No One Tells You...Your First Year is the Hardest

No One Tells You How to Be Authentically Yourself

In nursing, professionalism doesn't mean hiding who you are—it means bringing your authentic self to the care you provide. In this episode of No One Tells You This..., MacKenzie Simmons shares her journey of learning to embrace her personality while building credibility as a nurse. From feeling the pressure to fit a certain mold to discovering that authenticity is one of her greatest strengths, she explores what it really means to show up as yourself in a profession that often encourages conformity. Join MacKenzie for an honest conversation about finding your voice, building confidence, and resisting the urge to become a carbon copy of those around you. You'll walk away encouraged to lead with authenticity, connect more meaningfully with your patients and colleagues, and recognize that the qualities that make you different may be exactly what make you an exceptional nurse.

No One Tells You...that You Might Be Leading Before You Think You're Ready

In this episode of No One Tells You This, host Mackenzie Simmons dives into a truth many early career nurses experience but rarely talk about—stepping into leadership before feeling fully ready. Joined by Andrea Wollitz and Aminah Johnson, the conversation explores what leadership really looks like beyond titles, from quiet moments of influence to navigating self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of being looked to for guidance early in a nursing career. Together, they share personal stories, lessons learned, and encouragement for nurses who may not yet see themselves as leaders. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t something you wait to grow into someday—it begins the moment you choose to show up, speak up, and care deeply for others.

No One Tells You... It's Ok to Say No

In this episode of No One Tells You This, host MacKenzie Simmons dives into a topic many nurses struggle with—but rarely talk about: the power of saying no. From picking up extra shifts to taking on additional responsibilities, nurses are often conditioned to always say yes, even at the expense of their own well-being. MacKenzie explores why setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. She shares real-life scenarios, practical strategies for navigating guilt, and how prioritizing self-care ultimately leads to safer patient care, stronger teams, and a more sustainable career. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or simply need reassurance, this episode is your reminder that protecting your energy is part of being a great nurse—not a failure of it.

No One Tells You...Advocacy Begins With You

Think advocacy is something you do later in your career? Think again. Our guest today is Ryan Moran, BSN, RN, CCRN, a critical care nurse who’s spent the past six years in the ICU and is currently pursuing his DNP. But beyond the bedside, Ryan has been deeply engaged in advocacy—through his involvement with the Florida Nursing Students Association, Florida Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association—bringing a strong voice to health policy conversations at both the state and national level. In this episode of No One Tells You This, Ryan shares how advocacy begins the moment you step into your role as a nurse. From speaking up for patients at the bedside to influencing change in your community and beyond, this conversation will challenge you to see advocacy as part of your everyday practice—and remind you that your voice matters more than you think.

No One Tells You...Your First Year is the Hardest

In the very first episode of No One Tells You This, host MacKenzie Simmons sits down with special guest Cathleen Paton, DNP, RN, CCRN to unpack the unspoken realities of early career nursing. From imposter syndrome and pre-shift anxiety to navigating bullying, burnout, and that first terrifying code, MacKenzie shares the honest truth about what her first year in the CCU really looked like. This episode dives into the challenges no one prepares you for—learning to prioritize, finding your confidence, setting boundaries, making mistakes, and discovering that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re cut out for nursing, this conversation is your reminder: you’re not failing—you’re growing. Because no one tells you this… your first year isn’t breaking you. It’s building you.