Nurses Uncorked - A Nursing Podcast Delivering Nursing News

• EP 103: Fired, Fought Back, and Made History: Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio

  In this powerful episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica sits down with legendary nurse educator and activist Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD for an unfiltered conversation about nursing, activism, and legacy. Laura opens up about her turbulent exit from the bedside during the early days of the pandemic, the harsh reality of workplace retaliation, and how she fought back when most nurses felt silenced. She discusses her inspiring education journey from ADN to PhD, the controversy around use of the title "Doctor" as a nurse, and why she refused to teach virtually during COVID. Laura also reflects on the seismic shifts in nursing culture over the last 30 years and the barriers that still prevent nurses from advocating for themselves. We revisit the iconic 1995 nurse march on Washington DC, which Laura organized before the internet era—mobilizing over 35,000 nurses to demand better staffing ratios and workplace protections. She details how it felt to stand on the Capitol steps as the voice of an entire profession. Laura also weighs in on the failed 2022 National Nurses March, offering a candid look at why it fell short and what the future of nursing activism requires. From unionization to continuing education, and the mass exodus of new nurses, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about the profession. #truecrime #callherdaddy #activist Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit: https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/  and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit: https://happybumco.com/  and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle. Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: [email protected] Support the Show: Help keep Nurses Uncorked going and become an official Patron! Gain early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. Become a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard Member: https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD: https://greatnurses.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gasparis-vonfrolio-3380219 https://www.instagram.com/lauragasparisvonfrolio/  YouTube: 1995 Nurses March on Washington Chapters: 0:15 Cocktail of the Week 1:46 Guest Introduction, Laura Garsparis Vonfrolio 3:55 Leaving Bedside & PPE  7:40 Terminated and Fighting Back 13:52 Reported to Board of Nursing 19:46 Associate Degree Nurse to PhD Journey 23:07 Nurses Using Doctor Title 25:40 Virtual Teaching During COVID 26:44 How Has Nursing Changed? 28:48 Barrier to Nurses Advocating 30:30 Nurses Forming Corporations 32:00 Get a Law Degree Instead of an MSN 32:50 1995 Nurses March  37:40 Getting Permits, a Creative Approach 40:28 35,000 Nurses Marched in DC 42:55 Enema of the Week Award 43:46 ANA Sneaking in the March 45:55 2022 Failed Nurses March 49:20 Advice for Nurses 54:07 DNP Versus PhD Degree 55:05 Future of Nursing Education 57:07 National Specialty Certifications 59:14 Legacy 1:00:20 American Nurses Organization?   Cocktail of the Week: Malibu Cocktail Pineapple Bay Breeze https://www.malibudrinks.com/en-us/products/malibu-pineapple-bay-breeze-can/   Help the podcast grow by giving episodes a like, download, follow and a 5 ⭐️ star rating! Please follow Nurses Uncorked at: tiktok.com/nurses-uncorked instagram.com/nursesuncorked https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL facebook.com/Nurses-Uncorked You can listen to the podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseericarn/feed  podcasts.apple/nursesuncorked spotify.com/nursesuncorked https://nursesuncorked.com DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.

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• EP 102: The Good Nurse: A True Crime Story with Amy Loughren

  In this episode, Nurse Erica interviews Amy Loughren, "The Good Nurse", a nurse who played a crucial role in exposing Charles Cullen, a serial killer who murdered patients during his nursing career. Amy shares her experiences working alongside Cullen, the moral dilemmas she faced, and the undercover work she conducted to help bring him to justice. The guilt of not recognizing Cullen's behavior haunted Amy for years. The conversation delves into hospitals repeatedly failing to act on suspicions about Cullen, allowing further harm. The episode discusses the impact of the investigation on her life, her struggles with guilt, and her eventual spiritual awakening which led to her to explore alternative healing practices. Amy also discusses the importance of mental health in healthcare and hospital accountability in such cases. #truecrime #nursing #healthcare #podcast Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit: https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/ and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase!   Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit: https://happybumco.com/  and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle.   Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: [email protected] Support the Show: Help keep Nurses Uncorked going and become an official Patron! Gain early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. Become a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard Member: https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast     Chapters: 01:47 Guest Intro: Amy Loughren & Case of Charles Cullen 04:40 The Undercover Investigation Begins 06:34 Moral Dilemma 08:19 Health Struggles 11:21 Friendship and Betrayal 13:19 Understanding Charles Cullen's Motive 16:36 Visiting Charlie in Prison 19:30 The Impact of the Movie 'The Good Nurse' 24:52 The Documentary vs. Movie Adaptation 25:45 Hospital Accountability and Culpability 27:50 The Role of Mary Lund and Hospital Management 34:47 The Pyxis System and Medication Management 40:13 Recognizing Signs of Danger 42:20 A Journey of Transformation 50:16 Trusting Your Intuition 51:28 Life After Nursing 53:34 Identity Crisis and Criticism in Nursing 56:33 Enema of the Week Award 58:21 Witnessing a Murder 1:01:50 Two Different Personalities 1:07:45 Connect with Amy! Amy Loughren: https://www.amythegoodnurse.com/ instagram.com/amythegoodnurse   Cocktail of the Week: Oliver Winery: Lemon Moscato oliverwinery.com/lemon-moscato   Help us grow by giving our episodes a download, follow, like the episodes and a 5 ️ star rating!   Please follow Nurses Uncorked at: https://www.tiktok.com/@nurses.uncorked?_t=8drcDCUWGcN&_r=1 instagram.com/nursesuncorked https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL Facebook_Nurses-Uncorked You can listen to our podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseericarn/feed. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-uncorked/id1698205714 Spotify-Nurses-Uncorked https://nursesuncorked.com    DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program.  If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.  

