
"Avery sits down with Kennedy Powers for a candid, big-sister chat about being 25 and figuring it all out. Kennedy opens up about finishing nursing school, passing her boards, moving to Southern California, and balancing life as a new grad nurse with being a full-time content creator. They get into nursing school pressure, social media, dating, and learning how to stand on your own two feet. Avery brings her own nursing experience into the mix with perspective, advice, and lots of love.
Loading summary
Avery Woods
This Valentine's Day, dim the lights and discover a deeper kind of connection. Ky, yours and mine. Lubricant invites you into a world of tingling delights for you and warming sensations for them. A combination that ignites every touch. Get ready for an adventure into next level intimacy that leaves you both wanting more. Find out why KY is the number one lubricant brand and then find out again. If you know, you know. Visit ky.com to learn more. Use product as directed.
Commercial Announcer
Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Avery Woods
Hi, welcome to Cheers. I'm your host Avery Woods. I am so excited for today's episode. We have my friend Kennedy Powers here and I feel so connected to her in so many ways. She just graduated nursing school, she passed her boards and she is also a full time content creator. So we get into so many questions that you guys have that I had and she's exploring this new phase of life. She recently moved to Southern California, she's single again, she is a new grad nurse and looking for her dream job while also balancing influencing. She is best known for sharing real moments online around nursing, wellness, confidence and navigating big life changes publicly, which is so hard. She's only 25 years old. She carries herself with such poise and maturity. We met for the first time on the hydro drug trip and I feel like we really clicked and connected and I feel almost like a motherly mentor figure to her because I have walked so many of the same paths that she is walking right now and we dive into so many incredible topics that I'm really really excited for and I cannot wait to see how her journey unfolds. So please welcome Kennedy Powers. February is that stretch of the school year when routines are set, expectations are high, and schoolwork starts to feel more demand demanding. IXL helps kids stay confident and consistent as a semester picks up speed. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning whether they're building math confidence, strengthening reading and writing skills, or reviewing science concepts. It covers math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. With personalized interactive content that adapts to each child's level and PACE. IXL is used in 96 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. It's an easy way to support learning as the school year moves into its most important stretch. Make an impact in your child's learning. Get IXL now and Cheers with Avery Woods. Listeners can get an exclusive 20 off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com cheers Visit ixl.com cheers to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.
Commercial Announcer
Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Avery Woods
Hi. Hi. How are you?
Kennedy Powers
I'm so good.
Avery Woods
You know what's so funny is I feel like I've known you for kind ever. Yeah. But also we just met on the hydro drug trip.
Kennedy Powers
I know, which is crazy.
Avery Woods
Isn't that weird?
Kennedy Powers
Like that it took that long?
Avery Woods
Well, and I remember when you like first got into nursing school and we're first sharing that content and me as a nurse, like I loved seeing it because medical influencing I guess if you call it that was not really a thing back when I first started nursing school and that was when I first blew up on social media. Well, blew up. I mean, you know, I thought like my 13,000 followers on Instagram was really cool, but there was like such a niche category to be in because it's really scary when you are committed to healthcare and then you share your life online because there are things like HIPAA and privacy, things that really come into play. And I don't know how your school was, but I went to a private nursing school and so they were super, super strict about what we were able to share. I wasn't allowed to say what school I went to or obviously didn't show like my student badge, that kind of thing. And so watching you like evolve in your journey, I almost felt like a proud mom. Like it was so cool to see. And I also want to give you your flowers because people, unless you've done it. And I'm not saying other degrees are not hard. No. Yeah. But unless you've done it, nursing school is a different beast.
Kennedy Powers
I agree.
Avery Woods
It's a 100% full time job. And the fact that every day you were uploading, editing, posting online online, posting ads, paying your bills, and then also such a committed student. Good for you. Honestly, you should be so proud of yourself. Thank you.
Kennedy Powers
Thank you.
Avery Woods
Because I was like, TikTok wasn't a thing when I was in nursing school, so the consistent posts weren't really required to grow.
Kennedy Powers
Right, right.
Avery Woods
And so watching you do that, it was just. I was really in awe of you. So you should be so proud of yourself.
Kennedy Powers
You're so nice. I mean, looking back, I'm like, I don't know how I did it. I don't know how I did it. I don't know. Like, I think it's such a blur, but it was hard. Yeah, it was a lot. I mean, it was so good. And like when you're doing well, you want to keep doing. And that's just like my personality in general to begin with. So it was, it was a crazy thing to juggle because nursing school, so hard.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And I don't know if you felt this way, but for me, social media was even in nursing school, it was an outlet, but definitely when I was working during the pandemic, it was like a huge outlet for me because it gave me something creative to do because it was the only time I know it wasn't in a book. So was that your motivation to kind of start on social media or were you sharing a lot before nursing school happened?
Kennedy Powers
Before nursing school, I had a private Instagram. I didn't even have the app. Like, I didn't have TikTok. I'd see like TikTok reel, like on Instagram. I'd see the reels and stuff. So I knew what it was and I saw the trends and stuff. But like private. I mean, I'd make silly little videos here and there just to like be fun and creative, but I had no. I loved watching it and consuming it, but I never, like, really had the thought of making it. And it was like my first semester of nursing school, I downloaded TikTok one night. I was obsessed. I was like, this is so fun. So many girls sharing, like fun cutie videos. I was like, I want to do this. And at the time, the only fun thing I could do in nursing school was my hair or a cute necklace or a little lip gloss or something. Going to lab just to bring some life into like nursing school, honestly. So I was like, I'll make it get ready with me. That sounds fun. That sounds cute. And it was a lab day, and with lab, I'm at school, so I can wear clips and jewelry and stuff. I'm not going to a hospital. And so that was the get ready with me. And it did really well. Probably because, you know, I'm wearing jewelry and you're not really supposed to be wearing, like, all that. But it was fun and it did well. And that just, like, sparked something in me of like, oh, this was fun. And it was fun to share. Like, you just. You get so alone and secluded in nursing school and so like, to talk to people and, like, oh, so many other people are going through the same thing as me, like, all over. Like, that was really cool.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And it's funny because that was a lot of what I would share. And even as a new grad nurse, I was like, well, I'm not gonna talk about what hospital I work in. I. My school uniform and my scrubs and I started working all had to be the same color, so I couldn't really have fun with my scrubs aside from accessorizing. So I would do, like, three different hairstyle ideas as a nurse because I couldn't wear. That was when my hair was naturally, like, down in my butt. Yeah. Yeah. And so I was trying to do, like, bubble braids or, like, wear a cute headband or I did a lot of, like, the two little pigtails up here and, like, sometimes wear my hair down.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And it's funny how many. I wouldn't say hate comments, but I would get a lot of negativity from nurses. Oh, yeah. And I was like, shocking this. The community I'm about to, like, join is all of these really judgmental people. But I actually wanted to ask you something, because when I was in nursing school personally, and I started growing on social media, I remember I made my Instagram account public, and I had, like, 500 something followers.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And then I really started growing. So I started working with Cherokee uniforms. And the amount of bowling from nursing students was insane. I remember they had a bet on me of when I was gonna fail out. It's funny. Cause a lot of those people failed out. And I was like, you're like, not.
Kennedy Powers
Too much over here now.
Avery Woods
I'm good. I'm doing good. Yeah. But I remember there was a lot of judgment. And I do think when you look a certain way, talk a certain way, act a certain way and share your life online, they automatically think that you don't have the ability to handle a Degree like nursing or the brain to be a nurse?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Did you experience negativity from your classmates sharing your life online in nursing school?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, it's pretty. It's very interesting because at first I was like, okay, no one will notice. Like, no one's gonna know I post. And, like, everyone's so busy. Like, no chance they'll see, like, my videos. And then pretty quickly, I like, oh, like, they're seeing it. Like, it's. People are talking about it. I had such a good core group of friends in nursing school. Like, I just am so grateful for them. We started first semester together and just, like, we're best friends ever since. And so I think they were a huge support group of, like, they were cheering me on every single day. Like, they loved what I did. They wanted to be a part of it. They wanted, like, help however they could with, like, if I pulled out my camera, like, they ate it up. Like, they had so much fun with it. And I am so grateful for them and, like, the love they showed with it because I was nervous. It is uncomfortable and filming at school, and it's a. And so I would say, you know, it wasn't always directly towards me. There would be, like, comments made to my friends or, like, about me or, like, you know, I mean, usually people knew not to say anything in front of them because they're my friends.
