Amplify Nursing

In this episode of Amplify Nursing, we talk with Mark Lazenby, Dean of the UC Irvine School of Nursing, as he reflects on his journey from philosophy scholar to oncology nurse practitioner and academic leader. 

Drawing from his work as an educator, clinician, and author of Caring Matters Most and Toward a Better World, he discusses leadership through the lens of trustworthiness, relational care, honesty, and ethics, and explores how nursing can help create a more compassionate and equitable healthcare system.

In this episode of Amplify Nursing, we talk with Erin Foley, Region 6 Director for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Erin shares her journey into nursing—from early childhood experiences in a hospital playroom to a dynamic career as a CRNA—and reflects on how curiosity, mentorship, and persistence shaped her path. She discusses her nontraditional route into anesthesia, the moments that pushed her to grow, and how her passion for learning evolved into a deep commitment to advocacy and leadership. Erin also offers insight into the realities of modern CRNA practice, the critical role of policy in shaping healthcare, and why showing up—whether in clinical spaces or legislative arenas—can make all the difference.

In this episode of Amplify Nursing, Dwayne Allyne shares his unexpected journey into nursing, the leadership lessons he developed through his clinical work and time in the Air Force, and his role as Board Chair of DNPs of Color. He discusses the importance of advocacy, representation, and creating pathways for more diverse nurse leaders, while also reflecting on how his own experience as a patient reshaped his perspective on care. Together, the conversation highlights the need for stronger support systems, greater equity in healthcare, and empowering nurses to lead at every level.

In this episode of Amplify Nursing, we speak with two influential voices in nursing leadership: Claire Zangerle, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Chief Nurse Executive of the American Hospital Association and Ena Williams, President of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and Chief Nurse Executive at Yale New Haven Health. They discuss how leadership is evolving in today’s complex healthcare environment, why every nurse is a leader, and what skills and support the next generation of nurse leaders will need to navigate a rapidly changing future. The conversation also explores how mentorship, leadership development, and emerging perspectives from new nurses are shaping the profession. Together, they offer insight into how nurse leaders can remain adaptable, collaborative, and influential as healthcare continues to evolve.

On this episode of the Amplify Nursing Podcast, Marion Leary speaks with Ahrin Mishan, Executive Director of the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation, about the foundation’s origins and its mission to support nurse innovators driving systemic change in healthcare. Together, they discuss the unique role nurses play in identifying gaps in care, advancing equity, and designing solutions that can transform health systems.