Your Nurse Voice Matters

Some nursing experiences aren’t just experiences… they’re wake-up calls. ⚠️ (Warning: this may trigger some listeners. If this affects you, seek trusted, professional support.) What happens when a nurse does the right thing—and everything falls apart? When speaking up leads to isolation, investigations, and a system that turns its back? This powerful, confronting conversation with Anne Jones is about courage, bullying, and what it really costs to stand up for patients, colleagues, and integrity. It’s about persistent ‘resilience’ in the face of relentless pressure—and the strength it takes to keep going when everything is stacked against you. Surviving, for self and others. These are the voices that need to be heard. Not just to share experiences, but to create awareness, spark change, and remind every nurse: you are not alone, others walk alongside you. Because behind every headline or “incident” is a human being, a career, a family—and a story that matters. 🎙️ If you know a story like this—one that needs to be heard, one that could make a difference—introduce us in a 3-way chat. 💬🤝 [email protected] To contact Anne email [email protected] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-jones-75410145/

In this episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy sits down with Registered Nurse and Workplace Health & Safety expert Kylie Long to explore what it truly means to expand your nursing career — without walking away from it. With over 30 years of experience in cardiac and emergency nursing, Kylie shares how her early passion for prevention and systems thinking led her into a second career in workplace health and safety. From hospitals to construction sites — including Brisbane’s Airport Link project — Kylie has applied her nursing lens to high-risk industries, helping organisations build safer, people-centred systems. But what makes Kylie’s story especially powerful is this: she never gave up her nursing registration. After nearly walking away from nursing altogether, a pivotal conversation changed her perspective. Instead of leaving nursing behind, she realised she was expanding it. By maintaining her clinical currency — even while working in other industries — Kylie created professional freedom, financial security, and a safety net during times of redundancy. In this conversation, Kylie and Wendy discuss: The shift from structured cardiac care to the chaos of emergency nursing Why prevention and systems thinking matter across industries Practical strategies for maintaining nursing registration while exploring other careers The power of transferable nursing skills in business and leadership Why flexibility is critical to retaining nurses in the workforce How keeping your registration can create long-term career security Kylie’s golden nugget for nurses at every stage? You will have to tune in to find out! This episode is a powerful reminder that nursing is not a narrow path — it’s a foundation. And sometimes, the thing you think you’re moving away from becomes the very thing that supports you most. Kylie can be contacted through LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyliealongsafetysupportsolutions/ If you know a Nurse with a story to share, contact Wendy at www.healtyoptionsnow.org

Are you feeling stuck in your nursing career… or wondering what else is out there? In this eye-opening episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy Trevarthen dives into the world of non-traditional nursing roles—and there are far more opportunities than you might think. From digital health and telehealth innovation to humanitarian work, education, entrepreneurship, legal consulting, and even media—this episode uncovers powerful, flexible, and fulfilling career pathways that allow nurses to use their skills in completely new ways. If you’ve ever thought: “I love nursing, but I don’t want to stay at the bedside forever” “There must be more I can do with my experience” “I want a career that aligns with my passion and lifestyle” …then this episode is for you. ✨ Discover where your nursing skills can take you ✨ Learn how to think beyond traditional roles ✨ Get inspired to create a career that truly fits your life 👉 This could be the conversation that changes how you see your future in nursing. If you have or know a nurse who has a story to tell, connect us! www.healthyoptionsnow.org

In this powerful and honest conversation, Wendy sits down with Nurse Rob Timmings — known to many as Nurse Rob from ECT4Health — a nurse educator with 37 years of experience spanning ICU, emergency, flight retrieval, rural and remote nursing, hyperbaric medicine, and now international nurse education. Rob shares his journey from a St John Ambulance cadet with dreams of becoming a paramedic, to hospital-trained nurse in the 1980s, through intensive care and burns, emergency nursing, helicopter retrieval, and ultimately rural practice in outback Queensland. His career is truly one of “ups and downs” — from flight nursing to hyperbaric chambers — and every chapter has shaped his passion for education. A turning point came when statewide cuts to nurse education roles forced Rob to rethink his future. Rather than leaving nursing, he and his wife created ECT4Health — blending high-quality clinical education with conference-style learning experiences and educational holidays across Australia and beyond. But this episode goes deeper. Rob speaks candidly about what he believes is missing in nursing today: genuine care for each other. He highlights the mounting pressure on inexperienced nurses, the emotional toll of feeling “never enough,” and the importance of self-reflection, grounding, and prioritising patient care over paperwork. His golden advice? When entering a new specialty, stop trying to know everything. Be willing to be shaped, supported, and moulded. This is a heartfelt, thought-provoking episode about resilience, mentorship, transition, and remembering why we became nurses in the first place. If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review. Your Nurse Voice Matters — and together, we strengthen our profession. If you know a nurse with a story to tell, contact Wendy Trevarthen www.healthyoptionsnow.org Rob’s contact information [email protected]

In this powerful two-part solo series on Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy explores two closely connected themes that many nurses experience but rarely pause to examine: the hidden costs of staying in the same role too long, and how frustration can actually be a signal for growth. In the first episode, Wendy unpacks five often-overlooked consequences of remaining in one position without intentional career reflection. While longevity can bring expertise and stability, it can also lead to career drift, reduced confidence in transferable skills, chronic stress, missed leadership and income opportunities, and ultimately burnout becoming the exit strategy. Drawing on her decades of nursing experience and insights from her book Dear Nurse Me… Transitions, Wendy challenges nurses to reflect on whether time has quietly replaced growth and whether fatigue has been normalized as “just part of the job.” 🩺 In the second episode, she reframes frustration not as poor performance or negativity, but as data. Frustration, she explains, is a message — not a mood. Wendy helps nurses distinguish between system-based frustrations and personal growth frustrations, recognize when competence has turned into confinement, and identify emotional reactivity as an early warning sign of burnout. Most importantly, she encourages listeners to turn frustration into forward momentum. 🚀 Together, these episodes are a compassionate but direct call to action: don’t wait until burnout forces your hand. Pause, reflect, and consider what growth might be calling you forward. 🌱 If you know a nurse who has a story to tell contact Wendy through www.healthyoptionsnow.org

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses patient harm, medical misconduct, death, and systemic failures within healthcare. Some listeners may find the content distressing. Please take care while listening and seek professional support if needed. In this powerful and confronting episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy speaks with renowned nurse and patient advocate Toni Hoffman about one of the most significant patient safety failures in Australian healthcare history—the Bundaberg Hospital case involving Dr Jayant Patel—and the enduring lessons for nurses today. Toni shares her extraordinary nursing journey, from ICU and midwifery work in Australia, the UK, and the Middle East, to her leadership role in Bundaberg Hospital. She courageously recounts how she and other clinicians identified serious clinical red flags, escalating patient harm, and the systematic dismantling of safety checks—only to be ignored, discredited, and threatened when they spoke up. At the heart of this conversation is a critical message: nurses are vital patient advocates, and speaking up—while difficult and often isolating—is essential to community safety. Toni offers practical guidance for nurses at any stage of their career on recognising warning signs, documenting concerns, using internal reporting systems, and seeking external support when internal processes fail. This episode is not just a reflection on the past; it is a call to action for today’s nurses to support one another, stand firm in ethical practice, and protect patients when they cannot protect themselves. Contact Toni Hoffman: Email: [email protected] If you know a Registered Nurse that has a story to tell, pass, connect with me www.healthyoptionsnow.org.

