In this episode, Dr. Shandra sits down with Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison to discuss her nonlinear path from animal science to nursing. They dive into the grit required to survive clinical rotations, the intensity of "Code Blue" moments, and the harsh realities of toxic workplace cultures. Mikaela also offers a raw, firsthand account of navigating life-threatening pregnancy complications, providing a unique perspective on being both the provider and the patient.

1. Resilience is a Practice: Progress is built through persistence and giving yourself grace during high-pressure moments.
2. The Power of Your Voice: Learning to speak up—for yourself and your patients—is a life-saving skill.
3. Embrace the Detours: Burnout and career pivots are often the catalysts for finding your true professional fit.

1. The "cow kick" that shifted her career from veterinary dreams to nursing.
2. Moving from textbook theory to real-world "Code Blue" survival.
3. Honest reflections on the "nurses eating their young" dynamic.
4. Lessons learned from a life-threatening postpartum experience.
5. Practical tips for new graduates and the pros/cons of travel nursing.

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