Shows
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities57// The Real Reason Nurses Feel Stuck in Their Careers (+ What to Do First)Feeling stuck in your nursing career—even with years of experience or an advanced degree? You’re not alone. In this episode, Bonnie breaks down the real reasons nurses feel uncertain about what’s next—and introduces a simple tool to help you get clear. Whether you're an RN, APRN, or nurse leader, discover how self-awareness and career reflection can reignite your purpose.Key Takeaways:Common causes of career stagnationThe power of clarity over job searchingHow to use the free Nurse Career Growth RoadmapWant to continue the conversation? Send me a text right he...2025-06-2618 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities52// Why You Can't Break Free From Nursing Career Stagnation & How These 5 Actions Can Advance Your Career As An Experienced Nurse (Replay)This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Are you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications? Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you back and learn how to align it with job descriptions to get past HR screening systems. I’ll share practical tips to hi...2025-03-2724 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities51// Don't Overthink It: The Power of Action in Your Nursing Career (Replay)This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Are you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action.Bonnie challenges the "checklist mentality" many nurses adopt, urging you to shift from procedure to strategy. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, asking the right questions, and gathering data to i...2025-03-2014 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities46 // Do I Really Need a Master’s Degree to Grow My Nursing Career? (Replay)This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. Ever wondered how an advanced degree could help your nursing career? With 17.4% of registered nurses holding a master’s degree, Bonnie explores the transformative benefits of higher education in nursing. She breaks down the advantages, from enhanced job opportunities to flexible work schedules, and shares personal anecdotes on how further education broadened her perspective, reinforcing the vital role of nurses in healthcare. Whether you're contemplating further education or s...2025-02-0618 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job OpportunitiesEp. 45// The Power of Perseverance: Unlocking the Next Step in Your Nursing Career [Replay]This podcast was one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2024. I am bringing it back as a replay for your enjoyment as I work on new episodes for 2025. In this week’s episode, Bonnie Meadows encourages nurses who feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed in their career journey. She reminds us to press forward, stay committed to our goals, and believe in the right path. Drawing from her personal experience and passion for helping nurses, Bonnie reflects on the importance of pursuing clarity and fulfillment in your nursing career, even if the journey feels unconventional....2025-01-3106 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities42// Don't Overthink It: The Power of Action in Advancing Your Nursing CareerAre you stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nursing career? In this episode, Bonnie Meadows, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, shares her own experiences with overcoming perfectionism and fear to take decisive action.Bonnie challenges the "checklist mentality" many nurses adopt, urging you to shift from procedure to strategy. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, asking the right questions, and gathering data to inform your decisions. It's time to stop overthinking and start taking strategic steps toward the career you deserve.2024-11-1414 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities41 // Want to Stand Out? Tailor Your Nursing Resume Like a ProIn this episode, we delve into essential resume tips specifically tailored for nurses looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree or seeking new opportunities in healthcare, a well-crafted resume is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market. Join Bonnie Meadows as she shares actionable insights on tailoring your resume, highlighting your qualifications, and showcasing your accomplishments effectively.**Key Takeaways:**1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: Learn the importance of customizing your resume for each job application. We'll discuss how to refine your baseline document, ensuring it stays withi...2024-10-2519 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities40 // Resume vs. CV: Which One Will Land You the Nursing Job Interview?In this episode, Bonnie Meadows dives deep into the essential tools you need to stand out as an experienced nurse in today's competitive job market: resumes, CVs, and portfolios. Whether pursuing a graduate degree, transitioning into an advanced practice role, or aiming for leadership, understanding how to leverage these documents can make all the difference in your career progression. Bonnie shares high-level resume tips, explains the differences between these documents, and offers practical advice to help you confidently make your next move.Want to continue the conversation? Send me a text right here....2024-10-1618 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities37// The Power of Perseverance: Unlocking the Next Step in Your Nursing CareerIn this week’s episode, Bonnie Meadows encourages nurses who feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed in their career journey. She reminds us to press forward, stay committed to our goals, and believe in the right path. Drawing from her personal experience and passion for helping nurses, Bonnie reflects on the importance of pursuing clarity and fulfillment in your nursing career, even if the journey feels unconventional.Bonnie also shares why she developed this community for nurses seeking more from their careers and how taking intentional steps toward clarity can help you discover your unique gifts, ski...2024-09-1906 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities33// Why You Can't Break Free From Nursing Career Stagnation & How These 5 Actions Can Advance Your Career As An Experienced NurseAre you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications? Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you back and learn how to align it with job descriptions to get past HR screening systems. I’ll share practical tips to highlight your experience and bridge perceived gaps in leadership, ensuring your resume stands out.Learn about the power of proactive career steps, navigating workplace politics, and knowing when to seek spon...2024-08-1724 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities31// How to Showcase Your Nursing Talents and Achievements EffortlesslyHave you ever wondered how to confidently showcase your skills and experiences to propel your nursing career?Listen in to get practical advice that inspires nurses to overcome their uneasiness to speak about themselves.In this episode, Bonnie emphasizes the importance of always being prepared to present your best self. She discusses the necessity of maintaining a record of accomplishments and strategically showcasing your work to build relationships and enhance your professional presence. With actionable insights on crafting resumes, CVs, and other professional presentations, Bonnie provides the tools you need to be known f...2024-08-0219 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities24//Do I Really Need a Master's Degree to Grow