The Ambitious Nurse | Career Strategy for High-Performing Nurses Ready to Advance in Leadership
You are a high-performing nurse with experience, credentials, and a graduate degree, yet you may face barriers like visibility or self-promotion. Not because you're unqualified, but because you haven't yet learned how to position yourself as leadership-ready.
The Ambitious Nurse is the career strategy podcast for experienced nurses who are done waiting to be chosen and ready to start engineering the outcome.
Hosted by Bonnie Meadows Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and President of the North Carolina Nurses Association this podcast gives you the strategic thinking, visibility frameworks, and identity shifts that most nurses never get access to.
If you are ready to stop being the most reliable person in the room and start being the one they actually advance this is your show.
New episodes drop weekly, providing you with ongoing strategies to elevate your leadership journey. Subscribe wherever you listen to stay ahead.
Episodes
63 episodes
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 why passion for nursing alone isn’t always enough to keep you fulfilled in y...
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16:49
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 leader, this quick practice guides you to notice the moments that bring the mos...
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19:05
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 5 stages every nurse experiencesWhy even hi...
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Episode 60
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17:54
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 one job basket could be holding you back and how to expand your skills, net...
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Episode 59
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19:50
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 color specialist, Heather Riggs, who shares expert tips ...
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Episode 58
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36:06
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 feel uncertain about what’s next—and introduces a simple tool to he...
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Episode 57
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18:06
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 nursing niche? How do I advance my career as a nurse? Have you asked...
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Episode 56
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14:17
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 developing your nursing career is right here. Founded on th...
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Episode 55
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31:13
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 that indicate it's time to move on from your current job, but many p...
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16:21
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 finding joy in your nursing career while maintaining financia...
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Episode 53
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19:12
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 feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having ad...
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Episode 52
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24:00
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 analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing the "what ifs" of your nur...
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Episode 51
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14:27
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 advocating for your patients, families, and yourself. This...
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13:28
49// Nursing Career Goals: Charting Your Path to Success (Replay)
There 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...
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Episode 49
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31:17
48// Accelerating Your Nursing Career: Lessons in Leadership from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X (Replay)
Join 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 strate...
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18:59
47// How to Align Your Nursing Career with Your Goals (Instead of Just a Paycheck) (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. This week's episode peels back the layers of why embracing a career mindset in nur...
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Episode 47
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28:25
46 // 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...
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Episode 46
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18:44
Ep. 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, uncertai...
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Episode 45
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6:34
44// Why Every RN and APRN Should Start Their Day with Gratitude
In this episode, we explore how gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift your mindset, enhance resilience, and bring joy to your nursing career—even in the face of challenges. As we enter the holiday season, it's important to reflect on what w...
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Episode 44
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28:21
43// All Work and No Play? How to Rest, Reset, and Recharge Before 2025 for Experienced Nurses
The end of the year is here, and it’s time to shift gears. As ambitious nurses, we often feel the pressure to go hard year-round, but recovery and rest are vital for long-term success and well-being. In this episode, I’m sharing how I plan to w...
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Episode 43
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16:32
42// Don't Overthink It: The Power of Action in Advancing Your Nursing Career
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.
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Episode 42
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14:27
41 // Want to Stand Out? Tailor Your Nursing Resume Like a Pro
In 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 s...
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Episode 41
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19:34
40 // 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 in...
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Episode 40
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18:39
39 //Strengths Over Weaknesses: How to Leverage Your Core Nursing Skills for Career Success
Are you a nurse feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or unsure about your next career move? Do you crave a purposeful and fulfilling career path? If so, this episode is your compass to navigate the exciting journey of self-discovery and unlock your full...
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Episode 39
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32:48