Notas del episodio
In Episode 19 of Heartbeat Debrief, Devin sits down with Ashley, a NICU nurse practitioner and former bedside nurse, to talk about self-advocacy in healthcare. From speaking up about patient concerns to asking for help, education, breaks, boundaries, or accommodations, they explore why finding your voice at work can be so difficult — and why it matters.
They discuss the influence of workplace culture, hierarchy, fear of judgment, and the pressure to be “easy to work with.” Ashley shares her experience moving from RN to nurse practitioner and the importance of creating relationships where nurses and providers feel safe asking questions, voicing concerns, and working toward solutions together.
Key Topics
- Learning to recognize and communicate your needs at work.
- Advocating for yourself, your patients, and your team.
- Asking for help without feeling weak or incapable.
- How leaders can create a culture where people feel safe speaking up.
- Addressing concerns directly, respectfully, and without burning bridges.
- Why it is okay to leave an organization that no longer aligns with your values.
Quote
“You don’t owe that hospital system. You don’t owe that fire department. You don’t owe that ambulance company. You owe yourself everything.”
Call to Action
Share this episode with a healthcare worker who needs the reminder that speaking up, asking questions, and setting boundaries does not make them difficult — it makes them an advocate.