Transform Your Nursing Career with Community, Education, and Support
In the heart of a healthcare system that had become increasingly burdensome, Asha Taylor, a registered nurse with over ten years of nursing experience, recognized a critical problem: burnout among nurses. After navigating the highs and lows of her career—from an LPN in long-term care to a travel nurse across 13 hospitals—Asha felt the weight of isolation and frustration that many of her peers endured. The Covid-19 pandemic intensified this reality, as she witnessed not only herself, but countless nurses feeling undervalued and unsupported amidst relentless demands.Sign up for our newsletter!
Get access to industry-best tips and tricks.Founder Story
I’m More Than A Nurse, and You Are Too
“I’m a multi-passionate person who loves to share my gifts to improve the lives of others”
-Asha Taylor, RN
Coach
Helping people bring their dreams and beautiful ideas to life has been my passion as long as I can remember. Not a day passes by when I don’t feel grateful that my passion is also my work.
Mother
It would seem that being a parent means mostly bringing up your children and teaching them about the world. And yet, I often find the roles reversed. My children have a lot to teach me about the wonders of life (and SpaceX).
Singer
Every day is a good day for Karaoke. I don’t miss an opportunity to sing and let the musical energy take over me. My favorite place to sing is in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean on a cruise ship. Ahoy!
Cook
I love to cook just as much as I love to eat! I don’t have any particular style that I enjoy the most, but I do prefer seafood over anything else. Creating beautiful meals is an art and a science that I enjoy sharing with my family and friends.
Traveler
I always tell people that traveling is my motivation to work. I love nothing more than an adventure to a gorgeous island, beachfront property, or a bustling city with lights and action with the people I love the most.
Comedian
I love to both have and give a good laugh. Being able to find humor in pretty much anything is important to me because life is too short to take everything so seriously. Laughter is good for the heart.
Last year I met a full-fledged social butterfly, Asha Taylor. She created The Nurses Lounge for nurses to lounge/relax outside of our busy jobs. As I sat back yesterday, I realized God blessed me with a community I’ve longed for. I’m forever grateful for God’s concern for me and His perfect timing.
I love the job postings! I like how Asha networks to get everyone to know each other. I recently became a part of The Nurses Lounge, and I love what she is doing. Thank you, and continue to elevate nobody but God.
Our Story
How it all started…
In 2024, out desire to combat widespread burnout and support her fellow nurses, Asha founded The Nurses Lounge of Central Arkansas. This wasn’t just another professional network; it was a community focused on empowering nurses through social connection, education, and uplifting events designed specifically for them. Asha began to build a vibrant community where nurses could engage, share their experiences, and seek guidance—removing the barriers that kept them feeling isolated in their demanding roles.
Founder Asha Taylor, RN and member Connie Hart, BSN, RN celebrating nursing staff at AR Heart Hospital Christmas 2025
Knowing firsthand how important it was for nurses to have a sense of belonging; it was painful for Asha to see talented caregivers suffering in silence, afraid to voice their struggles due to the stigma attached to vulnerability in a high-pressure profession. This injustice ignited within her a fierce determination to create an internal change. The response was overwhelming. Nurses flocked to this innovative space, finding solace in shared experiences and practical support. Members engaged in forums, networked with peers, and attended workshops and social events, enhancing their professional and personal lives alike. Many who once struggled silently now felt empowered, belonging to a community that understood their journey.
The Nurses Lounge of Central Arkansas stands as a beacon of hope in a landscape often marked by isolation. Asha has transformed her personal experiences into a guiding mission:
Our mission is to ensure that every nurse can thrive in their career, overcome burnout, and rediscover the joy of nursing
The Nurses Lounge of Central Arkansas is here to remind nurses that they do not have to navigate this demanding profession alone; they are, in fact, a vital part of a supportive family eager to uplift and empower one another.
Members gathering outside of the Simmons Bank, who lit the building blue in honor of Nurses Week 2025.
From Arkansas Roots to Global Impact: The Story of Tramon Hunnicutt, MSN, MHA, CRNA
Tramon Hunnicutt, a CRNA from Arkansas, transformed from a hesitant pharmacy student to a compassionate anesthesia provider through faith and purpose. His journey highlights the importance of cultural awareness, mentorship, and resilience. Committed to representation in healthcare, he encourages aspiring nurses to pursue their dreams, emphasizing that success is achievable through dedication and support.
Inside The Lounge: From Beauty to Bedside to Building Legacy — The Story of CiCi Jones, RN
Cernelia “CiCi” Jones, an RN and entrepreneur, exemplifies resilience through her journey from styling hair to co-owning Arkstone Surfaces, a countertop fabrication company. Her experiences with family health challenges fueled her nursing passion and shaped her purpose-driven career. CiCi emphasizes the importance of courage, self-care, and empowering the next generation.