 Many nurses reach a point in their career where they quietly ask, “Is this all there is?” And yet, they often carry guilt for even thinking it. In this episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I continue the nursing application and career mindset series by unpacking career restlessness — particularly for mid-career nurses who’ve invested years into their roles, taken on responsibility, and still feel something is missing. This conversation normalises that feeling of restlessness and explores what’s really underneath it. Is it burnout, boredom, or an evolution in your nursing identity? Is it a lack of gratitude — or a lack of alignment with your values, strengths, and sense of purpose?   I also dive into the identity trap in nursing, how healthcare system pressures intensify dissatisfaction, and why careers are never linear — they move in cycles of growth, plateaus, and opportunity. Rather than seeing restlessness as a problem, this episode reframes it as data — a signal pointing to unmet needs or unrealised potential. You’ll hear practical reflections on fear, confidence, income concerns, and how intentional, lateral or temporary moves can create momentum without burning bridges. This is about giving yourself permission to move — thoughtfully, confidently, and on your terms. 3 key takeaways: • Restlessness is information, not failure • Career growth happens in cycles, not straight lines • Intentional transitions are powerful and valid, and how to recognise the subtle signs that you may need to look for something new If you are or know a Registered Nurse that has a story to tell, put me in touch with them www.healthyoptionsnow.org

🎙️ In this solo episode, Wendy brings together two powerful live recordings from the Your Nurse Voice Matters (previously known as Healthy Options Now) Facebook group to explore a question many nurses quietly ask themselves: Is this burnout, or have I outgrown my role? In the first half, Wendy unpacks the signs that you may have outgrown your nursing role. Key themes include: Loss of enjoyment — boredom, lack of challenge, and feeling undervalued Misaligned expectations — what you were promised versus reality Limited opportunities — no visible career pathway or growth In the second half, Wendy clarifies the critical difference between burnout and role misalignment. Key themes include: The source of the problem — workload and fatigue versus poor role fit How you feel after rest — relief versus persistent dissatisfaction What you fantasise about changing — hours and shifts versus purpose and direction This episode encourages reflection, self-awareness, and proactive career conversations — before frustration turns into burnout. If you know a nurse that has a story to tell, put us in touch www.healthyoptionsnow.org

In this inspiring episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, host Wendy Trevarthen speaks with Dr. Sue Gledhill, registered nurse, midwife, academic, researcher, community volunteer, and lifelong learner. Sue shares her extraordinary journey, beginning with a turbulent childhood and no high-school education, through to becoming a respected clinician, manager, researcher, and educator. Sue reflects on her unconventional entry into nursing, her deep connection with Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane and how her early work in respiratory care led to groundbreaking conversations around sexuality and ageing—eventually forming the basis of her PhD research. Her story is a powerful reminder that dedication, curiosity, and vision can overcome even the greatest barriers. As the conversation unfolds, Sue offers heartfelt encouragement to early-career nurses, emphasising the importance of staying curious, seeking mentors, and holding onto the images of the future you want to create. She also shares how volunteering, community radio, and continuous study have shaped a meaningful, balanced professional life. Sue closes with a piece of wisdom drawn directly from her life experience—something she says made everything possible—and listeners will feel the impact of that insight long after the episode ends. Three Key Points: Lifelong learning opens unexpected doors—no matter where you begin. Mentorship and community can change the course of a career. Vision and purpose create momentum when the path ahead isn’t yet visible. Dr. Sue Gledhill can be contacted via email [email protected] If you know a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, introduce us [email protected] Wendy’s website for more information is www.healthyoptionsnow.org  

After 36 years as a Registered Nurse, I never imagined my path would lead to helping aspiring authors bring their stories to life 📚. My journey with Ultimate 48 Hour Author began back in 2018, when I published my very first book with the amazing Natasa Denman. Since then, I’ve gone on to publish further books — both independently and as part of her team — which has deepened my passion for guiding new authors to start on the right path. Last week, Nat and I sat down for a Sales Mastery interview, exploring what it’s really like to transition from nursing into a completely different space — one that involves sales conversations (yes, that word we nurses often shy away from!). In this relaxed, Q&A-style chat, we unpack the mindset shifts that make all the difference, how to bring your natural empathy and communication skills into sales, and how to help clients see the value of what you offer as a genuine solution to their needs. Whether you’re a nurse considering a new direction or simply curious about how these skills translate beyond the hospital walls, this one’s for you. 🎙️ Tune in and take a listen — it’s a conversation full of insights, laughter, and practical wisdom for anyone ready for their next chapter. For more information about the Ultimate 48 Hour Author, visit https://www.writeabook.com.au/ If you are a Registered Nurse or know a Registered Nurse who has a story to tell, reach out to me. https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

