High Performance Nursing with Liam Caswell Liam Caswell

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Mark Aitken, a registered nurse with 40 years of diverse experience. Mark shares his journey from his early days to his current role as the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia Implementation Deputy Director. Get ready for an episode packed with inspiration, practical tips, and heartfelt stories.
Key Moments:
Introduction & Welcome (00:00:02 - 00:00:12)
I introduce the episode and welcome Mark Aitken.Mark expresses his excitement about sharing his journey and insights.
Mark’s Nursing Journey (00:00:42 - 00:01:00)
Mark recounts his transition into nursing, inspired by "The Young Doctors."Highlights of his extensive career, including various leadership roles.
Understanding and Managing Burnout (00:09:07 - 00:10:05)
Mark discusses the emotional labour in nursing and how it led to his experiences with burnout.Practical strategies for recognising and managing burnout.
The Importance of Self-Care (00:13:14 - 00:14:13)
Insights into Mark's self-care routines and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Tips on crafting a personal self-care plan.
Mentorship and Career Growth (00:15:55 - 00:16:30)
Mark shares the impact of mentorship on his career and offers advice for finding and being a good mentor.Encouragement to seize career opportunities and overcome imposter syndrome.
Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia (00:32:32 - 00:33:00)
Overview of the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia and its role in supporting nurses and midwives.How the program addresses complex health and well-being issues.
Notable Quotes:
"The only reason a hurdle is in front of you is because you've allowed it to be there. If you can't go under, around, or over it, go through it.""It's vitally important that you realise if you're going to have a successful career, you prioritise your own health and well-being.""If somebody's asking you to do something, chances are it's because they've noticed something in you that they think would be perfect for the job."
Connect with Us: Liam Caswell
Instagram: @highperformancenursingWebsite: High-Performance Nursing
Mark Aitken
LinkedIn: Mark Aitken
Get in touch with the NHMPA:
Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia
Subscribe for more nursing tips, career advice, and inspiring stories! Tune in for an episode full of laughter, learning, and loads of inspiration to elevate your nursing career!

DISCLAIMER - This episode may trigger listeners, please access support as required and stop listening if this is causing you mental/emotional distress. Please seek out professional support as listed below. The views of all guests are their own and not the views of HPN/Liam Caswell.
In this deeply impactful episode of the High-Performance Nursing Podcast, host Liam Caswell welcomes back Tammy Copley, a passionate advocate against bullying in nursing and midwifery. Tammy shares her extensive experiences and insights into the pervasive issue of bullying within the profession, offering practical advice, emotional support, and hope for those affected.
Key Topics Discussed:
Tammy's Return to the Podcast:
Recap of Tammy’s previous appearances and her continued dedication to addressing bullying.Introduction to the sensitive topic of bullying and a trigger warning for listeners.
Defining Bullying in Nursing:
Tammy’s definition of bullying and how it differs from reasonable management actions or personality conflicts.The sustained, repeated, and harmful nature of bullying.
Impact of Bullying on Mental Health:
The severe mental health consequences of bullying include anxiety, depression, and even suicide.Personal stories shared by Tammy and Liam highlight the emotional toll of bullying.
Understanding the Nurse Bully:
Insights into the mindset of bullies and their own emotional struggles.Discussion on how bullying reflects the bully’s insecurities and low self-esteem.
Navigating Bullying Situations:
Strategies for recognizing and responding to bullying.The importance of seeking help and support from trusted sources.
Criminal Aspects of Bullying:
When bullying escalates to criminal behavior, such as physical assault or harassment.The necessity of involving legal authorities in extreme cases.
Support Systems and Resources:
The role of unions, professional bodies, and support groups in combating bullying.Encouragement to utilize available resources for mental health support.
Positive Outcomes and Growth:
Success stories of individuals who have overcome bullying and reinvented themselves.Examples of nurses who have found new career paths or transformed their professional lives.
Tammy’s Passion and Advocacy:
Tammy’s personal experiences with bullying and her unwavering commitment to support others.The importance of speaking out and advocating for a safer work environment.
Notable Quotes:
"Bullying is sustained, repeated harassment meant to harm, and it does harm.""The bullies actually have really low self-esteem. They don't feel good about themselves, so they pick on other people and make their lives a living hell.""There are a lot of success stories. It helps people to be braver and bolder and move on to a better workplace or reinvent themselves."
Join Liam Caswell and Tammy Copley in this eye-opening discussion about bullying in nursing and midwifery. Gain valuable insights, learn effective strategies to combat bullying, and discover the support available to help you navigate challenging situations. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please reach out for help and support.
Links and Resources:
Tammy Copley's Facebook Group: Nurses and Midwives

