Community & Culture

New to Nursing podcast offers advice, stories & expert insights

November 8, 2024
Members of the New Grad Nurse Transition team. Back row from L to R: Maha Ejaz, Lauren Munro, Ashley McKen, Erin Marchio, Rachel Brandvold. Front row L to R: Andrea Tannahill, Kelsey Caston, McKenzie Gabara

A new nurse’s journey can be filled with challenges. But with the right support, it can be an incredibly rewarding adventure.

New to Nursing, a podcast produced by the New Graduate Nurse Transition Program, offers engaging content for new nurses seeking quick, resourceful and supportive information. You can stream the podcast on Apple and Spotify. 

Whether you’re on your morning commute, taking a coffee break, or winding down after a long shift, the New to Nursing podcast is the perfect companion. So grab your headphones, subscribe and get ready to dive into a new way of learning!

Meet the team behind the New to Nursing podcast

Person named Kelsey in a clinical research uniform sitting at a desk with headphones on, speaking into a microphone, with two computer screens displaying data charts in the background.
Regional knowledge coordinator Kelsey Caston launched the New to Nursing podcast in July 2024 with five episodes.

Launched in July 2024 by regional knowledge coordinator (RKC) Kelsey Caston, the podcast offers a blend of practical advice, inspiring stories and expert insights. It aims to empower new nursing graduates as they transition from the classroom to the clinical world.

After months of trial and error—while learning everything about podcast creation along the way—Kelsey successfully launched the podcast with five episodes. She notes that the most rewarding aspect of her career today is paving new roads and fostering innovation within the New Graduate (NG) Nurse Transition Program.

The podcast was created out of a desire to provide easily accessible content and to build a community of listeners who are facing similar challenges as new nurses.

-- Kelsey Caston, regional knowledge coordinator & creator of the New to Nursing Podcast
Person smiling at the camera, wearing glasses and a 'Clinical Educator' uniform, seated at a desk with a computer showing a 'New to Nursing' webpage.
Regional knowledge coordinator Erin Marchio helps Kelsey create episodes and has been a guest speaker.

Erin Marchio, an RKC within the NG Nurse Transition Program, has participated as a guest speaker on the podcast and assists with episode creation alongside Kelsey. In her role as an RKC, Erin’s priority is to provide ongoing support for NG nurses within the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region. She finds inspiration in the NG nurses she meets, and says they continually bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Erin explains that creating a podcast has helped the team to expand access to valuable information for NG nurses, offering them an additional microlearning opportunity. Episodes cover topics highly relevant to their practice, providing a convenient and engaging way to enhance their knowledge.

Discover a source of accessible content for busy nurses

The podcast regularly features co-hosts and interviews with health-care leaders, educators, fellow nurses and other contributors from the NG Nurse Transition program. They explore a variety of topics, delivering peer-reviewed and up-to-date content on nursing and regional best practices within Interior Health.

Episodes are designed to address knowledge gaps NGs have identified in meetings with the NG team, in feedback, and in educational sessions. Some episodes also reflect the broader curriculum within the NG Nurse Transition Program at Interior Health.

My goal for the podcast is to serve as a source of accessible, back-to-basics content for new nurses in their first 18 months of practice, as well as anyone looking to refresh their knowledge. I want to ensure that the content is manageable for busy, shift-working new grad nurses. I hope to improve as a podcaster over time and create a space where new nurses want to spend time!

-- Kelsey Caston, regional knowledge coordinator & creator of the New to Nursing Podcast

Connect to a supportive community

The New to Nursing podcast is more than just a resource—it's a supportive community for new nurses navigating the complexities of their early careers.

Kelsey and Erin’s commitment to empowering new grads shines through every episode, offering practical insights and heartfelt stories that resonate with the challenges they face. By tuning in, listeners not only gain valuable knowledge but can also connect with others on a similar journey. Whether you’re looking for guidance or inspiration, we encourage you to subscribe and become part of this growing network!

Tune into the New to Nursing podcast

A logo that says New to Nursing and Interior Health with red, yellow, blue and dark blue stripes on the left.

New to Nursing is available now on major podcast streaming platforms:

Stream on Apple

Stream on Spotify

Upcoming episodes:

  • Nov. 8: Neonatal Education and Specialty Training (NEST)
  • Nov. 22: Paranesthesia Education Program (PEP)
  • Dec. 6: Pediatric Upskilling Plan (PUP)

About the New Grad Nurse Transition Program

Group of seven smiling individuals standing in a row in front of a brick building, wearing casual and professional attire.
Members of the New Grad Nurse Transition team. From L to R: Kelsey Caston, Rachel Brandvold, Andrea Tannahill, Erin Marchio, Lauren Munro, Ashley McKen, McKenzie Gabara.

The New Graduate (NG) Nurse Transition Program is designed to support newly graduated registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and licensed practical nurses. It’s tailored to support NGs as they begin their careers in practice environments throughout Interior Health, from large urban centers to remote rural settings.

Each new grad is paired with an RKC for the first 18 months who provides guidance and mentorship to ease their transition and ensure support during the critical early stages of practice.

Related Stories@IH: Discovering a new frontier: Ben’s journey at Interior Health

The program includes 120 New Grad funded hours, allowing new nurses to work alongside experienced colleagues while gradually building their workload, skills, knowledge and confidence before transitioning into independent practice. New grads receive 24 paid education hours for specialized learning opportunities, enabling continued professional growth.

The program fosters a nurturing environment that helps new nurses gain the skills and confidence needed for success, creating a “true caring, supportive environment” as described by participants.

What I find most rewarding about my role is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with these new nurses and to support them as they navigate the early stages of their careers, helping them feel confident and comfortable as they grow into their profession.

-- Erin Marchio, regional knowledge coordinator

Get in touch today

Questions about the podcast or the New Grad Program? Contact NewGradProgramPPO@interiorhealth.ca.

Want to learn more about our New Grad Nurse Transition Program? Contact NewGradNurses@interiorhealth.ca.

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