Preventing Nurse Leadership Burnout
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, Bonnie welcomes back special guest Dawn Karaagac to talk about an often-overlooked truth: nurse leaders burn out too. With over 12 years in leadership, Dawn shares practical ways leaders can protect their energy and stay effective—starting with prioritizing radical self-care. Together, they dive into key strategies like setting clear boundaries, managing the constant pressure of “being pulled from both sides,” and improving time management by working during your peak productivity hours. Dawn also offers a refreshing take on meetings: keep...
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Avoiding Nurse Burnout Over 50 Years
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, Bonnie chats with Susan Sheppard, RN, a nurse since 1964 who spent decades in the ER, worked as a nurse manager, and even served as a medic at Fox Television studios—all while avoiding burnout for over 50 years. Susan shares how early gender barriers shaped her grit, why she chose the ER for its autonomy and variety, and the philosophy that kept her grounded: when the work stopped being fun and meaningful, she moved on—without quitting herself. As a leader, her priorities were crystal clear: patients first, staff second, rules third—and...
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Radical Self-Care and Making Yourself a Priority
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
This week on Breaking Burnout for Nurses, Bonnie chats with special guest Dawn — a longtime nurse and nurse leader — about radical self-care and why nurses can’t afford to put themselves last. Dawn shares a simple truth: you can’t give from an empty cup, and everyone refills differently. For her, self-care starts early — before the day steals her time. The conversation gets fun when Dawn introduces Bonnie to her favorite ritual: hot yoga (yes, the sweaty, high-heat kind!). Dawn explains why she loves it: she wants the biggest “bang for her buck” in wellness — movement,...
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How to Take a Break Without Feeling Guilty | Susie Lawrence on Burnout, Hypnosis & Reclaiming Rest
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this empowering follow-up episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata welcomes back life coach and hypnotherapist Susie Lawrence, founder of the Zero F’s Club, to tackle a topic many women struggle with: taking a break without guilt. Susie breaks down: Why women are conditioned to tie their worth to productivity Why rest isn’t a reward—it’s a strategic necessity How guilt steals more energy than the break itself The role of the mental load and how it leads to burnout Why women need more breaks—not fewer She also shares her “Rest Without...
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The Zero F's Club | Susie Lawrence Empowers Women to Stop People-Pleasing & Take Back Control
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this bold and refreshing episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata sits down with the inspiring Susie Lawrence—a certified life coach, executive coach, hypnotherapist, and NLP practitioner—who’s on a mission to help women stop people-pleasing and start living life on their own terms. Susie shares how her journey led her to create The Zero F’s Club, a supportive community for women who are tired of living by everyone else’s expectations. Through monthly group coaching and hypnotherapy sessions, Susie helps women rewire their mindset, connect with their...
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Staying Strong When Everything Falls Apart | Johnny Lashay on Resilience & Nurse Burnout
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this emotionally rich and deeply practical episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata welcomes back transformational coach and cancer survivor Johnny Lashay to talk about staying mentally and emotionally strong—when all hell breaks loose. 💥 Johnny draws from his journey through stage III throat cancer, losing his voice and identity, and finding purpose as a coach for women who’ve lost their voice—whether in relationships, careers, or life. He teaches how to build resilience by protecting your energy, using mindfulness “on the go,” and tapping into your...
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What Is a Legal Nurse Observer? Arin Anello Explains a Unique Career Path for Nurses | Breaking Burnout
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this insightful episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata reconnects with fan-favorite Arin Anello, a mother of four, orthopedic nurse, and viral TikTok creator. This time, she sheds light on her latest passion: working as a Legal Nurse Observer. Erin explains what this lesser-known role is all about—acting as a third-party observer during independent medical exams for legal cases. She breaks down what nurses need to know about this job, from how to get started to what the work actually looks like, including: Who hires you (hint: attorneys!) What to...
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How to Communicate Your Needs Without Conflict | Johnny Lashay on Breaking Burnout for Nurses
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this must-hear episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata welcomes back Johnny Lashay, relationship coach and throat cancer survivor, to teach nurses how to communicate their needs without escalating conflict. Johnny shares the emotional story of losing his voice—literally and figuratively—and how that led him to help others, especially women, reclaim theirs. He introduces the Feedback Wheel, a powerful four-step tool nurses can use to express themselves clearly and respectfully in relationships at work, at home, or anywhere communication matters. From grounding...
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Angela Ciari’s Top Self-Care Habits to Beat Nurse Burnout | Breaking Burnout for Nurses
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this energizing episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata welcomes back fan favorite Angela Ciari to share her top self-care strategies for preventing nurse burnout. Angela opens up about her fitness routine—including lifting heavy weights, Zumba, and how she makes working out fun and sustainable. She also reveals her creative outlet: painting a miniature 3D version of Walnut Grove (yes, from Little House on the Prairie 🏡), which helps her reset and stay mindful. Plus, she dives into night shift survival tips, managing sleep, and the burnout that comes from...
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Say Yes to What You Truly Desire | Johnny Lashay on Finding Purpose & Preventing Nurse Burnout
Breaking Burnout for Nurses
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Breaking Burnout for Nurses, host Bonnie Kitahata welcomes back transformational coach Johnny Lashay for his third appearance on the podcast. Johnny opens up about his journey through cancer, identity loss, and burnout—and how he reclaimed purpose, connection, and joy through clarity, choice, and intention. Johnny shares the powerful truth that to say "yes" to what really matters—like your relationships, health, and purpose—you have to learn how to say "no" without guilt. He offers two transformative self-awareness exercises: the...
info_outlineBreaking Burnout as a Couple – Insights from Troy and Nadirah Lugg
In this episode of the Breaking Burnout for Nurses podcast, host Bonnie Kitahata sits down with Troy and Nadirah Lugg, who share heartfelt insights on recognizing and addressing burnout in relationships. Married for 17 years and partners since middle school, the Luggs discussed how burnout has shaped their bond and offered actionable strategies to overcome it.
Troy emphasized the importance of being attentive to behavioral shifts, such as stress or withdrawal, and suggested changing the "tone, temperature, and environment" to reframe tough moments. Nadirah, on the other hand, highlighted the need for introspection and space, encouraging partners to respect personal boundaries while working through challenges.
The Luggs also acknowledged the value of maintaining individuality, whether through personal reflection or connecting with friends, to strengthen the partnership.