to your team. Meet our guests: Jonathan Epstein, MEMS, NRP Read More Jonathan Epstein leads the Healthcare Product Management team at the American Red Cross, bringing over 30 years of expertise in EMS, healthcare education, and customer-focused innovation. A nationally registered Paramedic with a master’s degree in Emergency Medical Services, Jonathan has shaped training programs for healthcare and public safety professionals and served in leadership roles, including Executive Director of Northeast EMS, Chair of International Trauma Life Support and a Domain lead for the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). Passionate about education, he continues to teach and advance life-saving practices worldwide. Julie Bacon, MSN-HCSM, NPD-BC, NE-BC, CPN, CPEN, C-NPT   Read More Julie has over 25 years’ experience in emergency transport medicine, with expertise in pediatric and neonatal transport and critical care. As Program Manager and Chief Flight Nurse at Johns Hopkins All Children’s LifeLine in St. Petersburg, Florida, she manages both a high acuity national/ international transport team as well as the transfer and dispatch center. She is a subject matter expert for newborn resuscitation and pediatrics for the American Red Cross. Julie holds multiple clinical and leadership certifications, as well as serves on the Florida EMS Advisory Council. Episode Resources Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) CPR, AED, and First Aid Certifications Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certification The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) The post Innovative Solutions for Neonatal Resuscitation appeared first on AWHONN.

Laura Scalise, MSN, RN, a nurse manager, discusses the development and impact of programs “HeartSafe Motherhood” and “Healing at Home.” These programs were designed to leverage technology to improve patient care and engagement. The dialogue with AWHONN Insights highlights the challenges and successes achieved in implementing these programs, emphasizing the importance of patient feedback and continuous improvement. Meet our guests: Laura Scalise, MSN, RN Read More Laura Scalise is the Nurse Manager of the postpartum unit the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She’s served in a variety of leadership roles with this institution since 1996. Most recently, Laura co-authored, “Healing at Home: applying innovation principles to redesign and optimize postpartum care.” In 2020, she contributed to Magnet Exemplar, “Gender Neutral Birth Certificates.” From 2013-2024, Laura presented six abstracts at various AWHONN conferences and has consistently maintained her membership with the organization. In 2008, she won the Daisy Award and was nominated for the Dorothy Botdorf Clinical Nurse Excellence Award in both 2004 and 2008. Episode Resources Heart Safe Motherhood Program Healing at Home The post Healing at Home: Redefining Postpartum Health With Technology appeared first on AWHONN.

Disparities in the NICU are a critical issue, with many families facing barriers to equitable, high-quality care and support during some of their most vulnerable moments. Jenné Johns from Once Upon a Preemie and Adriauna Davis from the Harmonie Grace Foundation are inspiring leaders who transformed their personal experiences into powerful advocacy and support for families. Listen to learn how your team can enhance patient and family-centered care in the NICU, improve health outcomes, and foster a more inclusive health care environment. Meet our guests: Jenné Johns, MPH Read More Jenné Johns is a national health equity thought leader, author and advocate for reducing health care disparities. She is President of Once Upon A Preemie, Inc., and Founder of Once Upon A Preemie Academy, the first and only virtual training academy focused on delivering health and racial equity educational programs for perinatal and neonatal healthcare professionals. While advocating for the needs of her own son, Jenné wrote, “Once Upon a Preemie”, the first of its kind children’s book written for parents of preemies while in the NICU. A graduate of the Disparities Leadership Program at Harvard University Medical School, Jenné has over a decade of experience advocating for policy, and community changes to improve health equity and health outcomes for low-income communities. She’s also led quality improvement and health equity transformation strategies with the nation’s largest health insurance companies. Adriauna Davis Read More Adriauna Davis is a compassionate advocate and Founder of The Harmonie Grace Foundation. She currently serves as the organization’s Executive Director. In this pivotal role, Adriauna orchestrates the foundation’s mission to provide unwavering support to families navigating the challenging terrain of premature births and infant loss. Her personal journey, vividly captured in the book “Perfect Harmonie: My Journey As A Preemie Mom,” serves as a testament to her resilience and commitment to making a meaningful impact. Her dedication is evidenced by her involvement as a speaker and panelist for several speaking engagements, membership on various boards and volunteer appointments. Adriauna’s outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning The Harmonie Grace Foundation – nonprofit of the month, recognized in Voyage Houston Magazine and The Courier Newspaper. Beyond her professional endeavors, Adriauna finds solace in Houston, TX where she resides. Her holistic approach to life and work reflects a deep-seated commitment to creating positive change for families facing the challenges of premature births and infant loss. Through her leadership, Adriauna continues to inspire and uplift those touched by the Harmonie Grace Foundation’s mission. Episode Resources Once Upon A Preemie, Inc. Contact and Events (Book) Once Upon A Preemie Once Upon A Preemie Academy The Harmonie Grace Foundation Contact and Events (Book) My Journey as a Preemie Mom The post Neonatal Equity: A Call to Action appeared first on AWHONN.

