In this episode of The Exam Room, Dr. Rhiannon Winsor sits down with Heidi Sanborn, clinical professor at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, to explore one of the most pressing challenges in health care today: nurse retention and burnout.

Drawing from her unique background in technology, bedside nursing, leadership, and academia, Heidi shares how systems design — both physical and digital — often fails when frontline staff are not intentionally included in the process. From poorly implemented lifting equipment to mismatched software systems, she highlights how well-intentioned solutions can waste resources and increase frustration when end users are left out of design conversations.

The discussion also dives into workplace culture, generational shifts in nursing, lateral violence, and the evolving expectations of early-career nurses. Heidi reflects on how orientation models have changed over time, the loss of experienced preceptors, and why customized support during a nurse’s first year is critical to long-term retention.

This episode sets the foundation for a deeper series conversation about innovation, leadership, and building systems that help nurses stay, grow, and thrive.

🎙️ Part One of a new series on nursing workforce sustainability and innovation.