In this episode, host MacKenzie Simmons explores a topic that resonates with nurses at every stage of their careers: embracing your authentic self while growing as a healthcare professional.

Drawing from her own experiences, MacKenzie shares how learning to lean into her unique personality has shaped her confidence, strengthened her relationships with patients and colleagues, and helped her discover her own leadership style. She offers an honest conversation about authenticity, professionalism, and the importance of finding your voice in a profession that needs diverse perspectives and personalities.

Whether you're a nursing student, a new graduate, or an experienced nurse, this episode is a reminder that one of your greatest strengths is simply being yourself.

Listen now and join the conversation as we continue exploring the real-life lessons no one tells you about building a successful and fulfilling nursing career.

How to Listen

No One Tells You This is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Listeners are encouraged to follow or subscribe so they are notified when the new episodes are released.

Click here to learn more about the podcast.

The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) is proud to announce the appointment of Keisa Heard, MS, LPN, as the Association's first-ever Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Director on the FNA Board of Directors.

This historic appointment follows the recent addition of LPN membership within FNA and represents an important milestone in ensuring that the voices and perspectives of all nursing professionals are represented in the Association's leadership.

Heard brings a diverse professional background and a deep commitment to nursing, particularly in behavioral health, where she has spent much of her career. She currently serves as a Care Coordinator specializing in Behavioral Health and Collaborative Care. Her educational accomplishments include a Practical Nursing diploma from Keiser Career College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Social Science from Bethune-Cookman University, and a Master of Science in Psychology from Walden University. She is also currently pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree.

In her statement of intent, Heard expressed her passion for advocating for LPNs and ensuring their perspectives are represented within the profession:

"I genuinely care about supporting LPNs, especially in behavioral health where I've spent most of my career. I want to help us feel seen, supported, and connected while making sure our voices are included in decisions that impact nurses and the patients we serve."

Please join us in welcoming Keisa to the FNA Board of Directors as we continue to strengthen our commitment to representing and advancing the entire nursing profession across Florida.

In Episode 4, host Mackenzie Simmons sits down with Andrea Wollitz and Aminah Johnson to explore what it really means to step into leadership before feeling fully prepared. Together, they discuss the reality that leadership in nursing often begins long before a title or formal role—and how early career nurses are already making an impact through their voice, actions, and presence every day.

The episode dives into topics including imposter syndrome, confidence, balancing learning while leading, protecting mental energy, and embracing “quiet leadership” moments that shape both patient care and professional growth. Listeners will also hear personal stories and practical encouragement for nurses navigating the challenges and opportunities of leadership early in their careers.

Whether you’re a nursing student, a new graduate, or an experienced nurse mentoring the next generation, this episode serves as a reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about continuing to show up, grow, and make a difference.

Listen to the newest episode of No One Tells You This today and join the conversation about empowering the next generation of nurse leaders.

How to Listen

No One Tells You This is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Listeners are encouraged to follow or subscribe so they are notified when the new episodes are released.

Click here to learn more about the podcast.

Selected recipients will receive complimentary conference registration along with a $50 stipend to assist with travel-related expenses.

The Early Career Conference is designed to support the next generation of nurses through professional development, networking, leadership growth, and engagement opportunities within the nursing profession.

Scholarship applications are open to:

• Currently enrolled nursing students
• Nurses within their first five years of practice

The deadline to apply is May 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon).

We encourage eligible applicants to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow nurses from across Florida.

More information about the conference and how to apply for the scholarship can be found at https://www.floridanurse.org/event/EarlyCareer2026.

The Icon Awards highlight excellence in all areas of nursing practice, from direct patient care and advanced practice to leadership, education, research, advocacy, and innovation. They also honor those whose contributions have shaped the profession over time through induction into the FNA Hall of Fame. Together, these awards reflect the strength, diversity, and dedication of Florida’s nursing community.

Taking the time to nominate a colleague is a powerful way to acknowledge the work that often goes unseen—the compassion, leadership, and commitment that define nursing at its best. By sharing these stories, we not only celebrate individuals, but also elevate the profession as a whole.

Nominations for the 2026 awards are due June 30, 2026.

For complete award descriptions, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines, please go visit our Icon Awards Homepage.

