Code Brew

Level Up: The Path to Leadership

This week on Code Brew, Jo King sits down with the one and only Dee Cision to talk all things nursing leadership. From surviving imposter syndrome to mastering policy and everything in between, this episode explores how nurses can grow beyond the bedside and level up into roles that shape the future of healthcare. Dee shares her journey from floor nurse to Director of Clinical Support Services—and drops some serious wisdom along the way. Whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned nurse wondering what’s next, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a dash of chaos (including a story about a feral cat in the wall… yeah, you read that right).
💡 Big Takeaways:
Leadership isn’t a title—it’s influence, integrity, and how you show up.
Mentorship matters. Find someone who inspires you and keep learning.
Leaving the bedside is a big move, but it doesn’t mean leaving nursing behind.
Assume positive intent… but don’t let someone else’s fire drill become your emergency.
The emotional weight of leadership is real—but so is the joy of seeing your team thrive.
You can lead from wherever you are. Start building your toolkit now.
🔥 Sound Bites:
“Leadership is influence.”
“Assume positive intent.”
“Happy staff, happy patients.”
 

Life is a Highway – The Travel Nurse Route

Episode 16 – Life is a Highway: The Travel Nurse Route
Featuring Jo King & Lora Zappem
Summary:
In this on-the-road edition of Code Brew, Jo King and returning guest Lora Zappem (our resident CVICU travel pro) spill the tea on all things travel nursing—the good, the bad, and the absolutely chaotic. From shady contracts and camper life to recruiter red flags and housing horror stories, we’re unpacking what it really takes to thrive as a travel nurse. If you’ve ever thought, “Should I take this show on the road?” — this episode is your roadmap. Buckle up.
Takeaways:
Travel nursing can be thrilling—but it’s not a vacation.
Burnout from staff roles is real, and travel can be a reset.
Always get your hours guaranteed in writing.
Do your homework before signing with any agency.
Housing? It could be a hotel, an RV, or your worst nightmare.
Clinical chaos is common—be prepared to hit the ground running.
A solid recruiter is worth their weight in gold.
Building relationships on each assignment makes all the difference.
Other travel nurses are your secret weapon—network up.
The IRS doesn’t care if you “didn’t know”—get a tax pro.
Sound Bites:
“You need to have a tax home.”
“You will walk into chaos.”
“You have to protect your license.”
Brew Crew Perk:
Get 10% off your first order of merch (including our new Caffeinated & Curious Coffee) with code BREWCREW10— only at codebrewpodcast.myshopify.com

We're Not Gonna Take It

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm delve into the critical issue of violence against healthcare workers. They discuss the normalization of violence in healthcare settings, the lack of proper reporting and awareness, and the need for stronger legal protections. The conversation highlights recent incidents of violence, the impact of gun violence, and the importance of advocating for legislative changes to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. The hosts emphasize the need for healthcare workers to speak up, report incidents, and support one another in creating a safer work environment.

Sweet Child O' Mine

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm sit down with Sunny D, a certified Child Life Specialist, to dive into the world of pediatric emotional support and the role of child life specialists in healthcare. This special episode, released in honor of Child Life Month, sheds light on how child life specialists help children and families navigate the hospital experience.
 
Key Topics Covered:
• What is a Child Life Specialist?
• Their role in supporting children and families in medical settings
• How their background in child development, psychology, and family studies prepares them for their work
• The importance of play therapy, emotional support, and developmental understanding
• The Power of Facility Dogs in Healthcare
• G-Man, a yellow lab facility dog, works alongside Sunny D to provide emotional support
• How facility dogs help reduce anxiety, encourage mobility, and bring comfort to both patients and staff
• The growing presence of facility dogs in pediatric and adult hospitals
• How Children Process Medical Situations Differently
• Developmental stages impact how kids understand and cope with medical experiences
• The importance of using simple, clear language to explain procedures to kids
• Creative coping strategies, like using toys, play, and facility dogs, to make hospital experiences less scary
• Child Life Specialists & Nurses: A Team Approach
• How child life specialists and nurses work together to make procedures less traumatic
• Trauma choreography: The role of child life specialists in pediatric trauma care
• Techniques to help children take medications, stay calm during procedures, and process hospital stays positively
• Memorable Stories & Impactful Moments
• A burn patient using G-Man for emotional healing
• A heartbreaking but powerful moment supporting two young children visiting their dying mother
• How small interventions—like a simple toy or distraction—can completely change a child’s hospital experience
• Tip for New Grads from Sunny D
• “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, will win, no matter what the outcome.” – Patch Adams
• Encouraging healthcare providers to see beyond the illness and treat the whole person
• The importance of using psychosocial supports like child life specialists, therapy animals, music therapy, and chaplains
 
