The Heartbeat Debrief

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.

Ep. 9 - Why Morale Matters: Celebrating the Wins in Healthcare

In this guest episode of The Heartbeat Debrief, Devin sits down with a colleague from the mobile stroke world to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in healthcare — morale. From working in tight-knit transport crews to larger hospital units, this conversation breaks down how team dynamics, communication, and small everyday actions directly impact not only workplace culture, but patient care outcomes. Together, they explore what morale actually looks like in real life — beyond buzzwords and forced team-building — and why strong unit cohesion can make the difference on both the best and worst days. This episode dives into: * The difference between morale in small teams vs. large units * How trust and familiarity shape teamwork under pressure * Why healthcare tends to highlight mistakes more than wins * The impact of gossip, feedback culture, and debriefing * How small gestures (like a simple “thank you”) can shift an entire shift * Why celebrating wins — even the quiet ones — matters more than we think This episode is a reminder that good teams don’t just happen — they’re built intentionally. Because at the end of the day, strong morale doesn’t just support providers — it directly affects the care we give.

Ep. 8 Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict is an unavoidable part of working in healthcare—but how we handle it can make or break both patient outcomes and team dynamics. In this episode of Heartbeat Debrief, Devin is joined by Diego, who brings a diverse background in behavioral health, military service, and healthcare policy. Together, they break down the different types of conflict healthcare workers face every day—from disagreements between staff to high-stress interactions with patients and families. They discuss how differences in care philosophy, communication breakdowns, and inconsistent approaches can create tension on the unit, and how those issues can directly impact patient care. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for addressing conflict in the moment, de-escalating emotionally charged situations, and knowing when to step in—or step away. This episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fair, firm, and consistent approach, building trust through honesty and clear expectations, and fostering a team environment where everyone feels empowered to speak up. If you’ve ever left a shift replaying a difficult interaction or questioning how you handled a situation, this episode is for you.