This latest episode, titled “Advocacy Begins with You,” explores the many ways nurses serve as advocates, starting at the bedside, extending into their communities, and reaching as far as state and national legislation. From speaking up for individual patients to influencing broader health policy, this episode emphasizes that advocacy is a fundamental part of nursing practice from day one.

Advocacy Starts at the Bedside

Featured in this episode is Ryan Moran, BSN, RN, CCRN, a critical care nurse with six years of ICU experience who is currently pursuing his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

In addition to his clinical work, Moran has been actively engaged in nursing advocacy through organizations such as the Florida Nursing Students Association, Florida Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association.

During the episode, Moran shares insights on:

• How advocacy begins the moment a nurse enters practice
• The importance of speaking up for patients in everyday settings
• Ways nurses can influence change within their communities and beyond

Listeners are encouraged to rethink advocacy as an integral part of daily nursing practice and to recognize the impact of their voice.

How to Listen

No One Tells You This is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Listeners are encouraged to follow or subscribe so they are notified when the new episodes are released.

Click here to learn more about the podcast.

This annual conference brings together nurses from across the state to share innovative research, evidence-based practice projects, and quality improvement initiatives that advance nursing practice, education, and patient care.

Call for Abstracts Now Open

The FNA Research Special Interest Group invites nurses to submit abstracts showcasing nursing research or evidence-based practice projects for consideration as poster or podium presentations.

• Abstract Submission Deadline: May 4, 2026

• Submission Guidelines: Abstract submission guidelines are available for download on the conference webpage.

Presenting at the FNA Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Conference offers numerous professional benefits, including:

• Building a statewide professional reputation

• Showcasing expertise in a specific topic, project, or research area

• Networking and collaborating with nurse researchers and colleagues

• Promoting research across academic, clinical, and community settings

• Gaining peer feedback to strengthen current or future research efforts

• Exploring potential career and leadership opportunities

Questions?

For questions about abstract submissions or the conference, please contact events@floridanurse.org.

Launching February 24, No One Tells You This focuses on the professional, emotional, and practical challenges nurses commonly encounter as they transition from nursing school into practice. The podcast aims to provide early-career nurses with perspective, validation, and insight through candid discussions grounded in real nursing experiences.

Addressing the Realities of Early Nursing Practice

While nursing education prepares graduates to care for patients, many nurses report feeling unprepared for the broader realities of the profession—such as navigating workplace culture, building confidence, advocating for themselves, and understanding their growing influence within healthcare settings.

No One Tells You This was created to address these gaps through thoughtful, accessible conversations that reflect the lived experiences of nurses. Each episode explores topics that are especially relevant to nurses in their first years of practice, emphasizing growth, self-awareness, and professional development.

Season One Topics

The first season of No One Tells You This will explore a range of topics, including:

• Why the first year of nursing is often the most challenging—and why that experience is common
• How advocacy begins at the individual level, even early in a nursing career
• Recognizing leadership opportunities before feeling “ready”
• Understanding the difference between being busy and being effective
• The importance of a nurse’s digital footprint and professional presence
• Common nursing career myths and why they need to be reconsidered

Each episode is designed to encourage reflection, normalize the learning curve of early practice, and help nurses make more intentional career decisions.

How to Listen

Beginning February 24, No One Tells You This will be available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Listeners are encouraged to follow or subscribe now so they are notified when the first episode is released.

By welcoming LPNs into the association, FNA is embracing a more collaborative and inclusive future—one that recognizes the essential role LPNs play in patient care across diverse settings. This decision enhances opportunities for professional connection, shared advocacy, and collective impact, ensuring that all nurses in Florida have a strong and unified voice.

At the national level, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is currently exploring a similar membership expansion. While ANA membership for LPNs is not yet available, FNA’s change positions LPNs to seamlessly advance their professional engagement. Once ANA approves LPN membership, FNA members who are LPNs will be able to upgrade their membership to include ANA as well, gaining access to national resources, advocacy efforts, and professional support.

FNA looks forward to welcoming LPNs into its community and working together to elevate the profession. This milestone marks a shared commitment to collaboration, respect, and unity among all who provide nursing care in Florida.