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the High-Performance Nursing Podcast, host Liam Caswell sits down with the remarkable Shauna Wilson, a nurse and author from Brisbane, Queensland. Shauna shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, embracing her true identity, transitioning from male to female, stepping into her amazing power, and advocating for change within the healthcare system as a transgender woman.
Key Topics Discussed:
Shauna's Early Life and Military Background:
Born on a military base in Victoria, Shauna's early years involved moving around due to her father's military career.
Her brief stint in the military, facing challenges like bullying and bastardization, and ultimately leaving due to these harsh experiences.
Struggles with Gender Identity:
Shauna's lifelong struggle with gender dysphoria and the difficulties she faced growing up biologically identified as male.
The impact of societal expectations and her attempts to conform to male-dominated roles, including working in corrections and the truck industry.
Personal and Professional Transformation:
Shauna's journey back to the military, her personal battles with depression, and her eventual decision to transition.
The impact of coming out to her wife and family, leading to significant personal and professional changes.
Healthcare Experiences and Advocacy:
Shauna’s transition into nursing and her dedication to improving the healthcare system for transgender individuals.
Her experiences with discriminatory policies, such as blood donation restrictions, and her relentless advocacy for change.
Public Speaking and Education:
Shauna’s role as a speaker at various nursing forums and her efforts to educate healthcare professionals about transgender issues.
The importance of diversity and inclusion in nursing education and practice.
Shauna’s Book:
The inspiration and process behind writing her book, “You Say Different, I Say Individual: My Journey to Transition and Become Me.”
The impact she hopes her story will have on others, particularly in fostering understanding and acceptance.
Notable Quotes:
"I’ve never been one to be a victim. I don't allow hurdles to be put in front of me. If something is there, it's because I've allowed it to be there.""The only reason a hurdle is in front of you is because you've allowed it to be there. If you can't go under, around, or over it, go through it.""People come to me when they're in pain and need my help. That's when I connect with them, not when they're demanding it."
Tune in to this enlightening episode to hear Shauna's full story and learn about her incredible journey of resilience and advocacy. Don't miss her insights on how we can create a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment.
Be sure to grab a copy of her book to dive deeper into her experiences and wisdom.
Links and Resources:
Shauna’s Book: You Say Different, I Say IndividualConnect with Shauna HereHigh-Performance Nursing Podcast

In this episode, I interview Tammy Pilton-Pluck, an accomplished nurse with over 20 years of diverse international nursing experience. Tammy shares her journey from an unexpected start in nursing to founding Intrepid Professional Development, where she empowers nurses globally. They delve into career resilience, personal growth, and the importance of clinical supervision and supportive environments in nursing.
Key Moments:
00:00:02 - Introduction
Liam welcomes Tammy Pilton-Pluck to the podcast, highlighting her extensive nursing background.
00:00:54 - Behind the Scenes
Discussing the support Tammy provides to nurses and the importance of behind-the-scenes conversations.
00:01:08 - Tammy’s Diverse Nursing Background
Tammy’s journey through various nursing specialties, from phlebotomy to palliative care.
00:03:16 - Beginning in Nursing
Tammy shares how a personal experience in her church community led her to nursing.
00:05:56 - Career Challenges and Palliative Care
Tammy’s move to palliative care and how it shaped her perspective on life and nursing.
00:07:26 - 30 Seconds of Courage
Tammy explains her life motto of “30 seconds of courage” and how it has driven her career decisions.
00:13:16 - Importance of Exit Strategies
Discussing why every healthcare professional should have an exit strategy for continuous growth and avoiding burnout.
00:20:22 - Appraisals and Self-Reflection
Tammy emphasizes the need for self-appraisals and preparing for professional growth discussions.
00:32:34 - Professional Nurse Advocacy (PNA)
Introduction to PNA and its role in providing psychological safety and professional support for nurses.
00:41:52 - Restorative Clinical Supervision
Tammy discusses the importance of non-managerial, confidential supervision for nurses to discuss challenges and successes.
00:57:03 - Launching Intrepid Professional Development
Tammy’s motivation and journey in starting her business to support nurses’ professional development.
Listen to the full episode to gain insights into Tammy’s remarkable nursing journey, the concept of 30 seconds of courage, and the essential strategies for building a resilient and fulfilling nursing career.
For more episodes and resources, visit High Performance Nursing Podcast.
Connect with Tammy here.
Listen to the IPD podcast here!

