Real Nurse Stories

By Eva Storey Nurse CoachBusiness Careers

Real Nurse Stories episodes

March 17Margaret's Story
Margaret’s Story
A Real Nurse Stories Podcastathon Special Episode
This episode is very close to my heart.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of sponsoring a young woman from Kibera, one of the largest informal settlements in Africa, through three years of nurse training in Kenya. That young woman is Margaret Ochieng.
Today, she is a qualified nurse.
In this episode, I sit down with Margaret, alongside two extraordinary leaders who make this life-changing work possible: Leonida Kwamboka Oriki, Director of Wanawake kwa Wanawake, and Evalyne Legei, Project Leader for Women in Wanawake.
Together, we talk about what community empowerment really looks like. Not in theory. In real lives.
This journey was made possible through Women for Women in Africa, an Australian-based, volunteer-run DGR1 charity founded in 2004 by Marguerite Ryan AM.
What began as informal education in shipping containers has grown into a trusted grassroots organisation creating lasting change in Nairobi, partnering with Wanawake kwa Wanawake, a women-led community centre whose name translates to Women for Women.
Their mission is simple and powerful: Hope through Education.
Through school sponsorships, university pathways, and practical skills training, they support women and families to break cycles of poverty and build independence, dignity, and safety.
Every program is built with the community, for the community.
Community empowerment in Kibera
Women’s skills development and economic independence
Margaret’s journey to becoming a nurse
The cultural shifts happening in Kenya
The ripple effect education has on families and future generations
The power of sponsorship and what it truly means
Margaret shares openly about:
Growing up in Kibera
Being nominated for sponsorship
The challenges of nursing school
The resilience it took to keep going
How becoming a nurse has changed not just her life, but her family’s future
One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is hearing how education doesn’t just transform one person; it shifts an entire family system.
This is community-led development in action. This is women’s empowerment in real time. This is what sponsorship impact actually looks like.
In Kibera, opportunities for young women are limited. Without education and sponsorship, many girls face early marriage, financial dependency, and restricted life choices.
Margaret’s story is proof that when one young woman is supported, the ripple effect extends far beyond her.
It reaches families. Communities. Generations.
How You Can Help
If this episode moves you, please consider:
Making a donation
Sponsoring a young woman through her education
Sharing this episode with someone who cares about global nursing, education, or women’s empowerment
Sponsorship is not charity in the traditional sense. It is a partnership. It is a belief. It is an investment in leadership and possibility.
And as nurses, we understand better than most the power of education to change lives.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Real Nurse Stories and Margaret’s Journey
01:16 – Empowering Women in Kibera: Leonida’s Perspective
04:02 – Evelyn’s Role in Women’s Empowerment Programs
06:45 – Cultural Shifts in Women’s Roles in Construction
09:44 – Margaret’s Inspiring Journey to Nursing
12:31 – Overcoming Challenges in Nursing School
14:58 – The Ripple Effect of Education on Family
17:46 – Margaret’s Message to Young Girls
26:18 – The Power of Sponsorship
29:54 – Personal Stories of Inspiration
33:39 – From Shipping Containers to Classrooms
35:17 – Women for Women: A Lifeline
38:34 – Empowering Women Through Education
45:18 – Celebrating Success and Community Impact
49:46 – A Call for Collaboration and Support
53:50 – Vision for the Future
If you’ve ever wondered whether one person can make a difference, this episode answers that question.
Thank you for listening, and for being part of the ripple effect. 💛
1 hr 3 min
October 06, 2025 Liam's NursePreneur Academy story
Intro:
In this engaging conversation, Eva interviews Liam Caswell from NursePreneur Academy, who shares his transformative journey from nursing to entrepreneurship. After experiencing a devastating loss in a fire, Liam reflects on how this event catalysed a significant life change, leading him to establish the Nursepreneur Academy. The discussion explores themes of identity, the impact of COVID-19 on nursing careers, and the importance of creativity and self-work in personal and professional development. Liam emphasises the potential for nurses to leverage their skills in entrepreneurship, creating a legacy that empowers others to break free from traditional career paths.
Keywords
nursing, nursepreneur, career coaching, entrepreneurship, mental health, identity, COVID-19, creativity, self-development, legacy
Takeaways
Liam's journey reflects resilience and adaptability after losing everything in a fire.
The Nursepreneur Academy aims to empower nurses to transition into entrepreneurship.
Deregistration from nursing can be a significant identity shift for many nurses.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a growing trend among nurses to seek alternative career paths.
Nurses possess transferable skills that make them natural entrepreneurs.
Creativity is essential for stress relief and personal fulfilment in nursing.
Nursepreneurship allows for a hybrid career, balancing nursing and business.
The long-term commitment to entrepreneurship is crucial for success.
Self-work and personal development are key to effective coaching.
Legacy is about helping others break free and realise their potential.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:52 Life Changes and Career Transition
05:43 Building the Nursepreneur Academy
08:39 Deregistering as a Nurse
12:00 The Shift in Nursing Culture
14:54 The Rise of Nursepreneurship
17:44 The Future of Nursing and Entrepreneurship
28:04 The Long Game of Nursepreneurship
31:18 Mindset and Commitment in Entrepreneurship
36:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Coaching
39:16 Future Aspirations and Business Growth
44:29 Legacy and Impact in Nursing
52:34 Connecting with the Audience