Avery Woods
But, like, the side eyes.
Kennedy Powers
The side eyes.
Avery Woods
Like, side eyes, yes.
Kennedy Powers
Lots of side eyes. Like, if I was filming something. But for the most part, like, no one ever was rude to me or, like, said anything to me. I always tried to, like, make sure, like, I was always, you know, a very kind, supportive student. Like, because you get close with your cohort. Like, you guys are in the trench together. So there were things. And it was particularly just, like, a couple people, and it was just silly because I didn't know them. And I was like, it's so funny. Like, my closest friends know me the best, and I don't. I've never really interacted with you, so it's just interesting who it comes from when you're like, I've never. I've never been in a group with you. I don't even. I don't know how you would have anything to say, but, like, it is what it is.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And also, like, what you're doing isn't affecting anything. And I felt that shift a little bit, and I was like, I. I'm taking videos, like, in my house of, like, styling my scrubs or getting ready or sharing studying tips. Like, so, like, I was recording during my clinicals or during lab. Like, we couldn't even have our phones. Yeah, they were. My school was very, very strict. Like, they inspect our nails. Yeah. Daily. Make sure we didn't have any polish on, make sure we were wearing the right shoes. Our hair was up off our shoulders, so. And I'm glad that it was strict in that way. But, like, I'm a big rule. Rule follower.
Kennedy Powers
Me too. To the nines.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Like, I'm like a yes, ma'. Am. No. Like, I studied. I worked my butt off and did really well. But I think being able to ignore the outside opinions and just kind of put your head down and get it done. Yeah. Proves a lot about yourself and your character.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. I mean, that's like. I feel like all I could do. I almost didn't even have the mental space to, like, let anything else in at that time. Like, I was so deep into school. And it's just. It consumes you. It's. Everything's nursing at that point. Like, your sleep schedule, your wake schedule, your vacations. All of it is revolved around nursing. And so what little. Like, I feel grateful. There wasn't too much where it wasn't, like, affecting me. And everyone was generally very kind to me. So I'm grateful for that. And I had such a good friend support system. But, yeah, I mean, it's just like, you can't listen to it. You can't let it in or else. Yeah. It's no fun.
Avery Woods
And it's funny. Cause nursing school feels like the fastest yet slowest two years of your life.
Kennedy Powers
Yes. It's such a weird time.
Avery Woods
Like, I look back and I'm like, wow, that went by so fast. But also every day felt excruciating.
Kennedy Powers
Every day was a year. Every day from the moment you wake up till you're going to bed is like a year long or, like, things on your mind.
Avery Woods
Exam weeks. Like, I would literally take it day by day, day by day. Because if you have three exams in a week. Oh, yeah. Like, especially if people don't understand the curve. And I don't know how yours was, but for us, 77 and higher was passing.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, ours was sometimes that or 80. It depends on the class.
Avery Woods
Okay. And then, like, when people are. They don't understand if you don't understand the curve. By the way, a 93% and higher was an A for me. So I remember, like, getting a 92 on a test. Like, congrats, you got a B. And I was like, what?
Kennedy Powers
I studied all night.
Avery Woods
Yeah, it's a different beast.
Kennedy Powers
It mentally hurts, but also, like, do.
Avery Woods
You want someone taking care of you to only know 76% of information?
Kennedy Powers
And that's what's hard, is you're like, I understand where it comes from. Nurses. Like, I want to be held to that standard. But it does have a toll. And, like, that toll. It's rough to go through.
Avery Woods
What was the hardest class for you in nursing school?
Kennedy Powers
I would say, like, the hardest, but the best class was icu. Like, I. That's the class I learned the most in. But, boy, was it brutal. Like, the expectations were through the roof. What you needed to know. Like, hemodynamics. Like, scary times. Scary, scary times. But my teacher did such an incredible job of like, okay, here's what you need to know, and I'm going to teach you really well, because I know how hard my test is. But if you listen, you study, you'll do well. And I appreciate that connection because sometimes there is a disconnect where they're like, oh, I have crazy expectations, but I'm not going to tell you what to study, or you're going to have no clue, or I'm only going to give you a couple slides and clips class, and that's it. And that was terrifying because you just had to teach yourself. But she did a really good job. It was so hard, but so rewarding. And that's, like, the best combo, because then I'm like, oh, I'm learning. Like, I feel good about what I'm learning. Like, I could be a nurse with this.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And I also think because you're learning so much knowledge in only two years, you learn so much. Like, more on the job is what I experienced. But when I first started working the picu, I was like, oh, so I have to combine my ICU semester with my pediatric semester.
Kennedy Powers
Whole new ball game.
Avery Woods
I was like, holy. Yeah. But I can honestly say, like, they do prepare you. It's just you need to be able to apply it. And that was kind of what I experienced.
Kennedy Powers
Totally. You know, the critical thinking stuff.
Avery Woods
Did you take your boards?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. Yeah.
Avery Woods
You did? And you passed?
Kennedy Powers
Done, done and dusted. Yes. That was. That was a journey.
Avery Woods
So I wanted to introduce you with an rn.
Kennedy Powers
Rn. Your girls got her rn.
Avery Woods
Congratulations.
Kennedy Powers
Thank you. It feels good.
Avery Woods
I actually have to renew my license because I always keep it up. Like, I'm never gonna get rid of it because I'm like, I will never take that test again. No, no, no.
Kennedy Powers
Revisit the nclex.
Avery Woods
Was there a particular unit that you felt really connected to in clinical.
Kennedy Powers
I love women's health, truly love women's health. I love babies, I love pediatrics, all that. So I think that was the most enjoyment I got just because I felt, I felt connected to it. I was like, oh, I. You know, I love being around this population. I did do my ER capstone and I found that I did love the ER too, which was really shocking. I didn't know how I'd like a fast paced environment, but I did love that. So I feel like those were two of, like, my favorite clinicals to be in.
Avery Woods
Yeah, I did. My externship was in the er, and it was adult er and it was like the last thing I would have ever selected.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, yeah.
Avery Woods
But I ended up learning so much. I ended up being able to adapt to a fast paced environment. And what I loved is that every single patient that walked in, they made me line and lab them. And so I got so good at IVs.
Kennedy Powers
So good at IV.
Avery Woods
I was literally a new grad nurse and I was like, nah, I got.
Kennedy Powers
It with my eyes closed. No, literally, it feels good to be good at IVs. It's such a good skill to have. Yeah.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Well, I. It's so interesting because my last couple years working the picu, I was a preceptor and then I would always have students shadow me. But during the pandemic, when students started coming back to clinical, I remember them being like, can I try an IV on you? Because I learned how to put an IV in a cucumber over zoom. I know verbatim what they told me.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, that's insane.
Avery Woods
I'm like, I have so many questions. Number one, I know, what are you putting an IV vegetable for?
Kennedy Powers
And like, what is that going to do for you?
Avery Woods
Number two, no one can teach you how to put an IV in on Zoom. And then number three, yes. So I was like, I probably look like I was like, full of track marks.
Kennedy Powers
You're so awesome for doing that. Anytime a nurse would offer up something like that because it's such a safe person to do it on and they're going to coach you through it. Like, that is so nice of you.
Avery Woods
Oh, yeah. I have videos of some students that were shadowing me or like that I was training, that I was precepting. Because the difference is too, is I'm like, I love you, I'm here for you, I want to teach you. But there's a huge difference between putting an 818 gauge in an adult AC rather than a Newborn in the scalp. Like, the kids that we worked with were so sick.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
That you need to have an expert IV skills in an adult before you're gonna experiment on a baby that sick and little where they can't handle six pokes, you know? So I was just. I would roll up my sleeves and just tourniquet myself and I would let them do it. But I felt like, like you said, it's a safe environment. It's so hard when you're learning on an actual patient because you feel embarrassed and like, you're new. And I remember as a nursing student in clinical, like, them yelling at me, like, ow. Or like, you missed it. Are you kidding me? And I'm like, I've never done this before. I'm sorry.
Kennedy Powers
It's so scary to begin with.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Yeah, it is. You have so many life changes going on.
