A Nurse First

After three attempts at nursing school and nearly walking away from nursing altogether, how did Jonathan Llamas become one of LinkedIn's Voices of the Year? His path wasn't perfect, but it was honest. What happened when he stopped hiding the hard parts of his story just might change the way you think about social media influencers, advocacy, and what it means to lead as a nurse. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Roxana Chicas is turning personal history into powerful advocacy. As the first Latina on her research team, her journey weaves lived experience with scientific insight to uncover the human toll of heat on farmworkers and illuminate how listening can become a tool for change.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Riley Horner's life froze on 11 June 2019, after a concussion left her memory resetting every two hours. She defied the odds through resilience and family support, reclaiming her future as a nurse and proving recovery is possible even when time feels stuck.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

A three-hour bus ride, a two-hour walk, and a last-minute chance to take the nursing exam changed everything for Tameka Duncan-Baker. This pivotal moment of support and opportunity transformed her life and career, leading her to become Jamaica's first formally trained clinical nurse researcher.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Regina Yuen took a leap of faith when she accepted her first mission with Doctors Without Borders, stepping into the unknown in South Sudan. Faced with a new culture, limited resources, and the challenges of humanitarian nursing, she quickly learned the power of adaptability and teamwork. Her experience reshaped her perspective on global healthcare and solidified her passion for making a difference in the world's most vulnerable communities. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

For Lucas M. Davis, serving as Sigma's new CEO means honoring a century-long legacy while paving a transformative path forward. His steadfast belief that nurses are truly "first"—the first to care, the first to lead, and the first to drive change in healthcare—fuels his bold vision for Sigma's future. His mission? To lead with empathy, amplify nurses' voices, and shape the next chapter of global nursing excellence.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

The beauty of embracing uncertainty lies in the potential for serendipitous discoveries. Each step Ronald Hickman took, whether through mentorship conversations or pursuing postgraduate education, opened doors he had not anticipated. The unexpected moments became stepping stones that shaped his career and research, demonstrating that the path to success is rarely linear. Instead, it is often a winding road filled with detours that can lead to even greater achievements—like being inducted into Sigma's International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame for his avatar-based simulation research to aid decision-making for families of ICU patients. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Witnessing a fellow caregiver succumb to the very issues she worked to treat as a psychiatric nurse was a profound wake-up call for Sheryl Garriques-Lloyd, reminding her that mental health challenges can affect anyone, even those trained to care for others. This realization reinforced her commitment to living her life by "PURPLE"—a personal acronym representing her values of Passion, Unstoppable spirit, Resilience, Perseverance, Leadership, and Excellence—and to using these principles to educate others on living mentally well. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

The thrill of her first nursing paycheck seemed like the promise of financial freedom but quickly led Renee Carter down a path of hard lessons and surprising discoveries about money.  With relatable stories and practical tips, Renee reveals how she broke free from paycheck-to-paycheck living, unlearned bad money habits, and mastered budgeting, retirement planning, and negotiating pay—essential advice for any nurse ready to take control of their finances. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Jamla Rizek's journey into disaster preparedness began with a pivotal deployment during Hurricane Sandy that solidified her desire to contribute more significantly to this field. As she's learned, preparing for disasters proactively now is not just a responsibility—it is an opportunity to create a safer, more supportive world for future generations.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

When faced with adversity and inequality, Patricia Coleman-Burns had the choice to accept the status quo or take a stand and work toward change. In her case, the injustice she experienced in the workplace fueled her passion for advocacy and breaking barriers in nursing for others, creating unmatched positive change in her community.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Starting a business can be daunting, but with the right mindset and belief in yourself, anything is possible. That's Farah Laurent's take, and one huge leap of faith later, she's helping nurses level up in their careers and find their dream jobs in less than 90 days with her very own coaching business.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Lindy Finch has wanted to help people her entire life. When it was her family who needed the help, the kindness, reassurance, and empathy shown by St. Judes' nurses had a profound impact on her—so much so that it changed her career path and her life. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