54 min
September 10, 2025 Deanne's Story
Keywords
nursing, palliative care, burnout, self-care, nursing education, graduate nurses, mental health, holistic care, nursing culture, support systems
Summary
In this episode of Real Nurse Stories, Eva Storey interviews Deanne Geddes, who shares her personal journey into nursing, her experiences with burnout, and her passion for supporting graduate nurses. Deanne discusses the importance of palliative care, the need for better support systems in nursing, and the significance of self-care and setting boundaries. She emphasises the necessity of integrating holistic practices into nursing education and advocates for a cultural shift within the profession to prioritise the well-being of nurses. Deanne’s insights aim to inspire new nurses to prioritise their own health and well-being while providing compassionate care to their patients.
Takeaways
Deanne's nursing journey began in 2003, but she faced challenges that led her to quit before completing her degree.
Palliative care became a passion for Deanne as she learned to navigate the complexities of life and death.
Support from colleagues and personal experiences shaped Deanne's approach to nursing and education.
Burnout in nursing is often overlooked, with many nurses not recognising the signs until it's too late.
Self-care is essential for nurses, and it's important to create healthy habits early in their careers.
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health in a demanding profession.
Life experience can significantly impact a nurse's ability to empathise and provide care.
The nursing culture often promotes self-sacrifice, which can lead to burnout and stress.
Deanne's program for graduate nurses focuses on holistic care and personal development.
There is a need for a cultural shift in nursing to prioritise the well-being of nurses alongside patient care.
Links to Deanne
Instagram
Facebook
Link to my FREE "Graduate Nurse Confidence Guide"
Chapters
00:00 Deanne's Nursing Journey Begins
02:53 The Impact of Personal Experience on Nursing
05:49 Navigating Death and Palliative Care
08:50 The Importance of Life Experience in Nursing
11:48 Burnout and Stress in Nursing
14:38 Recognising the Signs of Burnout
17:50 The Societal Pressure on Nurses
20:31 Finding Personal Power and Setting Boundaries
23:33 Implementing Change After Burnout
26:34 Holistic Approaches to Nursing Well-being
29:35 Teaching Mindfulness and Self-Care to New Nurses
32:38 Integrating Self-Care in Nursing Education
36:22 The Role of Energy in Healthcare
39:26 Managing Emotional Energy in Nursing
43:20 Creating a Supportive Environment for New Nurses
48:59 Addressing Burnout and Retention in Nursing
52:37 The Global Nursing Crisis and Cultural Change
56:37 Advice for New Nurses: Embracing Humanity Over Hustle
59:05 Empowering Graduate Nurses Through Coaching

59 min
July 07, 2025 Trina's Story- The Journey to Nursing & Navigating the Challenges of Nursing Education
Keywords
nursing, burnout, workplace bullying, coaching, self-care, nursing education, nursing culture, empowerment, career development, mental health
Summary
In this episode of Real Nurse Stories, Trina Pitts shares her journey from aspiring nurse to nurse educator and coach. She discusses the challenges faced in nursing education, the importance of teamwork, and the impact of burnout and workplace bullying on nurses. Trina emphasises the need for change in nursing culture, advocating for self-care and empowerment among nurses. She also highlights the role of coaching in supporting nurses through their careers and shares her vision for creating a sustainable nursing workforce.

Takeaways
Trina's journey to nursing began at age 15 after observing nurses in a hospital.
She initially aimed to be a pediatric nurse but found her niche in ICU nursing.
Teamwork is crucial in nursing, especially in high-pressure environments like ICU.
Burnout and workplace bullying are significant issues in nursing that need addressing.
Nurses often feel guilty for prioritising their self-care.
There is a need for cultural change in nursing to support mental health and well-being.
Coaching can provide valuable support for nurses navigating their careers.
Nurses should be empowered to explore various career paths beyond traditional roles.
Self-care is essential for sustaining a long-term nursing career.
Trina aims to help nurses rediscover their strengths and passions through coaching.

