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:

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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.

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!

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.

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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!

Ep. 61. In this episode, we break down the ripple effects of New York Presbyterian’s recent 2% staffing cuts and what it signals for nurses, healthcare professionals, and the communities they serve.

As the system shifts, we’re sounding the alarm: now is the time to build financial independence, diversify your income, and take control of your career path.

We share practical, no-fluff strategies for launching a consulting business, why networking is a non-negotiable, and how investing in yourself is the smartest career move you can make.

Whether you’re burnt out, ready for a pivot, or simply hungry for more—this episode gives you the roadmap to move from uncertainty to ownership.

Here is the link to : How To Start A Healthcare Consulting Business : A Nursing Guide To Healthcare Consulting

https://payhip.com/b/cusUh

Key Takeaways:

• Staffing Cuts = Burnout Surge: Why the 2% cut at NYP is a warning sign for healthcare workers

• Financial Freedom Is Non-Negotiable: Why nurses must think like entrepreneurs

• Consulting 101: Find your niche, build visibility, and monetize your expertise

• Network to Win: Genuine relationships open real doors

• Invest in YOU: The return is always worth it

• Inspired by the Health & Wealth Expo: Real stories of nurses taking action

Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Impact of Staffing Cuts and Legal Settlements
03:12 – The Importance of Financial Independence
07:53 – Empowering Nurses to Start Businesses
13:15 – Steps to Launch a Consulting Business
17:49 – Investing in Yourself for Success

Ready to Build Your Legacy?
Take the next step today:

Schedule a Strategy Call
Join the 6-Month Nurse Legacy Accelerator
Apply for 1:1 Coaching (12 Weeks of Business Clarity)

Your career. Your terms. Your legacy starts now.

https://calendly.com/dljamesconsulting

Subscribe & Follow:

- Podcast: Nurses With Voices

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🔗 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!

Ep. 60 In this episode of Nurses with Voices, Dr. Lendra discusses the significance of Nurses Month, the importance of advocacy in nursing, and the impact of recent drug pricing reforms on patients. She emphasizes the need for nurses to empower themselves through education and participation in events like the Health and Wealth Expo: Live Summit, which aims to address financial literacy and generational wealth in the nursing profession. With the Health & Wealth Expo: Live Summit just days away, this episode unpacks why this summit is more than an event — it’s a movement.

Choose your power day:

May 15 – Nurse Business Development
May 16 – Wealth Building

One day pass available at : healthandwealthexpolive.com to receive your one day pass and join us in NJ in Mt. Laurel, NJ

Takeaways

Nurses Month is a time to celebrate and advocate for the nursing profession.
Advocacy is crucial for addressing systemic issues in healthcare.
Recent drug pricing reforms have significant impacts on patients' financial burdens.
Financial literacy is essential for nurses to achieve long-term stability.
The Health and Wealth Expo aims to empower nurses through education.
Nurses often feel underrepresented in leadership and financial discussions.
Building generational wealth starts with financial education and empowerment.
Community support is vital for nurses to make a difference.
Mental clarity and peace are important for making impactful decisions.
Participation in events like the Health and Wealth Expo can lead to personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Nurses Month
02:53 The Importance of Advocacy in Nursing
06:18 Impact of Drug Pricing Reforms
09:10 Empowering Nurses Through Education
11:51 Health and Wealth Expo Overview
14:57 Building Generational Wealth
17:57 Finding Peace and Purpose in Nursing

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!

Ep. 59. In this episode of Nurses With Voices, Dr. Lendra discusses the upcoming Health and Wealth Expo, air travel issues, the resumption of student loan payments, and the importance of healthcare professionals monetizing their expertise. The conversation also touches on mental health funding cuts, the need for political engagement among nurses, and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. Dr. Lendra emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in addressing current challenges in healthcare and society.

Dr. Lendra connects the dots between current events and the professional lives of healthcare providers.

She dives into the upcoming Health & Wealth Expo Live, a can't-miss event for healthcare professionals looking to take control of their careers and finances.

Choose your power day:

May 15 – Nurse Business Development
May 16 – Wealth Building

One day pass available at :

https://healthandwealthexpolive.com/health-and-wealth-expo-live-summit-registration-offer

You’ll also hear about:

• Mental health grant funding cuts and why it matters

• The growing need for nurses in political spaces

• How to monetize your expertise and fight back against burnout

• Tools to overcome imposter syndrome and build real confidence

It's more than healthcare—it's advocacy. It's strategy. It's community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Health and Wealth Expo
01:50 Newark Airport Delays and Air Traffic Control Issues
02:51 Student Loan Resumption Under the Trump Administration
04:05 Impact of Economic Policies on Healthcare Professionals
06:29 Mental Health Grants and Their Discontinuation
08:35 US-China Relations and Economic Implications
10:00 Mental Health Needs of Federal Workers
12:18 The Weaponization of DEI Policies
14:11 The Need for Nurses in Politics
15:20 Actionable Advice for Healthcare Professionals
19:16 Empowering Nurses as Advocates
20:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
26:15 Conclusion and Call to Action for the Expo

Ready to reclaim your power and purpose in healthcare?
Register now at healthandwealthexpolive.com — where nurses learn to lead, earn, and rise.

