In this honest and engaging conversation, Dr. Shandra interviews Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison about her transformative journey into the nursing profession—covering every pivot, setback, and hard-won lesson along the way. Together, they explore Mikaela’s academic foundation and her original aspirations to become a veterinarian. You’ll hear the incredible story of how an unexpected "cow kick" and a series of evolving passions ultimately led her to trade animal science for the high-stakes world of human healthcare. These are the types of nurse survival stories that reveal the messy, non-linear reality of finding one's true calling.

Throughout the episode, Mikaela reflects on the very real challenges she faced on the front lines. She pulls back the curtain on demanding clinical rotations and the sheer adrenaline of overwhelming “Code Blue” moments, where textbook theory meets the raw pressure of life-and-death situations. The dialogue gets candid as Mikaela discusses the notorious “nurses eating their young” dynamic and how she navigated the imposter syndrome that often haunts new graduates. She shares exactly what kept her going when quitting seemed like the only logical option and reveals the stark differences between what is taught in the classroom versus the realities of the hospital floor.

A pivotal moment in the conversation occurs when Mikaela recounts her own life-threatening medical complications during pregnancy. This segment offers a rare and sobering perspective: a trained critical care nurse suddenly finding herself in the patient’s bed, fighting for her life. This experience fundamentally changed her approach to patient care and highlights the critical need for advocacy—even when the system feels overwhelming. The conversation rounds out with practical advice for new grads, "hot takes" on the current state of the nursing industry, and Mikaela’s proven tips for mastering the field.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience is Built Step-by-Step: Progress comes not from perfection but persistence. Mikaela emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mantra-building (“I can do hard things!”), and giving yourself grace during tough clinical moments or when self-doubt creeps in.
2. Authenticity and Advocacy Matter: Whether in academics or healthcare, learning to confidently speak up for yourself—and for your patients—is essential. Mikaela encourages younger students to “say what you mean and mean what you say”—reminding listeners that strong self-advocacy can be life-saving.
3. Embrace Nonlinear Journeys: From shifting career paths to experiencing burnout, trauma, and change, Mikaela’s story is a testament to the value of flexibility. Sometimes, the ultimate “fit” is found through detours and hardships, and that’s an integral part of both personal and professional growth.

Highlights Include:

1. The unexpected detour from animal science to nursing
2. How work-life balance shaped career decisions
3. The harsh realities (and hidden blessings) of clinical rotations
4. Surviving—and growing from—a life-threatening postpartum experience
5. Honest reflections on toxic work cultures (and how to thrive despite them)
6. The pros and cons of travel nursing
7. “The Mikaela Method” for succeeding in nursing school

Other Episodes Featuring Nursing:

1. Nursing School Journey with Aryss Richardson
2. A Nurse Practitioner's Approach to Healthcare: Student Aryss Richardson Interviews Dr. Angela Allen-Washington

Listen in for:

Genuine wisdom, inspiring stories of perseverance, and practical survival tips for anyone considering or navigating the complex world of nursing.

“Mental Endurance” with Dr. Shandra & Dr. Dar

In this thoughtful and motivating episode, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the theme of mental endurance and what it truly takes to keep going on the academic journey—especially through the toughest moments. Sharing personal stories from their own educational paths, both speakers explore why having a meaningful “why” is crucial for sticking with your goals, how to stay focused when obstacles arise, and how the process of overcoming challenges is foundational to success.

Their honest discussion covers everything from emotional resilience and battling self-doubt, to practical tips like setting routines, building supportive communities, and the role of mentors. Both Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar candidly address family expectations, internal and external setbacks, and the power of perseverance when life doesn’t go as planned.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Define and Stay Focused on Your “Why”: Knowing your personal motivation for pursuing a degree is essential for mental endurance. When challenges arise, returning to your “why” can help you push through temporary setbacks and keep your eyes on your long-term goals.
2. Community & Mentorship Matter: Surrounding yourself with supportive peers, mentors, and positive influences—whether in-person or through books—creates an ecosystem that can help you weather difficulties, hold you accountable, and provide practical advice for your journey.
3. Endurance is Built Through Resistance: Every roadblock, big or small, is a chance to strengthen your resilience. Success isn’t about never facing obstacles; it’s about learning how to overcome them, seek help when necessary, and continue moving forward—one step at a time.

Tune in for stories of hope, real-world wisdom, and the belief that you can do hard things, even if it sometimes feels impossible in the moment.

Other Episodes with Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar:

• Discovering and Using Your Gifts and Talents in College
• Our Academic Story
• Inclusive Leadership for Students

In this episode of Academic Survival, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the topic of discovering and using your gifts and talents—especially for students and young professionals. The conversation explores the differences between knowing, using, and figuring out your unique strengths. Drs. Dar and Shandra share personal stories about their journeys to recognizing their own abilities, emphasizing how belief and confidence play pivotal roles in unlocking one’s potential.

They discuss practical strategies for identifying gifts and talents, the importance of community feedback, and the value of putting your strengths to use in real-world settings. The episode breaks down the college journey year by year, providing actionable advice on how students can explore, develop, and maximize their talents for both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Belief Comes First: Recognizing your gifts and talents starts with believing that you have them. Avoiding comparison and deficit thinking is crucial—focus on what energizes you and what makes you unique.
2. Growth Is a Community Effort: Seeking honest feedback from friends, family, and peers can help you see your strengths more clearly. Your value is often best reflected in how others experience what you bring to a group or community.
3. Develop Over Time: Through each college year—exploring as a freshman, participating as a sophomore, leading as a junior, and mastering practical experiences as a senior—you build and refine your skills. Investing in your talent, skill, and spiritual gifts prepares you for a meaningful, impactful career and life.

Tune in for empowering insights, actionable advice, and inspiration to let your gifts and talents shine where you can truly thrive!

Other Episodes with Drs. Shandra and Dar:

• Our Academic Story
• Inclusive Leadership for Students