More Than A Nurse: Real Stories, Honest Transitions & What Comes Next

Danielle Maynard
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For nurses who know they’re capable of more, even if they’re not ready to leave nursing completely. I’m Danielle, Nurse-to-Biz owner and founder of the C.A.R.E Pathway. After years in the NHS, I understand what it feels like to outgrow your role while still caring deeply about the work you do. This podcast shares real conversations with nurses, nurses building businesses or transitioning beyond the ward, alongside insights from my work supporting nurses in expanding what’s possible with their skills. This isn’t about leaving nursing. It’s about using your experience differently.

Episodes

  1. Jun 8

    From Law to Nursing: How Nurse Nzi Created Her Own Path

    In this episode of the More Than a Nurse podcast, I'm joined by Nurse Nzi for a lovely conversation about the opportunities that exist within nursing beyond traditional hospital roles. Originally studying law before transitioning into nursing, Nzi shares her unique career journey and how she discovered a passion for social care, community impact, education, writing, and consultancy. This conversation is a reminder that nursing is far more diverse than many of us realise. Whether you're newly qualified, experienced, or simply feeling stuck in your current role, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what's possible. ✨ "Networking opens doors in nursing." This episode is a powerful reminder that your nursing qualification can be the beginning of many different opportunities, not the limit of them. About Nurse Nzi: Nzi Ahouzan is a Clinical Lead Nurse, care business strategist, and the founder of Cascadia Quality Healthcare. With over a decade of experience in the health and social care sector, she helps nurses, career changers, and aspiring entrepreneurs build meaningful careers and thriving care businesses. Connect with Nurse Nzi: Instagram: https\\www.instagram.com/nurseinzi Nzi is the author of: The Care Business Blueprint – a step-by-step guide to starting and scaling a care agencyThe Healthcare Compliance Handbook – essential policies, audits, and assurance toolsThe Essential Survival Guide for Newly Qualified Nurses – helping new nurses transition with confidenceBooks are available on Amazon. If you've ever wondered whether there could be more for you beyond your current role, this episode is for you. About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing from burnout to feeling like there had to be more, Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now helps nurses recognise the value of their skills and experience beyond the ward, supporting them to explore new possibilities, build purpose-led businesses or community projects, and create work that feels more aligned with who they are. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). Get my support here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nursetobizboss.co.uk/beyondtheward⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected with Danielle Come and connect with me on Instagram, where I share more about navigating this stage as a nurse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleaynard_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Email: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielle's CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    34 min

  2. May 29

    Nursing Isn’t One Path: Sheena’s Journey Through 20 Years of Nursing

    In this episode of the More Than a Nurse podcast, I’m joined by Sheena Johnson, a nurse with over 20 years of experience whose career journey proves that nursing doesn’t have to follow just one path. Originally from Jamaica, Sheena had a dream to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism. But Sheena shares how life unexpectedly led her into nursing and how curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to explore new opportunities shaped the career she has today. From surgical wards to intensive care and helping establish a Critical Care Outreach Service, Sheena reflects on the different chapters of her nursing career and the lessons she’s learned along the way. We also talk honestly about personal growth, navigating change, and how difficult life experiences, including the loss of her father, shaped her perspective both as a nurse and as a person. This conversation is such an important reminder that nursing is incredibly diverse and that your career does not have to look like everyone else’s. “Nursing is so versatile.” — Sheena Johnson If you’ve ever questioned your next step or wondered whether there’s more than one way to build a nursing career, this episode is for you. About Sheena: Sheena is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Coach with over 20+ years of nursing experience. Sheena helps healthcare professionals to prioritise themselves without guilt. Connect with Sheena here: https://www.sheenadjohnson.com Buy Sheena's book - Remember who you are - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GVCZLDBQ?psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp www.instagram.com/sheena.djohnson www.tiktok.com/@coachsheenadj Listen to Sheena's podcast - Prioritise yourself with Sheena Johnson About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing from burnout to feeling like there had to be more Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now helps nurses recognise the value of their skills and experience beyond the ward, supporting them to explore new possibilities, build purpose-led businesses or community projects, and create work that feels more aligned with who they are. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). Get my support here ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nursetobizboss.co.uk/beyondtheward⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected with Danielle Come and connect with me on Instagram, where I share more about navigating this stage as a nurse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleaynard_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Email: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielle's CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    42 min

