From NCLEX to CHD: Sarah Michelle Boes on Nursing, Navigating Life, and the Power of Showing Up
The path to and through nursing is never linear. It’s a winding mess of night shifts, imposter syndrome, caffeine highs, and emotional lows. But every so often, someone like Sarah Michelle Boes comes along to remind us why we keep showing up.
In this soul-stirring episode of RNegade, we sit down with Sarah—nurse, educator, entrepreneur, and fierce mama bear—to explore what it means to follow your purpose when life absolutely refuses to play fair.
Sarah doesn’t come from privilege. She grew up in eastern Kentucky where the odds weren’t in her favor. But like so many of us in scrubs, she found strength in caring for others—eventually becoming a nurse and then an educator. During the pandemic, when clinicals were canceled and panic was high, Sarah pivoted. She moved her teachings online, created free anxiety-reducing resources for nursing students, and sparked a movement built on compassion and confidence.
And then life hit back hard.
In the midst of selling her wildly successful business, Sarah discovered her daughter had a severe congenital heart defect. This wasn’t just a bump in the road—it was a full-stop moment. But what did Sarah do? She leaned in. She showed up. And she’s still showing up—not just for her family, but for every nurse and student who needs someone to say: “I’ve been there. And you can do this.”
This episode isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. It's about anxiety, vulnerability, entrepreneurship, and motherhood—all woven into one raw, resilient narrative.
Here’s why nurses need to hear this:
If you’re dealing with anxiety, OCD or other emotional hurdle, Sarah’s been there and doesn’t let it stop her.
If you’re balancing caregiving at home with giving your all in your career, Sarah sees you.
If you dream of creating something that matters, but fear the leap—this one’s for you.
Because this episode isn’t just a story. It’s a mirror. A reminder that the messiness of life doesn’t make you less of a nurse—it makes you more human.
So hit play. Let Sarah’s story remind you of your own power. And earn some nursing CEs while you’re at it.
👉 Earn CEs for this episode on RNegade