From creating a groundbreaking peer mentoring program to navigating leadership roles with strategic focus, Benita Chatmon's story is a testament to the power of mentorship in achieving long-term goals. By prioritizing her time and commitments based on her professional goals and understanding the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities that align with her objectives, Benita exemplifies the value of mentorship in guiding career decisions and achieving long-term success.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Jyu-Lin Chen began her nursing career with a passion for working with children, which led her to a pediatric ICU. Her curiosity and commitment to evidence-based practice shifted her focus to researching obesity trends among Chinese American immigrant children. Despite initial skepticism, she pursued her inquiry based on clinical observations and a need for data. Her pioneering research earned her induction into Sigma's 2023 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Out of 800 applicants, Jitana Benton-Lee was one of 30 selected to participate in a digital innovation boot camp, a collaboration between the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Apple. The proposal? A visionary app to track nursing students' core competencies, moving away from archaic paper methods to a dynamic, digital solution.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Allison Young's diverse background in East Asian studies, the role she played translating Japanese news bulletins after the 2011 tsunami, and her doctoral study in thanatology unexpectedly converged when she discovered an article online about a gardener in Otsuchi, Japan, and an old British phone booth.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Higinio Fernández-Sánchez's story begins in Tyler, Texas, where he migrated with his family from Mexico at a young age. Determined to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse despite being undocumented, Higinio made the difficult decision to return to Mexico, only to face a 10-year ban from re-entering the U.S. after being denied a study permit. His time there turned out to be a blessing in disguise though, as he embraced his culture, became fluent in Spanish, and discovered a passion for research.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

In this bonus episode of A Nurse First, Sigma president Sandra C. Garmon Bibb shares her incredible career journey and the many firsts she has experienced along the way. From making tremendous decisions to facing challenges head-on, Sandra's story is one of inspiration.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Sigma's new president Sandra C. Garmon Bibb always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Finding out at a young age that her name meant "helper of mankind" solidified the decision for her. Little did she know then though how full circle it would all come as she put pen to paper to develop Sigma's 2023-2025 organizational call to action.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Katie Foster believes authenticity in healthcare goes beyond personal identity; it is about embodying professionalism, empathy, and dedication to patient well-being. When she reconnected with a patient who didn't recognize her after her transition, Katie was fervently hopeful that her belief would manifest in reality.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Facing challenges and limited funding, Jerry John Nutor's determination and passion for improving healthcare led him to create the Africa Interdisciplinary Health Conference—a platform for healthcare professionals to come together, share ideas, and address the complex health problems facing his continent. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

In nursing, it's not just about being clinically smart, but also emotionally intelligent. The COVID-19 pandemic robbed countless nursing students of their clinical experience—and as an NCLEX tutor, Laura Habighorst has seen the impact on her students' test scores. With the human element being the difference in exceptional patient care, she's reworked her tutoring plans to add in the valuable lessons she's learned both as a nurse and as a patient to help combat this missing piece.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

To address the mental health crisis head-on, Greg Jones opened the first mental health peer respite center in the Pacific Northwest. His theory is this: If as nurses we have the opportunity to make a difference, we are obliged to because nursing is not just a profession. It's a calling to advocate for those in need and be a beacon of healing and justice. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Anthony Silva dropped out of high school to help his mother pay bills and worked various jobs, including being a medical assistant, before finding a mentor in Dr. Richard de Asla, a foot and ankle surgeon. He offered Anthony a full-time job—and changed his life. Driven by his mentor's encouragement, Anthony became the first registered orthopedic technician in his healthcare system and is now training and inspiring others to do the same.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Catch up on seasons 1 and 2 while we take a break to work on season 3. See you back here in August 2023!Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

During the pandemic, Terri Ann Parnell pivoted her career to launch TAP Wellness Coaching, a program designed to specifically address the unique challenges nurses face in taking care of themselves. With the goal of helping nurses create long-lasting healthy habits, Terri's program focuses not on finding work-life balance but on building resilience and instead, achieving work-life harmony. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Admittedly, Imelda Reyes' path to nursing followed a non-traditional route, joining the Navy and starting in healthcare finance. Now a nurse practitioner and faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, it was also rather unconventional for her to volunteer as a graduation marshal just a few months after starting her new role. Following the "norm" wasn't what was important. Being there for her students—being part of something bigger—that's what Imelda cares about.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Linda Casale spent 25+ years as a psychiatric mental health nurse serving the Veteran's Association. She witnessed the struggles veterans faced, especially once the VA recognized the additive effects of opioids and benzodiazepines and aggressively worked to reduce their use. Despite her understanding, Linda felt like it left her toolbox empty. Though retirement was in sight, she kept hearing about the many benefits of medical cannabis from her patients, and she decided to embark on a new mission to deliver integrative holistic care to veterans.   Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Throughout her life, Mar'yana Fisher has turned to poetry to express her feelings creatively and fearlessly. Before leaving Ukraine and immigrating to Canada, she even published a short collection. Her muse struck again when she started graduate school in Canada after immigrating from Ukraine. Poetry helped Mar'yana process her fear and anxiety during this time and became a powerful tool for self-expression and advocacy in her nursing career.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Daniel Suárez-Baquero is the person he is today because of his abuela. She inspired his dream to work in women's health, and modeling her courage, he became the first male nurse in birth and labor rooms in Colombia. Now his research focuses on reproductive justice in order to pay tribute and give back to the many women who built him.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Cora O'Leary's research study on the challenges faced by nurses caring solo for children with complex healthcare needs led to recommendations for improvements in support and governance. With her study's findings in hand and national policy changes on the horizon, she crafted a new nursing role for herself as Ireland's first Clinical Practice Specialist. Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Though still very much a new member of Gamma Tau at-Large Chapter, Trish Eusala went all in, volunteering to lead as the chapter's Community Outreach Chair. The outcome? New connections, invaluable experiences, and unshakeable friendships across the nursing continuum.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

