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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