Kennedy Powers
Yes.
Avery Woods
How are you?
Kennedy Powers
You know, day by day. But right now I'm so good and it's so hard because I don't want to only seem like everything's perfect and happy. But, like, right now I am so good and I'm so grateful to be good. It took a lot to get here. It took a lot to be in this place that I'm in now. But I'm so happy right now and so good.
Avery Woods
Yeah. I love seeing you in your single womanhood, post grad era, and, like, living in your dream spot by the beach and you just seem genuinely happy.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And I love that for you, going through such a tremendous life change, personally, I think is hard in itself, but especially when you share your life online because A, you kind of feel pressure to have to share, or B, if you don't, people are going to share for you.
Kennedy Powers
You just don't win. There's no winning. And it's really hard to navigate. Yeah.
Avery Woods
Yeah. So how do you feel like you were pressured to share the changes going on in your life, or do you feel like it would have been shared by other people? Does that make sense?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I think. Yeah, there was. Of course. Yeah. There was a lot of pressure to share, and it's hard to know how to do the right, like, what's gonna go over the best or be the best. I don't know. It's hard to figure out how to navigate. So I definitely did feel pressure to share, but I was like, okay, I guess I have control over how I or what I share, and so I can do my best to, like, protect my privacy and my peace as much as possible. So I feel like I Shared how the best I could, and that's given, like, in my situation. And, like, I'm happy with how I shared everything. And I feel like I'm. I really appreciate my community for, like, the kindness and the love. And I think it. It really just showed so many, like, girls being girl. Like, women supporting women. Like, I have never felt that so strongly like, that support from my friends and just, like, my online community of, like, like, we are sending you love. We, of course, don't know everything. And we. And a lot of people did say like, and we respect not needing to know everything, which is a little refreshing because I'm like, you never know because of course everyone wants to know. Like, I get it.
Avery Woods
Of course. Or I don't know. You come out with all the assumptions. All the assumptions, oh, it must have been this or this must have happened. And I feel like it was so smooth, you know, I think it.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Which is really, really rare.
Kennedy Powers
So rare.
Avery Woods
But I think it also is a testament to people knowing who you are to your core.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And. And having a supportive community behind you, which is amazing.
Kennedy Powers
Yes, totally.
Avery Woods
You know, do you feel like the decision was a long time coming or was it not expected?
Kennedy Powers
I mean, I'm definitely the type of person to, like, always think things through, and I spend a lot of time, no matter what I'm gonna be doing or not doing, making a decision. I put so much time into it. So it was definitely something, like, I put a lot of thought and time, and, like, I didn't just make any kind of decision on a whim. I feel like I never do that. And so.
Avery Woods
Yeah. You're a planner.
Kennedy Powers
I'm a planner at heart. I am a planner.
Avery Woods
I feel like most nurses are.
Kennedy Powers
It's. Yeah, it draws them.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And also organized. Like, to be able to get through nursing school, you gotta be an organized person. Yeah. You know, Totally. Quince is all about elevated essentials that feel effortless. Designed for layering and mixing, each piece helps build a timeless wardrobe made to last with versatile silhouettes and thoughtful details. They're the kind of styles you wear again and again. They've got the wardrobe staples with quality that's made to last 100%. Organic cotton sweaters. Premium denim made with stretch for all day. Comfort luxe cotton cashmere blends perfect for the changing seasons. Quinn works directly with safe, ethical factories and cuts out the middlemen. So you're not paying for brand markup, just high quality clothing. I have raved on and on to you guys about my love for Quinn. They have my all time favorite pajamas and loungewear and you guys know I'm always on the go and I love to dress up and outfit and kind of change. Just an essential lounge set. For example, I will drop my kids off in the morning in a cozy lounge set that feels like pajamas. But as soon as I'm home I can change out my shoes, maybe throw on a blazer, put my hair up and it looks so much more elevated for when I'm walking into a meeting. It gives you versatility, quality and of course style. Refresh your wardrobe with quint. Go to quint.com cheers for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com cheers. Free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com cheers everyone deserves to be connected.
Commercial Announcer
That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20 versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T Mobile is in use. US cellular stores savings versus comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Avery Woods
But you're so young and going through all of that. Do you feel any regret or do you feel like it was a lesson learned and you came out knowing more about yourself?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, I think that's something I ask myself a lot. Is it's like what do I regret or what do I not regret? I think I've learned so much about myself and I'm so grateful for the person I am now night and day. I'm so grateful for who I've become and how I've learned to treat people kindness and just more perspective on life. I think it's always hard to look back at time spent where it's like you can't get that time back. And so I think that's hard. But truly I'm so grateful for where I'm at now that, that you know, if we all have our struggles and our problems and if that's what like I needed to go through, you win some, you lose some. Like I'll, you know, it's, it's really hard and I'd never wish it on anyone and I would never wish it upon myself. But like I've, I'm at peace with.
Avery Woods
It, you know, and I also think during that time in your life, because it is so hard not to think, like, oh, I had so much time lost. Like, I was in my young 20s and, you know, married very, very young. But, you know, I was too. Like, I got married at 21. Yeah. Yeah. You know, and it's people. I think it's a little bit different though, depending on where you grow up. Cause like, you lived in Utah, I lived in Arizona. So, like, no one ever batted an eye when I got married at 21. You know, it's like some of my friends or family that weren't lds were like, are you pregnant? And I'm like, no. But I also think during that time, consistency is important in your nursing school.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And to have, you know, I don't know anything about your situation, but like, to have consistency at home is very important. I do feel, and probably helped with distractions, if that makes sense. Like, I don't even know what I would do in my young twenties if I was like a wild animal, not married in nursing school. Who knows if I would pass? I'd probably be at the clubs every day. But that wasn't the life that I chose. And I do feel it helped keep me grounded and matured me very young.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. Yeah. I feel like I've always been pretty, like, mature and like very school driven, career driven. Like, I've always really valued, like, getting my education. I knew, like, I wanted to like, build, Start building a life pretty young. Like, I was like, okay. Even in high school, I'm like, I need to do this to get into college. Like, I've always been like, thinking ahead. And so that was definitely my mindset. And then once being in nursing school, it consumed so much of, like, my bandwidth for anything that. Yeah, distractions weren't even a thing. Yeah. I'm like, I lived in the library. That's like my life.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And that's, that's how it is. That's why I said nursing school is a full time job. Yeah, it is, because it really is. What is your plan with your degree? Are you gonna work as a nurse or are you gonna do influencing?
Kennedy Powers
So that is definitely something I'm like, figuring out. I. I think even before starting nursing school, I knew I wanted to do nursing because it's so broad, so many opportunities, so many options. Like, that's great. That sounds good to me. Study. I like study. And then throughout nursing school, I really did find myself enjoying it more and more. And I don't know if it was specifically because I had that, like, Influencing nursing dynamic where I love. I'm so grateful for my influencing job. Like you can't be more great. Like it's. It doesn't get better than that. Like it's so lucky to have and I'm lucky that it worked out for me. Like granted I put a lot of work for it to work out but I am so lucky.
Avery Woods
But.
Kennedy Powers
But nursing was like the best balance for me because it was 12 hour shift of me not thinking about what I look like, how many likes, how many comments, this email, that email. What does my hair look like, what are my accessories, what new clothes or trends. And so it's so fulfilling. And I think that's why I fell in love with it more is I get outside of my own head. It's not healthy to be thinking so much about yourself and that's what that whole job revolves around when it comes to influencing. And so, so I. It was like the best break to just think about other people for 12 hours. Like I'm not worried about myself. Like I'm helping somebody else. And that filled my cup so much. So then coming out of nursing school obviously this past year it was. It's been something else for me of just like figuring out my life, picking up and starting over somewhere completely new. You know I took the nclex passing that it's just one obstacle after another. And then obviously moving to a new place and starting to. I had to get a whole new knew because I had to register for California. I was registered in Utah. Had to register for California which takes a while.
Avery Woods
I was on a. A temporary license for nine months to work.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Because I took my NCLEX in Arizona and then we moved to California. I started at Rady Children's.
Kennedy Powers
Okay. Yeah.
Avery Woods
And so it took nine months for my license to transfer. It was crazy.
Kennedy Powers
It's a lot. It's. They.
Avery Woods
It's hard. California board is the slow. It's like the DMV and Zootopia, the sloths. That's literally what I compared it to.
Kennedy Powers
Literally. And it's like okay, your girl's got to work.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
Like I need to start getting things going. So yeah, I had to transfer all that. And then you know, I'm going through so much emotionally, mentally and so. But at the same time I'm like I need to be looking for jobs and it's so competitive here.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
Sorry. This is the most long winded answer to what I'm doing.
Avery Woods
I'm so locked in because I so much of this.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. Like I know where it comes from.
Avery Woods
I completely understand.
Kennedy Powers
Got some backstory. And so yes, I've been looking for jobs here. I've been applying. It's super competitive. I feel like since moving here there's only been maybe three new grad like programs opening up. Which is. It's crazy. There's so many new grads here. Very few programs. And then within those programs, they usually just like to hire from within, which I get. They did their time. Like they put in that work and effort. They're gonna hire within. But I am really excited. Like I have a couple things like on the horizon. Nothing like set stone, but I'm really excited. Some good headway has been made there. So I do plan to work as a nurse and also do influencing. I love the balance of both. I'm overdoing it by doing both for sure. It's a lot. But I don't know. I really love both and I'm grateful for both. So yeah, that's kind of my plan.
Avery Woods
I have so many things to say in response to this. Number one, we kind of talked about this in the hydro direct trip together because I feel like I have a lot of input and I told you, like you can literally text call me anytime because I do. What you are doing is almost identical to what I went through. And it's very unique. There are not a lot of influencers that went to nursing school, passed their nclex and choose to work as a nurse.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And I get so much hate online. It's so interesting. But I. Nursing has always been my number one passion. Yeah. And I don't think people understand how many years I had the opportunity to be a full time influencer and I chose to stay as a nurse because I loved it so much.
Kennedy Powers
Yes.
Avery Woods
And I feel like it got to a point where I didn't have a choice anymore because I had built such a large community, which I'm so immensely grateful for, that it was starting to bleed into my work and I didn't feel that was fair to my patients, my, my, my co workers, my hospital that I worked for. Absolutely. Especially when you work in pediatrics. Now. It's funny that you mentioned about like the lack of jobs here because I experienced that same thing when we moved here. Even our neighbors across the street who we were really close to were both RN managers at two different hospitals. Oh yeah. And even they couldn't get me jobs.
Kennedy Powers
That's what's been so crazy is I am so grateful for all of the nurses and the managers. Everyone that has reached out to me and been so incredibly helpful. Whether it's giving me a manager's email, sending my resume to someone, talking to their whoever, whatever. So grateful. And I've had so much help. And even with my help, it has been so hard. So hard. And it's like I have amazing connections and people have helped me out, yet there's still like the disconnect. It's just so competitive.
Avery Woods
Yeah. So I applied to every new grad. I mean, even if it was like my worst nightmare of a unit, I didn't care. I was like, please get me anything.
Kennedy Powers
And that's what people don't understand about me is I feel like I get so many comments. Well, you're gonna have to like suck it up and just do a meds girl. I'm trying. I am applying everywhere. I am not like picking and choosing. No, no. My name is on every application out there.
Avery Woods
When I first signed with my management team, I think I had like, like 1.5 million on tick tock or something. I can't remember. I don't know where I was on Instagram. And then it wasn't until like eight months later and I was still working full time because I was doing two days in the PICU and then one day injecting.
Kennedy Powers
Okay, yeah, yeah, the double.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And my team was like, you gotta choose. And it's really hard when. And I, I hate that this even has to be a topic of conversation because I do feel healthcare workers and first responders are so underappreciated and underpaid.
Kennedy Powers
So.
Avery Woods
But when I compared my nursing paycheck to when I first met my management team and they told me what I should be making, like what my rates were. Yeah. Because I was doing everything myself. I didn't have a manager.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, it's a game changer when you have a manager, dude.
Avery Woods
And I remember getting emails from brands that were like. And you're gonna laugh because I was so naive to what rates were. I remember they were like, like, can you take a photo of yourself in this mask and post it and we'll give you $300? And I was like, hell yeah, say less.
Kennedy Powers
I'll give you however many photos you want done.
Avery Woods
$300 on a nurse's salary is my family's week's worth of groceries for like.
Kennedy Powers
A 10 second photo. Yes.
Avery Woods
And that was like I was comparing it to every day I was waking up at 5:30 in the morning after breastfeeding all night, packed my lunch, didn't even see my kids.
Kennedy Powers
And having kids on top of Everything.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
Next level.
Avery Woods
Level. And then I wouldn't get home until 8pm and that was if I got out on time. If I had like a kid to admit at 6pm I'm not home till like 9:30, 10pm Totally. And then my kids are already in bed so I don't see them. And I was making $46 an hour when I left the PICU. And that was after my 67 cent raise during COVID So when I was comparing it to what you can make as an influencer, I was like, like, damn, the world is so backwards.
Kennedy Powers
The world is so backwards. It's so frustrating.
Avery Woods
But also, how do you say no?
Kennedy Powers
And how do you say no when it's. You have the opportunity it's there.
Avery Woods
Especially when my husband and I would have conversations of like, we're never going to be able to have a college fund for our kids because like, we're just trying to get by every day. And then that's that. I think that's also why I did both for so long, is because I wasn't doing anything for myself. It was for my family. Right. So my family counted on me to be able to bring home that guaranteed paycheck every two weeks. And influencing. Sometimes you'll do five brain deals a month and sometimes you'll do none.
Kennedy Powers
And it's just scary. You never know.
Avery Woods
You're taking a huge leap. Huge leap. And it was so hard. But I do think, well, first of all, I give you so much credit for applying and wanting to work as a nurse. I think that's amazing and speaks so highly of your character. And I think no matter where you go with it, you will have a certain perspective that people in our industry do not have. And people are very quick to judge who you are, who your character is. This is what I experience.
Kennedy Powers
No, absolutely.
Avery Woods
Through a screen. But I have such real life perspective to compare it to that it's like you want to cancel me for this or judge me for that. And it's like I, I have seen the worst tragedy in the world. There's so much bigger going on than what influencers are doing on the Internet, you know.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
But I think that perspective will immensely change your life.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And you've already experienced that by going to clinical. You know, like the things that we see isn't stuff that's just on the news, it's stuff that's unheard of.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
You know, and like, like when I have conversations with my friends and they're like, what's the worst thing you've ever seen. I'm like, you don't want to know.
Kennedy Powers
You just don't want to know.
Avery Woods
You don't want to know that. But also that's why every day I wake up and I feel immensely privileged and blessed to have this job.
Kennedy Powers
It's like a next level of gratitude because it's such a blessing.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Next level of gratitude. I also think too, no matter where your future takes you, if you do your year, new grad or wherever you got hired, because you will, then you have the option to go down to part time. Yes, you could do part time influencing part time nursing. And honestly, if I didn't have kids, I would probably be doing that right now.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. No, and I, you know, I'm in a cool place of, you know, I've got time, I'm alone, I'm, you know, single, and I feel like I have a lot to give to other people right now. It's like a lucky time of life, you know, and like, even like doing like volunteer stuff. That was like one of my dreams of like, okay, being in this position where, where I'm so lucky to have an influencing job and I can still put time into volunteering where usually you don't have time or the ability to go and volunteer because you're trying to just survive and so things like that. I'm grateful for those type of opportunities too, from it. But yes, fingers crossed for the nursing job.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And I love going to chla. I went over there for the holidays and gave a bunch of hydro drugs to the nurses and I did work with St. Jude. So I feel like nursing is always a part of you no matter what you do. Like, it's deeply rooted in your core when you commit to helping your community as your life, career. And it's just so cool to watch you because I went through so much of that, but on a different level. And I'm just excited for you. I think you're gonna be an incredible nurse.
Kennedy Powers
Thank you. That means a lot.
Avery Woods
Yeah. I mean, I've never seen anything you've ever done medically, but I'm like you as a person. I think you'll be an amazing nurse.
Kennedy Powers
Thank you.
Avery Woods
It's not all about skill, though. It's about compassion.
Kennedy Powers
And a lot of it is about.
