5 Nurse-Founded Resources Every Nursing Student and New Grad Should Know About
If you're a nursing student or new grad nurse looking for tools to help you feel more confident, organized, and supported in your career—this one's for you. Today, I’m sharing five powerful resources created by nurses, for nurses. These platforms have helped me and thousands of others stay connected, prioritize wellness, and streamline the chaos that can come with life after nursing school.
Whether you’re still in clinicals or freshly navigating your first job, these resources are here to make your life easier. And the best part? Every one of them was founded by nurses who’ve walked the same path you're on now.
1. NurseGrid: The Nurse Scheduling App That Actually Gets You
If you’ve ever struggled to coordinate shifts with friends or wished you could easily share your schedule with your partner, NurseGrid is a game changer.
Created by RN Joe Novello in 2013, NurseGrid was born out of frustration with the outdated and clunky scheduling systems in healthcare. Joe used his experience at the bedside to build a tool that worked for real nurses—and it shows.
Here’s why NurseGrid stands out:
Share schedules instantly with coworkers or loved ones.
Sync calendars with your work bestie to make picking up shifts together easier.
Store certifications and get reminders before they expire.
Manage swaps and shift requests without back-and-forth texts and emails.
Whether you’re a staff nurse or stepping into a leadership role, NurseGrid makes managing your time way less stressful. It’s been downloaded by over 600,000 nurses—and I’ve personally used it as both a nurse and a manager. The interface is clean, intuitive, and seriously helpful.
2. The Nursing Beat: A Free Newsletter That Keeps You in the Know
You’ve got enough on your plate without sifting through dry academic journals or scrolling endlessly for healthcare updates. That’s where The Nursing Beat comes in.
Founded by nurses Tamara Alyassin and Hannah W. Burns—who met as new grads in a California ER—this free weekday email newsletter breaks down healthcare news, professional development tips, and nursing hot topics in a quick, engaging way.
What you’ll find in The Nursing Beat:
Summaries of recent studies and healthcare headlines
Career tips, resume advice, and job market updates
Wellness content to help you avoid burnout
Spotlights on real nurses doing amazing work
Sections like "The Huddle," "The Handoff," and "Discharge Instructions" that feel SO relatable
Every word is written by nurses who get it. It’s quick, digestible, and perfect for reading with your morning coffee (or post-night-shift nap).
🔗 Subscribe to The Nursing Beat
3. Nurses Inspire Nurses: Merch and Mentorship With Heart
Let’s talk about burnout. Or more specifically—how to avoid feeling alone in the middle of it.
Nurses Inspire Nurses was founded in 2018 by pediatric nurse Cat Golden, who knew firsthand how isolating nursing can be. What started as small "coffee talks" with fellow nurses turned into a global movement and vibrant community of over 1,500 members.
Here’s what they offer:
Affirming merch that says what we all feel ("Human first, nurse second.")
Local meetups and events that build real connection
Mentorship and coaching that help nurses find clarity and purpose
Seasonal drops and care boxes that make you feel seen
Each product you purchase helps fund free programming for nurses across the country. And honestly? Cat is the real deal. I met her in person at a nurse.com event and she’s every bit as warm, energetic, and supportive as you’d hope. If you’re craving community (or just a cute hoodie that feels like a hug), this is the place.
4. Operation Happy Nurse: Free Mental Health Support for Nurses
Started by NICU nurse Shannon McPeek in 2019, Operation Happy Nurse (OHN) is a nonprofit that offers free mental health and wellness resources specifically for nurses.
Shannon’s story—struggling with anxiety and OCD as a new nurse—is deeply relatable for so many of us. And instead of brushing it under the rug, she created a whole platform to help other nurses find peace, support, and strategies to thrive.
Inside OHN, you’ll find:
Guided meditations and fitness classes
Discussion boards and book clubs
Podcasts, blogs, and recipes by nurses and mental health experts
In-person wellness events across the U.S. and Canada
A mobile app to access tools on-the-go
Membership is free and open to nurses at all stages. You can even customize your profile based on your interests and goals. Shannon was recognized by L'Oréal Paris and Purdue University for her advocacy work—and once you explore the platform, you’ll see why.
5. ADNI: The All-In-One App for Healthcare Careers
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about ADNI—a one-stop platform created by two nurses to help you manage your career without needing a million tabs open.
Founded in 2021 by NICU nurse Jennifferre Manillas and RN-turned-entrepreneur Anthony Scarpone-Lambert, ADNI simplifies everything from job hunting to license management and CE tracking.
Inside the AGNI app, you can:
Apply for nursing jobs directly through the platform
Store and track licenses, CEUs, and credentials
Shop for gear and scrubs
Join nurse-specific social groups
Earn points for engaging on the app (and use them for discounts or prizes)
It’s a modern, mobile-friendly tool designed to help healthcare professionals streamline their careers. Employers can also use ADNI to connect with top talent, which makes the platform even more powerful for nurses seeking meaningful work.
Final Thoughts: Built By Nurses, For Nurses
Every resource I shared today was born out of a nurse seeing a gap—and deciding to build a bridge. Whether it’s scheduling, staying informed, finding community, protecting your mental health, or managing your career, these tools are here to help.
If you’re a nursing student or new grad just figuring it all out, take this as a reminder: You are not alone. You don’t have to DIY your career or your self-care. These nurse-founded platforms are proof that when nurses support each other, amazing things happen.
So check them out. Subscribe to the newsletter. Download the app. Order the hoodie. You deserve to feel supported on this journey—because the world needs you, and you need you too.
And if this post helped you, I’d love it if you’d share it with a friend or leave a quick comment below. Let’s keep lifting each other up.
Caroline
PS. Want more on this topic? Listen to Life After Nursing School Podcast Episode 19