HFC nurses cohost “Voices for Nurses” podcast

Last year, American Nurses Association Michigan (ANA-MI) President-Elect Dr. Barbara Medvec came up with an idea for a podcast called Voices for Nurses to discuss current trends in nursing and Michigan's healthcare system.

Dozens of ANA-MI members expressed an interest in hosting the podcast. In the end, Medvec chose HFC instructor Dr. Wanda Chukwu and HFC alumna Andrea Boyce to serve as cohosts.

"I reached out to Barb Medvec to inquire more about the role," recalled Boyce, an ICU nurse at Corewell Health Trenton and Henry Ford Health in Detroit. "We talked for quite a while about the vision the ANA-MI Board of Directors had for the podcast and what they were looking for in its hosts. I learned that Wanda also had expressed interest. At the end of the conversation, I mentioned to Barb how I've been told a few times that I have a voice for radio and that I was ready to commit to the podcast."

Becoming a team in a remote setting

The podcast debuted in mid-February. In the first episode, Chukwu and Boyce spoke about nursing leadership with Medvec and ANA-MI President Dr. Bridget Leonard. The second episode, about Safe Staffing, aired March 27.

Chukwu and Boyce are recording one episode every six weeks.

One concern Boyce had was not being present in the studio to record the podcast, but the software allows for the cohosts and the guests to record from anywhere.

"Not being in person during the recordings concerned me in the beginning," she said. "The amazing podcast team took care of that concern for me. While we record the audio with the guests, Wanda and I are able to see each other. This makes it easier to interact and get to know our guests."

Chukwu and Boyce have proven to be a great podcast team.

"I enjoy working with Andrea. She is very knowledgeable and fun to talk with. She brings a great deal of energy and a different perspective to the podcast," said Chukwu. "Andrea is simply amazing with a heart of gold. I am fascinated when I work with many of our former HFC nursing students and they are now are my colleagues and peers in the nursing community."

Added Boyce: "Wanda has such a sweet disposition. She's incredibly knowledgeable and very funny. As we've gone through the months of planning and prep for the podcast and into recording our first two episodes, we've come to know each other well. It just happens that we click well."

"No two nurses have the same career"

For Chukwu, the best part of this podcast is it allows her to serve as an ambassador to the nursing profession.

"As a new nurse, I would have never considered serving on a committee. Becoming involved with the ANA-MI has provided me with relevant information that has enhanced my teaching and my perspective on the need for nurses to commit to doing committee work, regardless of the number of years in service. I am so excited to participate with the health/policy committee. It has provided me with opportunities to collaborate with other nurses working in various areas. I always share the information I learn from my committee work and share it with my HFC nursing family," she explained.

For Boyce - who has served on hospital-based committees, as a preceptor, and as ANA-MI's first newly-licensed Director - the podcast allows her to openly explore issues that impact Michigan's healthcare system.

"We will discuss issues that influence policy decisions, health equity, mentorship, health outcomes, nursing leadership, nursing education, entrepreneurship, academic practices, as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in nursing, with more topics to come," she said. "ANA-MI is excited to bring featured guests on our podcast who are experts in the field of nursing to provide their perspectives. We hope people enjoy our episodes!"

She enjoys speaking with guests about how they got started in nursing and where they are now.

"Nursing as a profession allows for such an array of journeys," said Boyce. "No two nurses have the same career. To me, that speaks to the awesome reach and diversity of our chosen profession."

Where to listen

You can listen to the Voices for Nurses podcast on the following media platforms:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon

Related content: HFC Nursing Program informational video