EP 103: Fired, Fought Back, and Made History: The Truth About Laura Gasparis

In this powerful episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Erica sits down with legendary nurse educator and activist Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio 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 using 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, which Laura organized before the internet era—mobilizing over 35,000 nurses to demand better staffing ratios and workplace protections. She details the resistance she faced from hospital leadership and 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. Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit: https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/ and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit: https://happybumco.com/ and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle. Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: [email protected] Support the Show: Help keep Nurses Uncorked going and become an official Patron! Gain early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. Become a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard Member: https://patron.podbean.com/nursesunco... Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD: https://greatnurses.com/   / laura-gasparis-vonfrolio-3380219     / lauragasparisvonfrolio      • Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN PhD - Nurses M...   Cocktail of the Week: Malibu Cocktail Pineapple Bay Breeze https://www.malibudrinks.com/en-us/pr... Help the podcast grow by giving episodes a like, download, follow and a 5 ⭐️ star rating! Please follow Nurses Uncorked at: https://www.tiktok.com/@nurses.uncork... https://instagram.com/nursesuncorked?...    / @nursesuncorkedl   Facebook_Nurses-Uncorked You can listen to the podcast at: https://feed.podbean.com/thenurseeric.... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify-Nurses-Uncorked https://nursesuncorked.com DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.