In this inspiring episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, host Wendy Trevarthen sits down with Kerri Anne Dooley, Member of Parliament for Redcliffe and CEO of MyCare Enterprises. With a career spanning decades in nursing, community care, and palliative services, Kerri Anne shares her remarkable journey, from international volunteer work in West Africa and Asia to founding a 24/7 palliative care service during the CO&%D-19 pandemic. Kerri Anne reflects on the pivotal moments that led her from the bedside to politics, including her advocacy role in establishing Queensland’s only children’s hospice, Hummingbird House. She also opens up about balancing family, study, and leadership, the lessons of resilience, and how this has shaped her ability to stay true to her community that she serves. This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for nurses who want to amplify their voice—whether in healthcare, policy, or the wider community. And towards the end of the episode, Kerri Anne leaves us with a golden nugget tip—a piece of advice you won’t want to miss. 🌟 📲 You can connect with Kerri Anne through her social media pages. 📧If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with home birth midwife Kelly Zarkaroff to explore the challenges, heartbreak, and resilience that come with working in one of healthcare’s most demanding roles. Kelly opens up about a critical moment in her career—losing a baby during a home birth—and the subsequent AHPRA investigation that placed restrictions on her practice. She shares how the process shook her confidence, intensified feelings of burnout, and forced her to confront the often-unspoken struggles midwives face. Her experiences are also shared in her book, "The Midwife Crisis," and she is touring Australia, speaking to relevant groups about her experiences. Through her candid reflections, Kelly offers valuable insights into the importance of self-care, professional support, and building resilience to prevent burnout. Her story is one of vulnerability, courage, and hard-earned wisdom. And towards the end of the episode, Kelly leaves us with a golden nugget tip—a piece of advice you won’t want to miss. 🌟   📲 You can connect with Kelly through her social media pages. 📧 If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org  

In this episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy Trevarthen sits down with Tammy Copley, a nurse and midwife with 44 years of experience across hospitals, communities, universities, and leadership roles. Tammy is also the founder of Nurses and Midwives Against Bullying Australia, and together they unpack the complex and confronting issue of workplace bullying. You’ll hear three key insights: Defining Bullying Clearly – what it is, what it isn’t, and how to recognise the patterns early. The Human and Professional Impact – from emotional tolls to physical harm, career disruption, and the ripple effects on families and workplaces. Pathways Forward – practical steps for those experiencing bullying, ways managers can support staff, and why healthier workplace cultures are vital for retention and patient If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org

In this episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy Trevarthen takes on the important and often unspoken topic of ageism in nursing. Drawing on her own career experience, Wendy explores how age-related assumptions can impact both younger and older nurses, sometimes in subtle but damaging ways. You’ll discover three key insights: Defining Ageism in Nursing – how it can affect nurses across all ages, not just older staff. Generational Strengths & Differences – why communication and expectations often clash, and how to turn differences into team strengths. Building Respect & Inclusion – practical strategies to bridge the gap, reduce stereotypes, and strengthen care outcomes. Stay tuned until the end for a powerful gold nugget—a reflection that shifts the conversation from frustration to a deeper principle every nurse can carry forward. If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org