Avery Woods
Compassion, like working with people and willingness to learn. And I feel like you're the type of person that's going to ask a million questions.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, yeah.
Avery Woods
Do it.
Kennedy Powers
Yes.
Avery Woods
Dude. I tell people all the time, I'm like, I was not confident in my skills as A nurse until like three years in and I was still asking questions.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, yeah.
Avery Woods
You know, but it's like, you want to know?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. And it's better to ask the question than do something and be wrong.
Avery Woods
Of course.
Kennedy Powers
Might as well. People ask.
Avery Woods
So your new life in SoCal, what's your day to day right now? Like, what does your life look like at the moment?
Kennedy Powers
My life has been, like, all over the place because I feel like I just barely got settled in my new place with my furniture. It was like a journey to figure out where I wanted to live. How am I going to move everything? Just like all the nitty gritty of, like, life, you know? So I feel like I'm finally starting to get settled, which is incredible. I got really lucky with the neighborhood I live in.
Avery Woods
It's so cute, by the way, your place. Thank you. I obsessed. It's so cute.
Kennedy Powers
It turned out so. It makes me happy. It is a happy place.
Avery Woods
Good.
Kennedy Powers
It is just like a girl house, and I love it.
Avery Woods
You need to be happy in your environment.
Kennedy Powers
It really changes things. I feel like I've come to learn that little things like candles and colors and patterns, it makes me happy and it changes how you feel like the space you live in. I got really lucky with the neighborhood. I happened to choose a neighborhood where tons of people are my age and they're so fun and down to earth and nice, and I've made so many new friends and met just the coolest people. But anyways, dayto day, I feel like my day consists of. I found a cute little gym. There's lots of Pilates here. California and Pilates, man.
Avery Woods
I saw you this morning going to Pilates, and I was like, that's my girl. Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
We are at Pilates bright and early.
Avery Woods
California girls are Pilates hoes.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Okay. And I'm on that wait list all the time.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, yes.
Avery Woods
And if two weeks ago. What's going on?
Kennedy Powers
I know. You're like, wait, am I not in already? Like, no, we're all showing up for Pilates. So I love doing, like, my little workout classes with my friends. Friends. And then I film my videos. I'm so, like, I have so much time to film videos now. I'm like, whoa. I can just film, film, film. Usually it's like I'm waking up hours early filming something and then on my way to, like, school or whatever. So that's been nice.
Avery Woods
Can I just say, when I would see you, I like. I like, feel anxious even thinking about it. I would see you film videos before you would go into clinical or like before class and I'm like, I know this girl's up at like 3:30am literally.
Kennedy Powers
Like, like prying myself from bed. I don't know. I don't. And like, I don't even know how I did it. I don't know.
Avery Woods
You also have some of the best ASMR editing of the Internet.
Kennedy Powers
Thank you. I take that. Oh my gosh. That is the best compliment ever. Because I love that kind of editing. So that makes me happy that you feel that way.
Avery Woods
Yeah, I think like, you're like one of my top three faves. Thank you. Yeah. Like your glass, like your con or you have contacts, right? What's. It's a blue light glasses that you clip.
Kennedy Powers
Yes. I love my blue.
Avery Woods
Your blue light glasses. And every time you do your claw clip or your hair videos, like, I don't know, you. You just do something to my brain.
Kennedy Powers
Thank you.
Avery Woods
With your editing. You do a really great job.
Kennedy Powers
That is so.
Avery Woods
But I remember being like, how the hell is she doing this before school?
Kennedy Powers
And I don't even know more than.
Avery Woods
I ever did, girl.
Kennedy Powers
It was next level. But it was good. Like it gave me a little outlet, you know.
Avery Woods
Well, totally. And that's, that's what I always said. Like when I was really taking off during the pandemic, I'm like, yeah, because. Because I'm working 12, 13, 14 hour shifts in my PPE and not to be morbid, but like everyone was dying and I needed something to do, you know, and it really does like release your mind. So lots of videos. What do you choose to share versus keep private? And like, what's your plan with your nursing job when that comes? Cause I know there's weird social media policies at hospitals. I dealt with that, that so much.
Kennedy Powers
Totally.
Avery Woods
So what's your plan with that?
Kennedy Powers
I am just naturally a very private person in general. Like, I'm. I love to like chat and like meet new people and learn things about everyone and just. I love to chat. But I am very private when it comes to personal things and I've always been that way. And I feel like everyone that like watches me is kind of picked up on that. Like, I share things, but, like, I keep my family private. I try to keep like, more personal things private. I think when I feel like someone could really benefit from it and I feel comfortable sharing, that's something I will share. When it comes to nursing, I am going to be the most private as far as location, job, type, everything I. I want to focus on, you know, I love doing hairstyles. I think that's like a little, you know, fun, joyous. Part of that job is, oh, you can do some fun things with your hair and be professional and whatever.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
So I think I want to share all the pretty much before moments and after moments of nursing of like, okay, how can I make myself feel ready for the job? Or like some fun little things I can add to my scrubs or whatever.
Avery Woods
And then you would share like the type of unit you worked on.
Kennedy Powers
I think I would maybe share like a general idea of it, but I don't think I'd give like the exact type of unit. I think I'd maybe like share things of like, you know, oh, I had so many patients or whatever, but I would never say like the type of patients. I think I just want to be as private about that as possible because there's so much on the line and so much. It's a lot more than just a regular desk job you're going into because it's people's lives and so, and the policies are very strict and so I want to like, you know, no filming whatsoever or sharing when it comes to hospital. But like, you know, how I spend my time after my shift or like decompressing or you know, just what the journey's like of being a new grad in the learning curve. Stuff like that, that I feel like we could all bond over and connect over, but it doesn't cross that line of protected information, you know.
Avery Woods
Yeah. I feel like a lot of the videos that I loved to make that did very well were like my morning routine before shift and like my wind down routine after shift.
Kennedy Powers
They're both so important.
Avery Woods
So important. Like David and I always had a routine because he was a sergeant for 12 years and like he wasn't just like a. Oh yeah, local patrol cop. Like. No, he worked in the one like one of the roughest areas and like was a very high intense job. And so we always had had our rule where a we would strip off everything in the garage especially during the pandemic because we were. I don't know if you know, but I use the same N95 my entire pregnancy for nine months. Because we had no supplies at our hospital. Yeah. Because we were a level one trauma and the adult side was one of like the main coven hospitals of the state at that time. And so then they made us increase our age to 25 for patients because we were the only other ICU trained nurses. So then we had adults on our unit. It wow. And we just were running out of supplies. So we would strip everything, make sure the kids weren't there, put it in like the sanitary wash and our washer machine, and then we always drove home silent. That was like another therapy for us.
Kennedy Powers
Yes.
Avery Woods
And then we knew, like, we. When he came home, he would give me a heads up. And it wasn't until he was ready and fully showered that the kids could then see him. Yeah, and same with me. Because you need to disconnect because there's so much that goes on and I don't know if you watch the Pit.
Kennedy Powers
I don't, but so many people recommend it. I know it's a crime that I haven't watched it. I need to.
Avery Woods
So I will say I've never. I can't watch things like Grays because it's so inaccurate.
Kennedy Powers
Okay.
Avery Woods
Yeah. The Pit is so incredible because they did like six or eight weeks of medical training before they filmed. Like all the actors, like actually learn about things, how to use equipment, what things are called. But what I love is that the entire season is one continuous shift, really. Each episode is one hour. So the first episode's like 7am to 8am Second episode's 8am, so it's all continuous. So it shows how much can go on in one 12 hour shift. And that's what really happens. And then it isn't until you walk in the parking lot and you sit in your car and close the door. And I'll never forget, every single shift, it was like utter silence. You sit in the car and you're like. And on your drive home, then you think about everything because you're just like on go, go, go.
Kennedy Powers
It's the weirdest, like, numb, but like your mind's racing. Yeah, yeah.
Avery Woods
So you're not reflecting on what you really saw in the moment because you have to be so focused on.
Kennedy Powers
Patient can't be processing. Yeah, yeah.
