Dr. Nirmala Lekhak, a UNLV School of Nursing assistant professor, shares how meditation can enhance cognitive function, memory, and psychological health in older adults, addressing issues like loneliness, depression, and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of spirituality in improving mental well-being and has researched meditation's effects during COVID-19. Dr. Lekhak highlights the benefits of compassion, kindness, and self-awareness in daily life.

Minnie Wood, senior lecturer, is joined by Rebecca Colbert and Theron Nissen of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. They delve into the library's health kits, which include a touchless thermometer, wrist blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter. These kits, available in all library branches, aim to provide accessible health monitoring tools for the public. The Library District focuses on meeting the community where they’re at, including offering medical models and a ZSpace application for anatomy education that caters to high school nursing students, and digital resources for medical information.

Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications, sits with Michele Josue, an Emmy Award-winning Filipino filmmaker. Josue discusses her film "Nurse Unseen," which highlights the experiences of Filipino American nurses during the pandemic. Josue shares her journey into filmmaking and her passion for documenting personal and community stories, leading to her current work on "Nurse Unseen."

This episode features:

Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications at UNLV School of Nursing

Michele Josue, Filmmaker and Director

Recorded in July 2024, Dr. Imelda Reyes, Associate Dean of Advanced Education, interviews Carolyn Jones, a documentary filmmaker, who shares her journey through filmmaking and capturing global issues through storytelling. Her film "American Birth" explores the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S., highlighting midwifery as a solution. Jones was selected as the guest speaker for UNLV School of Nursing’s and Dr. Linda Silvestri’s annual Sylvestri Lecture. Jones emphasizes the importance of nurses being vocal and advocating for change.

This episode features:

Dr. Imelda Reyes, Associate Dean of Advanced Education at UNLV School of Nursing

Carolyn Jones, Filmmaker and Director

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez and Minnie Wood sit together and discuss the importance of breast self-awareness, risk factors, and essential screening recommendations. Wood is a Senior Lecturer at UNLV School of Nursing and a breast cancer survivor. They discuss practical tips for performing self-exams, how to recognize changes, and the power of advocating for your health.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sigrid Barrett, the first Filipino-American Dean at UNLV School of Nursing discusses her background and culture with UNLV nursing alumnus and Ph.D student Joseph Cadiz in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Dean Barrett shares her journey from immigrant to leader, reflecting on her passion for mentorship and representation in nursing. The conversation dives into the importance of diverse leadership, the challenges of stepping into roles of authority, and the vital role mentorship plays in shaping future nurse leaders. Dr. Barrett explores how her Filipino heritage influences her leadership style and commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in the profession.

This episode features:

Dr. Sigrid Barrett, Dean of UNLV School of Nursing

Joseph Cadiz, UNLV alumnus and Ph.D student

In honor of National Midwifery Week, Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Dr. Janice Enriquez, and Sara Richins discuss the role of nurse midwives, emphasizing their diverse responsibilities, including primary care, sexual and reproductive health, and maternity care. They highlight the unique aspects of midwifery, such as the ability to provide care in various settings, including hospitals, homes, and birth centers. Dr. Vanderlaan discusses her research, which focuses on improving maternal health systems. Sara shares her experience as a student in UNLV’s midwifery program and its personalized approach, strong community partnerships, and flexible learning options.

This episode features:

Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Assistant Professor at UNLV School of Nursing

Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing

Sara Richins, UNLV School of Nursing Master of Science, Certified Nurse-Midwife Program student

Dr. Jackie Killian, an associate professor at the School of Nursing, talks with Tenile Pritchard, a direct-entry MSN student, to discuss her inspiring journey. Tenille, originally from Boston, pursued a career in dance and business before transitioning to nursing after a life-changing experience with a cancer diagnosis. Tenille is now in her first semester of the MSN program, balancing studies, work, and volunteering as a doula. Dr. Killian and Tenille discuss the importance of knowing one's body and being proactive in health care.

This episode features:

Dr. Jackie Killian, Associate Professor at UNLV School of Nursing

Tenile Pritchard, UNLV School of Nursing Direct-Entry, Master of Science in Nursing Program student