This episode features Marianne, the founder and CEO of Quantum Leap Global, an organization she created in 2020 to transform how individuals and teams thrive through psychological safety 🌱. With over 20 years in large corporations—rising from office junior to COO—Marianne brings deep expertise in leadership, team dynamics, and cultural change. Her passion is helping people show up authentically, work effectively, and leave whole—not burnt out. In our conversation, Marianne shares her insights on what psychological safety truly means and why it’s far more than just being “nice.” We explore three key themes: why psychological safety is critical in healthcare, especially for nurses 🩺; strategies for navigating toxic hierarchies and intergenerational differences; and practical steps to protect your well-being when facing bullying or lack of respect. And stay tuned until the very end—Marianne leaves us with a powerful gold nugget 💡 that could change how you view your career and your voice in any workplace. To connect with Marianne, visit  https://quantumleap-global.com If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org  

This week, I’m thrilled to introduce the incredible Di Riddell — confidence coach, speaker, author, and proud retired nurse. With a career spanning decades, Di brings heart, humour, and wisdom to our conversation about nursing then and now. ✨ Key takeaways from our chat: Nursing in the '60s was nothing like today — uniforms, rules, and the matron’s eyes were intense! Di’s wild ride from trainee nurse to stepmum of four at age 24 — and how she found her way back to nursing. Why your voice matters — and how confidence isn’t a trophy on the wall but an energy you radiate. The value of teamwork, tenacity, and toeing the line (or not 😉). A timeless reminder that despite the tech, nursing is still human work. 👀 Stay tuned for a surprising gold nugget near the end — one of Di’s cheekiest stories yet! You can contact Di at [email protected] If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org  

In this high-value episode, we chat with Joanne Glover —a senior management executive with a powerful story and a clear passion for supporting nurses. Jo breaks down big leadership lessons into fast, relatable insights that will shift your thinking. You'll hear about: The defining moment that sparked her path Quick mindset shifts that helped her navigate career changes How to lead teams with clarity, courage, and ease Practical strategies for supporting nurses through tough transitions What real, effective leadership feels like in action And just before we wrap, Jo shares a golden nugget—a must-hear insight for anyone in healthcare leadership or on their own career path. If you're a nurse with a story to share, we want to hear it. Get in touch with Wendy at [email protected]   Contact details for Jo  www.linkedin.com/in/jo-glover-health Instagram https://instagram.com/jo_ann3174

Burnout, shift work, metabolic chaos—sound familiar? In this eye-opening episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, we chat with RN and health coach Joff Ylarde, who takes us behind the scrubs and into the heart of a personal health transformation. Jof shares the raw reality of being a nurse who gave everything to the job—until his health forced him to hit pause. Now 40 kilos lighter and off medication, Joff helps other nurses reclaim their energy, focus, and confidence through lifestyle change and low-carb nutrition. He opens up about shift snacks, stress coping, and how unspoken burnout creeps in—physically and emotionally. If you're a nurse stuck in survival mode, this episode could be the turning point you didn’t know you needed. 🌟 Gold Nugget? Joff reveals the one thing every nurse must ask themselves before they even think about changing their health. You’ll want to hear this. You can contact Joff with the contact details below.   Email: [email protected] Website: healthcoachjoff.com.au   If you would like to be a guest or if you know someone who may, here is Wendy’s link to make an enquiry https://calendly.com/healthyoptionsnow/generalenquiryzoom  

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sue Cosgrove—a nurse whose leadership journey began not in a boardroom, but in the heart of her rural community. With decades of experience across clinical care and executive roles, Sue shares how values like compassion, advocacy, and connection have shaped her career. From the early days on the floor to navigating major systemic changes, she speaks candidly about the challenges of supporting teams, leading through crisis, and staying true to her purpose. Sue’s wisdom is grounded in lived experience, and her reflections offer clarity and strength to nurses at every career stage. Now a mentor to future nurse leaders, she brings deep insight and humility to the conversation, reminding us that leadership is not about titles—but about service. This episode is rich with heart, truth, and perspective—and just when you think it’s wrapping up, Sue leaves us with something quietly unforgettable. You can contact Sue through her website https://zestagain.com/services/ If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org

