The Happy Nurse

This episode of The Happy Nurse features returning guest Michelle DeRoubaix, a nurse educator, leadership coach and mentor with over 40 years of clinical nursing experience and more than 20 years developing nurse leaders. Drawing on her work and her ebook “From Self Doubt to Confident Leader,” Michelle and Elaina explore the realities of modern nurse leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on leadership pathways, and how nurses can lead themselves first to create safer, kinder workplace cultures.

Summary

In this conversation, Elaina and Michelle dive into the changing face of nursing leadership, including how nurses are being pushed into senior roles earlier than ever and what that means for confidence, burnout and workplace culture. They discuss practical, strengths-based strategies to navigate imposter syndrome, give feedback with compassion, step out of the Drama Triangle and build psychologically safe teams where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Michelle also shares simple tools for regulating the nervous system, setting boundaries and reconnecting with the core “why” of nursing so leaders can sustain themselves and their teams in a demanding healthcare environment.

• How COVID-19 and workforce shortages have accelerated nurses into leadership roles (often within 2–3 years) and the stress and skill gaps this creates.​
• Why Michelle chose to focus on associate NUMs and emerging leaders rather than senior executives, and how her Master’s in Business Coaching helps bridge nursing and organisational realities.​
• Common confidence challenges for nurse leaders: imposter syndrome, fear of errors, and the discomfort of giving feedback to colleagues.​
• Practical approaches to feedback that are honest, kind and brief, and why timing, calmness and follow-up conversations matter.​
• The harm of “favourites,” roster manipulation and mean-girl culture, and how these behaviours erode integrity, trust and psychological safety.​
• The Drama Triangle versus the Winner’s Triangle, and how shifting from drama to solutions can protect energy and culture.​
• Leading self first: knowing your strengths, values and core needs (including feeling safe, valued and connected) as the foundation of effective leadership.​
• Simple team practices to rebuild connection on busy wards, such as brief appreciation circles, mindful moments after a death or code, and small rituals of kindness.​
• The impact of shift work, acuity and ageing populations on nurse wellbeing, and why boundaries, rest, movement, nutrition and relationships are non‑negotiable.​
• Nervous system regulation tools for nurses: diaphragmatic breathing to activate the parasympathetic system, short pauses to “respond not react,” and regular micro-moments of decompression.​
• The importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how a leader’s openness makes it safer for staff to be honest about challenges and mistakes.

Michelle’s ebook: From Self Doubt to Confident Leader - https://lp.michellederoubaix.com.au/roadmap-download-page

Previous Happy Nurse episode with Michelle on the Drama Triangle and leadership - Episode 004.

If today's episode resonated, I have a burnout prevention course and anxiety relief handbook waiting for you at elaina-s-school-fc1d.thinkific.com — practical tools built specifically for nurses, by a nurse.

wHx6I47Dti5gAGi48QxP

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow The Happy Nurse on Substack

Simply visit https://substack.com/@thehappynurse and subscribe for free.

When new nurses enter the profession, they’re told to “toughen up” — but what they really need is support, balance, and space to be human.

In this week’s episode of The Happy Nurse Podcast, I’m joined by nurse educator and coach Deanne Geddes, who shares her powerful insights on helping graduate nurses transition into practice with confidence and care.

We talk about burnout, identity, boundaries, and why thriving as a nurse isn't about being the toughest — it's about being the most human.

Let this conversation remind you that self-care is not selfish — it’s essential to sustain your career and your compassion.

• The critical challenges new graduate nurses face during their transition into professional practice.
• Deanne’s personal nursing journey and how her experiences shaped her coaching focus.
• The harsh realities of burnout affecting up to 25% of new nurses within their first year.
• The conflict between nursing’s caring identity and the tough, “just push through” culture.
• How different nursing specialties and workplace cultures impact nurse wellbeing and career satisfaction.
• The importance of holistic support—beyond clinical skills—during the graduate year.
• Why identity is a major factor in nurse burnout and career fulfillment.
• The role of workplace support programs and the shortcomings in current hospital systems.
• Practical advice for graduate nurses on setting boundaries, seeking mentorship, and valuing their own wellbeing.
• The need for nurse-specific coaching and mentoring to support career longevity.
• Reflections on how self-care, debriefing, peer support, and psychological safety contribute to thriving in nursing.
• Calling for cultural shifts in nursing to value humanness alongside clinical competence.

• Being the “most human nurse” is more important than the “toughest nurse.”
• Nurse identity should not be confined to a single role or ward—flexibility is key.
• Self-care, boundaries, and holistic support are crucial to prevent burnout.
• Graduate nurses deserve tailored coaching and a culturally supportive environment.
• Debriefing and peer support are essential components of emotional processing and resilience.
• Nurses can have rewarding, sustained careers aligned with their values and lifestyle needs.

