No One Tells You...Your First Year is the Hardest

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.