In this inspiring episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, host Wendy Trevarthen speaks with Dr. Sue Gledhill, registered nurse, midwife, academic, researcher, community volunteer, and lifelong learner. Sue shares her extraordinary journey, beginning with a turbulent childhood and no high-school education, through to becoming a respected clinician, manager, researcher, and educator.

Sue reflects on her unconventional entry into nursing, her deep connection with Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane and how her early work in respiratory care led to groundbreaking conversations around sexuality and ageing—eventually forming the basis of her PhD research. Her story is a powerful reminder that dedication, curiosity, and vision can overcome even the greatest barriers.

As the conversation unfolds, Sue offers heartfelt encouragement to early-career nurses, emphasising the importance of staying curious, seeking mentors, and holding onto the images of the future you want to create. She also shares how volunteering, community radio, and continuous study have shaped a meaningful, balanced professional life.

Sue closes with a piece of wisdom drawn directly from her life experience—something she says made everything possible—and listeners will feel the impact of that insight long after the episode ends.

Three Key Points:

1. Lifelong learning opens unexpected doors—no matter where you begin.
2. Mentorship and community can change the course of a career.
3. Vision and purpose create momentum when the path ahead isn’t yet visible.

Dr. Sue Gledhill can be contacted via email suegledhill@acu.edu.au

If you know a Registered Nurse with a story to tell, introduce us wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

Wendy’s website is www.healthyoptionsnow.org

After 36 years as a Registered Nurse, I never imagined my path would lead to helping aspiring authors bring their stories to life 📚. My journey with Ultimate 48 Hour Author began back in 2018, when I published my very first book with the amazing Natasa Denman. Since then, I’ve gone on to publish further books — both independently and as part of her team — which has deepened my passion for guiding new authors to start on the right path.

Last week, Nat and I sat down for a Sales Mastery interview, exploring what it’s really like to transition from nursing into a completely different space — one that involves sales conversations (yes, that word we nurses often shy away from!).

In this relaxed, Q&A-style chat, we unpack the mindset shifts that make all the difference, how to bring your natural empathy and communication skills into sales, and how to help clients see the value of what you offer as a genuine solution to their needs.

Whether you’re a nurse considering a new direction or simply curious about how these skills translate beyond the hospital walls, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Tune in and take a listen — it’s a conversation full of insights, laughter, and practical wisdom for anyone ready for their next chapter.

For more information about the Ultimate 48 Hour Author, visit https://www.writeabook.com.au/

If you are a Registered Nurse or know a Registered Nurse who has a story to tell, reach out to me wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

My website is https://www.healthyoptionsnow.org/

In this inspiring episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, host Wendy Trevarthen sits down with Kerri Anne Dooley, Member of Parliament for Redcliffe and CEO of MyCare Enterprises.

With a career spanning decades in nursing, community care, and palliative services, Kerri Anne shares her remarkable journey, from international volunteer work in West Africa and Asia to founding a 24/7 palliative care service during the CO&%D-19 pandemic.

Kerri Anne reflects on the pivotal moments that led her from the bedside to politics, including her advocacy role in establishing Queensland’s only children’s hospice, Hummingbird House. She also opens up about balancing family, study, and leadership, the lessons of resilience, and how this has shaped her ability to stay true to her community that she serves.

This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for nurses who want to amplify their voice—whether in healthcare, policy, or the wider community.

And towards the end of the episode, Kerri Anne leaves us with a golden nugget tip—a piece of advice you won’t want to miss. 🌟

📲 You can connect with Kerri Anne through her social media pages.

📧 If you know a nurse who has a story to tell, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to me at wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with home birth midwife Kelly Zarkaroff to explore the challenges, heartbreak, and resilience that come with working in one of healthcare’s most demanding roles.

Kelly opens up about a critical moment in her career—losing a baby during a home birth—and the subsequent AHPRA investigation that placed restrictions on her practice. She shares how the process shook her confidence, intensified feelings of burnout, and forced her to confront the often-unspoken struggles midwives face.

