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Academic Survival ®The Podcast That Helps Freshman Get to Graduation Author: Shandra L. McDonald
Thirty percent of students drop out of college during the 1st year. The transition from high school to college can feel overwhelming for many freshmen and their families. On Academic Survival, I interview current and former college students about their freshman year experiences. I also invite expert guests who share college success tips, freshman survival strategies, and advice on thriving in college life and beyond. Whether you're a 1st-year student looking for guidance, or a parent wanting your freshman to succeed, this podcast provides real stories, strategies, and encouragement to help you on the journey. Join me as we discover how to survive freshman year, thrive throughout college, and graduate with confidence. Academic Survival: The Podcast That Gets Freshmen to Graduation. Language: en Genres: Education, How To, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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From Clinicals to Critical Care: Nurse Mikaela’s Survival Stories
Episode 27
Sunday, 15 March, 2026
From Clinicals to Critical Care: Nurse Mikaela’s Survival StoriesIn this honest and engaging conversation, Dr. Shandra interviews Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison about her transformative journey into the nursing profession—covering every pivot, setback, and hard-won lesson along the way. Together, they explore Mikaela’s academic foundation and her original aspirations to become a veterinarian. You’ll hear the incredible story of how an unexpected "cow kick" and a series of evolving passions ultimately led her to trade animal science for the high-stakes world of human healthcare. These are the types of nurse survival stories that reveal the messy, non-linear reality of finding one's true calling.Throughout the episode, Mikaela reflects on the very real challenges she faced on the front lines. She pulls back the curtain on demanding clinical rotations and the sheer adrenaline of overwhelming “Code Blue” moments, where textbook theory meets the raw pressure of life-and-death situations. The dialogue gets candid as Mikaela discusses the notorious “nurses eating their young” dynamic and how she navigated the imposter syndrome that often haunts new graduates. She shares exactly what kept her going when quitting seemed like the only logical option and reveals the stark differences between what is taught in the classroom versus the realities of the hospital floor.A pivotal moment in the conversation occurs when Mikaela recounts her own life-threatening medical complications during pregnancy. This segment offers a rare and sobering perspective: a trained critical care nurse suddenly finding herself in the patient’s bed, fighting for her life. This experience fundamentally changed her approach to patient care and highlights the critical need for advocacy—even when the system feels overwhelming. The conversation rounds out with practical advice for new grads, "hot takes" on the current state of the nursing industry, and Mikaela’s proven tips for mastering the field.Three Key Takeaways:Resilience is Built Step-by-Step: Progress comes not from perfection but persistence. Mikaela emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mantra-building (“I can do hard things!”), and giving yourself grace during tough clinical moments or when self-doubt creeps in.Authenticity and Advocacy Matter: Whether in academics or healthcare, learning to confidently speak up for yourself—and for your patients—is essential. Mikaela encourages younger students to “say what you mean and mean what you say”—reminding listeners that strong self-advocacy can be life-saving.Embrace Nonlinear Journeys: From shifting career paths to experiencing burnout, trauma, and change, Mikaela’s story is a testament to the value of flexibility. Sometimes, the ultimate “fit” is found through detours and hardships, and that’s an integral part of both personal and professional growth.Highlights Include:The unexpected detour from animal science to nursingHow work-life balance shaped career decisionsThe harsh realities (and hidden blessings) of clinical rotationsSurviving—and growing from—a life-threatening postpartum experienceHonest reflections on toxic work cultures (and how to thrive despite them)The pros and cons of travel nursing“The Mikaela Method” for succeeding in nursing schoolOther Episodes Featuring Nursing:Nursing School Journey with Aryss Richardson A Nurse Practitioner's Approach to Healthcare: Student Aryss Richardson Interviews Dr. Angela Allen-WashingtonListen in for:Genuine wisdom, inspiring stories of perseverance, and practical survival tips for anyone considering or navigating the complex world of nursing.