Contact Trina:
Facebook and Instagram nursecoachtrina
Free Nurse Wellness Assessment https://nursewellnessassessment.scoreapp.com

51 min
June 27, 2025Cynthia's Story
Cynthia's Journey: From Uncertainty to Passion in Nursing.The Power of Human Connection in Healthcare
In this episode of Real Nurse Stories, Cynthia Delgado shares her 33-year journey in nursing, focusing on her experiences in mental health and the importance of resilience and emotional labour. She discusses the challenges nurses face in maintaining human connections amidst systemic pressures and the role of clinical supervision in fostering resilience. Cynthia emphasises the need for self-care, curiosity, and advocacy in nursing, while also addressing generational differences and the culture of silence within the profession. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding emotional labour and resilience as processes that can be nurtured and developed.
Takeaways
Cynthia fell into nursing but found her passion for it.
Nurses gain skills in different specialities, not lose them.
Human connection is vital in nursing for patient recovery.
Resilience is a process, not just an individual responsibility.
Emotional labour is prevalent in nursing and affects well-being.
Clinical supervision positively impacts resilience in nurses.
Self-awareness and self-care are crucial for nurses.
Generational differences affect perceptions of emotional expression in nursing.
Nurses need to advocate for themselves and their needs.
The culture of silence in nursing hinders open communication.

Chapters
00:00Cynthia's Journey into Nursing
09:49The Importance of Human Connection in Nursing
20:05Challenges in Nursing: Balancing Compassion and Professionalism
27:27 Exploring Resilience and Emotional Labour in Nursing
40:13 Emotional Labour in Nursing
44:56 Resilience and Emotional Labour
50:13 Generational Perspectives in Nursing
55:31 The Importance of Clinical Supervision
01:01:16 Self-Care and Boundaries
01:06:23 Addressing Systemic Issues in Healthcare
01:12:23 The Role of Curiosity and Relationships in Nursing

Back to the publications, references and DOI numbers (links):

Delgado, C., Evans, A., Roche, M., & Foster, K. (2022). Mental health nurses' resilience in the context of emotional labour: An interpretive qualitative study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 31(5), 1260-1275.https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13037

Delgado, C., Roche, M., Fethney, J., & Foster, K. (2021). Mental health nurses’ psychological well-being, mental distress, and workplace resilience: A cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 30, 1234-1247. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12874

Delgado, C., Roche, M., Fethney, J., & Foster, K. (2020). Workplace resilience and emotional labour of Australian mental health nurses: Results of a national survey. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 29(1), 35-46.https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12598

Delgado, C., Upton, D., Ranse, K., Furness, T., & Foster, K. (2017). Nurses’ resilience and the emotional labour of nursing work: An integrative review of empirical literature. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 70, 71-88.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.02.008

Working with resilience: https://www.workingwithresilience.com.au/ I used their individual scale in the research study.

Genos International – They focus on emotional intelligence at work: https://www.genosinternational.com/emotional-intelligence

The authors Cynthia mentioned regarding emotional labour are:

