A full circle moment. Four decades. One nurse leader that changed my nursing career—and I didn't even know it at the time.

In this episode:

• How a nurse's quiet leadership shaped my path (without her ever knowing)
• The complete heart block story—when a nurse told a resident surgeon "no" and saved a patient's life
• What the Code of Ethics actually looks like in real practice (hint: it's not what you learned in school)
• Why 40% of nurses are considering leaving the workforce by 2029
• A 27-year-old paralyzed patient and the ethics committee decision that defined a nurse's purpose
• The COVID years: when staying true to your convictions meant walking away from everything
• Lawrence's story—an 18-year-old gunshot victim and the power of human connection at the bedside
• Why most nurses were never taught the moral foundation of their profession
• What it means to work alongside doctors, not for them
• A naked running man, a tree, Tempe, Arizona, and why we need more stories like this

Meet Dr. Lisa Caplan: 40 years in critical care. ICU nurse. Charge nurse. Leader. Doctor of Nursing Practice. Author of The Heart Behind the Badge: 40 Years of Nursing, Healing, Courage, Humor, Advocacy, Leadership, and the Humanity at the Bedside.

And the nurse who taught me what it means to stand firm.

This is what nursing is supposed to be.

Resources:

• Get the book: The Heart Behind the Badge on Amazon
• Learn the Code: RighteousRN.com (50% off RN50)
• Questions? nurseouloud@gmail.com

Go to ⁠⁠NursesOutLoud substack⁠⁠ for full article.

🤝 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

🌿 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Righteous RN⁠⁠⁠⁠ — CE courses in nursing ethics, advocacy & whistleblower courage. Restoring integrity, grit, and faith to healthcare.👉 — Use code NOL20 for 20% off!

💊 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Cocoa Pharmac⁠⁠⁠⁠y — Connect with a licensed provider to discuss your situation and access prescription medications, including Ivermectin and alternative cancer protocols. Speak to Nurse Donna for free! 👉Tell them NursesOutLoud sent you.

🩺 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Functional Nurse Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠— Functional medicine training by nurses, for nurses. Advance your skills in holistic, evidence-based, root-cause healing. 👉Tell them NursesOutLoud sent you for $100 off!

🛡️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Immune Mist ⁠⁠⁠⁠— The world's first comprehensive nasal and oral cleansing system with povidone-iodine. Help defend against viruses and germs.👉 — Use code NOL for discount!

🌱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chemical Free Body ⁠⁠⁠⁠— 100% truly natural superfood nutrition. Transform your health in minutes a day.👉 — Use code NOL for discount!

🧖 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Relax Sauna⁠⁠⁠⁠ — A portable, high-tech dry sauna that delivers a safe, complete sauna experience.👉 — Use code JODI for $100 off!