Avery Woods
That. Then you get in your car and you're like. Like the amount of times I would just sob on the way home, you know, because you can't do it in the hospital. That's just not. That's not the time and the place. And sure, you sometimes you need a good bathroom cry, but like, you wipe those tears and you get back to work, you know, so we would always have like our, our routine. This show is sponsored by Better Help. If you've been here for a while, then, you know, therapy has truly changed my life. And the convenience of having therapy in your own home is a game changer. February is the month of hearts, roses and chocolates. But no matter where you are on your romance journey, single dating or just focusing on you, therapy can be a helpful way to sort through it all. Signing up for therapy with Better Help can help you find your way by understanding what you want from a relationship and taking some of the pressure off yourself. BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform and handles the initial therapist matching work for you. Just take a short questionnaire to share your needs and preferences and thanks to Better Help's industry leading match fulfillment rate, they usually get your match right the first time. You can also feel confident knowing Better Help therapists work according to a strict code of conduct and are fully licensed in the us. Everyone is still finding their way. Find yours and feel lighter. Sign up and get 10% off@betterhelp.com AveryWoods that's better. H E L P.com AveryWoods Everyone deserves to be connected.
Commercial Announcer
That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Avery Woods
So going back to the pit, it just reminds me of like how much can go on and it is so accurate. I think you would really love it.
Kennedy Powers
Okay, I might have to watch it.
Avery Woods
And I loved that the main character, he's won so many awards for it, but he had fig scrubs make him a full tuxedo out of scrub material for an award show. And then he went on stage and thanked health care workers. Workers.
Kennedy Powers
Yes.
Avery Woods
So they couldn't love you more.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, I love that.
Avery Woods
It's so, it's so sweet.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Okay, I want to go back. Did you always plan on being a nurse or did you have other career plans and it kind of fell in your lap, like, what was your career goal?
Kennedy Powers
Yes, I'd say like I've always loved science. I've always loved healthcare, like ever since even high school. My mom's an anatomy teacher so she always is like using. Yeah. So from a very young age she's using like anatomical terms.
Avery Woods
Oh, I love your mom. Yeah. Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
Love her. Love her to death. So I've always like had a little like inkling for it. And then I went to Pepperdine for a year And I was gonna do. I know.
Avery Woods
I went to Pepperdine.
Kennedy Powers
I know. All over.
Avery Woods
Yeah, my neighbor. We're at Pepperdine.
Kennedy Powers
Like, love.
Avery Woods
Well, I'm not at Pepperdine, but, like, we're taking our kids to the beach and past Pepperdine all the time.
Kennedy Powers
It's such a great school.
Avery Woods
It's incredible.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, love.
Avery Woods
Also. Smarty pants. Getting into that school.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, you're kind. You're kind, you're kind. I'll give you.
Avery Woods
Girl, I'll give you your credit. Like, it's a hard school to get into.
Kennedy Powers
It's. It's a hard school. That is where I learned. Like, oh, like, we're in the big leagues. Like, this is hard. But I was doing sports medicine there, so I just, like, have always been, like, wanting to go on that path. I never knew about nursing, though. I didn't know much about nursing. I don't have nursing in my family, really. And I didn't. I didn't realize there was so many opportunities with nursing. So it wasn't until I transferred to byu and I was like, okay. I think I was just like, in biology. I was some science major, but I was like, what am I actually gonna do? Oh, I was with. I was in exercise science. I was like, what am I gonna do with it?
Avery Woods
This.
Kennedy Powers
Because what do I go into? I don't know. And so I was like, med school. No, no, no. Like, I can't, I can't, I can't. And they had a really good nursing program, and it's very competitive. And I was like, okay, I'll give it a shot. I started looking more into nursing and that there's a lot of things I could do. I was like, okay, I think this is a good starting point for me. And I can kind of like, go throughout school, see what I like, see what I don't like, and then go from there. So it's definitely just more like once I was in college, I figured out I wanted to do it, and then. Then I grew to actually like nursing itself while in nursing school, for sure.
Avery Woods
What made you leave Pepperdine?
Kennedy Powers
It was Covid. We got sent home, and Pepperdine's far too expensive to be doing online. Dude, I wanted to be on the beach.
Avery Woods
So, no, no, tuition is insane. I actually don't. So a weird connection, but one of Dave and I's first apartments in Arizona, when I was, like, a sophomore in college, we had a neighbor that went to Pepperdine. He's like, yeah, my grandma paid the tuition, his four year tuition. I was like, oh, oh, yeah.
Kennedy Powers
I had a scholarship. I. We. I wasn't paying for that scholarship.
Avery Woods
Good for you.
Kennedy Powers
But even then, it was still expensive. Like, there. Even the scholarship didn't cover everything. Like, there is such an expensive school. Love it. Couldn't recommend it enough. Truly love it.
Avery Woods
And I'm like, and you're on the top of a hill in Malibu, overlooking.
Kennedy Powers
The water, and you're overlooking the most gorgeous beach, sunsets. Like, it's perfect. It's the best.
Avery Woods
I know. Every Sunday, we'll do the farmers market in Malibu and take the kids to the park. And, like, all the Pepperdine students walk in. I'm like, y. I did not look like that when I was in college.
Kennedy Powers
You're like, that's different.
Avery Woods
Like, you're. I don't know what water you're drinking in your mouth. Malibu. Okay, if you weren't a nurse and influencing didn't work out, what do you think you would be up to?
Kennedy Powers
That is such a good question. Okay, this is gonna sound. It's. I. I always thought also maybe going to law school. My dad's always pushed that. He's always like, I think that would be such a great fit for you again, Legally Blonde. I mean, we could do some great law hairstyles.
Avery Woods
I could see you in a pink suit.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, I'd eat it up. I love it. So that was something, like, always in my mind again, huge commitment. Commitment. So hard, so challenging. So, like, you know, who knows? Yeah, but that's something that I kind of had thought in the back of my mind, maybe. Could be. But yeah.
Avery Woods
Do you ever get, like, messages or comments from people judging, like, you not working as a nurse or, like, assuming that you're gonna do the influencing thing?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, totally. I get so many of just, you know, the classic, oh, you're just another influencer now, not doing nursing. And I'm like, listen, I'm trying.
Avery Woods
Like, I was so close to all my co workers, and I still keep in touch with so many of them, But I remember getting to the point where even they were like, we love you, honey, but, like, what are you doing here? You know? And I think people can judge so quickly online because they judge everything. Of course they do.
Kennedy Powers
And it's so hard. Cause it's like, you're just doing the best you can. You really are with what you got, you know?
Avery Woods
But I praise you so much for, like, still continuing forward and taking your boards. Because, girl, that test, that test. That test was not dark.
Kennedy Powers
To dark times.
Avery Woods
Do you feel what's your biggest adjustment right now? To now living alone. Like, what's. What's an enjoyable part of it and what's a challenging part?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, I think it's been good. So when I first moved here, I was in a month to month alone just to kind of figure out where I ended up wanting to live. And then now I live with Lucy. So I do have Lucy.
Avery Woods
I didn't know you guys were living together.
Kennedy Powers
I have my girl Lucy with me.
Avery Woods
I met Lucy on the hydro joke trip. Scott and I fell in love with her. She is. She is just. You guys both radiate joy.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, that's so nice. She. She's incredible. I'm so lucky I found her.
Avery Woods
Incredible human. Yeah. Did she go to college?
Kennedy Powers
No. So I actually met her in Nashville on a trip, and she's best friends with Annabelle. And then obviously, I'm best friends with Annabelle. Collab.
Avery Woods
I'm best friends. We're all.
Kennedy Powers
No, I'm best friends. And so I'm so grateful that Annabelle was able to kind of like, bring us together. And then when I was coming out to California, she was. I mean, I knew people from social media, but not really that well. And she was like, come stay with me and look around, like. So she let me come stay with her in her house. It was really sweet. She got me chocolates and flowers, and she's like, you can use my car. Like, we'll go around. And just from that weekend, we just became such good friends, and I don't know what I would do without her. So currently, I do live with her.
Avery Woods
I love that.
Kennedy Powers
Yes.
Avery Woods
Girl party.
Kennedy Powers
Girl party. Best girl party, period. Best girl party. But I will say, the couple months I had alone, so healing, so amazing. I'm a very independent person. Like, like hyper independent sometimes. So I think I do well on my own. I do well. I don't know. I love my little hobbies. I love a routine. But then now living with Lucy, it's been the best thing ever to have someone there too. So it's like we have our own lives. We're both very busy. And then, like, at the end of the day, we can, like, kind of come together, debrief, have our girl time, watch a movie, eat some snacks. We love it.
