
Hosted by Michigan State University College of Nursing · EN
Mike Martel and Crista Reaves of the Michigan State University College of Nursing host the Spartan Nurse podcast. Martel and Reaves tackle both tough and light-hearted topics affecting healthcare delivery in the United States, frequently inviting special guests to join them for a casual, conversational experience about the evolving healthcare world.

SEND US FAN MAILChildhood cancer survival rates differ dramatically worldwide. In this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Courtney Sullivan, assistant professor and global pediatric oncology nurse scientist at the Michigan State University College of Nursing, discusses quality indicators, safe chemotherapy delivery, nurse safety, and how global health initiatives are working to reduce survival disparities.Topics include pediatric oncology nursing, childhood cancer care, global survival inequities, nursing research, workforce development, and the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.Learn more about the Michigan State University College of Nursing:https://nursing.msu.eduTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Mike Martel and Crista Reeves sit down with Joshua Winowiecki, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, an MSU alum, and Director of the Center for Practice Transformation.Josh shares his path from critical care nursing to academia and delves into the power of academic-clinical partnerships, such as INSPIRE and NPATHS. He also discusses mentorship, program evaluation, health equity, and how AI can support (not replace) nurses as scholars and leaders.To find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode, Dr. Mike Martel and Dr. Crista Reaves sit down with Alexa Andersen, PhD student at Michigan State University’s College of Nursing, to talk about her journey into nursing and her research on invisible disabilities.Alexa shares how her own health experiences inspired her to return to nursing school and pursue research that raises awareness and empathy for individuals living with conditions that aren’t always visible—like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD)https://rcpd.msu.edu/Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)https://invisibledisabilities.org/Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programhttps://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/Dysautonomia International (autonomic nervous system disorders)https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/Learn more about the MSU College of Nursing: https://nursing.msu.eduFollow us on social: @MSUNursingTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, hosts Mike Martel and Crista Reeves sit down with Desiree Love, an MSU College of Nursing BSN alumna and med-surg nurse at Butterworth Hospital (of Corewell in Grand Rapids). Desiree shares her inspiring journey to nursing, including overcoming challenges with TAR syndrome, the loss of a sister, and her own battles with anxiety and depression during college. She reflects on how faith, community, and resilience helped her succeed, the lessons she learned at Michigan State, and the importance of building genuine connections with patients.To find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this inspiring episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, hosts Dr. Mike Martel and Dr. Krista Reaves sit down with Pia Love, a self-described “nurse of all trades” and passionate advocate for mental health in nursing.Pia shares how personal grief became the spark that led her into behavioral health, the journey of launching her own mental health business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the real challenges and triumphs of nurse entrepreneurship.💬 “We can’t pour from an empty cup. If we want to be rocks for our patients, we need to take care of our own mental health too.” — Pia Love🔗 Learn more about MSU College of Nursing: https://nursing.msu.eduTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode, Dr. Fabrice Mowbray joins the Spartan Nurse Podcast to break down how big data and predictive analytics are transforming healthcare. Mowbray shares how data can help predict patient needs, improve clinical decisions, and guide healthcare policy. He explains the difference between machine learning and traditional models, why nurses are key to building meaningful data tools, and how Michigan State University’s College of Nursing is leading the way in training the next generation of data-driven clinicians.GlossaryBlack BoxAny complex piece of equipment, typically a unit in an electronic system, with contents that are mysterious to the user.CalibrationAdjusting a tool or model so it gives accurate and reliable results.ComplianceFollowing rules or laws, especially in healthcare or safety.ConsultationA meeting to get advice or share information, often with a professional like a doctor.ContextualDependent on the situation or setting something happens in.DelineateTo clearly show or describe something, like drawing boundaries or explaining steps.DiagnosticsTests or tools used to find out what is wrong with someone’s health.Discrimination (in data/modeling)How well a model tells the difference between different groups or outcomes (not related to unfair treatment in this context).DisseminationThe act of sharing or spreading information widely.Doctorate (PhD)The highest degree you can earn in school. People with a PhD have studied a subject deeply and done original research.Electronic Medical Record (EMR)A digital version of a patient’s medical chart that doctors and nurses use to track health information.Emergency Department (ED)A hospital facility that provides immediate, unscheduled outpatient care for patients with serious medical conditions requiring prompt attention.Emergency Room (ER)Another term for an emergency department.EncryptionA way to protect information by changing it into a code that only authorized people can read.EpidemiologyThe study of the distribution, causes, and control of diseases and other health-related states or events in populations.GeneralizableAble to apply to many people or situations, not just the ones studied.GeriatricRelated to the health and care of older adults.Hyper-parametersSettings or choices that guide how a machine learning model works, like how fast it learns.Intensive Care Unit (ICU)A special hospital area for very sick patients who need constant care and monitoring.NeonatalRelated to the care of newborn babies, especially those who are sick or born early.PrognosisA prediction about what is likely to happen with a person’s health.Registered Nurse (RN)A licensed healthcare professional who gives medicine, helps patients, and works closely with doctors to provide care.Regression (in statistics)A way to find relationships between things, like how one factor might affect another.SepsisA life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages vital organs.SocioeconomicRelated to a person’s income, education, and sTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode of The Spartan Nurse Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Mike Martell and Dr. Krista Reeves sit down with Dr. Eric Wallis, Senior VP & Chief Nurse Executive at Henry Ford Health, to discuss the powerful partnership between HFH and MSU College of Nursing.Dr. Wallis shares valuable career insights for future nurses, discusses the importance of workplace culture, and explains how nurses can shape healthcare innovation.Are you thinking of a career in nursing? Learn how Michigan State University College of Nursing can help you gain hands-on experience and transition into a rewarding career!Subscribe for more nursing insights & updates.Visit the MSU College of Nursing: nursing.msu.eduFollow us on social media: @MichiganStateNursingTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode, we talk with Dr. Veronica Bernacchi, a health disparity scientist and nurse researcher, about how social determinants of health (SDOH) impact cancer outcomes. Bernacchi explains SDOH—factors like income, access to healthcare, and living conditions—and how they contribute to cancer disparities, especially in rural and underserved communities.We explore how telehealth can improve access to care, its challenges, and how nurses can play a key role in bridging gaps by building trust and supporting patients. Bernacchi also highlights the importance of understanding community strengths and using culturally sensitive approaches to promote health equity.This conversation illuminates the systemic barriers to cancer care and the steps we can take to create more equitable outcomes for all patients.To find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILFor those who don't know Dr. Rhonda Conner-Warren, she is a dedicated healthcare professional and educator with a deep focus on community health, health equity, and child development. Currently, Dr. Conner-Warren works as a Health Education Consultant at Focus: HOPE, where she provides physical assessments and monitors growth and development for children in the Center for Childhood program.Dr. Conner-Warren’s commitment to community well-being extends to her service on the boards of The Corner Health Center and the Health Ecology Board of Governance, where she focuses on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in health and environmental initiatives. In her professional affiliations, she served as the Bylaws Chair for the Michigan Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and was recently elected as a Member-at-Large for the Michigan Public Health Association, where she addresses pressing public health issues and challenges.In her academic role, Dr. Conner-Warren teaches both undergraduate and graduate students, with a primary interest in the intersection of community health and service learning. Her teaching and research aim to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for diverse populations, fostering a commitment to service and health equity.To find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode, we welcome Crista Reaves as the new co-host of The Spartan Nurse Podcast alongside Mike Martel. Crista, an experienced nurse educator and researcher, brings her expertise in clinical partnerships and nursing education. Tune in as they discuss her journey, the MSU College of Nursing, and the future of nursing education.#SpartanNursePodcast #NursingEducation #HealthcareInnovationTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu