EP 103: Fired, Fought Back, and Made History: Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio

In this powerful episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica sits down with legendary nurse educator and activist Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD for an unfiltered conversation about nursing, activism, and legacy. Laura opens up about her turbulent exit from the bedside during the early days of the pandemic, the harsh reality of workplace retaliation, and how she fought back when most nurses felt silenced. She discusses her inspiring education journey from ADN to PhD, the controversy around use of the title "Doctor" as a nurse, and why she refused to teach virtually during COVID. Laura also reflects on the seismic shifts in nursing culture over the last 30 years and the barriers that still prevent nurses from advocating for themselves. We revisit the iconic 1995 nurse march on Washington DC, which Laura organized before the internet era—mobilizing over 35,000 nurses to demand better staffing ratios and workplace protections. She details how it felt to stand on the Capitol steps as the voice of an entire profession. Laura also weighs in on the failed 2022 National Nurses March, offering a candid look at why it fell short and what the future of nursing activism requires. From unionization to continuing education, and the mass exodus of new nurses, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about the profession. #truecrime #callherdaddy #activist

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Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD:

https://greatnurses.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gasparis-vonfrolio-3380219

https://www.instagram.com/lauragasparisvonfrolio/

YouTube: 1995 Nurses March on Washington

Chapters:

0:15 Cocktail of the Week 1:46 Guest Introduction, Laura Garsparis Vonfrolio 3:55 Leaving Bedside & PPE 7:40 Terminated and Fighting Back 13:52 Reported to Board of Nursing 19:46 Associate Degree Nurse to PhD Journey 23:07 Nurses Using Doctor Title 25:40 Virtual Teaching During COVID 26:44 How Has Nursing Changed? 28:48 Barrier to Nurses Advocating 30:30 Nurses Forming Corporations 32:00 Get a Law Degree Instead of an MSN 32:50 1995 Nurses March 37:40 Getting Permits, a Creative Approach 40:28 35,000 Nurses Marched in DC 42:55 Enema of the Week Award 43:46 ANA Sneaking in the March 45:55 2022 Failed Nurses March 49:20 Advice for Nurses 54:07 DNP Versus PhD Degree 55:05 Future of Nursing Education 57:07 National Specialty Certifications 59:14 Legacy 1:00:20 American Nurses Organization? Cocktail of the Week: Malibu Cocktail Pineapple Bay Breeze https://www.malibudrinks.com/en-us/products/malibu-pineapple-bay-breeze-can/

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