The FreshRN Podcast with Kati Kleber

In this episode, we're diving into what happens when perfectionism collides with the messy, high-pressure reality of nursing. If you've ever felt like your entire identity is wrapped up in being the "good nurse" ... you know, the one who never messes up, never says no, and always holds it together, this conversation is for you. We'll talk about: How nursing school subtly wires us for people-pleasing Why high-pressure roles make us more vulnerable to shame Why self-compassion (not shame) is the key to confidence and performance What to do when you disappoint someone—and how to recover with integrity Join my email list, already! https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up Get thoughtful support, freebies, and honest pep talks straight to your inbox: If you want to learn more about self-compassion, check out the resources from Dr. Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org/ Need to take out loans? Use Juno to join a collective bargaining group and score lower interest rates—usually 1–4% better than the big-name lenders. Free to join, and it can save you thousands → https://www.freshrn.com/juno Connect With Me Online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN X: https://x.com/Kati_Kleber Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freshrn

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Michelle Boes, FNP, a nurse practitioner and board prep expert who's helped thousands of aspiring NPs pass their exams with confidence. We talk about what it's really like to go through the certification process, how to choose the right study tools, and what Sarah wishes every NP student knew before sitting for the test. We cover: Sarah's deeply personal and non-linear journey through nursing school, including nearly being removed from her program Her discovery that anxiety was a strength, not a weakness, in her nursing career Working in bone marrow transplant and oncology Returning to school for a master's in nursing education Choosing to pursue an FNP degree, even though she wasn't initially sure she wanted to practice as an NP Her experience with NP board prep programs and why she created her own (WILDLY successful) business A desire to teach and help others succeed academically My NP blog post: https://www.freshrn.com/how-to-choose-an-np-program/ My top NCLEX prep programs: https://www.freshrn.com/best-nclex-reviews/ Article on her entrepreneurial journey: https://theygotacquired.com/content/sarah-michelle-np-reviews-acquired-by-blueprint-prep/ Sarah's NP board prep website (with a lot of NP resources): https://www.npreviews.com/ My free workbook that will help you map out costs, pros/cons of different schools, applications, and more: https://www.freshrn.com/planner/ Sign up for my email list: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up My nursing degrees and programs learning hub: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-degrees-and-programs/ Need to take out loans? Check out my partner, Juno, to join a collective bargaining group and score lower interest rates better than the big-name lenders (the 2025-2026 rates start at 3.47%!). Free to join, and it can save you thousands → https://www.freshrn.com/juno Connect With Me Online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN X: https://x.com/Kati_Kleber Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freshrn

Thinking about going back to school to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) but feeling overwhelmed by what it actually means? In this episode, I break down what the DNP is, who it's for, how it compares to an MSN or PhD, and share perspectives from DNP and DNAP-prepared nurses. I outline: What the DNP really is (and how it's different from a PhD) Why some nurses pursue it, and others don't The difference between a DNP and a DNAP What to expect from a DNP program (time, cost, and the infamous DNP project) How to reverse-engineer your decision based on your future goals Get your free workbook → If you're thinking about nursing school (at any level), this workbook will help you compare programs, weigh decisions, track finances, and more → https://www.freshrn.com/planner/ Read the article → https://www.freshrn.com/online-dnp-programs/ Want more support in your inbox? Join my email list to get exclusive content, encouragement, and nursing school tips I only share with subscribers → https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/ Heads up → Even a small difference in your loan's interest rate can add up to thousands over time. Before signing for a private loan, check what kind of rates you could qualify for through Juno. They use group buying power to negotiate lower rates for borrowers, often beating standard offers by 1–2%. It's free to sign up with zero committment, and it could mean major savings down the road. Let's go! https://www.freshrn.com/juno