This weeks guest Sue Murphy, known as Nurse Chill, brings a wealth of experience from over 35 years in nursing, having started in the 1980s. Her diverse career spans emergency nursing, ICU, and entrepreneurial endeavors, including property investment and hosting webinars. Proving there is nothing you CAN'T do as a nurse!
We dive into:
Overcoming Professional Challenges: Sue shares her journey through various nursing roles, her struggles in ICU, and her transition into property investment and entrepreneurship, highlighting the adaptability and resilience required in nursing.Addressing Systemic Issues: The conversation delves into systemic problems in healthcare, such as staffing shortages and the high stress levels that lead to nurse burnout. Sue emphasizes the need for systemic changes to improve conditions for nurses.Innovation in Nursing: Sue discusses her venture, Nurse Chill Lights, a product designed to improve visibility for nurses working night shifts. This innovation addresses a common problem and showcases how nurses can lead change through entrepreneurship.
Episode Highlights:
00:00-05:00 - Introduction of Sue Murphy and her background in nursing.05:01-15:00 - Discussion on systemic challenges in healthcare and Sue's experiences in various nursing roles.15:01-25:00 - Sue talks about her transition from nursing to entrepreneurship, focusing on the creation of Nurse Chill Lights.25:01-35:00 - Exploration of the impact of systemic issues on nurse wellbeing and the potential solutions through innovation and systemic change.35:01-End - Sue shares advice for nurses on coping with stress and the importance of innovation in nursing practice.
Connect with Sue Here:
Buy your Nurse Chill Lights Here
On IG Here.
On TikTok Here.
5 Ways we can support you in your nursing career ✅
Join our Free Nurse Career Growth Hub and access our free nursing application, interview and career growth guides here!
Join our Nurse Career Academy and work with us to help guarantee your next nursing role!
Book a free Career Clarity Call with Liam to discuss your career situation!
Join our private FB community and surround yourself with like-minded nurses!
Check out our Youtube Channel for more nurse career support!

Host: Liam Caswell
Guest: Meaghan Smith
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Liam Caswell is joined by Meaghan Smith, a money mindset specialist and host of the Money Mindful Podcast. Together, they delve into the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with money, understanding and overcoming money trauma, and actionable strategies for financial growth. This episode is packed with valuable advice for nurses and anyone looking to improve their financial wellbeing. Please note none of this episode is financial advice, please consult a financial expert for this.
Key Moments:
Introduction and Welcome (00:00:02 - 00:00:12)
Liam introduces the episode and welcomes Meaghan Smith.
Meaghan expresses her excitement about discussing money mindset.
Meaghan’s Career Journey (00:00:42 - 00:01:00)
Meaghan shares her transition from being a photographer to a money mindset specialist.
The challenges she faced in her initial career and how they led her to her current path.
Understanding Money Mindset (00:09:07 - 00:10:05)
Discussion on the significance of money mindset and how it affects daily decisions and overall financial health.
Meaghan explains how thoughts about money influence behavior and financial outcomes.
Identifying and Healing Money Trauma (00:13:14 - 00:14:13)
Meaghan talks about the impact of past experiences on current financial habits.
Steps to recognize and heal from money trauma to foster a healthier financial relationship.
Practical Holistic Wealth Mindset (00:15:55 - 00:16:30)
Actionable tips for nurses to enhance their money health and security.
The importance of money wealth literacy and ongoing self-education.
Building a Wealthy Mindset (00:32:32 - 00:33:00)
Techniques for shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset.
Meaghan’s insights on setting money goals and aligning actions to achieve them.
Connect with Us:
Liam Caswell:
Instagram: @highperformancenursingWebsite: High Performance Nursing
Meaghan Jean Smith:
Instagram: @meaghanjsmithWebsite: Meaghan J. Smith
Upcoming Event:
Money Mindset Masterclass With Meaghan (This is not an affiliate link)Date: 19th June 2024 10am AEDTDuration: 90 minutesFee: $37Description: 3 Steps to change your relationship with Money https://www.meaghanjsmith.au/money-mindset-masterclass-1
5 Ways we can support you in your nursing career ✅
Join our Free Nurse Career Growth Hub and access our free nursing application, interview and career growth guides here!
Join our Nurse Career Academy and work with us to help guarantee your next nursing role!
Book a free Career Clarity Call with Liam to discuss your career situation!
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