In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Mark Aitken, a registered nurse with 40 years of diverse experience. Mark shares his journey from his early days to his current role as the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia Implementation Deputy Director. Get ready for an episode packed with inspiration, practical tips, and heartfelt stories.

Key Moments:

Introduction & Welcome (00:00:02 - 00:00:12)

• I introduce the episode and welcome Mark Aitken.
• Mark expresses his excitement about sharing his journey and insights.

Mark’s Nursing Journey (00:00:42 - 00:01:00)

• Mark recounts his transition into nursing, inspired by "The Young Doctors."
• Highlights of his extensive career, including various leadership roles.

Understanding and Managing Burnout (00:09:07 - 00:10:05)

• Mark discusses the emotional labour in nursing and how it led to his experiences with burnout.
• Practical strategies for recognising and managing burnout.

The Importance of Self-Care (00:13:14 - 00:14:13)

• Insights into Mark's self-care routines and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Tips on crafting a personal self-care plan.

Mentorship and Career Growth (00:15:55 - 00:16:30)

• Mark shares the impact of mentorship on his career and offers advice for finding and being a good mentor.
• Encouragement to seize career opportunities and overcome imposter syndrome.

Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (00:32:32 - 00:33:00)

• Overview of the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia and its role in supporting nurses and midwives.
• How the program addresses complex health and well-being issues.

Notable Quotes:

• "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."
• "It's vitally important that you realise if you're going to have a successful career, you prioritise your own health and well-being."
• "If somebody's asking you to do something, chances are it's because they've noticed something in you that they think would be perfect for the job."

Connect with Us: Liam Caswell

• Instagram: @highperformancenursing
• Website: High-Performance Nursing

Mark Aitken

• LinkedIn: Mark Aitken

Get in touch with the NHMPA:

• Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia

FREE RESOURCES

🚀 Want to start your own nurse-led business with the skills you already got?

✅ Download the Bedside to Business Roadmap – a step-by-step launch guide for nurses ready to build an online income stream.

🎓 Watch the Make Nursing Optional Masterclass – discover the 6 steps to turn your nursing skills into a profitable business (without needing another certificate).

CONNECT WITH ME

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @nursepreneuracademy

📩 Got an aha moment from this episode? I’d love to hear from you!

Email: [email protected]

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.