Are online nursing degrees respected? Do employers take them seriously? What about clinicals and accreditation? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Karen Cox, President of Chamberlain University—the largest nursing school in the U.S.—to tackle the most common misconceptions about online nursing education. We cover things like: The evolution of online RN, BSN, and grad programs How online clinicals actually work What accreditation means and why it's non-negotiable How employers view online degrees Confidence-building advice for nurses at every career stage We even discuss her career path from LPN to PhD! (Yes, just took every step in between: LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and finally PhD!) So, if you're interested in an online program or if you're curious about the path of a PhD-prepared RN, this episode is for you. Link to the article on social determinants of learning that we mentioned: https://www.chamberlain.edu/about/social-determinants-of-learning New FreshRN freebie alert! I created a workbook to help you compare nursing schools (at any level) + track costs + map out your best path. Get it at no cost at https://www.freshrn.com/planner/ Don't overpay for student loans, people. After you max out your school's financial aid package and select your federal loans, most people have to take out private loans to bridge the gap. Make sure you're getting the best interest rate possible because even just 1-2% more can cost thousands over the lifetime of the loan. My new partner, Juno, uses group bargaining power to get lower interest rates, as much as 4% below market rates. It's free to join and check their rates to compare to yours before you sign on the dotted line. Use my link to sign up for free with no commitment here: https://www.freshrn.com/juno Get on my email list already! https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up/

In this episode, I'm joined by Ali Morin, MSN, RN-BC, CNIO, to talk about a topic that's generating a lot of buzz (and questions): AI in nursing. We dive into how artificial intelligence is already being used in clinical settings—like fall prevention, EMR automation, staffing optimization, and more. Ali shares her journey from pediatric critical care nurse to informatics leader and offers a clear, thoughtful breakdown of what AI can really do for nurses at the bedside. We also explore: How AI is helping reduce burnout and documentation overload Why trust is a major barrier for nurses with new tech What nurse leaders need to know about integrating AI tools A hopeful vision of what a med-surg shift could look like 20 years from now Insight on her professional nursing journey to informatics Whether you're a student, new grad, or experienced nurse feeling overwhelmed by clunky workflows—this episode will give you clarity, hope, and a realistic take on where nursing and technology are headed. "AI can never replace the human touch—but it can absolutely take work off your plate." Want more insights like this? Head over to https://www.freshrn.com and sign up for our email list! You'll get helpful, non-spammy updates packed with practical tips, resources, and encouragement—especially for new nurses navigating real-world practice. For our nursing school planner, head to https://www.freshrn.com/planner

In this enlightening interview, I sit down with Jennifer Flynn, a seasoned expert in risk management and professional liability. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare insurance, Jennifer brings her wealth of knowledge to help nurses navigate the complex world of liability, patient safety, and quality management. What We Discuss: ✅ Common scenarios where nurses might need to use their liability insurance—step-by-step insights. ✅ The Rhadonda Vaught case: How typical (or atypical) are criminal charges against nurses for medical errors? Should nurses be concerned? ✅ Practical, actionable strategies to minimize liability risks while enhancing patient safety. ✅ Breaking down the differences between employer-provided malpractice coverage and individual liability insurance. Jennifer also shares tips to empower nurses to protect themselves professionally while delivering excellent patient care. About Jennifer Flynn: Jennifer is the Vice President of Risk Management for Nurses Service Organization in the Healthcare Division of Aon's Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. She is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, published author, and frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability topics. Jennifer is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals about liability risks and strategies to support patient safety. Hub of helpful articles related to nursing risk management: https://www.nso.com/risk-management/individuals For show notes and the video interview, click here: https://www.freshrn.com/is-insurance-for-nurses-worth-it/ Free Nursing Resources 👇 Cardiac content: https://www.freshrn.com/cardiac-nursing/ Neuro content: https://www.freshrn.com/neuro-nursing/ Jobs and interviews: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-jobs-interviews/ Nursing school: https://www.freshrn.com/nursing-student/ Ortho content: https://www.freshrn.com/ortho-nursing/ New grad support: https://www.freshrn.com/new-grad-nursing/ Professional development: https://www.freshrn.com/professional-development/ Critical care: https://www.freshrn.com/critical-care-icu-nursing/ Med-surg: https://www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nursing/ Get weekly tips, encouragement, stories from the bedside and more - just for nursing students and new nurses at: https://www.freshrn.com/ Connect With Me Online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRN X: https://x.com/Kati_Kleber Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Fresh_RN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleber/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshrn

In this mini-bonus episode, I'm sharing my favorite go-to potluck items for RN gatherings! These are all easy, require minimal to no cooking/baking but are so delicious. Plus, don't forget—our FreshRN Black Friday Sale kicks off TOMORROW! Get access to our all-inclusive membership for the lowest price of the year. • $57/month (normally $97) • $587/year (normally $997) Link to learn more about the pass: https://www.freshrn.com/all-access/ Make sure to snag these deals while they last. Join the FreshRN community to build confidence, master critical skills, and love your nursing career again.