Her experiences are also shared in her book, "The Midwife Crisis," and she is touring Australia, speaking to relevant groups about her experiences.

Through her candid reflections, Kelly offers valuable insights into the importance of self-care, professional support, and building resilience to prevent burnout. Her story is one of vulnerability, courage, and hard-earned wisdom. And towards the end of the episode, Kelly leaves us with a golden nugget tip—a piece of advice you won’t want to miss. 🌟

📲 You can connect with Kelly through her social media pages. 📧

If you know a nurse who has a story to tell, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to me at wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

In this episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy Trevarthen sits down with Tammy Copley, a nurse and midwife with 44 years of experience across hospitals, communities, universities, and leadership roles.

Tammy is also the founder of Nurses and Midwives Against Bullying Australia, and together they unpack the complex and confronting issue of workplace bullying.

You’ll hear three key insights:

1. Defining Bullying Clearly – what it is, what it isn’t, and how to recognise the patterns early.
2. The Human and Professional Impact – from emotional tolls to physical harm, career disruption, and the ripple effects on families and workplaces.
3. Pathways Forward – practical steps for those experiencing bullying, ways managers can support staff, and why healthier workplace cultures are vital for retention and patient care.

And at the end, Tammy shares a powerful golden tip—a message of strength that every nurse and midwife needs to hear when faced with toxic culture.

You can contact Tammy through social media channels.

If you have a nursing story to tell, contact Wendy at wendy@healthyoptiosnow.org

In this episode of Your Nurse Voice Matters, Wendy Trevarthen takes on the important and often unspoken topic of ageism in nursing. Drawing on her own career experience, Wendy explores how age-related assumptions can impact both younger and older nurses, sometimes in subtle but damaging ways.

You’ll discover three key insights:

1. Defining Ageism in Nursing – how it can affect nurses across all ages, not just older staff.
2. Generational Strengths & Differences – why communication and expectations often clash, and how to turn differences into team strengths.
3. Building Respect & Inclusion – practical strategies to bridge the gap, reduce stereotypes, and strengthen care outcomes.

Stay tuned until the end for a powerful gold nugget—a reflection that shifts the conversation from frustration to a deeper principle every nurse can carry forward.

If you have a nursing story to tell, contact Wendy at wendy@healthyoptiosnow.org

This episode features Marianne, the founder and CEO of Quantum Leap Global, an organization she created in 2020 to transform how individuals and teams thrive through psychological safety 🌱. With over 20 years in large corporations—rising from office junior to COO—Marianne brings deep expertise in leadership, team dynamics, and cultural change. Her passion is helping people show up authentically, work effectively, and leave whole—not burnt out.

In our conversation, Marianne shares her insights on what psychological safety truly means and why it’s far more than just being “nice.” We explore three key themes: why psychological safety is critical in healthcare, especially for nurses 🩺; strategies for navigating toxic hierarchies and intergenerational differences; and practical steps to protect your well-being when facing bullying or lack of respect.

And stay tuned until the very end—Marianne leaves us with a powerful gold nugget 💡 that could change how you view your career and your voice in any workplace.

To connect with Marianne, visit https://quantumleap-global.com

If you’d like to participate in this podcast, email Wendy at wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

This week, I’m thrilled to introduce the incredible Di Riddell — confidence coach, speaker, author, and proud retired nurse. With a career spanning decades, Di brings heart, humour, and wisdom to our conversation about nursing then and now.

✨ Key takeaways from our chat:

• Nursing in the '60s was nothing like today — uniforms, rules, and the matron’s eyes were intense!
• Di’s wild ride from trainee nurse to stepmum of four at age 24 — and how she found her way back to nursing.
• Why your voice matters — and how confidence isn’t a trophy on the wall but an energy you radiate.
• The value of teamwork, tenacity, and toeing the line (or not 😉).
• A timeless reminder that despite the tech, nursing is still human work.

👀 Stay tuned for a surprising gold nugget near the end — one of Di’s cheekiest stories yet!

👉 If you’re a nurse with a short story to tell, contact Wendy@healthyoptionsnow.org

You can contact Di at di@direddell.com