When Lisa Davis, MSN, RN, a seasoned nurse and ÌÇÐÄVlog College of Nursing lecturer, woke up in the middle of the night with the perfect name for a podcast, she didn't hesitate—she texted it to her husband at 3:30 a.m. and went right back to sleep. That spark of inspiration became Nursing Notes in a Flash, a podcast she launched in February 2025 to deliver quick, high-yield clinical insights in a format that's approachable, supportive and grounded in real-world nursing. A longtime podcast enthusiast and pharmacology lecturer, Davis saw an opportunity to make complex content more digestible for students—especially during commutes or study breaks. What started as a passion project has evolved into a creative way to bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.
We caught up with Lisa to learn more about the inspiration behind Nursing Notes in a Flash, her approach to content and how her experience as both a nurse and educator continues to shape the voice of the podcast.
Creating the Podcast
Q: What goes into planning and producing an episode?
I align it with the content we're covering in the Nursing of Adults course, following body systems. I started with foundational episodes—how to do a head-to-toe assessment, important lab values—then moved into body systems. I incorporate memory tricks and stories, along with rapid-fire quiz questions or a case study at the end to tie everything together. I aim to keep each episode within 10 minutes. Recordings are done in my bedroom closet because the acoustics are good. It's authentically me, with dad jokes included. I try to laugh at myself and keep it real, not overly jargon-heavy.
Q: What's something surprising you've learned through podcasting?
I was most surprised by how supportive everybody has been. I wasn't sure if students would want to listen to a podcast about class material, but they've really engaged with it. The College leadership has been supportive, and it's been well-received by my fellow faculty members.
What Makes It Different
Q: How do you set your podcast apart from what's already out there?
Many current nursing podcasts sound like they're being read straight from the textbook. I wanted to keep mine light and fun. I try hard to get students excited about nursing because I love nursing and want my students to be as excited as I am. In class, I wear those dorky shirts about how much I love nursing, and my excitement really comes through because the functions of the human body are so awesome. My goal from the beginning was to bring that same energy and personality from my lectures into the podcast.
Impact and Looking Ahead
Q: How have your students responded so far?
Most of the feedback has been positive. Students listen while driving to class or before class starts. The funniest thing has been people saying they hear my voice constantly—I lecture to the big junior classes, they listen to the podcast, and suddenly it's "Lisa all day, all night, walking the dog, in the car."
Q: In what ways does this format help nursing students retain and apply what they're learning?
Repetition is key. Students hear it in class, and maybe they were drowsy at that moment. But if they hear it explained again on a 10-minute podcast, things start clicking.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope Nursing Notes in a Flash has on its listeners?
I want students to get high-impact knowledge in 10 minutes—something they'll remember when they take their exam, sit for the NCLEX, or care for a patient. I want them to learn it thoroughly and understand it fully, so they become even stronger nurses. I hope they're as excited about nursing as I am when they graduate, because it is a tough job, and if you don't start out excited, it's rough.
Q: Do you think podcasts like yours could become a standard part of nursing education?
I would love that. Podcasts are a great supplement because they reach all kinds of students—those studying at night, working night shift, commuting, or caring for family. Non-traditional students can engage all hours of the day.
Q: What advice do you have for other educators thinking about using podcasts to reach their students?
I think they should do it. My learning curve was high, but once I purchased a mid-range microphone and started recording in my closet, it became simple. I can record an episode quickly and uploading is easily. It saves me from sending countless emails or repeating myself.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you've learned through creating this podcast?
Just to be authentic. Sharing who you are and what you know isn't easy. I'm more of an introvert, so I was nervous to record myself and ask everyone to listen. But being me, trying to be relatable, and being brave enough to put it out there has made all the difference.
Q: If your listeners take away one thing from the podcast, what do you hope it is?
Hopefully, they take away excitement for how awesome nursing is and what a rare gift it is to care for patients through all stages of life, during both the terrible times and the good times.
Davis always knew she was meant to be a nurse, a calling that began in childhood when she bandaged her Barbie dolls and crafted crutches from colored pencils. Her passion led her through a hands-on journey in the field, starting as an LPN and progressing through an associate degree, ÌÇÐÄVlog's RN-to-BSN program, and eventually to a master's degree. With a rich background in various areas of nursing, Davis found her niche in adult medical-surgical care, drawn to its dynamic, fast-paced environment and the opportunity to care for a wide range of patients.
In 2018, she transitioned into full-time teaching, motivated by a desire to make nursing education more approachable, practical and grounded in real-world experience. As both a proud ÌÇÐÄVlog alumna and faculty member, she is deeply connected to the community and committed to preparing the next generation of nurses. To Davis, nursing isn't just a job, it's a life-changing, fulfilling career that continues to inspire her every day.