Level Up: Graduate Nursing Unplugged

In this episode, host Tyler Gaedecke speaks with Heather Downen, a PhD student at the University of San Diego. Heather shares how dyslexia and ADHD have shaped her academic journey and discusses the challenges related to technology, classroom participation, focus, and self-advocacy. Heather also highlights the importance of accommodations, supportive peers and faculty, and finding learning strategies that work for individual needs. This episode emphasizes that neurodivergent students belong in graduate nursing programs and can really thrive when embracing their strengths, seeking support, and accessing available resources.

In this episode of Level Up: Graduate Nursing Unplugged, host Tyler Gaedecke speaks with Pamela Otero, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate from Purdue University, about her journey navigating graduate nursing education as a neurodivergent learner. Pamela shares how receiving a late ADHD diagnosis transformed her academic experience, helping her overcome challenges with executive dysfunction, procrastination, and feelings of guilt that often accompanied large assignments. She reflects on the strategies, accommodations, and peer support systems that helped her succeed in her doctoral program while balancing work, teaching, and family responsibilities. The conversation highlights the strengths that can come with neurodivergence, the importance of inclusive teaching practices, and how community, self-awareness, and persistence can empower graduate nursing students to thrive.
 

In this candid and insightful episode, we spotlight the neurodivergent experience in graduate nursing education through the lens of an MSN student. From overcoming academic and social challenges to leveraging unique strengths, this conversation offers powerful takeaways for students, educators, and leaders. Don't miss this important dialogue as part of our 3-part series exploring the MSN, DNP, and PhD student journey.

In this inspiring episode, host Claire Regan sits down with the legendary Dr. Jean Watson, renowned nursing theorist and founder of the Watson Caring Science Institute. Dr. Watson reflects on her groundbreaking contributions to nursing, including her Theory of Human Caring, which redefined nursing as both a science and a deeply humanistic practice.
The conversation explores her leadership journey—from early academic challenges to pioneering the first public clinical doctorate program—and her vision for nursing as a discipline rooted in ethics, caring, and love. She shares insights on leadership, policy, and the critical role of authenticity and creativity in shaping the future of healthcare.
Dr. Watson leaves graduate nursing students with a powerful message: embrace your values, passion, and authenticity to lead change and elevate nursing as the health profession of the future.
 
 

Listen to the latest episode where PhD student Gemma O'Donnell, and DNP student Kayce Cordray, explore imposter syndrome. They start the episode with a definition of imposter syndrome and how they have experienced it with personal examples. The speakers leave you with some thoughts on how to ease the feelings of imposter syndrome while you are in graduate school.

In this episode, Akeeka Davis, a PhD student at Villanova University, and Claire Regan, A PhD student at University of Pennsylvania, as they share their strategies for a successful academic journey in grad school. They touch on mastering the academic hustle and learning to "dance in the rain." Be sure to use this episode as an opportunity to reflect on ways you can make your academic journey a successful one!

Join Gordon Gartrell as he talks about administrative leadership with Dr. Kim Hoover, current Chief Operating Officer for the Mississippi Hospital Association. Dr. Hoover explores how graduate nursing education allows you to think differently and the importance of not being afraid to take on certain leadership tasks early on. The episode closes with exploring the importance of visibility, transparency, and authenticity in leadership. 

Join Otit Fletcher as she talks about informal leadership with Talula Nicholson, a current NP. Talula explores how she stepped into an informal leadership role at her organization and discusses some of the qualities that make a great leader. Use this episode as an opportunity to reflect on your own leadership trajectory. 

Join Akeeka Davis and Tyler Gaedecke as they share their experience around building a support network while in graduate school. In the episode, they explore their own experiences and provide examples of who can encompass your support network.  

Welcome to Level Up: Graduate Nursing Unplugged, the podcast where graduate nursing students share their real-life challenges and triumphs of their educational journey. This podcast is presented by the American Association of College of Nursing’s Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA).