In this episode of No One Tells You This, host MacKenzie Simmons dives into a topic many nurses struggle with—but rarely talk about: the power of saying no. From picking up extra shifts to taking on additional responsibilities, nurses are often conditioned to always say yes, even at the expense of their own well-being.

MacKenzie explores why setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. She shares real-life scenarios, practical strategies for navigating guilt, and how prioritizing self-care ultimately leads to safer patient care, stronger teams, and a more sustainable career. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or simply need reassurance, this episode is your reminder that protecting your energy is part of being a great nurse—not a failure of it.

Think advocacy is something you do later in your career? Think again.

Our guest today is Ryan Moran, BSN, RN, CCRN, a critical care nurse who’s spent the past six years in the ICU and is currently pursuing his DNP. But beyond the bedside, Ryan has been deeply engaged in advocacy—through his involvement with the Florida Nursing Students Association, Florida Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association—bringing a strong voice to health policy conversations at both the state and national level.

In this episode of No One Tells You This, Ryan shares how advocacy begins the moment you step into your role as a nurse. From speaking up for patients at the bedside to influencing change in your community and beyond, this conversation will challenge you to see advocacy as part of your everyday practice—and remind you that your voice matters more than you think.

In the very first episode of No One Tells You This, host MacKenzie Simmons sits down with special guest Cathleen Paton, DNP, RN, CCRN to unpack the unspoken realities of early career nursing. From imposter syndrome and pre-shift anxiety to navigating bullying, burnout, and that first terrifying code, MacKenzie shares the honest truth about what her first year in the CCU really looked like.

This episode dives into the challenges no one prepares you for—learning to prioritize, finding your confidence, setting boundaries, making mistakes, and discovering that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re cut out for nursing, this conversation is your reminder: you’re not failing—you’re growing.

Because no one tells you this… your first year isn’t breaking you. It’s building you.