Deanne Geddes, a nurse educator and coach with over 11 years of experience in clinical and non-clinical nursing roles. Deanne shares her passion for supporting new nurses transitioning into practice with confidence, balance, and care. Drawing from her own journey through burnout and recovery, she now empowers nurses to build sustainable careers using mindset, self-care, and holistic strategies.

Instagram.com/graduatenursecoach

facebook.com/graduatenursecoach

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow The Happy Nurse on Substack

Simply visit https://substack.com/@thehappynurse and subscribe for free.

In this episode, Mark, founder of MACH Health, shares his extensive healthcare journey from Australia to Singapore, China, and the UK, and his transition from clinical nursing to creating innovative solutions aimed at reducing nurse burnout and promoting sustainable nurse wellbeing.

Mark discusses the current international nursing workforce crisis, the critical need for proactive and evidence based approaches to nurse health, and his digital platform designed specifically for nurses’ physical, emotional, and professional wellbeing. He reflects on the importance of community, personalised support, and education tailored to nurses' unique needs, while addressing the systemic challenges contributing to workforce attrition and burnout.

Key Highlights:

• Mark’s journey across healthcare systems internationally and his focus on sustaining nurses careers.

• Insights into the global nursing shortage, exacerbated by the pandemic and ongoing systemic challenges in healthcare.

• Discussion on the unsustainable pressures facing nurses, including shift work, staffing shortages, and the impact on patient care.

• Introduction to MACH Health, the digital health platform created to support nurses health through personalised interventions related to sleep, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and more.

• How the app tracks nurses' daily shifts, wellbeing indicators, and offers tailored exercises, meditations, recipes, and health tips.

• Plans for community building within the app to connect nurses globally and provide peer vetted educational resources.

• The goal of the platform to be accessible worldwide and to evolve to support other healthcare professionals and high stress industries.

• Emphasis on non blame, systemic approaches to supporting nurses that empower individuals and engage organisations with real time data insights.

• Mark’s personal experience with burnout and his motivation to build sustainable solutions for nurses to thrive in their careers and lives.

The MACH Health app is available in the Australian and UK app stores.

About Mark:

Mark is a registered nurse and healthcare innovator with over 22 years in clinical and executive roles across Australia, Singapore, China, and the UK. Named one of the WHO's Top 50 under 50 Global Change Agents for Healthy Aging in 2022, he leads MACH Health in pioneering scalable, evidence based solutions to nurse burnout and workforce sustainability. Proud husband and father, Mark is passionate about creating systemic change in healthcare through personalised, practical interventions.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcarter15/

I do want to acknowledge: while Mark’s audio is clear as a bell, you might notice a few minutes of crackling on my end, a wild storm decided to join our recording session outside! Thanks for sticking with us through the weather; the conversation is worth it.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow The Happy Nurse on Substack

Simply visit https://substack.com/@thehappynurse and subscribe for free.

In this episode of the Happy Nurse Podcast, Psychologist Shannon Swales joins me to discuss the realities of burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and moral injury with a special focus on the unique risks faced by midlife women and nurses.

• How midlife transitions and caregiving roles amplify stress and burnout risk.

• The difference between burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and moral injury.

• Early warning signs of each phenomenon and how to recognise them before they become debilitating.

• The systemic, cultural, and organisational factors driving emotional overload in nurses.

• Strategies for prevention and recovery, including self care, boundary setting, and seeking professional help.

• Burnout results from depleted resources and relentless demands.

• Moral Injury adds a layer of emotional and ethical pain when nurses can't uphold their own standards of care due to factors outside their control.

• Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma impact empathy differently but can overlap with burnout and moral injury.

• Recognising and validating the emotional cost, and seeking both systemic improvements and personal support are critical.

• If anything discussed in this episode resonates with personal experience, consider seeking dedicated resources or therapeutic support.

• • Nurse Midwife Support (free - available 24/7) - 1800 667 877
  • Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (free - Mon - Fri, 9am -5pm) - 1800 001 060
  • Blackdog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/
  
  

• Share knowledge with colleagues to destigmatise these very real occupational hazards.

If you are interested in working with Shannon you can contact her via her website or socials.

Website - https://www.shannonaswales.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shannonaswales

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales/

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow The Happy Nurse on Substack

Simply visit https://substack.com/@thehappynurse and subscribe for free.

In this episode of the Happy Nurse Podcast, Psychologist Shannon Swales joins me to discuss the realities of burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and moral injury with a special focus on the unique risks faced by midlife women and nurses.

