A simple, science-backed way to reset your mind through creativity.
Designed for nurses who need a moment to breathe, reflect, and recharge.

  • No Art Skills Required

  • Self-paced and fully recorded

  • Evidence-based and rooted in the science of well-being

  • Created by a nurse, backed by neuroscience and research

Eligible for 5 continuing Education Credits

Text promoting a 'Brave Beginner' art course focused on resilience and well-being through creativity.

You care for everyone else. This is a place to come back to yourself.

Let This CE Course Care for You

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Feeling drained, disconnected, or like you're running on empty?

Nursing is one of the most meaningful and demanding professions. Long shifts, emotional intensity, and constant pressure can take a real toll over time.

Brave Beginner Art is a self-paced, online course designed to help you manage stress, restore emotional balance, and build resilience through simple, creative practices.

You don’t need to be artistic to benefit. This is not about learning how to paint. It’s about using creativity as a tool to regulate stress, restore clarity, and support your overall well-being.

Designed for registered nurses at any stage of their career, especially those who are ready for a different kind of reset.

This course is for nurses who:

  • Could use a reset, even a small one

  • Want something that actually helps, not one more thing to manage

  • Want CE credits that feel worth their time

  • Are curious about a new, evidence-based way to support well-being

  • Appreciate simple, calming practices that are easy to return to

  • Need something that fits the reality of a nursing schedule

  • Would like more moments of calm, clarity, and breathing room

  • Spend their days caring for others and could use support themselves

  • Want something they can open when they’re tired and close feeling just a little better

What’s Inside the Course

This step-by-step course is designed to fit easily into your busy life. Each module combines practical insights with simple creative exercises that restore balance, calm, and clarity.

Module 1:
Addressing Burnout & Compassion Fatigue Through Creativity 


This module lays the foundation for understanding burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional resilience within the nursing profession. Through research-informed strategies and creative practices, you’ll learn how to recognize early warning signs, regulate stress, and begin using creativity as a meaningful tool to support long-term well-being and professional sustainability.

A young man sitting on the floor by a window, hugging his knees and resting his head on his arms, with a distressed expression.

Lesson 1: Understanding Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Lesson 2: Building Emotional Resilience

Lesson 3: Creative Practice - Mandala & Mindful Drawing

Module 2:
Creative Play, Innovation & Nervous System Support 


This module explores the concept of creativity and its vital role in nursing care, emphasizing how the art of practice supports both personal expression and professional growth. Learners will examine how creative practices strengthen decision-making and contribute to higher-quality patient care, while also using creativity as a tool to reflect on complex professional experiences that may be difficult to capture through words alone.

A woman in a brown crochet sweater and white pants holding a singing bowl with one hand and a wooden mallet with the other. She is sitting cross-legged indoors near a window, with incense burners nearby.

Lesson 1: Creative Play as a Catalyst for Innovation in Nursing

Lesson 2: Restoring Balance - Creative Practices for Nervous System Support

Lesson 3: Art Observation, Walking Meditation, Reflective Integration & Sensory Reset Box

Module 3:
Overall Wellness - How Creativity Supports Physical, Mental & Social Health


This module explores the neuroscience and health benefits of creativity. You'll learn how creative practices engage brain networks that support emotional regulation, reduce cortisol, improve cognitive flexibility, and enhance empathy—making creativity a practical, evidence-based tool for resilience in nursing.

Stacked rocks on a pebble beach with ocean and sky in the background.

Lesson 1: The Science of Creativity and Stress Reduction

Lesson 2: The Health Benefits of Creativity

Lesson 3: Neuro Art Project

Module 4:
Keeping the Creative Flame Alive 


This module explores how intentional creative rituals—like journaling, Morning Pages, and Artist Dates—support sustained well-being in nursing. You’ll learn strategies to integrate creativity into daily life for stress reduction, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and long-term professional resilience.

stack of journaling notebooks on wooden table outside with soft light

Lesson 1: Horizon Painting - Releasing, Intention and Regulation

Optional Bonus Art Project

Lesson 2: Julia Cameron Creative Way Morning Pages & Artist Dates

Lesson 3: Sustaining Your Creative Journey - Building Routines, Setting Goals, and Overcoming Blocks for Lifelong Inspiration


Understanding Why You Feel This Way:

✓ Burnout and compassion fatigue explained simply.

