My Burnout Story: How a Crash Cart, a Smartwatch, and a Second Chance Changed Everything

Today is my birthday. But three years ago on this same day, I wasn’t celebrating—I was lying on a gurney in the ER at my own hospital.

After months of extreme stress and burnout, my body finally sounded the alarm—literally. My smartwatch buzzed with a message I’ll never forget:

“You may be experiencing atrial fibrillation.”

My overloaded nervous system had pushed my heart out of rhythm. It was my body’s way of saying, “We can’t keep living like this.”

The Day Everything Changed

As I lay in the exam room, fully awake, I watched the crash cart charge to 255 joules.

“Clear… Clear.”

Then came the shock.

The sound reminded me of something strange—a moment years earlier when a 50-foot tree in our yard had to be cut down. After trimming the branches, the trimmer sliced off the top 12 feet of the trunk. It flipped upside down and slammed into the ground with a deep, quaking thud.

When the paddles shocked my heart back into rhythm, I heard that same thud inside my chest.

My “Avengers” Moment

There’s a line in Avengers: Endgame when the Sorcerer Supreme knocks Bruce Banner out of his Hulk body and calmly says:

“Let’s start again, shall we?”

That’s what the crash cart felt like—my Sorcerer Supreme moment. My chance to start again.

Finding My Voice

Six months later, I delivered my very first healthcare burnout presentation at a conference in Toledo, Ohio. I stood in front of leaders, caregivers, and exhausted professionals and told the truth.

I shared what burnout really feels like:

“It’s like being trapped in a room that’s on fire, and no one else can smell the smoke.”

I talked about the toll it takes on our bodies, our relationships, and our sense of purpose. I spoke about what leaders must do to help their teams. And I admitted my own failures, fears, and missteps.

From Patient to Speaker

Since leaving my role in healthcare, I’ve spoken to thousands of people about burnout—especially healthcare burnout.

I’ve shared hope, relief, and direction with teams, leaders, and organizations across the country. I’ve seen exhausted nurses breathe easier, overwhelmed executives take action, and burned-out employees realize they’re not broken—they’re human.

This video tells more of my story. ⬇️

You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling burned out, you’re in good company. Surveys show that more than half of all workers—and even more in healthcare—are experiencing some level of burnout.

And if you’re a leader wondering how to protect your team, I’m glad you’re here. Your role matters more than you know.

If I can help—through speaking, coaching, or resources—send me a message today.

You deserve a chance to start again, too.