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/

🍔 Middle management is one of the toughest jobs in nursing... but it can also be the most influential.

Middle managers are often described as the "meat in the sandwich"—caught between the expectations of senior leaders and the realities of frontline staff. In this engaging episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I sit down with leadership expert Sally Foley-Lewis to explore why this often-overlooked group has the greatest potential to influence workplace culture and create meaningful change.

Drawing on her experience working alongside healthcare professionals and coaching leaders across multiple industries, Sally shares practical insights for Clinical Nurse Consultants, Nurse Unit Managers, educators, and aspiring nurse leaders. We discuss the unique pressures of leading from the middle, the importance of self-awareness, communication, problem-solving, and how trusted relationships become the foundation for influencing change both up and down an organisation.

Sally also introduces her memorable "burger" leadership framework—a practical and entertaining metaphor that makes complex leadership concepts easy to understand and apply. Whether you're already in a leadership role or hoping to step into one, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use immediately.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who may benefit. If you know a nurse with a story to tell, introduce us wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

Connect with Sally Foley-Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyfoleylewis/

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

https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

In this special solo episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, I take you back to where it all began by reading the introduction and first chapter of my first book, MidLife Mojo: You're 50, Cut the Crap. Inspired by my own journey as a nurse, my family's experiences with illness, and my personal transformation from obesity to wellbeing, this episode explores the powerful moments that can change the direction of our lives.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by work, family responsibilities, or the constant pressure of putting everyone else first, this conversation is for you. Together we'll explore why understanding your personal motivations is the key to lasting change, how fear often keeps us stuck, and why small, consistent steps are far more powerful than chasing perfection. This isn't about fad diets or quick fixes—it's about creating a healthier, happier future by making practical choices that fit real life.

Whether you're in midlife or simply looking for renewed purpose and direction, I hope these chapters encourage you to reflect on where you are today and where you'd like to be in the years ahead.

📖 Purchase your copy here: https://bit.ly/MidLifeMojoBook

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

https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/