The OCCC Nursing Department has launched an innovative podcast, “Nursing School Unplugged,” aimed at supporting students and helping them thrive throughout their nursing education. By combining expertise, mentorship and a casual, conversational style, the podcast creates a unique learning experience outside the classroom.
Ericka Williams, professor of nursing and student success specialist, recently shared her vision for the program.
“When I was hired, there really wasn’t anyone in my role,” she said. “So we had really big dreams (of) building the program into something wonderful.”
Williams went on to explain that the idea behind the podcast is to give students “a fine-dining experience in our nursing program, not a fast-food drive-through window.”
Individualized instruction is vital, she noted, but it can be impossible for faculty who have 100 to 150 students. The podcast is designed to fill those gaps and provide accessible guidance to every student.
Williams brings a unique background to the role. Armed with 16 years in education and experience working with English learners, she later earned her nursing degree and worked in the intensive care unit for seven to eight years. She is certified to teach mild to severe special education as well.
“For a lot of our students with learning disabilities, I can kind of fill in the gaps,” she said. “I also have a heart for EL students, students who learn in a language that’s not their own.”
This broad expertise allows Williams to connect with students in ways that extend beyond traditional instruction.
Tonya Faires, a registered nurse who also doubles as a student success specialist at OCCC, emphasized the podcast’s role in supporting students individually.
“Whatever that looks like for them, it’s unique for every student,” Faires said. “So we’re just bridging any gaps to help them complete the course and hopefully be a registered nurse when they finish all of it.”
Faires pointed out that the podcast was Williams’ idea.
“Ericka is very innovative,” Faires said. “We provide education in multi-faceted ways, and this podcast is one of them. I am along for the ride with her.”
The podcast is designed to not only provide guidance but also normalize the challenges that students face. Students balance coursework, labs and clinical rotations, which can be overwhelming at times. By offering practical advice, study tips and encouragement, “Nursing School Unplugged” creates a sense of community for listeners.
Williams also noted that the episodes, which are around 40 minutes long, can easily be broken into smaller segments for convenience.
“Break it up if you need to,” she advised. “Listen to it in 10-minute sections. That’s what I do. If I’m in the car, I hit play, and when I get out, I hit pause,” she added, explaining that these “microdoses of education” accumulate over time, helping students study more effectively and potentially improving their exam results.
The podcast also showcases the diverse expertise of the nursing faculty. For example, one faculty member is a former lawyer who helps students navigate legal issues, including the background checks that are required in the nursing field. Another is a pediatric nurse who shares her real-world experiences as well.
Williams emphasized that these unique perspectives are intended to enrich students’ understanding of the nursing profession beyond what they can learn from textbooks and exams.
Through “Nursing School Unplugged,” OCCC’s nursing department aims to demonstrate a commitment to innovation, personalized learning and student success. Faires and Williams hope the podcast helps students feel supported, encouraged and better prepared for the demands of nursing school.
“We want our students to know that these microdoses of education add up and are so valuable,” Williams said. “Listening three or four times a day, 10 minutes each, can make a real difference.”
For students who are just discovering the podcast, the message is simple: Take advantage of this resource, even in small increments. By connecting students with faculty, offering practical advice and creating a supportive environment, “Nursing School Unplugged” is transforming the way nursing education is delivered at OCCC – one conversation at a time.