Subscribe & Follow:

- Podcast: Nurses With Voices

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

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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.

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!

In this powerful and politically charged special edition of Nurses With Voices, host Dr. Lendra welcomes a panel of dynamic nurse leaders—Dr. Michelle Nelson, Dr. Lindsay Harris, and Dr. Roberto Roman—to amplify the Nurse Shift Change Movement. This movement is more than a moment—it's a civil rights-level call to action for nurses and healthcare professionals everywhere to reclaim their voice, advocate for justice, and transform healthcare from the inside out.

Together, they discuss:

• The dangerous legislative threats facing healthcare today

• Why nurses must run for office and vote in local and national elections

• The erosion of DEI, healthcare funding, and human services

• How silos in nursing are harming our power—and how to unite across specialties

• The upcoming Nurse Shift Change Rally and how YOU can get involved

• Real talk on burnout, advocacy, and why silence equals complicity

🗨️ "Only us can save us." – Dr. Michelle Nelson
🗨️ "Nurses will save healthcare. But we have to wake up first." – Dr. Lendra
🗨️ "We’re the largest and most trusted workforce in healthcare—why aren’t we the loudest?" – Dr. Roberto Roman
🗨️ "Be the change—and know that no action is too small." – Dr. Lindsay Harris

This episode is a must-listen for nurses, healthcare leaders, educators, students, and changemakers who are tired of being silenced. From legislative policy to community organizing, these voices are shaping the future of nursing—and calling others to do the same.

Register for the Nurse Shift Change Rally – May 24th:
nurseshiftchange.com

Attend the Health & Wealth Expo Live Summit – May 15–16: in New Jersey
healthandwealthexpolive.com

• Dr. Michelle Nelson: Region XI Director, AANP | Advocate | Educator

• Dr. Lindsay Harris: FNP | Policy Expert | Educator | Advocate

• Dr. Roberto Roman: Nurse Scientist | Innovation Officer | Policy Leader

Subscribe to Nurses With Voices for more conversations that spark change, shift culture, and amplify nurse-led solutions.

This conversation explores the Nurse Shift Change Movement, emphasizing the importance of political engagement among nurses. Dr. Lendra and Dr. Sharon Goldfarb discuss their experiences in nursing, the impact of COVID-19 on education and practice, and the need for nurses to advocate for social justice and healthcare reform. They highlight the challenges faced by the nursing profession and the necessity for nurses to unite and take action to improve patient care and working conditions.

In this powerful episode, our guest highlights the importance of political engagement, combating misinformation, and collective advocacy to ensure a healthier future for all.

Resources & Actions:
Register for the Health & Wealth Expo: Live Summit (May 15–16) to learn entrepreneurial strategies, financial literacy, and leadership tools that amplify your impact:
healthandwealthexpolive.com

Here are 3 business models featured at the Health & Wealth Expo that nurses are using to earn more, work less, and impact lives beyond the bedside:

1. IV Hydration & Wellness Clinics
Low startup costs, high ROI, and a booming wellness market make this a perfect fit for RNs, LPNs, and NPs.

2. PMHNP Clinics & Mental Health Coaching
Mental health is in demand—and PMHNPs are launching private practices to support their communities and reclaim time.

3. Medical Writing & Consulting
From grant writing to healthcare content creation, nurses are getting paid for their expertise—without clocking in.

At the Health & Wealth Expo, you’ll meet real nurse entrepreneurs who have built six-figure businesses—and they’ll show you how you can too.

Join the Nurse Shift Change Movement—make your voice heard at our May 24 Rally! Sign up today:
nurseshiftchange.com

Key Takeaways:

• Nurses play a crucial role in advocating for under‑resourced communities.

• Political engagement is essential for influencing healthcare policy.

• COVID‑19 transformed nursing education and practice—underscoring the need for adaptable leadership.

• Nurses must support candidates who prioritize health and well‑being.

• Combating misinformation (e.g., the “This Is Our Shot” campaign) is vital for public trust.

• Understanding the political landscape is now a core nursing competency.

• Every nurse’s voice matters in policy discussions—silence is a missed opportunity.

• Empowered, politically active nurses can drive systemic change.

• The future of nursing depends on collective action and sustained advocacy.

• Beyond patient care, nurses must address the structural challenges affecting healthcare delivery.

Follow & Connect:

• Subscribe to Nurses With Voices for more interviews and insights.

• Share this episode with a nurse who’s ready to step into their power.

Together, we’re transforming nursing—from individual care to collective advocacy. Your voice is the prescription for a healthier tomorrow.

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!