Arlie Hochschild – Coined the term emotional labour and wrote a book about it: The Managed Heart – Commercialisation of human feeling
Catherine Theodosius – Expanded and applied the concept of emotional labour to nursing. Also wrote a book about it: Emotional labour in health care: The unmanaged heart of nursing
1 hr 22 min
June 24, 2025Cynthia's Story
Keywords
nursing, resilience, emotional labour, mental health, human connection, clinical supervision, self-care, healthcare, nursing education, advocacy
Summary
In this episode of Real Nurse Stories, Eva interviews Cynthia Delgado, a nurse with over 33 years of experience. She shares her journey into nursing, the importance of human connection, and her research on resilience and emotional labour in mental health nursing. Cynthia discusses the challenges nurses face in maintaining their emotional well-being and the significance of clinical supervision in supporting nurses. She emphasises the need for self-care, curiosity, and advocacy in nursing, encouraging nurses to develop relationships and speak up for their needs.
Chapters
00:00 Cynthia's Journey into Nursing
10:38 The Importance of Human Connection in Nursing
18:59 Challenges in Nursing: Balancing Care and Professional Demands
27:55 Exploring Resilience and Emotional Labour in Nursing
40:51 Emotional Labour in Nursing
45:39 Resilience and Emotional Labour
51:02 Generational Perspectives on Emotional Expression
56:12 The Importance of Clinical Supervision
01:01:57 Self-Care and Boundaries in Nursing
01:07:12 The Culture of Silence in Healthcare
01:13:15 Influencing Change in Nursing Practices
Links to Cynthia's Research
Delgado, C., Evans, A., Roche, M., & Foster, K. (2022). Mental health nurses' resilience in the context of emotional labour: An interpretive qualitative study. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 31(5), 1260-1275.https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13037
Delgado, C., Roche, M., Fethney, J., & Foster, K. (2021). Mental health nurses’ psychological well-being, mental distress, and workplace resilience: A cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 30, 1234-1247.https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12874
Delgado, C., Roche, M., Fethney, J., & Foster, K. (2020). Workplace resilience and emotional labour of Australian mental health nurses: Results of a national survey. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 29(1), 35-46.https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12598
Delgado, C., Upton, D., Ranse, K., Furness, T., & Foster, K. (2017). Nurses’ resilience and the emotional labour of nursing work: An integrative review of empirical literature. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 70, 71-88.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.02.008
Working with resilience: https://www.workingwithresilience.com.au/ I used their individual scale in the research study.
Genos International – They focus on emotional intelligence at work: https://www.genosinternational.com/emotional-intelligence

The authors I mentioned regarding emotional labour are:
Arlie Hochschild – Coined the term emotional labour and wrote a book about it: The Managed Heart – Commercialisation of human feeling
Catherine Theodosius – Expanded and applied the concept of emotional labour to nursing. Also wrote a book about it: Emotional labour in health care: The unmanaged heart of nursing
1 hr 23 min
May 05, 2025Julia's Story
Key words: nursing, naturopathy, self-care, stress management, menopause, holistic health, intensive care, burnout, health education, nurse stories
Summary: In this episode of Real Nurse Stories, Eva interviews Julia Chazan, a nurse turned naturopath and health educator. Julia shares her journey from nursing in intensive care to exploring holistic health through naturopathy. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by nurses, the importance of self-care, and practical tips for managing stress and menopause symptoms. Julia emphasises the need for a holistic approach to health, focusing on prevention and the interconnectedness of mind and body. The episode concludes with insights on finding the right naturopath and Julia's self-care practices.
Takeaways
Julia's journey into nursing was not a childhood ambition.
Working in Calcutta highlighted the importance of kindness in care.
Intensive care nursing can be emotionally challenging due to patient and family dynamics.
Transitioning to naturopathy allowed Julia to focus on preventative health.
Stress management is crucial for nurses, especially during menopause.
Naturopathy takes a holistic approach, addressing the root causes of symptoms.
Self-care practices are essential for maintaining balance in a nursing career.
Finding a qualified naturopath can enhance personal health journeys.
Community and family connections play a significant role in health.
Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in health.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Julia Chazan's Journey:
02:55 Cultural and Professional Contrasts in Nursing
05:53 Challenges in Intensive Care Nursing
08:51 Transitioning from Nursing to Naturopathy
12:01 The Holistic Approach of Naturopathy
15:09 Self-Care and Stress Management for Nurses
18:02 Understanding Naturopathy and Its Benefits
20:56 The Importance of Community and Family in Health
24:13 Addressing Stress and Burnout in Nursing
26:59 Practical Tips for Managing Menopause Symptoms
29:53 Finding the Right Naturopath
33:09 Julia's Self-Care Practices
35:56 Conclusion
Contact Information:
Julia ChazanBSc RGN DipRT ND
Fellow ANTA
Naturopath Homeopath
Registered Nurse
email: [email protected]
mob: (+61) 0438 257 256

https://events.humanitix.com/navigating-menopause-naturally
44 min
January 16, 2025 Jackson's Story - learn about the diversity that a nursing career can provide.
Welcome to Real Nurse Stories! Today, we're joined by Jackson Heilberg, a passionate entrepreneur and a nurse, who recently established The Nurse Collective. Jackson's journey into nursing is a story of unexpected turns and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. Starting with an Arts degree, he eventually fell in love with nursing, a profession that offers a world of opportunities.
In this episode, we explore the diverse avenues that nursing presents, from bedside care to leadership and management roles. Nursing provides remarkable flexibility, allowing you to travel and make a global impact. Join us as we uncover the unique world of nursing and the countless career pathways it offers.
So, if you're curious about the dynamic and ever-evolving field of nursing, keep listening as we dive into the captivating world of healthcare with Jackson Heilberg.
To learn more about nurse coaching and explore opportunities for personal and professional development, book a ⁠⁠⁠free strategy call here⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on Instagram⁠ @evastoreycoach ⁠
Visit my Website ⁠⁠Evastorey.com⁠⁠
Follow us for more insights and updates on upcoming episodes.
Don’t forget to leave a review if you found this episode helpful! Your feedback helps us bring more valuable conversations to the forefront.
56 min
January 16, 2025 Jenn's Story: The Importance of Listening to Your Intuition
In this episode, I interview Jenn Johnson, RN, a dedicated nurse with over 16 years of experience in emergency rooms across Northern and Southern Ontario, Canada. A front-line worker through the most challenging times, Jen has witnessed firsthand the intense pressures of the profession, from life-and-death moments to the struggles of coping during the pandemic. A passionate advocate for well-being, Jen's new book, NURSING INTUITION, was written to support her peers by offering insights on reconnecting with the love of nursing and fostering resilience in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Jen is also a wife and mother of two.
To learn more about nurse coaching and explore opportunities for personal and professional development, book a ⁠⁠⁠free strategy call here⁠⁠⁠
Follow me on Instagram⁠ @evastoreycoach ⁠
Visit my Website ⁠⁠Evastorey.com⁠⁠
Follow us for more insights and updates on upcoming episodes.
Don’t forget to leave a review if you found this episode helpful! Your feedback helps us bring more valuable conversations to the forefront.
53 min
November 19, 2024 Rethinking Nurse Burnout: Trauma, Healing and systemic change
In this compelling episode, Dr. Lorre delves into the nursing burnout crisis. She challenges the traditional self-care narrative and explores why it is insufficient for addressing the root causes of nurse trauma. Here’s what we cover:
Key Discussion Points:
The Burnout Narrative & Its Flaws:
Dr Lorre Laws criticises the standard advice to "suck it up" and manage burnout through self-care alone. Instead, she highlights the need for community healing and systemic support.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care:
The current nursing education lacks a focus on trauma management from a trauma-informed perspective. Dr. Lorre shares insights from her book, Nursing Our Healer’s Heart, which is designed to be accessible for every nurse rather than an academic text.

Introducing Middle Range Theory for Nurse Trauma:
Dr. Karen Foley's middle range theory provides a groundbreaking framework for understanding and addressing psychological trauma in nurses, allowing for a practical application that can be presented to employers and leaders.

Rethinking Professional Well-being:
Dr. Lorre advocates for a shift from blaming individual nurses to recognizing systemic and avoidable workplace trauma as occupational hazards. She emphasises the need for organisations to take responsibility for creating safer working environments.

System-Induced Trauma and Workplace Violence:
The episode delves into the avoidable aspects of trauma exposure, including workplace violence, insufficient resources, and dangerous staffing ratios, which are driving nurses away from the profession in alarming numbers.

Spirituality in Nursing:
Dr. Lorre discusses the often-overlooked role of spirituality in nursing care. She believes that the focus on quantitative measures has eroded the holistic approach to patient care and diminished the spiritual component many nurses find integral to their practice.

The Existential Crisis of New Nurses:
New graduate nurses often experience disillusionment when the values they learned in training clash with the realities of the healthcare system. Dr. Lorre shares feedback from early career nurses who describe their "healer's heart" as being "run over by a steamroller."

The Call for Change:
With the nursing profession experiencing unprecedented levels of trauma exposure, Dr. Lorre stresses the need for systemic changes rather than superficial solutions. Her work aims to provide resources and frameworks to help nurses navigate these challenges effectively.
Takeaway Message:
The episode underscores the urgent need to address the systemic issues contributing to nurse burnout. It’s not enough to push self-care; we must tackle the root causes of trauma exposure and support nurses in a holistic and trauma-informed way.
Resources Mentioned:
by Dr Lorre Laws

by Dr. Karen Foli
Connect with Us:
To learn more about nurse coaching and explore opportunities for personal and professional development, book a ⁠⁠free strategy call here⁠⁠
Follow me on Instagram @evastoreycoach
Visit my Website ⁠Evastorey.com⁠
Follow us for more insights and updates on upcoming episodes.
Don’t forget to leave a review if you found this episode helpful! Your feedback helps us bring more valuable conversations to the forefront.
1 hr 7 min

About Real Nurse Stories

From the publisher's feed

Real Nurse Stories emerged as a tribute to nurses during the 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, honouring Florence Nightingale's 200th anniversary. Our mission was to empower nurses by providing a platform for them to share their journeys and find solidarity in their challenges.