✓ Why your mind always stays “on” after a shift.

✓ How stress shows up in your body and nervous system.


 Simple Ways to Reset and Regulate:

✓ Quick practices to calm your mind.

✓ Creative tools for nervous system support.

✓ Small ways to feel more balanced throughout your day.


 How Creativity Supports Your Well-Being:

✓ The science behind creativity and stress relief.

✓ How creative thinking supports emotional and mental health.

✓ Why this works even if you don’t feel creative.


Making It Part of Your Real Life:

✓ Short creative exercises using minimal supplies.

✓ Practices like mindful drawing, reflection, and walking meditation.

✓ Simple ways to keep this going without pressure.



Woman artist smiling in her studio, surrounded by painting supplies, standing next to a cart with art tools, in front of a large ocean-themed painting.

About the Instructor

Hi there, I'm Nicole.

After 25 years in nursing, I know how physically, emotionally, and mentally overwhelming healthcare can be.

Like many nurses, I spent years putting others first while neglecting my own well-being. I created this course to offer what I wish I’d had-a safe, supportive way to manage stress, process emotions, and reconnect through creativity.

Today, I'm a full-time artist, and I’ve seen how simple creative practices can be powerful tools for grounding, clarity, and resilience.

This isn’t about making “art”. It’s about caring for yourself in real, sustainable ways. If you're feeling drained or want support for your long-term well-being, this course is for you.

Want to hear it from someone else? Read these kind words from some of my past and current students below:

Because creativity isn’t just art, it’s how you heal.

Why it Works:

  • To be perfectly honest I was expecting fluff or how to paint or develop a skill. That was my preconceived notion or bias. I was pleasantly surprised and very appreciative of the research and science behind it. And the “no pressure to do or develop a practice”. Instead, give grace for any minute you spend on yourself. I wish someone had said these words instead.

    - Creative Thinking in Nursing Student

  • I absolutely needed this. After surviving nursing in the ER during the Pandemic, I got tired of the message of "self-care" like: get more sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise. It was so frustrating, nurses do not have knowledge deficits regarding self-care. Nurses get burnt out, we get stuck, we get very little real-life support from our institutions to assist with the coping other than a step-counter and pizza parties. I wish someone had told me your messages of expression and outlets of creativity. I would have benefitted from this greatly!

    - Creative Thinking in Nursing Student

  • Thank you for this gift.

    - Creative Thinking in Nursing Student

  • Love it! Thanks for encouraging creativity and helping to grow the artist within all of us!

    - Creative Thinking in Nursing Student

  • I am enjoying this course immensely!

    - Brave Beginner Art Student

  • A breath of fresh air in constant medical CEs!

    - Brave Beginner Art Student

  • I loved the reflection pieces- these were real world things I could relate to for self care.

    - Brave Beginner Art Student

A Look at What's Included

✔️ 4 self-paced modules broken down into 3+ short and information lessons each.

✔️ Creative practices like mindful drawing, neurographic art, and a walking meditation.

✔️ 2 optional bonus art modules that walk step-by-step through a painting project anyone can do with minimal supplies.

✔️ Burnout and creativity quizzes to spark insight and reflection.

✔️ Sensory-based tools to help teach you to regulate stress in real time.

✔️ Downloadable guides, journaling prompts, and wellness resources.

✔️ Inspiration for sustaining a creative wellness practice in your everyday life.

✔️ A Review & Reflect section at the end of each module to help you prepare for the final CE quiz.

✔️ CE certificate upon completion (Florida Board of Nursing approved).

No art skills needed—just a willingness to begin.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not exactly. There are several art based projects included in the content but the course is more about creativity and wellness.

    Each lesson combines narrated PowerPoint presentations, short educational videos, guided creative exercises, and reflective workbook activities-all backed by current research on the neuroscience of creativity and stress reduction.

