In this episode, we're joined by Eric Bell, who shares his journey from emergency nurse to educator and explores the connections between clinical judgment, communication, certification, and lifelong learning.

Eric Bell is a doctorally prepared emergency nurse, academic nurse educator, and lifelong advocate for advancing emergency nursing practice. Grounded in ongoing frontline emergency department care, he brings real-world clinical experience into the classroom, where he helps nurses develop clinical judgment, strengthen communication, and translate evidence into action. With experience spanning professional development, undergraduate and graduate nursing education, Eric is passionate about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in the next generation of nurses. Through his work as both clinician and educator, he is dedicated to improving patient care, strengthening teamwork, and preparing nurses to lead meaningful change.

Through stories from the bedside and the classroom, Eric reminds us that some of the most important lessons in nursing happen in the space between knowing and doing, teaching and learning, and caring and connecting. This episode is titled, "The Space Between: Clinical Judgment and Human Connection."

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates:

We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Matt Johnson to discuss the experiences that have shaped his approach to emergency and critical care nursing, from military service and transport medicine to certification and clinical education.

Matt Johnson is a critical care and transport nurse with experience spanning emergency nursing, intensive care, air medical transport, flight nursing, and nursing education. Grounded in years of caring for critically ill and injured patients across high-acuity environments, he brings a practical, real-world perspective to both patient care and clinical education. Matt is passionate about helping healthcare professionals strengthen clinical judgment, build confidence in complex situations, and translate critical care concepts into everyday practice. Drawing on nearly two decades of service in the United States Navy, including as a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, Matt is dedicated to advancing professional development, fostering clinical excellence, and preparing clinicians to deliver exceptional care in challenging environments.

Matt shares insights on developing sound clinical judgment, embracing lifelong learning, and preparing for the moments when patients need nurses at their very best. This episode is titled, "No Excuses, Just Outcomes: Building Clinical Judgment Under Pressure."

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates:

We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io

In this episode, we're joined by Janna Ellsworth, who shares how a mindset of steady progress, resilience, and balance has shaped both her professional and personal journey.

Starting as an associate degree nurse while raising a young family, Janna Ellsworth has built a career that spans oncology, medical-surgical nursing, end-of-life care, trauma and emergency nursing, and advanced practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Along the way, she rediscovered a love of learning that would shape both her professional and personal life. Today, Janna serves as a Sepsis and Stroke Coordinator for two hospitals, helping translate evidence-based practice into better patient outcomes. A passionate educator, problem solver, and lifelong learner, she is always looking for the next opportunity to grow, learn, and make an impact.

Janna reflects on the value of certification, the mentors and experiences that have influenced her career, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Drawing inspiration from running, resting, and her belief that fear can either make us flee or rise, she reminds us that meaningful growth often happens one step at a time. This episode is titled, "No Big Deal, One Mile at a Time."

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Scan the QR Code to sign up for Learn Updates:

We invite you to visit us online at bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

Episode introduction created using elevenlabs.io