Nursing Australia
A news and education podcast for Australian Nurses, working together towards a healthier Australia. Proudly presented by APNA, the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association.
TEASER: Healing All Along
A two-minute taste of our July episode ... the full episode is out now!
Click here to get in touch with Nursing Australia (send a text for free from anywhere in the world) #askusanything
Hosted & Produced by: Matthew St Ledger & Leith Alexander
Produced by: Leith Alexander & Matthew St Ledger
Ep. 102 Healing All Along 🚐 ☀️
Enjoy this special episode of Nursing Australia, as producer Leith takes you on a winding journey. Leith follows nurse Alli through a baffling medical ordeal that forced her to trust her instincts and fight to be heard.
(Teased in last month's episode)
And Leith and Matt will see you at the APNA conference in Melbourne! Come and say hi!
Handy Links:
Australian Medicines Handbook
Australian Medicines Handbook on Linkedin
Check out the FESTIVAL OF NURSING 2026
Dis...
Ep. 101 The Prescription for Safer Practice
Aged and primary healthcare is under pressure, but what does quality care actually look like in practice?
This episode, Nurse Practitioner Peter Cirocco joins us to discuss the realities facing aged care clinicians, from growing complexity and medication management to delivering person-centred care in a rapidly changing sector.
PLUS + We also share a preview of an upcoming episode featuring a powerful first-hand story of missed symptoms, a rare diagnosis, and life on the other side of the healthcare system.
The latest Nursing Australia News (05:50) Nurse safety concerns, AI...
Ep. 100 Live from Women Deliver & Teen Prescriptions Under the Microscope
Content warning: This episode contains discussion of youth mental health, antidepressant prescribing, self-harm and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Support is available via on 13 11 14, or call 000 in an emergency.
This month on the podcast:
🩺 The latest Nursing Australia News
Aged care workers score another pay boost, artificial intelligence continues its rapid expansion into healthcare settings, and new workforce pressures place fresh scrutiny on the future of Australian nursing.
🌏 Segment 1: Live from Women Deliver Melbourne
We take you inside — one of the world’s...
Ep. 99 Quit Smoking, start an NGO
Ep. 99 Quit Smoking, start an NGO
Welcome to Nursing Australia Episode 99! Today we speak with Quit Centre about vaping and smoking and then we meet Kate Holliday, the founder & CEO of the Centre for Community-Driven Response (CCDR).
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:05) Vaping cancer, healthcare affordability, measles alert, and Top-end ambulance crisis.
Segment 1: QUIT IT (04:35) Quit smoking campaigns have been running Australia-wide since the 80s. While smoking rates remain a concern, among Australians under 35, vaping has now overtaken smoking. Now, Quit Centre is reaching out to nurses to h...
Ep. 98 Good Oil, Good Toil
Lifestyle health is back in focus. In this March episode of Nursing Australia, we explore two pillars of preventative care, movement and nutrition.
Nutrition scientist and dietitian Dr Joanna McMillan joins us to break down the science of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), debunk heating myths, and explain how to choose the right olive oil for maximum health benefit.
Then, Heart Foundation representative Elizabeth Calleja discusses why Australians aren’t meeting physical activity guidelines — and shares practical tools nurses can use to start meaningful exercise conversations with patients.
Evidence-based, practical and highly...
Ep. 97 In Focus: Men’s Health
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and mental distress. If you feel affected, support is available. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or reach out to a trusted health professional.
Welcome to 2026. This episode is all about men’s health, with an emphasis on mental health.
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:45) Primary care boost, PHC Nurses Day, hospital funding deal
Segment 1: A Chance for Change (05:43)
A chance for Change. Thats the name of a grassroots organisation that wants...
👋🏻 Hey! Have you listened to the Summer Series yet? 🏖️
Hi everyone — have you listened to Nursing Australia’s Summer Series yet?
Suzanne Blackeby joins Matt as his summer co-host, and together they introduce us to the 2025 APNA Award winners.
Episode 3 came out on Monday - Matt kicks things off with a very funny story involving a far too-tight wetsuit and dangling from a helicopter… before he and Suze wonder whether they might be getting old and a little jaded.
Then we meet Matthew Fox, the 2025 APNA Nurse Graduate of the Year. Matt is a fourth-generation nurse — but he di...
Summer Series Episode 3: The New Grad, Matthew👨🏻🎓 🏆
Amazing Nurse Stories | Nursing Australia Summer Series 2026
We’ve saved the best ’til last.
Episode three features Matthew Fox, winner of the 2025 APNA Nurse Graduate Award. After a life-changing event in his late 20s, Matt found his way into nursing.
Five years ago, he couldn’t have imagined this life.
Today, that’s exactly where he is. Along the way, