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Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep5 – The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC, a Podcast Host and Creative Greeting Card Artist

Ep5: The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle, a Podcast Host and Creative Greeting Card Artist

Guest: Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC, NIC. Host of The Conversing Nurse Podcast with the tag line: Exploring the Nursing Profession – One Conversation at a Time.

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep5: Michelle Harris BSN PHN RNC-NIC

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep5: The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle, a Podcast Host and Creative Greeting Card Artist and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN.

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 5th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC, NIC. Host of The Conversing Nurse Podcast.

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)!

Ep5: The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle, a Podcast Host (left) and Creative Greeting Card Artist and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Show Notes:

About Michelle Harris BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC

I had a lovely discussion interviewing Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC! How did we meet? Virtually! I connected with Michelle on Instagram and was a guest on on her podcast The Conversing Nurse Podcast in May, 2024. Power to the Nursing community!

Michelle has over 36 years as a Pediatric and NICU Nurse and since retiring in 2022, started her podcast (now with over 100 episodes). She wanted to stay connected to the nursing profession and community, and what better way than to interview nurses of many specialties! It is fun for her to learn about so many nursing specialties too!

Since retiring Michelle also has been volunteering as an RN at a local clinic. She lives in Visalia, (Central California) where it has been especially HOT this summer!

As an NICU nurse, Michelle loved working with families to comfort them, help them navigate the health care setting and teach them to learn about their neonate/infant. She also enjoyed being the nurse for high risk infant follow-up when babies were followed over time in the clinic.

Michelle finds guests for The Conversing Nurse Podcast through her personal network and also on LinkedIn. Nurses seek her out as potential podcast guests as well (like lucky me)!

Besides being a nurse podcaster, Michelle creates greeting cards (I hope to be on her holiday card list)!

Michelle is also an affiliate for bookshop.org. Take a look at nurse recommendations for books (and thanks, Michelle for including my bookshop too)!

When asked what nursing specialty she would have liked to pursue, she mentioned Legal Nurse Consulting.

Heads up!: She is also looking to interview a Nurse Ethicist on her podcast! Are you one or do you know one?

Michelle credits watching her older brothers as family caregivers for their Grandfather after he suffered for a stroke and that motivated her to become a nurse.

You will love Michele’s soothing voice as much as I did!

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About Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Legal Nurse Consulting services.

Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research and consulting.

She has a Masters Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University (PA).

Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes. Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics.. 

She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group.

In addition to her being on the advisory board of San Diego Film Week, Susan is a member of SAG-AFTRA,  American Legion Post 43Veterans in Media & EntertainmentSan Diego Writers Ink , and the Southern California Writers Association.

Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.

List of clients at https://sjfcommunications.com/list-of-clients/

Contact SJF Communications at:

858-353-7488 or info@sjfcommunications.com.

Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/Sjfcommo

Thank you very much Michelle!

Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.


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Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep4 – Merging the life – Meet Lourdes Araiza, a Nurse and Photographer who finds JOY in capturing the essence of people, events and places!

Ep4: Merging the life – Meet Lourdes, a Nurse and Photographer who finds JOY in capturing the essence of people, events and places!

Guest: Lourdes Araiza, RN, Owner, Enchanting Pixels;

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep4: Merging the life – Meet Lourdes, a Nurse and Photographer who finds JOY in capturing the essence of people, events and places! With Guest Lourdes Araiza RN (left) and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 4th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Lourdes Araiza, RN, Owner, Enchanting Pixels

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)

Ep4: Merging the life – Meet Lourdes, a Nurse and Photographer
who finds JOY in capturing the essence of people, events and places!

Show Notes:

About Lourdes Araiza, RN, Owner of Enchanting Pixels

In this podcast, Lourdes infuses energy and joy in telling her inspiring story – where and how she became a photographer early in life (age 11) by observing at the photography studio next door – in her childhood home town of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Lourdes specializes in headshot and event photography with her business Enchanting Pixels – but photographs nature for her mental health.

After 3 semesters in law school, with a purpose of wanting to help others, she attended and graduated with her Associates Degree in Nursing in San Diego (1986-88).

Lourdes is the Mom of twins, with one twin being autistic. She made it her purpose to learn more about the autism spectrum which enabled her to obtain necessary special needs services and resources for her child.

Although she practiced Emergency Room for most of her Nursing career, it led to her entering the field of Psychiatric Nursing in 2018.

Over the years she photographed family events and made a commitment to mental health. She bought her first “good” camera, a Canon, years ago and the rest is history!

She decided to be in solitude for her photography – and for a year took several angles of photos of local abandoned buildings and street people with mental health issues.

During Covid, Lourdes worked in psychiatric nursing on a locked psychiatric unit , with 4 nurses for up to 108 patients.

Lourdes had been doing professional photography alongside her nursing for many years, but decided to leave nursing in 2023 due to trauma and PTSD to fully focus on her photography.

For fun, community and healing, Lourdes is a member of a Dragonboat community, where she is a member of (and photographer for) the group Paddle Warriors with a vision “to empower women through a sport that is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging”.

Lourdes recommends that nurses explore different aspects of nursing for their “perfect fit” and to remember to practice having personal family time, life balance, enjoy life, (and self-care).

Here are some of Lourdes’ Links:

Enchanting Pixels: https://www.enchantingpixels.com/

Facebook Page for Enchanting Pixels: https://www.facebook.com/enchantingpixelsphotos

Instagram Page for Enchanting Pixels: https://www.instagram.com/enchantingpixels_/https://www.instagram.com/enchantingpixels_/

About Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

Susan has diverse health care experience including military and civilian nursing with clinical, administration/management, staff development, research and consulting roles.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Nurse Consulting services. 

Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops, and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics. She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group

Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.

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Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep3 – Exploring Different Vantage Points – Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)! Meet Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Vantage Theatre

Ep 3: Exploring Different Vantage Points – Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)!

Guest: Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep3; Guest Dori Salois, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep3: Exploring Different Vantage Points –

Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)!

With Guest Dori Salois, MSN, RN (left) and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 3rd episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre in San Diego.

In this podcast, Dori talks about her childhood, entry into the world of nursing, and explains how Vantage Theatre is an innovative, provocative, sometimes site-specific theatre that illuminates, enlightens, elevates and entertains audiences (since the 1990’s).

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (Below)
Ep3 video- Exploring Different Vantage Points-
Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)! with Guest Dori Salois, MSN, RN (left)
and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

About Dori Salois

Dori Salois the Executive Artistic Director of Vantage Theatre is thrilled to produce Best Laid Plans with this wonderful team and happy to be back at the Tenth where she previously produced Matisse’s story in The Color of Light. She presents professional theatrical productions in new ways, concentrating on presenting original plays, as well as contemporary or classic theatre produced from a different “vantage point” Salois is always seeking to present the “AHA” moment that may awaken and illuminate the self.  Her most recent work as producer and co- director was bringing the new play N to life at Point Loma Playhouse and Tears of War about the plight of women refugees at the Riford. She has also written for the theatre. Her Xmas play She’s at The Library (It’s a Wonderful Life told from Mary’s point of view) was nominated as best production 2021. She partnered with San Diego Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse to present Anna Deavere Smith’s New York production of Let Me Down Easy in association with Arena Stage’s national tour. As a director and producer, Ms. Salois has brought over 35 plays to fruition. As an actor, she was nominated as Best Actress twice in San Diego.  She was the Assoc. producing Director of North Coast Repertory and was instrumental in the creation of NCRT’s 200 seat theatre. She is a coauthor of The Importance of Being Earnest the Musical!, The Holy Man, an adaptation of Susan Trotts novels, and the book for the musical Macgregor  which was presented in London. She has written and directed for television So This is Washington. West of Hedon. Her novel Mrs. Bennet’s Sentiments was chosen as a top fiction pick by People Magazine in 2016

She received her Baccalaureate from Lowell University and her Masters from Georgetown University.

Dori’s Info and Links:

Upcoming Vantage Theatre Production!
Best Laid Plans by Robert Salerno

Vantage Theatre Presents
A World Premiere Production of BEST LAID PLANS by Robert Salerno

Inspired by a true story, a brilliant young architect has surgery for a brain tumor and wakes up unexpectedly blind. Alone, lost and despondent, he cannot envision a path back to life, much less architecture…Then Beethoven shows up!

Featuring Blake Stadnik, the Blind Actor from NBC’s hit series “This Is Us” as Lucas

Blake Stadnik, a well-known blind actor (some might remember him from the series THIS IS US as Jack, Kate’s blind infant who grows up to become a famous rock musician), is playing Lucas, the lead role.  “Lucas’s story is one of transformation after his world comes crashing down. Through facing fear and uncertainty, he discovers a far more compassionate, mindful, and creative version of himself. I’m very excited to help bring him to life.” 

The extra surprise was casting Beethoven. Richard Trujillo, who plays Beethoven, seemed to have such an affinity for the role. We were unaware that he has sclerosis of the cochlear and without special hearing aids is deaf. These brilliant actors demonstrate one of the central themes of the play: that disability does not mean inability.”

With Richard Trujillo as Beethoven, Steve Murdock and Lee Ann Kim.

Directed by Sam Woodhouse

Aug 29-Sept 22, 2024

FRI, SAT at 7:30pm; SAT, SUN at 3:00pm

Located at:

Tenth Avenue Arts Center- 930 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Made possible in part by a grant from the Prebys Foundation and The California Arts Council and with the support of the Sofia Hotel


Buy your tickets now for the upcoming event at Vantagetheatre.com at the above links or https://theatrevantage.ticketspice.com/best-laid-plans TICKETS  $30-35.

Vantage Theatre – A 501c (3) non profit theatre                                   

Presenting Theatre from a different “Vantage” point… Experience “AHA” moments to awaken and illuminate the Self!

Vantage Theatre WEBSITE

Vantage Theatre page on FACEBOOK  –  https://www.facebook.com/vantagetheatre  

Vantage Theatre San Diego page on FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/VantageTheatreSanDiego

Vantage Theatre INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/vantagetheatre/

HASHTAGS: #theatre #livetheatre #bestlaidplans #worldpremiere #actorslife #disabledactor #legallyblind #disabledandproud #vantagetheatre #blindness #braille #deafness #beethoven

Also, Dori’s daughter Dominique Salerno is also an actor and comedian in New York. Here is some of Dominique’s information:

The Box Show: https://www.theboxshow.org/

The Box Show Trailer: https://vimeo.com/847685152?share=copy

Some reviews of The Box Show: https://www.theboxshow.org/the-box-show-reviews

Here is a series Dominique Created, Written, and Produced (and appears in as well): “Characteristically” – https://www.characteristicallyseries.com/about

About Susan J. Farese

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

Susan has diverse health care experience including military and civilian nursing with clinical, administration/management, staff development, research and consulting roles.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Nurse Consulting services. 

Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops, and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics. She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group

Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.