  3. May 22

    Why More Nurses Are Starting to Want More Than the NHS Can Offer

    There’s been so much conversation lately around burnout, staffing shortages, racism, and retention in the NHS… But I think there’s a deeper conversation happening underneath all of it. More nurses are starting to realise that what they want from life and what the NHS currently allows may no longer fully align. And that’s a difficult thing to admit out loud. In this episode, I’m talking about: why so many experienced nurses are quietly questioning their futurethe emotional shift that happens after years in the systemwhy wanting more doesn’t make you selfish or ungratefuland how to start thinking differently about what your skills, experience, and future could actually look likeThis isn’t about bashing nursing or encouraging anyone to leave overnight. It’s about acknowledging the reality that many nurses are evolving and wanting more autonomy, flexibility, balance, and alignment in their lives. About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing from burnout to feeling like there had to be more Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now helps nurses recognise the value of their skills and experience beyond the ward, supporting them to explore new possibilities, build purpose-led businesses or community projects, and create work that feels more aligned with who they are. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). Get my support here ⁠⁠⁠https://www.nursetobizboss.co.uk/beyondtheward⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected with Danielle Come and connect with me on Instagram where I share more about navigating this stage as a nurse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleaynard_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Email: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielles CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    7 min

  4. May 14

    Nurses Deserve More Than Burnout & Bank Shifts

    Why is it considered “normal” for nurses to pick up extra shifts just to feel financially stable? In this episode, I’m diving into the reality so many nurses face working exhausting hours, chasing bank shifts, and still feeling like it’s never quite enough. We’ve been conditioned to believe that the only way to earn more is to work more… but what if there’s another way? I’m talking about: ✨ Why nurses are some of the most skilled people out there ✨ How our transferable skills go far beyond the ward ✨ The problem with glorifying burnout ✨ Different ways nurses can diversify their income ✨ Why your knowledge, experience, and passions have value outside of shifts This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being just to earn more money. What advice do people always come to you for? What do you naturally help others with? Because THAT could be the start of something bigger. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of “just pick up another shift,” this episode is for you! About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing from burnout to feeling like there had to be more Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now helps nurses recognise the value of their skills and experience beyond the ward, supporting them to explore new possibilities, build purpose-led businesses or community projects, and create work that feels more aligned with who they are. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). Get my support here ⁠⁠https://www.nursetobizboss.co.uk/beyondtheward⁠⁠ Stay connected with Danielle Come and connect with me on Instagram where I share more about navigating this stage as a nurse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleaynard_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Email: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielles CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    13 min

  5. May 7

    Representation Matters: Navigating Nursing with an Invisible Disability

    In this episode of the More Than a Nurse podcast, I’m joined by Lisa Daniels to have a really honest and important conversation about nursing, advocacy, and the reality of living and working with an invisible disability. Lisa shares how a childhood accident abroad shaped her journey into nursing, and how her experiences as both a patient and a nurse led her to become passionate about representation, support, and creating change within healthcare. We talk about the challenges many nurses face when navigating invisible disabilities at work, the importance of advocacy and reasonable adjustments, and why representation in healthcare truly matters. This conversation is powerful, insightful, and such an important reminder that nursing looks different for everyone and that your experiences and challenges do not make you any less capable. In this episode we discuss:• Lisa’s journey into nursing• Living and working with an invisible disability• Advocacy and representation in healthcare• Lisa's support network - You2CanNurse• Reasonable adjustments and knowing your rights• Balancing nursing, advocacy work, and personal life “Without action, there’s no change.” — Lisa Daniels If this episode resonates with you, make sure to share it with another nurse who needs to hear this conversation. You can connect with Lisa here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/you2cannurse Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@You2CanNurse_ About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing from burnout to feeling like there had to be more Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now helps nurses recognise the value of their skills and experience beyond the ward, supporting them to explore new possibilities, build purpose-led businesses or community projects, and create work that feels more aligned with who they are. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). Get my support here ⁠https://www.nursetobizboss.co.uk/beyondtheward⁠ Stay connected with Danielle Come and connect with me on Instagram where I share more about navigating this stage as a nurse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleaynard_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Email: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielles CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    27 min