In this powerful episode, we meet Kylie Craven—The Real and Raw Nurse Mentor—whose journey from burnout to breakthrough is nothing short of inspiring. From failing high school to becoming a respected clinical leader in fast-paced emergency departments, Kylie's path proves that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. After 16 years on the frontline, she hit stage 12 burnout—battling chronic pain, depression, and a system that prioritised KPIs over compassion. Replaced before she even left the hospital, Kylie knew it was time for a change. She didn’t just recover—she reinvented. Stepping away from the bedside, she built a life of time, financial, and location freedom, and now empowers nurses around the world to do the same. Through unapologetic truth, mindset coaching, and digital entrepreneurship, Kylie helps others rediscover their worth and lead with impact. This episode is raw, real, and full of heart—and just when you think she’s given it all, she drops something at the end you’ll want to hear. You can contact Kylie through her social links Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kylie.craven Instagram https://www.instagram.com/therealandrawnursementor/ If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org

In this final episode of the current series of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy reflects on the courageous stories shared by guests throughout the season. Episodes covered topics from personal transitions, burnout recovery, and wellness advocacy, to advancing nursing roles and addressing challenging healthcare issues like dementia and voluntary assisted dying. Wendy closes with a heartfelt passage titled It Takes Courage to Be a Nurse, sharing personal experiences that highlight the emotional, ethical, and professional challenges nurses face daily. The episode serves as an invitation for more nurses to share their stories, fostering connection, inspiration, and resilience. If you would like to be a guest on Your Nurse Voice Matters contact Wendy https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/  

Sandi Hadden’s Journey to Nurse Practitioner & Advocacy for Voluntary Assisted Dying, Courage, Palliative Care, and Advocating for Patient Choice. In this episode, we sit down with Sandi, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in Aged and Palliative Care. Sandi takes us through her inspiring and determined journey—from training at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne in 1984 to navigating roles in general medical nursing, oncology, and eventually, palliative care. Her experience working with cancer patients facing end-of-life care deeply influenced her career path. She shares how she knocked on doors to secure her first palliative care role and how her passion led her across states, from Melbourne to Queensland and back to Victoria. Along the way, Sandi pursued postgraduate studies, gained leadership experience as a Director of Nursing, and ultimately answered the call to become a Nurse Practitioner—a goal she achieved in 2015. Sandi also opens up about her involvement in the Voluntary Assisted Dying movement, discussing the complexities, ethical considerations, and the impact on patients and families. Her perspective provides a thought-provoking look at end-of-life care and the evolving role of nurses in advocating for patient choice. Join us for this compelling conversation about courage, career transitions, and the power of compassionate care. If you would like to get in touch with Sandi or be a guest on this podcast, make contact today at https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/  

Are you feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or struggling to find balance in your work and life? In this episode, we sit down with Celeste Cleary, a powerhouse in emotional intelligence, well-being, and workplace transformation. With over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and health coach across regional, rural, and remote Queensland and Canada, Celeste understands the unique challenges professionals face. Celeste shares how individuals and organisations can build emotionally intelligent teams, reduce stress, and create healthier, more engaged workplaces. Through dynamic workshops, coaching, and leadership strategies, Celeste empowers teams to reduce turnover, boost productivity, and thrive. Her approach, grounded in positive psychology and real-world experience, offers practical tools to help you cultivate resilience, embrace change, and create sustainable habits for long-term success. Whether you're a leader looking to enhance your team’s well-being or an individual seeking strategies to manage stress and build balance, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in and discover how small shifts can lead to big transformations in both your work and personal life!   Celeste’s contact details are:- Website: https://www.flourishingwellness.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/celestecleary Facebook Group: "The Thrive Collective: Strong women, balanced lives!" Link to join: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HFsUAjo63/ If you would like to be a guest on this podcast, make contact today  https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the heart of nursing—compassion and connection. I’m Wendy Trevarthen, and joining me is the incredible John Rosenberg, a nursing leader whose career has been defined by his deep commitment to caring for others, through direct clinical work, research and teaching/mentoring. John has spent decades shaping the way we think about nursing, emphasizing the vital role of human connection. From his early days at the bedside to influencing healthcare policies, his career highlights include groundbreaking initiatives that have strengthened patient-nurse relationships and improved outcomes. In this conversation, John shares his wisdom on why compassion isn’t just a trait but a skill nurses must cultivate. He reflects on moments that shaped his philosophy and offers insights on preserving empathy in an increasingly fast-paced healthcare world. Prepare for an inspiring discussion that will reaffirm why meaningful connections remain at the heart of our profession. If you would like to reach back to john, make contact with me and I will put you in touch. If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org  

