Breaking the Silence on Syphilis

About this episode

Dr. Helen Hurst discusses the rising rates of syphilis in pregnant individuals and the importance of open conversations about sexual health.

Dr. Helen Hurst emphasizes the rising rates of syphilis in pregnant individuals and pinpoints the critical need for open, nonjudgmental conversation and education between clinicians and their patients. Use this episode as a guide to discuss sexual health, address myths, implement talk, test, treat at the point of entry to care, and collaborate with community partners to create campaigns that will improve the awareness and health of those in your surrounding zip codes. Meet our guests: Helen M. Hurst, DNP, RNC-OB, APRN-CNM Read More Dr. Helen Hurst is a distinguished leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. She’s served as Associate Dean of Nursing and Professor at Creighton University since July 2022, where she provides oversight and leadership for the College of Nursing. Her years in clinical practice encompassed being an RN in L&D and women’s health. As a CNM, she provided antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and women’s health care at a community hospital in southwestern Louisiana. For more than 30 years, Dr. Hurst has cultivated expertise in academic administration, innovative curriculum development, and healthcare partnerships, positioning her as a…

People in this episode

Guest: Helen M. Hurst

Topics covered

• syphilis
• pregnancy
• sexual health
• education
• community health

Keywords

• syphilis
• pregnant individuals
• sexual health education
• health campaigns
• clinician-patient communication

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Creighton University

More episodes of AWHONN Insights Podcast

• How One Nurse Conquered Addiction and Found Strength Through Recovery · May 20, 2026
• Preterm Birth and Health Risks in Adulthood · May 7, 2026
• Voces de la Isla: Advancing Birth Equity in Puerto Rico – Spanish · April 23, 2026
• Voces de la Isla: Advancing Birth Equity in Puerto Rico – English · April 23, 2026
• The Complexities of Caring for Late Preterm Infants · April 9, 2026
• Skills for the AI-Informed Nurse · March 19, 2026