  6. Apr 27

    What Nurses Can Actually Do Beyond the Ward( Without starting over)

    If you’ve ever Googled “what else can nurses do” and somehow ended up feeling even more confused… this episode is for you. Because on the surface, it looks like there are plenty of options out there. But when you actually start looking, nothing really seems to fit. In this episode, I’m breaking down why that happens—and why it’s not because there’s nothing available to you. It’s because you’ve been taught to look for job titles… instead of understanding how your nursing experience can actually translate beyond the ward. We’ll explore: Why most “alternative career” lists don’t feel helpfulA few types of paths available to nurses (without overwhelming you with job titles)How your existing skills can be applied in completely different waysA simple way to start identifying what might actually suit youIf you’re at that stage where you know something needs to change, but you don’t know what yet—this will help you start seeing things differently. In the meantime, start here: Instead of trying to figure everything out at once, reflect on this: After your next shift (or even thinking about your last one), ask yourself: What parts of my role do I naturally lean towards?What do people come to me for?What feels more like me, even on a hard day?Those patterns are often the first clue towards what your next step could look like. If this episode resonated with you, and you’re starting to realise there might be more available to you get in touch. A final note You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start seeing yourself differently. About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing—from burnout to feeling like there had to be more—Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now supports nurses and women to step outside of traditional roles, build purpose-led businesses (including Community Interest Companies), and create something they actually love—without losing who they are in the process. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). Get my support here https://www.nursetobizboss.co.uk/beyondtheward Stay connected with Danielle Come and connect with me on Instagram where I share more about navigating this stage as a nurse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielleaynard_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Email: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielles CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    10 min

  7. Apr 20

    When Nursing Stops Feeling Like Enough (And What That Actually Means)

    If you’ve ever sat in your car before a shift thinking “I don’t know how much longer I can do this”… this episode is for you. This isn’t just about being tired. It’s about that deeper shift where something that once felt like a calling no longer feels like enough… and you don’t quite know what that means for you. In this first solo episode, I’m talking about the moment many experienced nurses reach but rarely say out loud. The part where: You’re still showing up and doing your job wellYou still care about your patientsBut something internally has changedAnd with that comes confusion… and often guilt.This episode will help you understand: Why this feeling happens (and why it’s more common than you think)Why it doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a nurseWhat it actually might be telling youAnd how to start thinking about what comes next—without rushing into the wrong decisionIf you’ve been quietly questioning your future in nursing, this is a space to start making sense of it. About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing—from burnout to feeling like there had to be more—Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now supports nurses and women to step outside of traditional roles, build purpose-led businesses (including Community Interest Companies), and create something they actually love—without losing who they are in the process. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you feel free to message me over on Instagram. And if you know another nurse who’s been feeling like this too, send this episode their way! If you’re enjoying The More Than A Nurse Podcast, leaving a quick review helps more nurses find these conversations (and realise they’re not the only one feeling this way). A final note You’re not behind.You’re not ungrateful.And you’re not the only one questioning what comes next. Something is shifting and you’re allowed to explore that. Connect with Danielle: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/daniellemaynard_ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss⁠⁠ Free resources - ⁠⁠https://tr.ee/36wUL363pT⁠⁠ Email Danielle: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielle's CIC: ⁠⁠https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk⁠⁠

    10 min

  8. Apr 13

    From Paeds To Specialist Nurse & Business Owner: How Stacey Built Something on the Side