With over 40 years in nursing, Toni has dedicated her career to improving care for older adults and people living with dementia. As the first Nurse Practitioner in Aged Care and Delirium within the acute hospital system, she pioneered new ways to support some of the most vulnerable patients. From community health to palliative care, Toni’s experience is vast, but her passion remains the same—ensuring that patients are always at the centre of care. After leaving Queensland Health in 2021, she took on a new challenge as an NDIS Support Worker, focusing on younger-onset dementia. Even in retirement, her advocacy hasn’t stopped. She’s a consumer representative on an End-of-Life Care working group and a founding committee member of the upcoming Death Expo in 2025. In this episode, we explore Toni’s career, her research into patient-centred care, and how she continues to push for change in dementia care and end-of-life conversations. What has she learned about the health system, and where does she see the future of aged care heading? Tune in to hear her insights, stories, and the lessons that have shaped her journey. If you or an Registered Nurse has as story to tell, make contact with Wendy at  www.healthoptionsnow.org      

Claire Kelly is a highly experienced specialist cancer nurse, HCANZA Accredited Health & Wellness Coach, and Cancer Wellness Coach's founder. With over 3 decades of clinical experience, specialising in cancer, women’s health, and evidence-based health and wellness. With an extensive career in oncology and palliative care, Claire has a reputation as a clinical leader and has led a range of national supportive care programs and innovative cancer and palliative care support programs in Australia and UK and has led and published research studies. Claire was recognised as one of the UK’s Top 10 Cancer Nurses and has extensive experience in providing supportive care to clients and their families throughout their cancer experiences. She is the author of Wellness Coaching Australia’s Cancer Coaching Course, a consultant with Sage Women’s Health and Director of Queensland’s Advanced Breast Cancer Group. Claire is dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centered support for individuals and their families experiencing a cancer diagnosis and living with and beyond cancer. Claire offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support the individual and their loved ones, ensuring that clients' holistic health and well-being goals are acknowledged and supported with compassion and expertise. You can contact Claire here - https://cancerwellnesscoach.com/ If you would like to be a guest on this podcast, make contact today https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

Christine Boucher spent over 20 years working in the healthcare industry as a Registered Nurse, specialising in Cardio-thoracic Intensive Care, travelling internationally working in England, France and the USA. Transitioning from nurse to health coach she is the CEO of her company Wellness Worx, working with Government organisations, small and medium businesses designing and delivering their strategic 12-month Health and Well-Being Plans. Facilitating a fleet of wellness workshops and coaching individuals, and leadership teams to build strong team dynamics, optimally performing individuals and healthy organisational cultures.   Christine resides by the beautiful lakes of East Gippsland and describes herself as an engaged and empathetic relationship builder. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Degree, Diploma Critical Care Nursing, Diploma Bowen Therapy, Level 3 Health & Wellness Coaching and a Master’s in Business Administration.   Christine believes that workplaces are the new frontier of the healthcare industry and early intervention, working proactively, implementing strategic wellness plans that can disrupt and ultimately change the trajectory of people's health journey keeping them out of hospital, and contributing to their workplace, community and the economy. She is on a mission to see all workplaces implement a standard wellness position to care for their most valuable asset, their people. You can contact Christine through www.wellnessworx.com.au Her gift for you today is her survey -  https://ww-burnout-survey.scoreapp.com/   If you would like to be a guest on this podcast, make contact with Wendy today https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

