In this episode of ThinkCraft, I sit down with Robin Gates, a Milwaukee-based nursing educator and director with over 27 years of experience in the field. Recently named one of ATL Plus Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women, Robin has worn many hats—ER nurse, hospice worker, clinical trials coordinator, transplant team member, and now a professor and PhD student in education policy. Across all of it, she’s stayed grounded in what she calls the “caring core” of nursing.

We talk about why so many nurses burn out within their first two years, how unions and professional associations can push back against unsafe workloads, and what it means to truly teach empathy. Robin also shares what it’s like to recruit and mentor the next generation of nurses—and why retiree nurses are an untapped resource.

This is a powerful episode for anyone thinking about healthcare careers, the intersections of race and gender in nursing, or the systems-level changes needed to strengthen the workforce we all depend on.

“Meet Robin Gates, ATL Plus Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women honoree! 🩺📚With over three decades in nursing, healthcare leadership, and education, Robin Gates is a transformational force in both classrooms and communities. As an Assistant Professor, nurse advocate, and Ph.D. candidate, she blends purpose, policy, and compassion to uplift the next generation of healthcare professionals. Rooted in faith, legacy, and lifelong learning, her impact extends far beyond the bedside—shaping lives, challenging systems, and championing equity in every space she enters.” - ATL Plus Magazine

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ThinkCraft Podcast Episode 3: Nursing, Empathy & Policy Leadership w/ Robin Gates