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• EP 101: The Case That Shook Healthcare: RaDonda Vaught Speaks Out

  On this powerful episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica is joined by RaDonda Vaught and Dr. Matthew Garvey for a deeply emotional and thought-provoking conversation. RaDonda opens up about the tragic medical error that led to the loss of a patient’s life—a moment that not only changed her career but reshaped her identity as a nurse. Despite taking all the precautions she could and raising concerns about system failures, RaDonda was met with institutional resistance and little support from leadership. She was criminally charged, faced the possibility of prison time, and became the focus of national debate on accountability in healthcare. Though she ultimately won her case, RaDonda reveals why she will never return to bedside nursing, yet remains committed to being a voice for reform, transparency, and the protection of nurses navigating a broken system. Dr. Matthew Garvey provides critical insights into the systemic shortcomings that impact frontline healthcare workers and offers solutions for long-term reform in both hospital culture and medical education. This episode is a must-watch for every nurse, healthcare professional, and patient advocate. Special Thanks to Our Guests: RaDonda Vaught https://www.linkedin.com/ in/radondavaught     Dr. Matthew Garvey DNP, MBA, RN, EMT-B, CCRN, CEN, TCRN Garvey Consulting & Education Services, L.L.C: https://www.garveyces.com/ https://www.instagram.com/matthewpaulgarvey/   Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit: https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/  and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase!   Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit: https://happybumco.com/  and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle.   Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: [email protected]   Support the Show: Help keep Nurses Uncorked going and become an official Patron! Gain early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. Become a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard Member: https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast #nursing #healthcare #podcast   Please follow Nurses Uncorked at!  https://www.tiktok.com/@nurses.uncorked?_t=8drcDCUWGcN&_r=1 https://instagram.com/nursesuncorked?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094678265742&mibextid=LQQJ4d You can listen to our podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseericarn/feed. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-uncorked/id1698205714 https://spotify.link/8hkSKlKUaDb https://nursesuncorked.com    DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program.  If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.

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• EP 100: Worst Nurses Week Gifts of 2025!

  In this celebratory 100th episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica reflects on the journey of the podcast and acknowledges the transition of co-host Nurse Jessica Sites. We are excited to follow Nurse Jessica's new journey and podcast, Decoding Celebrities! Nurse Erica welcomes back guest host, Dr. Matthew Garvey, DNP, MBA, RN, EMT-B, CCRN, CEN, TCRN to this week's episode. They discuss the worst gifts received during Nurses Week 2025, leading to humorous critiques. Nurses often feel infantilized by the gifts and activities during Nurses Week because many hospitals fail to genuinely appreciate their nursing staff. In this conversation, Nurse Erica and guest discuss the various activities and ways hospitals recognize their nursing staff during Nurses Week. They critique the often inadequate and insulting gifts provided by healthcare institutions, highlighting the disconnect between hospital administration and the need for support for nurses. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the importance of genuine recognition and the need for healthcare systems to truly value their nursing staff. Did your employer make the list?   Thank you to Dr. Lorre Laws PhD RN. Please visit:  https://drlorrelaws.com/uncorked/  to learn more about the Nurse Trauma Healing Academy and services. Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit:  https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/ and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit https://happybumco.com/ and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle. Interested in Sponsoring the Show?  Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to [email protected]    Help Us Keep This Podcast going and become an official Patron of Nurses Uncorked! Gain early access to episodes, patron only bonus episodes, giveaways and earn the title of becoming either a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard member for exclusive benefits! Benefits also include patron only Zoom parties, newsletters, shout-outs, and much more.   https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast   Chapters: 00:00 Thank you for 100 Episodes! 02:59 Transition Announcement and Guest Introduction 06:24 Recent Airplane Travel 11:28 Annual Themes & Activities 13:21 Blessing of the Hands 18:37 A Great Nurses Week Gift! 21:32 Highlighting the Worst Nurses Week Gifts of 2025 1:06:45 The Top 3 Worst Nurses Week Gifts of 2025! 1:16:29 Matt's Favorite 2025 Nurses Week Gift  1:22:25 Enema of the Week Award   Decoding Celebrities: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JUTvGBpoQoainBXZLMDSF?si=88f94afef72c4ae1  https://youtu.be/Ef2Ntupij9w?si=PMZ30Zrox6_xPkW7  https://www.instagram.com/decodingcelebrities/ https://www.tiktok.com/@decodingcelebrities    Dr. Matthew Garvey DNP, MBA, RN, EMT-B, CCRN, CEN, TCRN: Garvey Consulting & Education Services, L.L.C: https://www.garveyces.com/  https://www.instagram.com/matthewpaulgarvey/    Cocktail of the Week: Roscato Peach Wine https://www.palmbay.com/wines/roscato/peach/    New episodes of Nurses Uncorked every Wednesday (Tuesday for patrons!). Help us grow by giving our episodes a download, follow, like the episodes and a 5 ️ star rating!   Please follow Nurses Uncorked at!  https://www.tiktok.com/@nurses.uncorked?_t=8drcDCUWGcN&_r=1 https://instagram.com/nursesuncorked?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094678265742&mibextid=LQQJ4d You can listen to our podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseericarn/feed. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-uncorked/id1698205714 https://spotify.link/8hkSKlKUaDb https://nursesuncorked.com    DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program.  If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.  

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• EP 99: Reflections of Nurse Advocacy Betrayal: Nurse Erica Finally Shares Her Story

  Disclosure:  The following narrative constitutes a personal recollection of events as experienced and recalled by Nurse Erica, and represents solely Nurse Erica’s subjective perspective and interpretation of said events. The account presented herein is based on the narrator's memory and does not purport to incorporate the perspectives, recollections, or interpretations of other parties involved in the described circumstances, including but not limited to any union or the events referred to as 'The Last Pizza Party.' This narrative is shared for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a comprehensive or objective account of the events described.   In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica and Nurse Jessica delve into the story behind The Last Pizza Party, a nurse advocacy group Erica co-created. After several years, Nurse Erica finally shares her deeply traumatic story of betrayal by a so-called nurse advocate and friend. As she reflects on her healing journey, Erica describes challenges navigating a relationship with a social media nurse influencer and the various red flags. The segment culminates in the drama surrounding alleged contract negotiations with a nursing union and an NDA standoff. They explore themes of peer pressure, gaslighting, and the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs. The conversation touches on the painful fallout from betrayal and a public smear campaign, highlighting the emotional toll and maintaining integrity in the face of financial incentives.    Thank you to Dr. Lorre Laws PhD RN. Please visit:  https://drlorrelaws.com/uncorked/  to learn more about the Nurse Trauma Healing Academy and services. Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit:  https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/ and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit https://happybumco.com/ and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle. Interested in Sponsoring the Show?  Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to [email protected]    Help Us Keep This Podcast going and become an official Patron of Nurses Uncorked! Gain early access to episodes, patron only bonus episodes, giveaways and earn the title of becoming either a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard member for exclusive benefits! Benefits also include patron only Zoom parties, newsletters, shout-outs, and much more.   https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Patron Shoutouts 05:53 Cocktail of the Week 11:30 The Story Behind The Last Pizza Party 23:35 Challenges and Red Flags 24:30 TLPP Goes to Washington DC 31:00 Red Flags and Friendship Dynamics 31:20 The ADHD Shame Game 37:00 Unprofessionalism in Professional Spaces 41:52 Clout Chasing 43:49 The Co-op Dream: Unionizing Nurses 50:10 Contract Negotiations: The Unfolding Drama 57:25 The NDA Standoff 59:02 Peer Pressure and Gaslighting 1:00:39 The Shift in Allegiance 1:06:04 The Blowout Fight 1:10:12 The Union Mediation 1:13:39 Forced Personality Analysis 1:18:20 The Failed Resolution 1:24:16 Tax Evasion 1:25:28 DC Nurses March 1:26:16 Betrayal and Smear Campaign 1:29:30 RaDonda Vaught Sentencing Day 1:34:15 Challenges Faced by the Travel Nurses 1:37:30 Paid Puppets 1:38:40 They Organized You Out! 1:45:41 Enema of the Week Award   Cocktail of the Week: Whip Shots: Mocha Vodka Infused Whipped Cream A dud    New episodes of Nurses Uncorked every Wednesday (Tuesday for patrons!). Help us grow by giving our episodes a download, follow, like the episodes and a 5 ️ star rating!   Please follow Nurses Uncorked at!  https://www.tiktok.com/@nurses.uncorked?_t=8drcDCUWGcN&_r=1 https://instagram.com/nursesuncorked?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094678265742&mibextid=LQQJ4d You can listen to our podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseericarn/feed. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-uncorked/id1698205714 https://spotify.link/8hkSKlKUaDb https://nursesuncorked.com    DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica, Nurse Jessica Sites or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program.  If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Jessica Sites, Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Company. Accordingly, Nurse Erica, Nurse Jessica Sites and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.

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