Episode 7! Nurse Avatar Part 1/2: When the world shifted?
Hey, nurse fam—it’s Riva here, and I can’t wait to share what went down on this wildly enlightening episode of The Ritual Nurse. My guest, Jamie, and I dove deep into the unique challenges nurses face—especially those who started working right as COVID-19 turned our world upside down. When I began my nursing career, I had at least a sense of stability (or so I thought), but all that calm shattered once the pandemic hit. Meanwhile, Jamie didn’t get even a glimpse of the “old normal”; she was tossed straight into the storm from day one.
As we compared our journeys, one thing became glaringly obvious: many new nurses will never know a truly stable healthcare environment. Instead, they’re bouncing between total chaos and frantic attempts at normalcy—talk about high-stress beginnings! It’s easy for newbies to look at seasoned pros (who’ve had years to hone their craft) and feel “behind.” If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll never be as good as them,” trust me, we get it. That self-doubt can hit hard.
But let me tell you, this episode wasn’t just about the tough stuff; it was a celebration of resilience—the kind of mindset shift that moves us from barely surviving to truly thriving. Jamie and I couldn’t stress enough how important it is to embrace your own path. Chaotic moments might be inevitable, but they’re also where we learn, grow, and figure out who we really are as nurses and as humans. Sometimes we just need the reminder to welcome those challenges, not shove them down.
We also got really candid about the “nurse avatar”—that version of ourselves we slip into when we’re on the clock. You know the one: the calm, collected pro who’s got it all together (even if inside we’re screaming for a snack, a nap, or a good cry). Jamie opened up about how easy it is to neglect self-care when we’re constantly in hero mode. It’s like we’re trained to see our patients as the only priority, forgetting we’re allowed to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first.
That’s why we spent a chunk of the episode urging you to listen to your body—whether it’s a subtle nudge telling you to eat lunch before 4 p.m. or that wave of emotional fatigue you’ve been ignoring. Those signals matter, and they’re the foundation of real, lasting resilience. Jamie also shared some great tips from a favorite book of hers—emphasizing simple, bite-sized self-care changes instead of trying to overhaul your whole life overnight. Because if a new habit feels like climbing Everest, you’re probably taking on too much.
And, of course, we had to talk about crystals (you know how we do!). Howlite is a beautiful mineral that resembles a fine marble. The crystal we highlighted this episode spoke to fostering patience and emotional freedom—two qualities that can keep a nurse sane in the midst of nonstop demands. Tying that back to the “nurse avatar,” it’s all about bridging the gap between who we are at work and who we are when the scrubs come off. When those two versions align, we’re in a much healthier, more balanced headspace.
So if there’s one takeaway from this high-vibe conversation, it’s this: Don’t ever compare your progress to someone else’s. Every nurse’s journey is different, and that’s what makes our profession so diverse and dynamic. We’re all in this together, learning from each other’s triumphs and missteps, and pushing healthcare forward one shift at a time.
Until next time—stay magical, stay resilient, and remember to take that lunch break (seriously!). Thank you for tuning in to The Ritual Nurse, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this episode. Drop me a line or comment on social if you had any “aha!” moments or if you’ve got your own resilience-boosting tips to share.
With gratitude and a whole lot of nurse love,
Riva
