“Do you want to be a nurse, or not?” – Brianna Corbitt
In this Beyond The Mic edition, we spotlight a powerful conversation with Brianna Corbitt, MHA, RN, a nurse, public health advocate, and rising TikTok voice using her platform to champion equity and representation in healthcare.
Brianna’s “why” is rooted in one word: advocacy.
Her journey, marked by rejection, resilience, and reinvention, reflects the lived experience of countless nurses who fight their way into the profession and then fight for their patients once they arrive.
Our conversation explored:
- Her unconventional path into nursing
- The emotional weight of patient care
- The realities of public health work
- The importance of representation and speaking up
- Wisdom for new and future nurses
From Rejection to Reinvention
Just like Brianna, many nurses have been rejected from nursing programs, or failed a semester or two. However, Brianna simply says that you have to ask yourself the question, “Do you want to be a nurse, or not?”. This takes some honesty and transparency with one’s self. Nonetheless, every nurse path taken isn’t the same.
Brianna’s path wasn’t linear:
- Rejected from nursing school twice
- Pivoted to earn a Bachelor’s in Public Health
- Completed a Master’s in Healthcare Administration
- Worked in public health for years
- Returned to earn her Associate Degree in Nursing
- Graduated with a 3.7 GPA while finishing her master’s with a 4.0
Her story is a reminder that:
Rejection is redirection, not a dead end.
The Weight of Empathy
Brianna describes herself as deeply empathetic, just like many other nurses such as myself. Being empathic is something that makes her a powerful nurse but also requires intentional boundaries.
She shared:
- The emotional heaviness she carries home
- Why certain specialties (ICU, hospice) aren’t aligned with her emotional bandwidth
- The importance of mindfulness, prayer, and quiet time
- How content creation has become a new avenue for connection and advocacy
“I take so much home with me… I have to protect my mental health too.”
This is very profound and important for new nurses who care deeply to understand that boundary setting is necessary. It doesn’t mean that nurses care less but nurses are actually able to care more overtime. Being intentional about one’s overall health will allow patients to get the best version of you. As patients are the center of everything nurses do.
Seeing the Whole Person
When it comes to patient care, the ability to see the whole patient is crucial, especially in areas that may be challenging due to social economic determinants of health. Brianna’s years in public health shaped her understanding of patient‑centered care.
She emphasizes:
- Listening beyond symptoms
- Understanding socioeconomic barriers
- Recognizing cultural differences
- Asking the right questions
- Meeting patients where they are
“Providers focus on physical health, but patients are dealing with real life, housing, food, transportation.”
This is the perfect reminder never exclude Maslow’s hierarchy of needs when caring for patients. This may explain why a patient may be appear to be noncompliant. This is where new nurses have an advantage with new eyes and a fresh perspective when tending to patients.
For New & Future Nurses
Brianna’s message to new nurses is clear and direct:
1. Nursing school isn’t “easy” or “hard”. It’s personal.
Everyone learns differently. Success depends on knowing your learning style and taking accountability for your study habits.
2. Confidence comes from speaking up.
“Confidence is having hard conversations, even when you’re scared.”
3. You belong in the room.
Especially for minority nurses who face bias, microaggressions, or imposter syndrome.
4. Advocacy is non‑negotiable.
For yourself, your peers, and your patients.
New Nurses, Mentorship & Why Nursing Is Not “Just a Job”
To deepen this conversation, here are evidence‑based insights aligned with Brianna’s message.
The Reality for New Nurses
- 33–61% of new nurses experience burnout within their first two years – (American Journal of Nursing)
- 1 in 5 nurses leaves their first job within 12 months – (NSI National Health Care Retention Report)
- Up to 30% consider leaving the profession entirely – (Journal of Nursing Regulation)
The transition from student to practicing nurse is one of the most stressful periods in a nurse’s career and that’s why mentorship can not be overemphasized.
Why Mentorship Matters
New nurses with formal mentorship are 8x more likely to stay in their first job
- Mentorship improves clinical competence, confidence, and patient outcomes
- Nurses who feel supported are significantly less likely to make preventable errors
Mentorship isn’t optional, it’s a retention strategy, a safety measure, and a lifeline.
❤️ Nursing Is Not “Just a Job”
Nursing requires:
- Emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking
- Cultural humility
- Advocacy
- Ethical judgment
- Lifelong learning
As Brianna says:
“You cannot be in this for the money. Patients feel when you’re genuine.” – Brianna Corbitt
The Impact Brianna Hopes to Make
Brianna’s mission is simple and profound:
“I want healthcare to feel human again.”
Her voice is reshaping the narrative around nursing, representation, and patient advocacy — and inspiring the next generation to lead with courage and compassion.
MEET OUR GUEST: Brianna Corbitt, MHA, RN
Registered Nurse | Public Health Professional | Healthcare Advocate | Content Creator
Brianna is known for her honesty, humor, and heart. Her content demystifies nursing school, empowers new nurses, and challenges inequities in healthcare.
“I need to speak up for the people who aren’t being heard.”
📌 Connect with Brianna
💡TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_therealrn
Listen & Take the Next Step
🎧 Episode: All One Nurse – “All In: Brianna Corbitt, RN, on Advocacy, Equity, & Nursing Without Limits.”
🟣Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-one-nurse/id1755700754?i=1000724973630
🟢Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/episode/1P66QD5U4RS5mwqOo86e9Z?si=nID5_-g6ROu0MlwWJFQ5Lw
🌐 Explore → Resources, mentorship, and tools: All One Nurse Linktree –https://linktr.ee/allonenurse
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