Discover how Lori Schellenberg turned her retirement into a second career as a patient advocate, proving it's never too late to pivot and find your purpose.

In this Nursing Now podcast episode, Laurie shares her inspiring journey from retired nurse to entrepreneur, creating a thriving career that supports patients and empowers nurses to explore new opportunities beyond the bedside.

🔹 Highlights from this episode:

- Transitioning nurse to independent patient advocate

- Insights into patient advocacy and how it differs from traditional case management

- Tips for navigating career changes and starting your own business

Lori is reinventing what it means to be a retired nurse!

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Lori’s story shows how seizing opportunities can reshape a career. Her journey began at the bedside, but curiosity led her to a home health role, where she enjoyed new freedom. When a manufacturing plant offered her a temporary role as an occupational health nurse, Lori hesitated—then took the leap. That decision opened doors she never imagined, giving her experience in worker’s compensation, OSHA regulations, and health program development.

As Lori moved from one role to another, she discovered how transferable her nursing skills were. She brought clinical insight into business roles, mentoring new case managers, marketing programs, and helping companies grow. Every pivot added new layers to her career, teaching her that uncertainty wasn’t a barrier—it was a chance to evolve.

Building partnerships became essential. When an orthopedic surgeon needed help managing worker’s compensation cases, Lori guided him and even helped him launch an Independent Medical Exam business. These collaborations showed her that no journey is taken alone; shared goals and trust fuel success.

Later, retirement seemed like the next chapter, but it left Lori searching for purpose. A friend’s suggestion to explore patient advocacy reignited her passion. Lori immersed herself in learning, joining professional groups and building a vision: she could use her expertise not just to help patients but to mentor nurses looking to pivot away from the bedside.

Launching Stepping Stone Advocacy Services became her way of giving back. Through her advocacy, Lori supports patients navigating the healthcare system while mentoring nurses seeking new paths. Her story—marked by resilience, collaboration, and constant reinvention—proves it’s never too late to embrace change and take control of your career.

🔗 Follow Lori for More:

• LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/lori.schellenberg
• Facebook: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-schellenberg-a2b29118b
• Instagram: @lorischellenberg27
• Website: www.steppingstoneadvocacy.com

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Curious about becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)? 📋 In this episode, Janelle McSwiggin chats with Danielle Delgado about her inspiring journey from bedside nursing to thriving as an LNC.

Highlights:

- Transitioning from bedside nursing to legal nurse consulting

- Key skills for success

- Balancing bedside shifts with consulting work

- Tools for managing thousands of pages of medical records

- Tips to get started, including free resources and practice cases

Danielle shares her insight as a successful, but newer LNC on the scene. Her tips

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• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Danielle Delgado is a San Diego-based Legal Nurse Consultant and the founder of Medical Legal Integration, LLC. With a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and years of clinical experience in critical care and risk management, Danielle blends her advanced education with her nursing expertise to assist attorneys in tackling complex medical cases. From analyzing intricate medical records to attending Defense Medical Exams, Danielle is dedicated to bridging the gap between law and medicine. When she’s not immersed in her consulting work, she enjoys exploring sunny San Diego and spending quality time with her dog, Finn.

🔗 Follow Danielle for More:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadinglegalnurse/
• Instagram: @leadinglegalnurse
• Website: http://www.leadinglegalnurse.com

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Tenley Force, BSN, RN shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a successful author, offering insights tailored for new nurses and aspiring writers alike. She was inspired by her experience as a novice nurse on the floor. She seeks to support other novice nurses through her book, New: Nursing and the Art of Being Human.

Tenley talked about:

• Writing a self-help book for new nurses
• Insights from 50 nurses across the U.S.
• Exploring the importance of storytelling in nursing
• Transitioning from bedside nurse to published author
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your community
• Understanding publishing routes: independent, indie, and traditional

She went deep into the publishing process and talked about her experience in the industry. Tenley is a passionate, driven nurse making her own waves in the industry.

🔗 Follow Us for More:

• LinkedIn: Janelle McSwiggin
• Instagram: @Nursing.now_
• TikTok: Nursing_now
• Website: willowbarkwriting.com
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nursing_now

Tenley is a registered nurse from Southern California. Her nursing background includes med-surg respiratory, disaster response, public health, and nursing education. She is a current fellow at Duke Divinity School in the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative. Tenley is a published author specializing in self-help for new nurses. Her book New: Nursing and the Art of Being Human debuted in 2023. It is her passion to equip nurses with tools to maintain their holistic sense of wellbeing in the midst of such a demanding profession.

🔗 Connect with Tenley on:

• LinkedIn: @tenleyforce
• Instagram: @tenleyforce
• facebook: @tenleyforce
• Threads @tenleyforce
• Website: tenleyforce.com

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