    This course isn’t about becoming an artist; it’s about using creative thinking and evidence-based practices to support your emotional resilience, professional growth, and overall well-being.

  • Yes. Every component of this course is grounded in current research across neuroscience, psychology, nursing, and the arts-in-health field.

    You’ll learn how creative engagement supports emotional regulation, resilience, and well-being -and how reflective, hands-on practices can reduce stress and improve focus.

    The lessons translate this research into approachable, real-world strategies you can experience and apply in your own life and nursing practice.

  • This course is designed to strengthen your ability to think creatively, regulate stress, and maintain empathy under pressure.

    You’ll learn how creative and reflective practices enhance decision-making, emotional regulation, and innovation-all key components of nursing excellence and longevity in the profession.

  • Not at all. You don’t need any art experience - just curiosity and an open mind. This course is about the process of creating, not the end result.

    You’ll learn simple, enjoyable ways to use creativity as a tool for stress relief, reflection, and renewal.

  • The Brave Beginner Art Course is a 5-hour CE activity (5 CE credits).

    Each CE hour includes time for narrated presentations, educational videos, creative exercises, and guided reflection in your workbook -all structured to meet nursing continuing education standards.

    You can complete the course at your own pace. Even 15–20 minutes a few times a week adds up quickly, and once all modules and reflective activities are finished, you’ll receive full credit for five CE hours.

  • Yes. This course has been approved for continuing education credit by the Florida Board of Nursing through CE Broker, Provider #20-1305653.

    It has also been reviewed by the California Board of Registered Nursing, which confirmed that it meets their continuing education standards.

    Because each state sets its own CE requirements, we encourage you to check your Board of Nursing website to confirm acceptance for license renewal. You’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course for your records.

  • Many nurses can! A reimbursement form is included in the course that you can submit to your employer if they offer professional development or CE credit reimbursement. It’s a great way to meet your CE requirements while investing in your own well-being.

  • You’ll have lifetime access to all lessons, videos, and downloadable materials-including any future updates. You can log in anytime to review content or repeat activities when you need a creative or reflective reset.

Why “Brave Beginner”?

Nurses are experts in caring for others, but too often beginners in caring for themselves.

We call this course Brave Beginner because it takes courage to try something new for your own well-being:

  • To be a beginner in putting yourself first

  • To be a beginner in slowing down

  • To be a beginner in creative self-expression

  • To be a beginner in letting go of perfection

This isn’t about being a beginner at art.
It’s about being brave enough to begin caring for your own healing, even if it feels unfamiliar.

If you’re willing to take one small step toward yourself, you’re already a Brave Beginner.

Your Investment

Think of it as an investment in your well-being - one that not only helps you thrive personally, but also sustains you in the work you love.

When you join, you’ll get:

✔️ Lifetime access to all modules
✔️ Step-by-step creative practices for resilience
✔️ A supportive approach designed for busy healthcare professionals

You are worth the investment.

Enrollment in Brave Beginner Art is just $129.

Online CE course for nurses emphasizing wellness, stress relief, and burnout prevention in a flexible, self-paced format.

Experience how creativity can support your well-being before you commit.

If you’d prefer to start small…

You can start with a free 1-CE course to experience this approach first.

In about an hour, you’ll see how the creative strengths you already use in patient care can support your well-being in a simple, practical way.

This course has been approved for continuing education credit by the Florida Board of Nursing through CE Broker, Provider # 20-1305653.

While we strive to offer high-quality continuing education that is relevant to nursing practice across the United States, please be aware that each state's Board of Nursing sets its own specific requirements for continuing education. The acceptance of this course for credit may vary depending on the state where you hold your nursing license.

It is the sole responsibility of the individual learner to determine if this course meets the specific continuing education requirements of their licensing board.

We recommend that you:

  • Check with your state's Board of Nursing website to confirm their continuing education requirements, including any specific topics or provider accreditations (e.g., ANCC).

  • Keep a copy of your course completion certificate for your records in case of a license audit.

By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this statement and accept responsibility for verifying its applicability to your professional license renewal.