Local Chapters are the heart of AWHONN member engagement. Listen to how three dedicated volunteers transformed into influential AWHONN Section Leaders. They welcomed mentorship and leveraged diverse networking opportunities that are also available for you. Be inspired to elevate your nursing career path and learn new resources that can give you and your statewide colleagues a boost. Meet our guests: Marin Skariah, DNP, MBA, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, IBCLC Read More Dr. Marin Skariah is the Director for Women’s and Children’s Services and Pediatrics, and member of the Board of Directors for the Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification. She’s a long-time AWHONN member who’s passionate about early-career nurses and is a key stakeholder in ensuring that nurses with a strong interest in the field are provided with the necessary resources to be successful. Dr. Skariah currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer for AWHONN in New York, she was also an AWHONN Emerging Leader in 2018. Amanda Staab MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM Read More Amanda Staab is a Clinical Nurse Improvement Coach for the Iowa Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, incorporating quality improvement and simulation in obstetrics for birthing hospitals, critical access EDs, and EMS crews. One of her previous roles was at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. She’s served 13 years in the Birth Care Center and 5 years as House Supervisor. Amanda is currently the AWHONN Chapter Leader for East Central Iowa and the Secretary/Treasurer for Iowa; she’s also a 2023-2024 AWHONN Emerging Leader. Kristy Wente, MSN, RNC Read More Kristy Wente is the Operations Supervisor for Women’s Services at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. She’s worked in the field of maternal health for the past 25 years and holds a certification in Inpatient Obstetrics. She has served as the Oklahoma Section Secretary/Treasurer for the past 5 years and as a section chapter leader. Kristy is a member of the Oklahoma Maternal Mortality Review Committee and is passionate about advocating for and improving the health of women and newborns. Episode Resources AWHONN Membership AWHONN Section & Chapter Services AWHONN National Convention AWHONN Emerging Leaders AWHONN POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Education Program AWHONN District 4 Rural Health Summit [October 2025] Healthy Mom&Baby AWHONN Insights Podcast: Leadership Lessons from Four Fellows State Perinatal Quality Collaboratives The post Mentorship and Leadership in AWHONN Sections & Chapters appeared first on AWHONN.

In this poignant episode of AWHONN Insights, Jose Perez shares the tragic story of the loss of his fiancé, Christine Fields. Pause as you listen to the details in order to identify the loopholes where a clinician or advocate could have intervened. Jose has now taken up the mantle to fight for respectful care, better parent preparation for childbirth, legislative changes including passage of the Grieving Families Act, and greater community support. Meet our guests: Jose Perez Read More Jose Perez is an advocate for maternal health from Brooklyn. Since the tragic loss of his fiancée, Christine Fields, in November 2013, he’s been collaborating with lawmakers, health care advocates, and birth workers to help reform the systemic maternal health issues for black and brown women. Currently, he’s fighting for the Grieving Families Act to be passed in New York and continues to build alliances to get quality care in underserved communities. Kandis Mclean, DNP, FNP, RNC-OB, RNC-MNN, CHSE, NEA-BC, FAWHONN Read More Dr. Kandis McLean is an Associate Professor for Maternal Child Simulation at Nassau Community College and appointed Director of Nursing for Maternal Health over Suffolk County, NY State. She is also a practicing family nurse practitioner in the obstetrical department at Columbia University/NYP Allen. Her maternal consultant work has been sourced to Pearson, the National League for Nursing, and a 12-system hospital, NYC Health and Hospitals, to deliver AWHONN fetal monitoring and simulation. Dr. McLean utilizes simulation to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in maternal care and obstetrical training. In her efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, she travels internationally to teach health care teams best practices for obstetric complications and how to work collaboratively to decrease adverse outcomes. Dr. McLean is also a current member of the NY State Maternal Mortality Committee for the Department of Health in New York State for legislative recommendations. Her current research focuses on the use of virtual reality in clinical settings to enhance training for students, as well as to address perinatal mood disorders, substance use, and the gaps in maternal care delivery that are impacted by social determinants. Episode Resources Grieving Families Act POSTPARTUM Support International- Help for Partners and Families Paternal Mental Health Face Sheet National Mental Health Helpline and Hotlines The post Maternal Mortality: A Father’s Perspective appeared first on AWHONN.

