Disclaimer: This episode discusses violence and the death of a healthcare worker. Listener discretion is advised.

In this critical episode of Love n’ Leary, Marion Leary and Rebecca Love address the killing of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse in Minnesota, and what this moment demands of the nursing profession. Joined by Dr. Teddie Potter, clinical professor at the University of Minnesota and founding director of its Planetary Health Program, the conversation explores nursing’s moral obligation to speak out against injustice. Dr. Potter introduces the concept of “Code White,” a powerful, nonviolent act of collective advocacy rooted in nursing history. Together, they call on nurses to reject silence, lean into discomfort, and take action in ways that honor humanity, solidarity, and the true calling of nursing.

>>Dedicated VA ICU Nurse Alex Pretti Dead After Clash with Border Patrol in Minneapolis

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[1:31] What Happened in Minnesota & Why It Matters
[3:20] Why Speak Out Now
[5:33] The Origins of “Code White”
[8:00] From Code White to Collective Action
[9:38] Silence, Upstanders & Historical Parallels
[11:39] No Hierarchy of Service: Do What You Can
[12:53] Discomfort, Duty, and Nursing as a Calling
[15:06] Loving People You Don’t Like & Seeing Shared Humanity
[17:23] Breaking Nursing’s Silence
[19:19] The Petition & Policy Moment
[21:45] Many Ways to Show Up
[23:05] Nelson Mandela’s Story & A Vision for the Future

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn

Connect with Marion on social media:
Instagram: @marionleary
TikTok: @marionleary
Facebook: Marion Leary

In this episode of the Love n’ Leary Nursing Podcast, Marion Leary and Rebecca Love announce the podcast’s new partnership with Nurse.org and reflect on how this milestone represents the power of saying yes to opportunity. They revisit the early conversations that sparked the show, including imposter syndrome and career uncertainty, and connect those experiences to the broader responsibility of nurse leadership. The discussion explores advocacy, the importance of nurses using their voices with confidence, and how storytelling, policy engagement, and diverse communication platforms can expand nursing influence. Together, Marion and Rebecca emphasize how nurses can shape public narratives, strengthen the profession, and drive meaningful change across healthcare.

>>Love n' Leary Nursing Podcast

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn

Connect with Marion on social media:
Instagram: @marionleary
TikTok: @marionleary
Facebook: Marion Leary