In this episode of the Nursing Strategies for Success podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria Jasanya MSN, RNC, CNM, CLC, CNE — a nurse midwife, nurse educator, adjunct professor, and freelance writer whose nursing journey started at 15 years old at Clara Barton High School in New York City. Maria's path is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose, and this conversation did not disappoint.

We unpacked one of the most underrated — and most dangerous — habits in nursing: not asking why.

Maria shared how her curiosity as a new nurse — asking "why do we do it this way?" — sparked her entire nursing education journey and even led to her contributing to policy updates at her hospital. We got real about why nurses hesitate to ask why in the first place: fear of more work, survival mode, being dismissed by leadership, and a culture that still lives by the phrase "this is the way we've always done it." Spoiler alert — that phrase has no place in a profession built on evidence-based practice.

We also got into some hard truths about the current state of nursing education. New grads are entering the workforce without foundational clinical skills, without a clear understanding of their scope of practice, and without anyone drilling into them that a nursing license is borrowed, not owned. The disconnect between academia and the bedside is real, and both Maria and I agree — it starts with collaboration, and it starts with asking why.

From the bedside nurse questioning a medication order to the nurse leader challenging a broken system, the power of why runs through every level of this profession. It protects patients. It opens doors. And it forces the people running these healthcare businesses to be accountable too — because nurses shouldn't be the only ones asking the hard questions.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Asking why is a patient safety issue, a professional development tool, and a career accelerator — all at the same time
• "I'm just following doctor's orders" is not an acceptable mindset for a licensed nurse
• New nurses need to be taught to ask why from day one — in the classroom, in clinicals, and at the bedside
• Healthcare facilities and academic institutions need to be in active conversation — not just for clinical placements, but for curriculum alignment
• If you want better outcomes, better working conditions, and a better career — you have to ask why!

Connect with Maria on LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Nursing Strategies for Success Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Knife, MSN, RN, CYT, CMT for a powerful and forward-thinking conversation about Nursing, growth, and creating meaningful impact in today’s healthcare environment. ✅

Emily shares insight from her professional journey and discusses what it really takes for Nurses to step into higher levels of influence, responsibility, and confidence. We dive into the importance of intentional career development, building credibility, and positioning yourself as a solution-driven leader rather than simply reacting to the daily demands of the system.

One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation is the power of preparation and perspective. Emily emphasizes that Nurses who seek to grow must be willing to expand their skill sets, understand operations beyond the bedside, and communicate their value clearly in rooms where decisions are being made. From leadership development to navigating organizational structures, she offers practical strategies that Nurses at any level can begin applying immediately.

We also discuss the realities of working within complex systems and how shifting your mindset — from overwhelmed to strategic — can open doors to opportunities you may not have considered before. When Nurses strengthen their knowledge, refine their voice, and align themselves with growth opportunities, they don’t just advance their careers — they elevate the profession.

If you are ready to move with intention, grow beyond your current role, and develop strategies that position you for long-term success, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 🎧

Ways to connect with Emily:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyknife/

Modern Nurse Fest: https://modernnursefest.org/

Nurses for Nurses: https://nursesfornurses.org/

Podcast on Friends & Enemas: YouTube Video

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In this episode of The Nursing Strategies for Success Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jody Long, MSN, MBA, RN, CEN, a Nurse with over 30 years of experience, to have a powerful and honest conversation about what it truly takes for Nurses to earn a seat at the decision-making table.

Throughout our discussion, Jody shared real-world strategies that helped her successfully pivot into roles that expanded her influence, visibility, and impact — including corporate leadership positions, education roles, regulatory work with a State Board of Nursing, and her experience working with a major EHR technology company, PointClickCare.

We talked candidly about the reality many Nurses face: working within broken systems, overly burdened workflows, and environments where control often feels out of reach. Jody emphasized that while we may not always control the system, we can control our strategic career moves. By intentionally stepping into roles that add knowledge, insight, and systems-level perspective, Nurses can position themselves as indispensable voices in healthcare decision-making.

This episode highlights the importance of being strategic, adaptable, and proactive — seeking opportunities that broaden your understanding of operations, policy, education, and technology, while leveraging your clinical expertise to influence meaningful change for patients and nursing teams alike.

If you’re a Nurse at any level who wants to move beyond simply reacting to the system and start shaping it, this conversation is filled with insight, encouragement, and actionable strategies you won’t want to miss. 🎧

Ways to Connect with Jody:

LinkedIn: Jody Long, MSN, MBA, RN, CEN

Resources Shared in this episode:

KAIZEN Methodology: https://kaizen.com/what-is-kaizen/

LEAN Methodology: https://www.lean.org/explore-lean/what-is-lean/

PointClickCare: https://pointclickcare.com/

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