Wrap-Up:
 
The episode highlights the invaluable role of child life specialists and facility dogs in pediatric care. Jo King, Luke Warm, and Sunny D emphasize the need for multidisciplinary teamwork to improve patient experiences. The conversation ends with a reminder for nurses and healthcare providers to advocate for child life services in their facilities.
 
Listen Now Wherever You Get Your Podcasts!
 
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Don't Fear the Reaper - Trauma ICU Part 2

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm with guest, J-EZ, celebrate their podcast milestones, dive deep into the complexities of trauma care, and share humorous and insightful stories from their experiences in healthcare. They discuss the dynamics of trauma surgeons, the emotional toll of trauma on healthcare professionals, and the importance of humor and camaraderie in high-stress environments. The conversation also touches on the significance of mentorship, the challenges faced by new nurses, and the unique stories behind tattoos seen in the healthcare setting.

Highway to the Danger Zone: Inside the Trauma ICU

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo King and Luke Warm engage in a deep conversation with J-EZ about the complexities of trauma nursing and the dynamics of working in a trauma ICU. They explore memorable trauma cases, the types of injuries encountered, the importance of teamwork, and the workflow in the ICU. The discussion emphasizes the significance of assessment skills, trauma resuscitation techniques, and the collaboration required between different healthcare teams. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger about a unique patient case, setting the stage for a follow-up discussion.

The Beat Goes On – Life in the CVICU

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm welcome Lora Zappem, a CVICU nurse with extensive experience in various nursing fields. They discuss Lora's journey in nursing, the unique challenges and rewards of working in the CVICU, and the patient population typically seen in this specialized unit. The conversation delves into the advanced technology and devices used in CVICU, including hemodynamic monitoring and ECMO, highlighting the critical role nurses play in patient care and the importance of continuous learning in the nursing profession. In this conversation, Jo King and Lora Zappem discuss the importance of teamwork in patient care, particularly in the context of cardiac devices like impellas and LVADs. They explore the differences between impellas and balloon pumps, the benefits of LVADs for patients, and the complexities of heart transplants. The discussion also covers emergency situations in the CVICU and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in nursing practice.

Critical Condition: A Deep Dive into ICU Nursing

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm welcome their first guest, Norma Saline, to discuss the intricacies of ICU nursing. They explore the definition of ICU nursing, the critical responsibilities of ICU nurses, the importance of teamwork and communication, and the emotional resilience required in this challenging field. The conversation also provides valuable tips for new graduates transitioning into ICU roles, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and effective patient care.

Stayin' Alive: The Rhythm of Code Blue

In this episode of Code Brew, Jo and Luke dive deep into the critical topic of Code Blues, discussing the essential actions, roles, and strategies involved in responding to a cardiac arrest situation. They emphasize the importance of high-quality CPR, the roles of various team members, and the key concepts that can improve patient outcomes during resuscitation efforts. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of dealing with such high-stakes situations and offers valuable advice for new nurses and healthcare professionals.

Blurred Lines: Stroke or Something Else?

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo and Luke delve into the complexities of stroke, discussing its various types, the critical importance of timely treatment, and the BEFAST assessment tool for quick identification. They explore the guidelines for stroke care, the significance of patient education, and the similarities between stroke and hepatic encephalopathy. The conversation emphasizes the need for rapid response in stroke situations and the importance of ongoing education for healthcare professionals.