My Nursing Career?Ever wondered how an advanced degree could help your nursing career? With 17.4% of registered nurses holding a master’s degree, Bonnie explores the transformative benefits of higher education in nursing. She breaks down the advantages, from enhanced job opportunities to flexible work schedules, and shares personal anecdotes on how further education broadened her perspective, reinforcing the vital role of nurses in healthcare. Whether you're contemplating further education or seeking to leverage your current qualifications, this episode is filled with valuable advice and real-world examples to fuel your career growth and maximize your potential. Tune in for...2024-05-3018 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities16// Imposter Syndrome: What is it & Is it keeping your career stagnat as an Experienced Nurse?Ever felt like a fraud at work or doubted your skills despite your achievements? You're not alone I'm unmasking the imposter syndrome that plagues so many in the nursing profession, working at the bedside and in clinical areas. As your host, Bonnie Meadows, I'm guiding you through the theory and also dissecting the root causes of imposter syndrome. From family influences to perfectionism, I am providing you with the tools to recognize and tackle these challenges head-on. This episode is not just about identifying the self-sabotaging behaviors but also about crafting your own narrative of s...2024-03-2831 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities12// How to Choose Your Nursing Career Path as an Experienced Nurse and Embrace GrowthEver found yourself at a nursing career crossroads, trying to choose between furthering your education or diving into a new specialization? This episode is your roadmap to making calculated career moves with confidence. Join me as I navigate through a case study of a seasoned nurse torn between pursuing a family nurse practitioner program and a psych mental health nurse practitioner track. I dissect the advantages and nuances of each path, weighing the importance of aligning passion with practicality. Moreover, I offer actionable advice to help you carve out a fulfilling trajectory in nursing, even if it i...2024-02-2728 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities11// Finding Nurse Career Clarity: Tips for the Experienced Nurse to Identify if Perfectionism is Holding You Back From Career GrowthHave you ever felt trapped in pursuing your career, fearing any move away from where you are might lead to disaster? As a clinical nurse specialist and your career coach, I, have lived through the very challenges you face. This latest episode strips away the layers of career perfectionism that plague many experienced nurses, offering insights into why now could be the perfect time to reassess your professional trajectory. I share stories from my own 19 years in nursing, highlighting strategic career shifts over sticking to a rigid path, and the importance of prioritizing your well-being in the p...2024-02-2125 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities10// Accelerating Nursing Career Growth for the Experienced Nurse : Lessons in Leadership from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm XJoin me, as we celebrate Black History Month by exploring how these figures' can invigorate your own approach to leadership in healthcare. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into leading with love, kindness, and assertive strategies when necessary, all aimed at empowering you to make a real difference in advocating for patients.Explore the secrets to amplifying your influence in the nursing field without relying on titles. We delve into the power of community, the importance of exposure and experiences, and why great communication is your ally on this leadership journey. You'll come to...2024-02-1319 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities09// How to Nurture and Rekindle your Nursing PassionHave you ever questioned whether you're in love with nursing or just going through the motions? Today, I, invite you into a heartfelt exploration of what it means to carry a true passion for our profession. It's not the allure of overtime or financial incentives that we're after; it's that dedication to patient care and the intricacies of healthcare that we love to discuss. Sharing my pivots within healthcare, I'll lead you through recognizing if your heart truly lies in nursing and how this connection enriches the care we provide and our overall job satisfaction.This episode...2024-02-0626 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities08// Overcoming Perfectionism and Advancing in Your Nursing Career with Bonnie MeadowsAre you finding yourself stuck in the pit of perfectionism, hindering your career growth? My name is Bonnie Meadows, your host with 19 years of nursing experience, and today I am here to share my personal journey, shedding some light on how to embrace the unknown and take bold steps towards career advancement. Listen, we all want our career moves to be perfectly laid out, but guess what? That's not how it works, and it's perfectly okay. Remember, the initial jobs you land may not entirely meet your needs, but they are necessary stepping stones to upskill yourself. S...2023-08-1012 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities07// Thriving in Challenging Work Environments: Strategies for Nurses and ProfessionalsIn my daily conversations with nurses, I find more and more nurses saying that "I need to change things". There are nurses who are at the top of their pay scales and they need to decide what they should do next. Many others are still in the middle of it or are just starting out and say the same thing. What's the common denominator among those who are just starting out or in the middle? In all of these cases, perspective is the common denominator. It is our nature as ambitious nurses to always think about the next...2023-07-2022 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities06// Nursing Career Goals: Charting Your Path to SuccessThere is a lack of clarity when it comes to nursing career goals. The majority of nurses know what they want to do when they join the nursing profession. However, for some, their thoughts about what they want to do begin to change after they've been in the profession for a while. Exposure to more influences their desire to follow a different path. Often, they don't know what that path will be. It is my goal to make you feel like you can make a difference in your career and have the power to navigate further. Du...2023-07-1331 minThe Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities05// 4 Steps to Determine Your Unique Career PathHow do I find my nursing niche? How do I advance my career as a nurse? Have you asked these questions before? There are so many career paths for nurses that we get stuck. It's a good problem and a bad problem to have. It's good because it gives us options. It's bad, because we have so many options that we stay stuck because we don’t know what to choose or are afraid to make a wrong choice. If so, stick around in this episode. I address these questions and more.Want to continue th...2022-12-0113 min
The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities04// 5 Reasons You Should Leave your Nursing JobThere are red flags that indicate it's time to move on from your current job, but many people stay longer than they should. This episode is to help the nurse think about whether they should stay at the bedside or leave the bedside.Should they stay in nursing or leave nursing? Should they stay in healthcare or leave? By the end of the episode, they will have tips to help them decide to stay or leave the bedside. W...2022-11-0316 min