The AWHONN Insights Content Advisory Board discusses the current challenges faced by nurses and how they’re coping. The conversation centers on self-care strategies, emotional coping, and the importance of support within the nursing profession. The group explores ways to nurture creativity and resilience amid the constantly evolving and demanding landscape of obstetrics and women’s health. Support for the AWHONN Insights episode How Nurses Are Coping in the Current Climate was provided by Medela. Meet our guests: Jamie Agunsday, MA, MSN, RNC-OB Read More Jamie Agunsday is a master’s prepared Registered Nurse who has spent 11 years serving women and birthing families in New Jersey. As a labor nurse, Jamie was deeply impacted by seeing women experience serious pregnancy related complications. She spent 5 years telling the stories of women in NJ who died from complications of their pregnancies to the NJ Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Jamie recently joined a nonprofit where she partners with clinicians, leaders, and community members to ensure that healthcare teams have the knowledge they need to support birth equity, family empowerment, and joy in safe clinical settings. Jamie’s work crosses sectors into the arenas of public health, education, and patient advocacy. She has a long history of advocacy and is involved extensively in AWHONN on the state and national level. She was an AWHONN Emerging Leader in the 2022 cohort. Jamie is regularly featured on the AWHONN Insights Podcast as a member of the content advisory board. Jamie is a nationally recognized public speaker and thought leader. Through her efforts, Jamie seeks to center the voices and amplify the stories of those most impacted by adverse outcomes to help make meaningful improvements in the health of all those giving birth. Lakisa Ballard, RN, MSN, C-EFM, RNC-OB Read More Lakisa Ballard is a Clinical Nurse Education Specialist in Labor and Delivery. Her years of nursing experience span labor and delivery, high-risk antepartum, and postpartum in hospitals across the US. Her mission is to impact the perinatal workforce through tools, knowledge, and support that produce the best patient outcomes. She’s passionate about fostering supportive learning environments derived from evidence-based practice. Lakisa is a Maryland Maternal Mortality Review Team board member. In November 2022, she was awarded the Sandy Chapman Rising Star award at the National Perinatal Leadership Conference. Shannon Francois, MSN-E, RNC-OB Read More Shannon Francois is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong commitment to supporting women’s health across all stages of life. She is currently pursuing certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to expand her expertise in providing holistic care. With a background in nursing education and inpatient obstetrics, Shannon is deeply passionate about women’s mental health and its critical role in overall well-being. As the mother of twin girls, she is personally and professionally dedicated to supporting mental health, both for women and their families. Shannon is committed to advancing women’s healthcare by empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and promoting integrated, patient-centered care in the field of women’s health. LaShea Haynes, M.Ed, MSN, AGCNS-BC, APRN, RNC, C-EFM Read More Lashea Haynes has obstetrical and perinatal nursing experience and expertise that spans 26 years in labor and delivery, antepartum, and mother/baby. She’s worked as a board-certified clinical nurse specialist, nursing instructor, and perinatal outreach educator. She’s provided high-risk perinatal education to various hospitals and audiences throughout her region. LaShea is the editor of Healthy Mom&Baby magazine and the founder and owner of her own nursing mentoring and education consulting company. She’s also a Designated Instructor Trainer in Fetal Monitoring and Obstetric Patient Safety. LaShea is an active AWHONN member, Vice Chair of the AWHONN Section Advisory Committee, and past two-term Georgia section chair. In 2022, she received the AWHONN Distinguished Professional Service Award and The Award of Excellence in Education. Jennifer Peterman, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, IBCLC Read More Jennifer Peterman has been a Women’s Health nurse for over 30 years. She received her bachelor of science in nursing from The College of New Jersey and is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. She received her master’s degree from Drexel University and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Jennifer has been an advocate in the field of lactation, mentoring hospitals on achieving Baby Friendly Designation. She is currently a Clinical Practice leader on the Postpartum and Well Baby units at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Jennifer has been an active AWHONN member, including on the editorial advisory board for Health Mom&Baby Magazine. Jennifer is passionate about maternal mental health and continues to advocate for increased awareness and resources. Kimber Stovesand, RN, BSN Read More Kimber Stovesand is an experienced labor and delivery nurse and newly graduated midwife that has a passion for delivering quality, evidence-based care before, during and after childbirth. She recently graduated with her Masters in Nurse Midwifery from East Carolina University. She is an AWHONN Emerging Leader in the 2024-2025 cohort. She enjoys assisting birthing bodies in the liminal space of the delivery room and loves being a witness to the miracle of each person coming into their own strength. Her goals include eliminating disparities in care, increasing patient and provider collaboration and empowering patients with the knowledge and resources to claim birth as intimately and unmistakably theirs. Jessica Irrobali, MSN, RNC-OB, CHSE, C-ONQS, C-EFM Read More Jessica Irrobali is the Director of Collaborative Clinical Programs at the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). With extensive experience in perinatal high-risk critical care, she has served as a perinatal educator, maternal designation/critical care coordinator, and surveyor for Levels of Maternal Care. Jessica has demonstrated her expertise and dedication by leading the expansion of the post-birth warning signs education toolkit and improving resources for rural and critical access hospitals. Her initiatives include developing a post-birth warning signs app and translating patient materials into 50 languages. She has also produced educational videos for clinicians and patients to enhance their understanding of post-birth warning signs. Jessica travels nationwide to teach AWHONN’s Obstetric Patient Safety Program and advocate for simulation-based learning in various healthcare settings. Additionally, she co-hosts the AWHONN Insights Podcast and directs AWHONN’s Emerging Leader Program to cultivate future nursing leaders and advance the profession. Episode Resources Meditation: Calm App Insight Timer Audio Apothecary (create a playlist) Therapy Resources: HeartMath Headway Growtherapy Alma Talkspace Betterhelp Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Mental Health Help for Nurses APNA Nurses’ Guide to Mental Health Support Services AWHONN on the Hill The post How Nurses Are Coping in the Current Climate appeared first on AWHONN.