• How midlife transitions and caregiving roles amplify stress and burnout risk.

• The difference between burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and moral injury.

• Early warning signs of each phenomenon and how to recognise them before they become debilitating.

• The systemic, cultural, and organisational factors driving emotional overload in nurses.

• Strategies for prevention and recovery, including self care, boundary setting, and seeking professional help.

• Burnout results from depleted resources and relentless demands.

• Moral Injury adds a layer of emotional and ethical pain when nurses can't uphold their own standards of care due to factors outside their control.

• Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma impact empathy differently but can overlap with burnout and moral injury.

• Recognising and validating the emotional cost, and seeking both systemic improvements and personal support are critical.

• If anything discussed in this episode resonates with personal experience, consider seeking dedicated resources or therapeutic support.

• • Nurse Midwife Support (free - available 24/7) - 1800 667 877
  • Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (free - Mon - Fri, 9am -5pm) - 1800 001 060
  • Blackdog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network/
  
  

• Share knowledge with colleagues to destigmatise these very real occupational hazards.

If you are interested in working with Shannon you can contact her via her website or socials.

Website - https://www.shannonaswales.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shannon.a.swales

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shannonaswales

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales/

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Todd, a transformational coach, mentor, and advocate for authentic leadership, shares his unique journey from an Army medic and ICU nurse to corporate leader and transformational coach. Todd opens up about his personal brushes with mortality—surviving a brain tumor—and how it propelled him into a profound mindset shift that fuels his coaching practice today. He offers a powerful perspective on the spiritual side of nursing, the hidden wounds carried by nurses, and the urgent need for coaching programs tailored to healthcare professionals.

Key Topics Covered:

• Todd's transformative experience with a brain tumor and how it became a catalyst for growth rather than a setback
• The unspoken spiritual connection among nurses and the need to openly discuss this aspect of caregiving
• Challenges faced by nurses including burnout, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and soul tiredness
• The concept of "soul shots"—emotional hits nurses absorb from their work environment—and how to protect oneself
• The role of vulnerability, curiosity, and self compassion in leadership and personal healing
• Insights into toxic workplace cultures in nursing and how to approach such challenges with compassion and curiosity
• The importance of inside out leadership and reconnecting with one's true identity beyond performance
• How confronting mortality reshapes priorities and fosters gratitude for life's small joyful moments
• Practical advice for nurses on emotional regulation, supporting each other, and fostering authentic connection
• Todd's ongoing work to empower nurses and leaders to reclaim their voice and step into purposeful living.

Who Should Listen:

• Nurses and healthcare professionals seeking support and inspiration
• Leaders in healthcare wanting to foster authentic leadership and compassionate workplaces
• Anyone interested in personal growth, vulnerability, and the intersection of spirituality and professional life
• Coaches and mentors working with clients facing burnout or trauma

Resources & Links:

• Todd’s Website: toddangelucci.com (new programs launching soon!)
• Follow Todd on LinkedIn for more insights on authentic leadership and transformational coaching.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests on this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking support for your mental health or wellbeing, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area immediately.

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow The Happy Nurse on Substack

Simply visit https://substack.com/@thehappynurse and subscribe for free.

Unpacking My Journey with Michelle

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, Elaina Mullery reconnects with her dear friend Michelle to discuss a deeply personal journey. After a significant absence from the podcast, Elaina opens up about the serious health challenge she faced over the past few years. This episode is a candid exploration of her path to recovery, emphasising the importance of self care and mindfulness.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Elaina's Absence: Elaina shares the reasons behind her sudden disappearance from the podcast and the serious health challenge she faced, which required her to practice what she preaches about self care and mindfulness.
• Impact on Family and Friends: The discussion delves into how Elaina's health condition affected not only her but also her family and those around her.
• Being a Patient: Elaina reflects on the difficulty of transitioning from a nurse to a patient and the insights gained from this experience.
• Human First: A reminder that nurses and healthcare professionals are human beings first, deserving of the same support and compassion they provide to their patients.
• Transparency and Authenticity: Elaina discusses the struggle with publishing this episode, initially feeling it was self indulgent, but ultimately recognising the importance of authenticity and transparency.

Takeaways:

• The journey of recovery is deeply personal and requires patience and self compassion.
• Nurses and healthcare professionals must remember to prioritise their own wellbeing.
• Sharing personal challenges can foster authenticity and support within the community.

Listen to the Episode: Join Elaina and Michelle in this insightful conversation that highlights the importance of self care and the human side of nursing.

Enjoy the episode and take away valuable lessons on compassion and authenticity.

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow The Happy Nurse on Substack

Simply visit https://substack.com/@thehappynurse and subscribe for free.