In this solo episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I take you back to where my nursing writing journey began with my first nursing book, Dear Nurse Me: Reflections.

The book brought together six experienced nurses, each sharing their own stories and perspectives on something I felt nursing was at risk of losing—the humanitarian side of our profession. Each author was encouraged to write in their own voice, drawing on the experiences, challenges and people that shaped their nursing career.

In this episode, I also read my own chapter, A Passionate Purpose, reflecting on the experiences that shaped me as both a person and a nurse.

Three key messages emerge from this episode:

1. Never lose the humanity in nursing. Clinical skills and knowledge matter, but so does being present. Listening, connecting, advocating and recognising the human being in front of us remain at the heart of nursing.

2. Trust your instincts and find your voice. I share the story of advocating for a deteriorating patient when others were reluctant to act. It reinforced something that stayed with me throughout my career: if something doesn’t feel right, question it, gather your evidence and speak up.

3. Your nursing career doesn’t need to follow a straight line. Nursing can take you into clinical practice, education, leadership, management, research, technology and places you never imagined. Seek good mentors, remain curious, know your values and recognise the opportunities that allow you to grow.

Above all, this episode is a reminder that nurses are problem-solvers, inventors, mentors, menders and healers—and our individual stories form part of the history of our profession.

Here is the link to purchase Dear Nurse Me - Reflections https://bit.ly/DearNurseMeReflections

For more information, links to purchase my books/services and to reach back to me, here is my website

https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/