Real Nurse Stories

Eva Storey Nurse Coach
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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. Going beyond recognition, we aimed to modernise the image of nursing careers, highlighting the diverse opportunities available today. This served two crucial goals: educating the public about the demanding training nurses undergo and offering new graduates valuable career insights.

  1. 3D AGO

    Margaret'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. 💛

    1h 2m
  2. Liam's NursePreneur Academy story

    10/06/2025

    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. Chapters00:00 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
  3. Deanne's Story

    09/10/2025

    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

    58 min
  4. Trina's Story- The Journey to Nursing & Navigating the Challenges of Nursing Education

    07/07/2025

    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

    50 min
  5. Cynthia's Story

    06/27/2025

    Cynthia'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 Nursing09:49The Importance of Human Connection in Nursing20:05Challenges in Nursing: Balancing Compassion and Professionalism27:27 Exploring Resilience and Emotional Labour in Nursing40:13 Emotional Labour in Nursing44:56 Resilience and Emotional Labour50:13 Generational Perspectives in Nursing55:31 The Importance of Clinical Supervision01:01:16 Self-Care and Boundaries01:06:23 Addressing Systemic Issues in Healthcare01:12:23 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

    1h 22m
  6. Julia's Story

    05/05/2025

    Julia'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:    chazanj@gmail.com mob: (+61) 0438 257 256 https://events.humanitix.com/navigating-menopause-naturally

    43 min
  7. Jackson's Story - learn about the diversity that a nursing career can provide.

    01/16/2025

    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
  8. Jenn's Story: The Importance of Listening to Your Intuition

    01/16/2025

    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
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About

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. Going beyond recognition, we aimed to modernise the image of nursing careers, highlighting the diverse opportunities available today. This served two crucial goals: educating the public about the demanding training nurses undergo and offering new graduates valuable career insights.

Information

  • Creator
    Eva Storey Nurse Coach
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eva Storey Nurse Coach
  • Show Website
    Real Nurse Stories

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