When Aron King shares that he is an assistant nurse manager, he knows questions are coming. Only 7% of nurses are Black and male so he gets, "How did you get into nursing?" a lot. Most don't mean it to be a microaggression, but regardless, it is. Through his research and community involvement, he's out to change the mold society has formed for healthcare workers.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

We hope you've enjoyed the past 10 episodes! We'll be back with more in February 2023.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Melissa Sherman knew that helping her best friend with her end-of-life care would change her. She expected grief, in all its forms, but what she didn't see coming was an opportunity to change life and death for others.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Facing down a certification exam day, Shanan Thode wrestled with self-doubt, fear, and dread. Needing some words of encouragement, she posted on The Circle, Sigma's professional networking platform. Her anxiety told her no one would respond, but Sigma members showed up to prove her thoughts wrong.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

Losing both her parents at age 7 left Kathleen Eviza facing an uncertain future with her five siblings. Knowing her strong will and determination would take her to the places she dreamed of, she prioritized her education and career as a means to support her family, but as an adventurer at heart, she grew to realize she'd eventually have to leave them to find a new sense of home.Connect with Sigma: Tweet us at @SigmaNursing Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Share your A Nurse First story

On this special Founders Day episode, a chance encounter at a biennial convention leads to an unexpectedly deep friendship between Nancy Thompson and one of the women who gave life to Sigma 100 years ago.

It should have been a normal trip home up the 15 from the veteran hospital in Las Vegas. Maria VanHart was in vacation mode, excited to road trip to Indiana to see family. But a nurse is never really "off duty," and the scene along the highway brought the emergency room to her. 

First nursing class: only four Black students. Entire nursing school: only one Black professor. Jamil Norman had big dreams, but they started to feel out of reach without someone who looked like her to model the way. Now an educator herself, she's determined to move past diversity, equity, and inclusion conversations straight toward action.

Growing up in the Philippines, Paul Biluan's family was tight, religious, and in Paul's words, dysfunctional. Despite wishing otherwise, his parents decided nursing school was his ticket to the United States, and he couldn't argue with this plan to escape the abuse, live freely as a gay man, and pursue his ultimate dream—a DNP.

Ariella Teater thought she'd buried herself far enough under her grief until a phone call with her dad opened the door to the painful memories of patients she had loved and lost.

She thought her colleagues would be supportive as she neared the end of her master's program. Instead, Amanda Shilo was blindsided with questions like, "Why don't you just go to medical school?" and "You clearly don't want to be a nurse. Why are you here?"

When chest pain interrupts her vacation, former emergency room nurse Diane Sieg finds herself in an ER bed rather than beside it. She's scared, and she's anxious—but from this experience comes an invaluable validation about compassion.

You may have noticed our podcast has taken a bit of a hiatus the past year. Taking this break gave us an opportunity to look at the podcast world with fresh eyes and make way for—surprise—a new start! We hope you'll come along with us.

In this episode we discuss how Kimberly Acquaviva, PhD, MSW, CWE, uses social media to bring together a large interdisciplinary research team to answer a compelling research question. 

In this episode, we discuss the body of nursing research with Linda S. Franck, PhD, RN, FRCPCH, FAAN, a Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame inductee (July 2020), Jack and Elaine Koehn Endowed Chair in pediatric nursing, and professor in the Department of Family Health Care Nursing at the University of California San Francisco.

In this episode we discuss the body of nursing research with Peggy Compton, PhD, RN, FAAN, a Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame inductee (July 2020) and  associate professor and van Ameringen Endowed Chair at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

In this episode we discuss the body of nursing research from Jason E. Farley, PhD, MPH, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, AACRN, a Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Inductee (July 2020) and a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

In this episode we discuss the research of Dr. Bukola (Oladunni) Salami,  Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame inductee (July 2020) and associate professor at the University of Alberta.