Avery Woods
But is she in school or working or.
Kennedy Powers
She works, yeah.
Avery Woods
She.
Kennedy Powers
She has two jobs, see.
Avery Woods
Oh, she's busy.
Kennedy Powers
She's a hard worker.
Avery Woods
And I know we're talking about being alone, but, like, have you dated?
Kennedy Powers
I know. That's the question. I have gone on a few dates.
Avery Woods
Okay.
Kennedy Powers
And it's so weird to Say that it's weird. It's so fun and exciting. I. Sometimes I tell this to Lucy. I'm just like. I feel like. Like I'm like, I can breathe again and I can start to live life. You know what I mean? Like, I'm living life. I'm doing all these fun things that I didn't think were possible, and I'm just, like, so happy doing them. And so it's been fun to go out on dates. It's definitely, like, interesting, but I feel like I'm ready for that chapter of my life. And I feel like I've healed so much, and so I've just been having so much fun.
Avery Woods
I do feel, and I don't ever want this to come off judgmental at all, but I do feel there's a certain Utah culture when it comes to dating and marriage.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, totally.
Avery Woods
And now that you're away from that, I feel like you probably have more of a sense of freedom of. The dating culture in California is very different compared to Utah.
Kennedy Powers
Right.
Avery Woods
And I think it kind of forces you to slow down a little bit, because I do feel, and I can say this very openly having lived in Arizona for so long, but I do feel people immediately date to marry. And it's very. A very quick process. Yeah, but that is the culture and the way that it is. And again, I was married at 21, so I literally lived it. Yeah. But here I love that you're able to just like, live your best single life and date and take. Take your time on who. What you want in a life partner.
Kennedy Powers
Totally.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And, like, what you are ready to settle on. And also, you're so independent, able to provide for yourself that you have no pressure on you to immediately want to settle down and get married.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, totally.
Avery Woods
You know, do you. Do you meet these people naturally, like, bump into them, or is it like dating apps?
Kennedy Powers
No, it's all usually a friend. Someone like a friend of a friend. I've never. Yeah, I don't think I've ever really bumped into someone. Usually it's like, okay, we're going to hang out with some friends and, like, a friend of a friend is there. And so it's like, usually I know them through somebody. It's never like, super random. I haven't done, like, dating apps or anything. I don't know if I. I don't know that. That would be a little more scary, I think, for me. So everyone's just been like a friend of a friend, but do it so fun.
Avery Woods
Do you get nervous on first Dates, like, I, I, I'm with my husband for so long, but I'm like, I literally, my palms sweat thinking about sitting across a table from a stranger and just be like, hey, hi.
Kennedy Powers
I know. I'm like, oh, how do I do this?
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
What do I say? Yeah. But I do get very nervous. But then I'm like, oh, well, at the end of the day, like, it's just for fun. Like, it's nothing crazy. It's nothing. I don't know, to put too much pressure on. So I for sure get so nervous. But I've, I don't know, I've had such good experiences so far, and I've really liked it.
Avery Woods
So I love that. Do you think because of so many changes that have happened and like, what you've experienced and lived through and like, unfortunately having to do it publicly.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Do you think you'd ever share a relationship again or, or just keep it all private?
Kennedy Powers
I've been thinking about that so much lately. Like, what will I do? I definitely want more privacy, for sure. And I think it'd definitely be a conversation to have with the person because I would never want someone to feel not hidden, but in a way, like.
Avery Woods
You'Re ashamed of them.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. I would never want someone to ever think it ever comes from that side of things. It would always just come from protecting both me and the person. So I think there would definitely be a way higher level of privacy just because I think it's so healthy to have some private parts of your life and just to let them flourish and, like, have fun without any outside pressure. So I think that's like, the approach I would take to it. Of course, it'd be like a conversation to be had, but, yeah, probably more private, for sure.
Avery Woods
I love that. What is what makes you feel most confident right now in this chapter of your life? Life?
Kennedy Powers
I don't know that I got myself here. I feel like I'm like, if I can go through everything I went through last year, like, I got it. Like, I can go through a lot. And so I think that gave me.
Avery Woods
A lot of confidence at 25, mind you, like, you were able to move to your dream destination and finish school. A lot of changes your nclex provide for yourself. Like, yeah, you should be so confident and proud of yourself in that.
Kennedy Powers
So I'm really proud that I got myself here and, like, I got so much help. Like, I'm so lucky for my support system and my friends 10 times over. Could not have done it without them. But I am proud of Myself for, like, making hard decisions and, like, making decisions that I. I know are hard, but good, because I think making them for myself was so important and, like, getting myself here, I'm like, okay, I did that. Like, I can. I can keep making, like, good, hard decisions, and I come out on the other side. Side, you know?
Avery Woods
Yeah. What are you most looking forward to in this next year?
Kennedy Powers
I think I'm looking forward to hopefully figuring out the nursing thing. Like, that's.
Avery Woods
She's hired. We're manifesting. Yes. Yes. Your nursing job.
Kennedy Powers
The nursing job I'm very excited for. I want to learn a lot. I want to travel. I want to. I spend more time being outside and doing, like, my fun hobbies. I love diving. I love scuba diving.
Avery Woods
Wait, what?
Kennedy Powers
Yes. I used to do it all the time, but I'm just like. Like, with school, you just. Yeah, you don't have time. That's so sick.
Avery Woods
Do you do in an ocean?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. Yeah. Like, when I went to Pepperdine, I dove, like, most days after school.
Avery Woods
We need to talk about this because I need that information.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, no, and we should go 100. Let's go down. Yeah. It'll be so fun. So I want to do, like, more hobbies and be adventurous and, like, re. Get into that side of my life, and I'm just excited to meet new people, make new friends. I've already been doing that, and it's. It's been so fun and refreshing, and I want to, you know, spend more time with my family, make time for them and. Yeah.
Avery Woods
I don't know what's bringing you joy right now.
Kennedy Powers
I think my friendships and my family are bringing me so much joy right now. I haven't had that in a while, I guess, like, outside of school, per se. And so it's been so fun to, like, feel these new friendships and, like, show up for other people, have people showing up for me. It's just. It's a really, like, beautiful thing that I haven't experienced in so long, and I'm just so grateful for it. And. And it's just. It's been amazing.
Avery Woods
Well, it's hard to, you know, when you commit your life to someone, they do become your number one priority.
Kennedy Powers
Absolutely.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And, you know, as it should be when you. When you make that decision. But it's probably so nice to be able to be like, oh, now I can, you know, live for me and fill my cup with.
Kennedy Powers
I have so much more to give.
Avery Woods
Yeah, totally. Okay. We like to end in rapid fire.
Kennedy Powers
Okay.
Avery Woods
You ready? Ready.
Kennedy Powers
Okay.
Avery Woods
What beauty products are you currently obsessed with?
Kennedy Powers
Oh my gosh. I just got this fake tan from Dolce Glo.
Avery Woods
I'm like, tell me more. Because I'm obsessed with tanning.
Kennedy Powers
Yes. It's so good. It's their body one and it comes in like a dark tannish bottle and you apply it with a mitt, but it dries pretty much instantly. It's not streaky. Like I can put on clothes for like the day, which normally I can't do. If I put on a fake tan, it's like gonna cause problems. Amazing.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
And then you rinse it off. You could leave it on overnight night or just for a couple hours, rinse it off. Most gorgeous, nice tan. It doesn't transfer really into my clothes or my sheets. Love.
Avery Woods
So good. They come to my house and do my spray tans.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, they're amazing.
Avery Woods
They're incredible.
Kennedy Powers
They know what they're doing and they'll.
Avery Woods
Just like casually be like, oh yeah, I just came from JLo's house or whatever. I'm unworthy.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, you're like right. For sure. JLo's.
Avery Woods
I'm like, sorry. Beach or mountains? Oh, beach.
Kennedy Powers
Love the beach. Yeah.
Avery Woods
What's your favorite time of the year?
Kennedy Powers
I think the summer at the end of the day. Day? The summer.
Avery Woods
Yeah. When I would watch you like walk to school in the snow. I was like, you're gonna count me out of that.