Inside The Lounge: Heidi Johnson, BSN, RN — The Artist, The Healer, The Harvest Creator
Heidi Johnson, an Arkansas nurse and artist, blends her passions into a life of service and creativity over two decades. Healing through nursing, vibrant resin art, and gardening, she emphasizes compassion, personal growth, and community. She founded Delette Resin Designs, using art to cope with loss while inspiring others to care for themselves.
Nurses Who Inspire – The Evolution of Adama Chisley, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC: Healer, Family Woman, and Entrepreneur
Adama Chisley exemplifies transformative nursing, blending strength and compassion in her journey as a mental health nurse practitioner and mother. Her story highlights resilience from personal experience with mental illness, advocacy for mental health, and the importance of self-care. Adama champions nurse empowerment and strives to build a legacy centered on love and community.
Inside The Lounge: Shaye Larry, RN — From Caring Hands to Sweet Creations
Shaye Larry, RN, combines her nursing career with a successful bakery, Jastiny’s Treats. After nearly two decades in healthcare, she emphasizes self-care, resilience, and creativity, finding baking therapeutic. As a Friendsgiving 2025 dessert judge, Shaye promotes the importance of mental health and advocates for nurses while honoring her evolving journey.
Nurses Who Inspire: From The Bedside to the Ballot – Dr. Jason Williams, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Dr. Jason Williams, a psychiatric nurse and advocate, is running for the Arkansas State Senate, District 13. With over 17 years of experience in healthcare and a passion for addressing health disparities, he aims to influence policy for improved healthcare access and community empowerment. He co-founded Phive Deuce Entertainment to celebrate Black culture.
Nurses Who Inspire: Turning Statistics Into Success — The Story of Dr. Sherita Lee, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Sherita Lee is a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner and founder of Lee’s Medical Practice & Consulting, a minority women-owned clinic focused on accessible healthcare. Overcoming a challenging upbringing, she advocates for underserved communities, aiming to bridge health disparities through patient-centered care and mentorship, while fostering community empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit.
From Bedside to Beauty — The Story of Sierra Davis, BSN, RN
Sierra Davis, a former nurse, transitioned to become a cosmetology student and Beauty Brand Curator, embracing her passion for natural hair and self-expression. Her journey highlights empowerment, courage, and faith in pursuing joy beyond nursing. Sierra aims to educate women on loving their unique hair, promoting confidence and cultural pride.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Nurse Jaquese Moore’s Wake-Up Call on the Dangers of Overwork
After a night shift, Arkansas nurse Jaquese Moore fell asleep at the wheel and survived a devastating crash—a wake-up call about the dangers of nurse burnout, exhaustion, and overwork. In this emotional interview with The Nurses Lounge of Central Arkansas, she shares her journey of faith, recovery, and the importance of setting boundaries in a profession that often glorifies “pushing through.” Read her powerful story and learn how nurse-led communities like The Nurses Lounge are helping nurses find balance, connection, and support.
Support Resources for Nurses in Central Arkansas Experiencing Financial Hardship
Nurses in Central Arkansas face significant challenges, balancing their roles of caring for patients while experiencing economic stress themselves due to stagnant wages, rising living costs, debt, and limited access to social supports. Despite their expertise in resources, many do not qualify for needed assistance, leading to burnout and emotional strain.
We’re here for you
Meet the Team
Erica TAylor, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Mental Health Partner - Wellness Wednesdays
Erica Taylor, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Mindful Rx, providing compassionate mental health care across the lifespan. She also mentors PMHNPs as a clinical preceptor and creates educational content on psychiatry and professional development.
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Shante Johnson, BSN, RN
Motivation Mondays
Shante Johnson is a psychiatric nurse practitioner student with over 7 years of RN experience, dedicated to making a positive impact in mental health. She balances her passion for nursing with her love for travel, family, and fragrance, bringing compassion into everything she does.
Stephanie Franklin, MSN, RN
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Franklin is a med-surg and acute rehab nurse who enjoys staying active through fitness and quality time with her son. She values the balance between her nursing career, personal wellness, and family life, as it keeps her grounded and energized in all aspects of her journey.
Deterica Sharp, RN
Fit Chek Thursdays
Deterica Sharp is a full-time RN and passionate mompreneur with 10 years of experience, starting her journey as an LPN and soon pursuing her goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. Outside of nursing, she enjoys family time, traveling, being a sports mom, growing her business, and capturing special moments through photography.
Let your light shine
Join A Community Where Your Voice Matters
We know that when nurses have access to the right connections, guidance, and resources, it doesn’t just transform careers — it transforms lives. Together, we’re shaping the future of nursing in Arkansas — one connection at a time.