The Ambitious Nurse | Career Strategy for High-Performing Nurses Ready to Advance in Leadership

69// Promoted and Still Restless: Why High Achieving Nurses Need Creation Time

I've been having a lot of conversations lately with nurses who genuinely like their work, have earned the promotions, and still feel like something is missing. If th

68// Your Employer Isn't Responsible for Your Growth: The Networking Habits That Advance Your Nursing Career

Networking isn't one big move. It's a handful of small habits stacked over time. In this episode, the finale of the Small Steps, Big Moves series, I finish out

67// How to Network as a Nurse (Even If You're an Introvert)

Here's something that surprises people: my last seven nursing jobs came from networking. Not from cold applications, not from perfectly timed job postings, but from

66// How to Align Your Nursing Career with Your Strengths & Values: A 5 Step Checklist

Last episode I gave you one tiny action to take, so before we dive in, I have to ask: did you do it? Whether you did or didn't, no judgment. This episode picks up ri

65// Why Tiny Steps Beat Big Plans: How Small Actions Build a Nursing Career

Here's something people don't believe when I tell them: I became president of my state nurses association, and it did not start with a big, dramatic decision. I

64// Leadership, Dialogue, and Positioning: 3 Lessons From My First Year as Nurses Association President

I'm back. My last episode dropped in November 2025, right as I was stepping fresh into my presidency — and then life got busy in ways I couldn't have predicted.

63// Voting as a Nurse: A Call to Action

I recorded this one live on Election Day, and I couldn't wait to get it out. It's my unscripted call to every nurse who's ever claimed the title "patient a

62// Why Loving Nursing Isn’t Always Enough—And What to Do About It

You love being a nurse—but lately, something feels off. Maybe your nursing job isn’t giving you the same sense of purpose it once did. In this episode, Bonnie explores wh

61// The 5-Minute Exercise That Can Change Your Nursing Career Direction

In this episode, Bonnie shares a simple 5-minute reflection exercise that helps you gain fresh perspective on your career path. Whether you’re an RN, APRN, or nurse leade

60 // Stuck, Exploring, or Growing? Discover Your Stage in the Nursing Career Journey

In this episode, I introduce the Nurse Career Growth Roadmap, a practical guide to help you identify your current stage and take the right next step. You’ll learn: The

59 // Don’t Wait Until You’re Burnt Out or Ready to Leave: How to Create Nursing Career Options Now

If your entire professional identity is tied to one nursing job, you might be limiting your growth — and your joy. In this episode, I share why putting all your eggs in o

58// Does What You Wear As a Nurse = How You Lead? What Your Outfit is Saying Before You Speak

In this style-meets-leadership episode, we’re talking about what your outfit says before you even introduce yourself.  Bonnie is joined by certified image consultant and

57// 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 fe

56 // 4 Steps to Determine Your Unique Nursing Career Path (Replay)

This podcast was #1 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. How do I find my

55// The Ambitious Nurse's Guide to Goal Setting: Actionable Steps for Career Advancement (Replay; What is Professional Ascension?)

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. The blueprint for d

54// 5 Reasons to Leave Your Nursing Job (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. There are red flags

53// How to Set Boundaries & Reduce Overwhelm in Your Nursing Job (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. Can you imagine fin

52// 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 f

51// 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 a

50// Beyond the Bedside: How Nurses Can Influence Politics and Policy

What a milestone!! This is my 50th episode. I decided to get a little personal and controversial even for me. I pray it blesses you and directs you on your next steps in