Ep. 64. The Wrecking Ball in Healthcare: Dismantling Public Trust and Nurse Legacies?
Host: Dr. Lendra James

Episode Overview
In this powerful episode, Dr. Lendra James invites listeners to a candid, "real talk" conversation about pivotal changes in healthcare policy, leadership challenges, and the importance of legacy building—especially for nurses and healthcare professionals ready to make an impact beyond clinical practice.

Key Topics Covered

RFK Jr. & Changes at the CDC:
Dr. James breaks down the sweeping changes made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, raising critical questions about conflicts of interest, transparency, and their impact on public trust in healthcare.

The Importance of Voting:
She highlights today's primary elections in New Jersey and stresses how participating in the legislative process empowers nurses and communities to reclaim their influence on health policy.

Legal Challenges to Healthcare Changes:
Dr. James applauds the New York State Attorney General's lawsuit against the Trump administration, which alleges unlawful dismantling of the Department of Health and Human Services—emphasizing the broader consequences for public health, research, and the nursing profession.

The Ripple Effects of Policy on Healthcare:
She discusses how hospital closures, staffing shortages, terminated research grants, and other administrative decisions create challenges—and why nurses must be prepared to lead and advocate for change.

Mindset, Support & Strategic Focus:
Dr. James explores three transformative pillars for nurse leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Mindset: Embracing a growth mentality and shifting perspective from employee to leader/entrepreneur.
- Support: Building a meaningful professional ecosystem by carefully curating your network and opting for rooms where you can continually grow.
- Strategic Focus: Turning passion into purpose-driven action and building sustainable legacies through deliberate planning and mentorship.

The Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program:
Dr. James shares opportunities within her Nurse Legacy Accelerator program for nurses wanting to scale their businesses, accelerate their careers, and create lasting impact—offering both 12-week foundational and 6-month in-depth tracks, including "Done for You" business solutions. Apply at : https://forms.gle/Kc9mqMUsGxqMpoKK6

Encouragement for Change Makers:
She inspires nurses to move beyond surviving the healthcare system, urging them to step up as change makers, CEOs, and legacy builders in this current season of disruption and reinvention.

Quick Links & Resources
Apply for the Nurse Legacy Accelerator: Visit dljamesconsulting.com (https://dljamesconsulting.com) to schedule a strategy call and learn more about the program (one spot left for the June 15th start date!) apply at: https://forms.gle/Kc9mqMUsGxqMpoKK6

Relevant News:
- CBS News report on CDC changes
- New York State Attorney General's office
- Read Dr. James’ LinkedIn Nurses With Voices Newsletter
- Book Reference:
- *Confessions of a Nurse Executive* by Dr. Lendra James (see Chapter 5 for more on leadership) https://payhip.com/b/pFWs9

Connect with Dr. Lendra James
-https://dljamesconsulting.com
- LinkedIn: Dr. Lendra James

Subscribe & Follow:

- Podcast: Nurses With Voices

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Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us on social media using #NursesWithVoices! Let's empower each other and build a community of passionate nurses and nurse entrepreneurs.

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Ep.63. In this impactful episode, Dr. Lendra announces the launch of the Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program, an initiative designed to empower nurses with entrepreneurial ambitions—particularly in IV hydration and consulting. The discussion moves to the recent changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, especially for healthy children and pregnant women, and the potential effects on public health trust.

Complete the Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program Application: https://forms.gle/x7K8ikt8aYZvdZvR7

The episode dives deep into the realities of bias and discrimination in nursing, emphasizing the urgent need for unity, mentorship, and empowerment. It challenges outdated cultural norms like "nurses eating their young" and highlights the importance of support systems and self-care to prevent burnout.

Key Takeaways

• The Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program helps entrepreneurial nurses break into IV hydration and consulting.

• Changes in COVID-19 vaccine policy can shake public confidence and affect vulnerable populations.

• Discrimination and bias are still prevalent in nursing—document everything and seek support.

• Mentorship and leadership development are critical for nurse growth.

• The nursing profession must unite, not divide—it's time to stop "eating our young."

