The Heartbeat Debrief

Ep. 14 From the Veteran Nurse to the Early Career Nurse

In this episode of Heartbeat Debrief, Devin sits down with nurse mentor Bree to talk about the lessons that come with experience, the mistakes that shape us, and the advice early-career nurses need most. Bree shares her journey through nursing, from mom-baby and veteran care to the NICU, and reflects on how much she has learned not just from mentors, but also from the newer nurses she has taught along the way. Together, they discuss the importance of owning mistakes, speaking up, learning your own style, and creating a culture where questions are encouraged instead of punished. The conversation also explores how healthcare culture has changed, why burnout and staffing pressures affect new nurses so quickly, and what keeps experienced nurses coming back: their “why,” their patients, and the people beside them. Key Topics * Lessons learned through years of nursing experience. * How newer nurses can still teach and challenge experienced clinicians. * Why owning mistakes matters in patient safety and professional growth. * The reality of nurse-to-nurse culture and “eating our young”. * How staffing pressure and burnout shape early careers. * Why finding your “why” keeps nurses grounded and fulfilled. Guest Bio Bree is a NICU nurse with 10 years of nursing experience. Her background includes mom-baby nursing, work at the VA, and teaching and mentoring new nurses in the NICU. Notable Quote “The newer nurses can bring just as much value into an experience as an older experienced nurse” ECHO FAST Team https://www.echoflightcrew.org/fast [https://www.echoflightcrew.org/fast] 1-833-AIR-FAST fast@echoflightcrew.org [fast@echoflightcrew.org]

Ep. 13 - Work-Life Balance

In this episode of Heartbeat Debrief, Devin sits down with Devon Dean Snow to talk honestly about work-life balance in healthcare and why it is so hard to maintain. Devon shares how her career has evolved from EMT work to nursing and now to leadership in festival medicine, all while trying to protect her mental health, relationships, and personal time. They discuss how COVID changed the pace and pressure of healthcare, why guilt makes it hard to say no, and how burnout creeps in when work starts taking over everything else. Devon also opens up about the tools that help her stay grounded, including travel, yoga, reading, friendships, and setting firmer boundaries. Key Topics * The meaning of work-life balance in healthcare. * How COVID changed burnout and staffing culture. * Why guilt makes it hard for healthcare workers to set boundaries. * Moving from survival mode to intentional self-care. * How travel, yoga, and relationships help create balance. * Why new clinicians need to hear honest conversations about burnout. Guest Bio Devon works for Prevent Medical Solutions and serves as Director of Clinical Operations and Staffing. She began her career as an EMT in 2015, later became an ER nurse, and has built a career in festival medicine while still working part-time in the hospital. Notable Quote “You have to protect yourself from this job, because it can take everything from you if you let it”

Ep. 12 The Paramedic Who Became a Nurse

In this episode of Heartbeat Debrief, Devin sits down with Zane Atencio, an educator and flight clinician in Texas, to talk through one of the biggest crossroads in EMS: whether to pursue nursing school. Zane shares his path from EMT to paramedic, then to RN, and explains how each step expanded his knowledge, flexibility, and career options. They discuss the reality of working in EMS, the strength of crew culture, and how mentorship and preceptors can shape a career. Zane also breaks down the differences he’s seen between the paramedic and nursing roles, including scope, liability, education, and pay. Key Topics * Finding your path in EMS. * How mentorship and preceptors can change your career direction. * Why nursing school became an option for a flight clinician. * Pay, scope, and mobility in EMS versus nursing. * The adjustment from truck-based care to bedside nursing. * Why advanced education can open more doors in healthcare.

Ep. 11 Crisis Management

In this episode of The Heartbeat Debrief, Devin breaks down one of the most important skills in healthcare: crisis management. From the bedside to the ambulance to the ICU, crisis can show up in many forms, and learning how to stay calm when things get chaotic is key to responding well. Devin shares practical strategies for handling high-pressure moments, including tactical breathing, pausing to assess the situation, communicating clearly with your team, and using closed-loop communication instead of “thin air commands.” He also talks about the importance of tone, teamwork, and knowing when to step back and let the right person speak with patients or families. The episode also touches on the reality of burnout and the need for self-care, because you cannot pour from an empty cup. Whether you’re a new grad, a seasoned clinician, or someone navigating a stressful shift, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, and that strong teams, clear communication, and taking care of yourself all matter when crisis hits.

Ep. 10 - The Role of Humor in Healthcare

In this episode of The Heartbeat Debrief, Devin is joined by a guest clinician to talk about humor in healthcare—what it is, why we use it, and where the line is. In this episode, we cover: * Why humor becomes a coping mechanism in high-stress environments * The difference between good humor, dark humor, and crossing the line * How laughter helps build connection with patients and coworkers * Knowing your audience and reading the room * When humor helps… and when it can do harm * Why “laughing after the call” doesn’t make you a bad provider * The role of humor in preventing burnout and protecting your mental health Key takeaway: Humor isn’t the problem—lack of awareness is. When used with intention, it can be one of the most powerful tools we have.