    In this episode, I’m joined by Stacey, a paediatric nurse turned specialist nurse who has also built her own business alongside her nursing career. We talk openly about what it really looks like to start something on the side whilst still working in nursing—from the fear at the beginning, to showing up online, to figuring things out as you go. If you’ve ever thought about starting something but felt unsure, overwhelmed, or like you don’t have everything figured out yet, this conversation will really speak to you. Stacey shares her journey from paediatric nursing into a specialist role, how her business Nurse Box UK came about, and the reality of balancing both. We also dive into the transferable skills nurses already have (that you probably don’t even realise), and how these can be used to build something outside of traditional roles. This is a really honest conversation about growth, confidence, and creating something alongside your career, not instead of it. So if you’ve been feeling that pull towards something more, this episode will open your mind to what’s possible. Connect with Stacy: You can find out more about Stacy and her business below: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nurseboxuk Website: - https://mynursebox.co.uk/ About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing—from burnout to feeling like there had to be more—Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now supports nurses and women to step outside of traditional roles, build purpose-led businesses (including Community Interest Companies), and create something they actually love—without losing who they are in the process. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. Connect with Danielle: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/daniellemaynard_ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss⁠ Free resources - ⁠https://tr.ee/36wUL363pT⁠ Email Danielle: hello@nursetobizboss.co.uk Explore Danielle's CIC: ⁠https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk⁠

    28 min

  9. Season 1 Trailer

    Hello and Welcome!

    Hey, welcome to the very first episode of More Than a Nurse. This episode is just a little introduction—to me, to this space, and to what you can expect from this podcast. I’m Danielle, a nurse turned business owner and CIC founder, and I created this for the version of me that knew something had to change… but didn’t quite know what yet. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like there has to be more to life than just getting through shifts and surviving the week, I want you to know—you’re not alone. This podcast is here to open your mind to what’s possible. Whether that’s starting a business, creating a CIC, or simply thinking differently about your life and career, we’re going to explore it all. You can expect real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you move from feeling stuck… to actually doing something about it. So if something’s been stirring in you lately, this is your sign to start listening, exploring, and seeing what could be possible for you too. I’m so glad you’re here!

    2 min
  10. A Nurse who is still in Nursing, But Knew Something Had to Change: Building Support Beyond the Ward

    Apr 6

    A Nurse who is still in Nursing, But Knew Something Had to Change: Building Support Beyond the Ward

    In this episode, I speak with a Deputy Head of Nursing in ED who, after 10 years in the NHS, recognised the growing need for support, mentorship, and guidance for nurses, especially after COVID. Yes, she has created something alongside her role! We talk about what she saw, why she acted, and what it looks like to build something meaningful while still working within the NHS. About Agnes: Agnes is a Deputy Head of Nursing, Leadership Specialist Coach for Health Professionals and the founder of The Nurses Network. You can connect with Agnes here: https://www.instagram.com/nurses_network About the host: Danielle Maynard is a nurse turned social entrepreneur and the founder of Nurse to Biz Boss and Serenity for Girls CIC. After experiencing the realities of nursing—from burnout to feeling like there had to be more—Danielle created a new path that blends purpose, impact, and income. She now supports nurses and women to step outside of traditional roles, build purpose-led businesses (including Community Interest Companies), and create something they actually love—without losing who they are in the process. Through this podcast, she shares real conversations, honest insights, and practical guidance to help you think differently, move differently, and build something that aligns with you. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more… you’re in the right place. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_nursetobizboss Free resources - https://tr.ee/36wUL363pT Explore Serenity for Girls CIC: https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk

    28 min

Trailer

About

For nurses who know they’re capable of more, even if they’re not ready to leave nursing completely. I’m Danielle, Nurse-to-Biz owner and founder of the C.A.R.E Pathway. After years in the NHS, I understand what it feels like to outgrow your role while still caring deeply about the work you do. This podcast shares real conversations with nurses, nurses building businesses or transitioning beyond the ward, alongside insights from my work supporting nurses in expanding what’s possible with their skills. This isn’t about leaving nursing. It’s about using your experience differently.

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