• Empowering environments foster better care and professional sustainability.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Launching the Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program

• 02:23 – COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations and Public Health Implications

• 05:40 – Addressing Discrimination and Bias in Nursing

• 24:29 – Nurses Eating Their Young: A Cultural Reflection

Resources & Links

• Join the Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program: https://forms.gle/x7K8ikt8aYZvdZvR7

• Download "Confessions of a Nurse Executive: Conscious & Unconscious Bias in Healthcare" eBook: https://payhip.com/b/pFWs9

• Book a Strategy Call with DL James Consulting: https://calendly.com/dljamesconsulting

• Report Workplace Discrimination (via IG- app)

https://www.instagram.com/wrkreceipts?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Subscribe & Follow:

- Podcast: Nurses With Voices

🔗 Subscribe to Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-with-voices/id1762933167

🔗 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jczK5DCP0I44do5lp5vAp?si=fubkwatKTSiFomnVotf4IA&nd=1&dlsi=9e88b8ca549f4e5f

Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us on social media using #NursesWithVoices! Let's empower each other and build a community of passionate nurses and nurse entrepreneurs.

Support the Podcast:

Ep. 62. In this powerful episode, Dr. Lendra unpacks a transformative conversation about nurse-led advocacy, burnout, healthcare policy, and the growing grassroots movement calling for justice and equity in healthcare. From the emotional impact of systemic failures to reclaiming power through entrepreneurship and legislative involvement, this is a must-listen for every nurse ready to go from burnout to breakthrough.

https://www.dljamesconsulting.com/#AboutUs

Dr. Lendra opens with reflections on the Nurse Shift Change Rally held over Memorial Day Weekend. What happens when nurses from Chicago to Seattle unite for justice, ethics, and DEI? A movement begins.

https://nurseshiftchange.com/

05:47 – The Payment Problem in Healthcare
A personal and powerful look into how hospital billing systems and insurance gaps affect real people—and how the system continues to fail both patients and providers.

07:57 – Burnout at the Bedside and Beyond
Dr. Lendra dives into the leadership crisis in healthcare and how burnout is more than emotional fatigue—it's structural.

10:22 – Give Grace Another Chance
What happens when a nurse makes a mistake publicly? Exploring accountability versus cancel culture in the nursing profession.

14:45 – Burnout Breakthroughs: Empowering Ourselves
The solution to burnout isn’t just wellness tips—it’s systemic change, career ownership, and building autonomy. Dr. Lendra shares how.

17:54 – Healthcare Cuts: Who Really Pays the Price?
A deeper look at policy rollbacks, Medicare and Medicaid cuts, and how nurses are left to clean up the mess in communities.

20:49 – Nurse Entrepreneurship = Power & Purpose
Now is the time to monetize your knowledge. Learn how nurse-led businesses are flipping the narrative and offering new hope and healing models.

23:41 – Why DEI Still Matters
In the face of political backlash, Dr. Lendra addresses the urgent need to defend DEI work and protect both providers and patients from being erased from decision-making tables.

27:41 – Advocacy & Action Starts Now
Want to take action? Dr. Lendra invites you to book a strategy call, join the movement, and prepare for the upcoming 2026 Million Nurse March.

https://calendly.com/dljamesconsulting or to learn about our Nurse Legacy Accelerator Program: https://www.dljamesconsulting.com/#AboutUs

Key Takeaways:

• Nurses are no longer waiting for permission to lead.

• Burnout requires more than bubble baths—it requires business savvy, political awareness, and systemic change.

• Nurse-led movements like the Nurse Shift Change Rally are setting the stage for real transformation.

• DEI is not a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of equitable care.

• Start where you are. Use your voice, your knowledge, and your experience to build the future of healthcare.

Subscribe & Follow:

- Podcast: Nurses With Voices

🔗 Subscribe to Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurses-with-voices/id1762933167

🔗 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jczK5DCP0I44do5lp5vAp?si=fubkwatKTSiFomnVotf4IA&nd=1&dlsi=9e88b8ca549f4e5f

Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us on social media using #NursesWithVoices! Let's empower each other and build a community of passionate nurses and nurse entrepreneurs.

Support the Podcast:

If you're enjoying the show, please leave us a review and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Your support helps us bring more inspiring content to our community!