In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the High-Performance Nursing Podcast, host Liam Caswell sits down with the remarkable Shauna Wilson, a nurse and author from Brisbane, Queensland. Shauna shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, embracing her true identity, transitioning from male to female, stepping into her amazing power, and advocating for change within the healthcare system as a transgender woman.

Key Topics Discussed:

Shauna's Early Life and Military Background:

Born on a military base in Victoria, Shauna's early years involved moving around due to her father's military career.

Her brief stint in the military, facing challenges like bullying and bastardization, and ultimately leaving due to these harsh experiences.

Struggles with Gender Identity:

Shauna's lifelong struggle with gender dysphoria and the difficulties she faced growing up biologically identified as male.

The impact of societal expectations and her attempts to conform to male-dominated roles, including working in corrections and the truck industry.

Personal and Professional Transformation:

Shauna's journey back to the military, her personal battles with depression, and her eventual decision to transition.

The impact of coming out to her wife and family, leading to significant personal and professional changes.

Healthcare Experiences and Advocacy:

Shauna’s transition into nursing and her dedication to improving the healthcare system for transgender individuals.

Her experiences with discriminatory policies, such as blood donation restrictions, and her relentless advocacy for change.

Public Speaking and Education:

Shauna’s role as a speaker at various nursing forums and her efforts to educate healthcare professionals about transgender issues.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in nursing education and practice.

Shauna’s Book:

The inspiration and process behind writing her book, “You Say Different, I Say Individual: My Journey to Transition and Become Me.”

The impact she hopes her story will have on others, particularly in fostering understanding and acceptance.

Notable Quotes:

• "I’ve never been one to be a victim. I don't allow hurdles to be put in front of me. If something is there, it's because I've allowed it to be there."
• "The only reason a hurdle is in front of you is because you've allowed it to be there. If you can't go under, around, or over it, go through it."
• "People come to me when they're in pain and need my help. That's when I connect with them, not when they're demanding it."

Tune in to this enlightening episode to hear Shauna's full story and learn about her incredible journey of resilience and advocacy. Don't miss her insights on how we can create a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment.

Be sure to grab a copy of her book to dive deeper into her experiences and wisdom.

Links and Resources:

• Shauna’s Book: You Say Different, I Say Individual
• Connect with Shauna Here

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If you’re a nurse who knows you’re made for more—and you’re craving bold conversations about building a freedom-based, impact-driven business using the skills you already have—The NursePreneur Podcast is for you.

You’ll love this show if you're already tuning into The NursePreneurs Podcast with Catie Harris for nurse entrepreneur spotlights, the Gritty Nurse Podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley and Sara Fung for advocacy and raw honesty, The Nurse Break by Jackson Heilberg for real career stories, Scrubs and Stocks by Ellaine Maala for nurse wealth and investing, or Nurse John’s I Beg Your Pardon for comedic truth-telling from the bedside trenches.

Here, host Liam delivers behind-the-scenes strategy, belief-busting mindset shifts, and practical steps to help you build a soul-aligned nurse-led business—without needing another certificate to get started. This is the podcast for nurse entrepreneurs who are done waiting and ready to lead.