Kennedy Powers
No. And it's hard cuz I love the holidays. Like I'm such a Halloween and Christmas girl. Love everything that comes with that. But peak time is the summer. I love the sunshine.
Avery Woods
Yeah, me too. I am my like weekly self. Tanning is me like, please summer come faster.
Kennedy Powers
Yes. Cuz I'm so excited to be fighting the winter uglies.
Avery Woods
For sure. Yep. What's your ultimate pump up song?
Kennedy Powers
Oh my gosh. I want to break free. Or break free.
Avery Woods
Ariana Grande.
Kennedy Powers
No, no. Queen. Oh, the I Want to break free. That one.
Avery Woods
Really love.
Kennedy Powers
And since high school that like when you know you're going through things in high school. Whatever. Blast that in the car. To this day. I love that song.
Avery Woods
Wait, I love that because we're like an oldies family.
Kennedy Powers
Okay.
Avery Woods
My husband and I were just cleaning our kitchen. Fleetwood Mac was blaring.
Kennedy Powers
Love.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
Okay, so good.
Avery Woods
I would never would have guessed that. I love that. Texting or voice notes?
Kennedy Powers
Texting.
Avery Woods
Oh. I'm like voice memo all day. I'm like, anyways. And then she said this and blah blah, blah. And then I'm like, why is this seven minutes no.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. You're like, why don't we just hop.
Avery Woods
On a phone call?
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, okay. I do like calling. I'd prefer a call, but, yeah, I don't really do the voice notes thing. I don't know. People will send them and I'm like, oh, I gotta send one back. Because I'm like, I can't just, like, text back now.
Avery Woods
Like, I've converted so many of my friends because they're like, now I feel pressure to send voice memos, and then they'll be like, you got me hooked to them.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah. Because they are easier.
Avery Woods
It's also just, like, out of laziness.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, it's way easier.
Avery Woods
Wait, do you do, like, calls or FaceTime? Because I'm like, a big FaceTime.
Kennedy Powers
I prefer FaceTime because it's way more fun to, like, talk to someone's face than, like, the call. So like, any, like, friends. FaceTime.
Avery Woods
And so many of my friends will just ignore it and they'll call me on audio. I'm like, so you don't want to see me?
Kennedy Powers
No, I. Yeah.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kennedy Powers
Okay. FaceTime for sure. Yeah. Hey. Yeah, totally.
Avery Woods
I'm like, so you hate me? Yeah. Okay. Well, I could talk to you all day long, but I am so grateful that you came on and that you opened up and, you know, I love and admire you and I'm. I honestly, I mean it when I say I'm here if you need anything, any advice at all. I really appreciate it and I'm so excited for your journey. I'm excited you're just going to thrive. And I can't wait to see you in your scrubs.
Kennedy Powers
I know it's gonna feel so good.
Avery Woods
And when that happens, I'll send you a little. A little cutie something. Okay.
Kennedy Powers
Amazing.
Avery Woods
Where can everyone find you, like, on social media? Oh, handles my handle.
Kennedy Powers
You're like, find me where? Like, my address or like, out and about Kennedy G. Powers. Yeah, both is the same.
Avery Woods
And Instagram, TikTok.
Kennedy Powers
Instagram, TikTok. I have YouTube, but your girl needs to pick that back up, dude.
Avery Woods
I'll just post on YouTube and the three months will go by.
Kennedy Powers
Like, I know, it's like, I should get back on there.
Avery Woods
It's really hard at the editing.
Kennedy Powers
The editing. I love to film for YouTube because it's just let it flow. Editing a YouTube video, it's a different place.
Avery Woods
I feel like I have months of film on my.
Kennedy Powers
Oh, I have, like, two YouTube videos that I haven't ever edited.
Avery Woods
Okay. They'll come out later.
Kennedy Powers
Yeah, tbd. Okay.
Avery Woods
Well, thank you for being here. Thank you for having me. Seriously. Cheers. Everyone.
Commercial Announcer
Just Works helps small businesses support their.
Avery Woods
Teams with everything from HR to better benefits.
Commercial Announcer
Whether you're hiring, automating payroll, expanding globally, or tackling compliance, JustWorks offers transparent pricing and 24. 7 human support. Hire and manage talent without juggling multiple platforms or hidden fees and get your team access to premium benefits like health insurance, 401k and commuter perks. Learn more@justworks.com they do your human resources right so you can do right by your people.
Avery Woods
Justworks for your people Cash now, more later from Opendoor gives you cash up front for your home plus all the profit like later. That's no chaos now. No cash left behind later. Skip the showings now. Pocket extra profit later. This is so simple now. This is so awesome. Later or sell fast now and pop the champagne later. Cash now, more later now available nationwide. Start your offer@opendoor.com radio profits calculated after fees and costs. Eligibility and offer price may vary. America, America, you used to be so far but now you go to bed at night scrolling on your phone well listen up America. Carnival is here with world class brew and robes course too and comedy and snorkeling and dining like everything from sea to shining sea.
Commercial Announcer
Find your fun again@carnival.com Carnival is calling ships registry with Bahamas and panel.
Episode: independence + nursing | kennedy powers
Release Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Kennedy Powers, RN & Content Creator
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Avery Woods welcomes nursing graduate and content creator Kennedy Powers for an honest conversation about finding independence, navigating huge life changes, and balancing a newly minted nursing career with the demands of being an online influencer. Together, they discuss the realities of nursing school, the complexities of sharing personal milestones and struggles online, and the journey to finding happiness and confidence after major transitions. For anyone juggling career, identity, and self-discovery—especially in the public eye—this episode is a warm and encouraging listen.
[03:55 - 06:15]
“Unless you’ve done it, nursing school is a different beast. It’s a 100% full-time job.” – Avery Woods [05:23]
[06:15 - 07:52]
“You get so alone and secluded in nursing school… To talk to people and, like, so many other people are going through the same thing—like, that was really cool.” – Kennedy Powers [07:13]
[08:26 - 12:41]
“It is uncomfortable… And so I would say, you know, it wasn’t always directly towards me. There would be, like, comments made to my friends.” – Kennedy Powers [10:00]
[12:41 - 15:26]
[15:05 - 18:21]
[16:22 - 19:17]
[18:21 - 21:08]
“You just don’t win. There’s no winning. And it’s really hard to navigate.” – Kennedy Powers [19:17]
[23:37 - 25:40]
[26:12 - 34:02]
“Nursing was like the best balance for me… It’s so fulfilling. That’s why I fell in love with it more—I get outside my own head.” – Kennedy Powers [27:07]
[41:07 - 42:54]
“It’s a lot more than just a regular desk job… it’s people’s lives.” – Kennedy Powers [42:24]
[38:00 - 41:09]
[54:16 - 59:03]
On the pressure to share online:
“There was a lot of pressure to share, but I was like, okay, I guess I have control over how I or what I share, and so I can do my best to protect my privacy and my peace…”
— Kennedy Powers [19:36]
On the online backlash from nursing peers:
“I get so many comments—‘well you’re gonna have to suck it up and just do a med-surg job’…My name is on every application out there.”
— Kennedy Powers [31:44]
The realities of being a nurse-influencer:
“When I compared my nursing paycheck to what my management team said I should be making…damn, the world is so backwards.”
— Avery Woods [33:13]
Balancing self-care as a nurse:
“I feel like a lot of the videos that I loved to make…were my morning routine before shift and my wind-down routine after shift.”
— Avery Woods [42:54]
On confidence after big changes:
“If I can go through everything I went through last year, like, I got it…making hard decisions that I know are hard, but good, because I was making them for myself…”
— Kennedy Powers [58:09]
The conversation balances candor, warmth, and solidarity. Both Avery and Kennedy are open about their vulnerabilities, share real behind-the-scenes struggles, and root for each other’s success with a sense of mentorship and camaraderie.
This episode gives a raw and encouraging look at the unique pressures faced by young professionals juggling demanding careers, building a public persona, and finding their way forward after life-altering changes. Kennedy’s transparency about her journey—from nursing school and public scrutiny to self-assurance, independence, and cultivating true friendships—will resonate deeply with anyone in a similar season of growth. Avery’s guidance and shared wisdom add richness to the conversation, making this a supportive listen for nurses, creators, and anyone at a crossroads.