Equal Parts Leadership and Bedside Presence
This nurse shares her story of perseverance from BSN to MSN to FNP and soon her PhD
Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week one nurse shares her path of persevering in higher education to advance in her career. We also cover new research on what keeps ICU nurses from quitting, a woman who gave birth in a Brooklyn courtroom after being discharged from the hospital, and questions surrounding a major tobacco industry donation before new FDA vape guidance, plus the latest nursing jobs available.
But first, which of these things does not belong?
Featured Jobs
Have you applied to a job through Nurse Ascent? Forward us a copy or screenshot of your completed application and you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card!
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General Surgery Nurse Practitioner (NP), AMN Healthcare
Frisco, TX
$106.70 - $115.50/hourly
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Trauma Surgical Nursing, Mercy
Saint Louis, MO
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Nurse Practitioner, VitalCore Health Strategies
North Charleston, SC
Up to $60/hourly
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Glens Falls Center
Queensbury, NY
$29.87 to $35.64/hourly
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Nurse Practitioner-Surgery: Cardiothoracic, Banner Health
Casper, WY
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Nurse Spotlight: Chelsea Barnes MSN, RN, FNP
What I do for work
I am a registered nurse with a leadership background in hospice and patient care management. I just completed my Family Nurse Practitioner program. My work right now is centered around caring for medically complex patients while also leading clinic teams, coordinating care, advocating for families and making high-level decisions that directly impact patient outcomes. I do a lot of blending of compassion and clinical expertise while ensuring that quality care standards are met. I have equal parts in leadership and bedside presence.
How I got here
My path was built through education, resilience and discipline. I got my first degree in biochemistry before I transitioned into nursing where I realized I was meant to work in patient-centered care. From there I earned my BSN then MSN in nurse leadership before I completed my FNP degree. I also plan on pursuing my PhD in nursing practice as well. I would say getting to this point required a lot of sacrifice with long shifts, late-night studying, and balancing real life while intentionally building the career I envisioned for myself.
Headlines in Healthcare
The surprising reason ICU nurses stay, others quit
A new study tracking 420 ICU nurses found that overtime and emotional fatigue sharply increase the odds nurses will quit, but meaningful responsibility may actually improve retention, Nurse.org reports. Researchers found each overtime shift raised quit odds by nearly 59%, while strong peer support significantly reduced the impact of burnout. The findings challenge the idea that all workload drives nurses away, suggesting that feeling trusted and supported may matter just as much as pay in keeping nurses at the bedside.
Woman gives birth in Brooklyn courtroom
Last week, a woman went into labor in a courtroom, just hours after being discharged from the hospital. She gave birth on a courtroom bench "without adequate medical care, privacy, or dignity,” according to a joint statement provided to NBC News from the Legal Aid Society and multiple public defender organizations whose members witnessed the birth firsthand. She was in court for her arraignment on a drug charge.
$5 million tobacco donation made before FDA decision
One of the biggest tobacco companies reportedly gave $5 million to a pro-Trump super PAC last month just before the FDA rolled out new vape guidance that could benefit the industry. The new guidance may open opportunities for flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine products. The timing has Democrats and some Republicans in office calling it corruption.
More on Chelsea
A day in my life
Most day are a mix of leadership, patient care, and controlled chaos. I’m constantly balancing meetings, clinical decision making, charting patient assessments, mentoring staff, and answering non-stop calls. Outside work and school, I’m studying for my board exams, planning my next career move, spending time with family and also trying to decompress from the emotional intensity that can come with working in healthcare. I would say my life is very busy but very purposeful.
My self-care routine
My version of self care is a mix of soft-life energy and recovering healthcare worker exhaustion. I love brunch spots, wineries, R&B lounges, getting dressed up for no reason, weekend adventures, traveling and anything involving good music and good vibes. I also spend time with people who pour back into me, protecting my peace, and creating balance while constantly caring for everyone else. I’ve learned that self-care isn’t always a bubble bath. It’s about boundaries, rest, confidence and choosing environments that feel good for my spirit.
Share your story & be entered to win
As part of our effort to spotlight nurses, we’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue of Nurse Ascent! Share your story by filling out our quick interview form, and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card.
Meet the author:
Katie Scoggins
(RN, BSN & Health Writer)
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