Michelle is a registered nurse with almost 3 decades of experience in Australia's busiest emergency and critical care units. Alongside her demanding career, she faced the challenges of managing a new family business and raising three young children, which brought about stress and anxiety.   Michelle continued to work hard, care for everyone else and one day found herself in the depths of stage 12 burnout and suffering severe health issues including alcoholism. With her husband away and their children still asleep, this moment Michelle realized she needed to change her life or face dire consequences.   Taking matters into her own hands, Michelle embarked on a journey of self-recovery. Faced with limited access to professional help in regional Australia, she dedicated herself to learning about physical, mental, and emotional well-being.   Today, Michelle is a leading coach, helping nurses not only overcome burnout, but also to reach their true potential and create a life they love!  Michelle shares her amazing story and strategy with people struggling or seeking to improve their life and business.   She shares her story, her passion and her big reasons why she does what she does in this Episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, from Burnout to Thriving.   You can find out more about Michelle at www.thehealthyhappynurse.com   If you or a Registered Nurse you know has a story to tell contact Wendy at www.healthyoptionsnow.org

Join host Wendy Trevathan from Brisbane, Australia, on 'Your Nurse Voice Matters' as she interviews her sister, Anne James, a retired Registered Nurse with over four decades of experience. Anne shares her extensive nursing journey, from her initial training in 1978 to her pioneering work in nurse-led chronic disease management clinics. The discussion delves into pivotal moments such as their father's illness, which inspired both sisters to pursue and stay within nursing for over four decades. Anne also discusses her personal battle with chronic autoimmune conditions and how it led her to write her memoir and another book, ultimately founding "VIP Health Mastery" to empower others. This episode is rich with personal stories, professional insights, and essential advice for nurses on advocacy and patient care. To reach back to Anne for any enquiries email her at [email protected]   If you are a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, or know one that has, reach back to me at www.healthyoptionsnow.org  

Welcome to Your Nurse Voice Matters, the podcast where inspiration meets education, and advocacy drives transformation. I’m Wendy Trevarthen, your host and a proud retired nurse with over 36 years in public health. My journey began when my father’s battle with a life-threatening illness inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to supporting nurses as they navigate their careers and advocate for their patients. I want to share why Your Nurse Voice Matters was created in this first episode. This podcast is a space for us to connect, reflect, and grow together as a community of caregivers, leaders, and changemakers. Inspiration: Through real stories, we’ll explore the paths nurses take to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact. Education: You’ll gain practical strategies to navigate job transitions, master interviews, and excel in your career. Advocacy: Together, we’ll tackle workforce issues, career sustainability, and the future of healthcare, amplifying the voices of nurses everywhere. As the author of Dear Nurse Me… Transitions and creator of a comprehensive career transition program, I’ve seen firsthand the power of nurses when they are supported and empowered. So, thank you for being here. Grab your earbuds and join me on this journey to ensure that your voice, our voice, truly matters. Let’s dive in! If you would like to participate in a future episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, email Wendy at [email protected] If you would like more information about what I do head to  https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

🎉 Welcome to the very first episode of my podcast! 🎉 This is a space where we celebrate nurses—the heart of healthcare. You’ll hear inspiring stories from nurses across all walks of life, each with a unique journey that often hasn’t been easy but is always impactful. Together, we’ll uncover the triumphs, challenges, and truths of this incredible caring profession. In every episode, you’ll gain insights from expert nurses in their fields and hear heartfelt messages they’re eager to share with the world. But we’re not stopping there—we’ll also feature voices from outside the nursing world, offering tips and tools to help you nurture your well-being as you navigate this demanding but rewarding career. This is a raw, real, and unapologetically honest podcast. It’s a channel for nurse advocacy, empowerment, and the change our profession needs. Thank you for being here to celebrate this exciting launch with us. Let’s get started! 🌟 For more information and to reach back to me, here is my website https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/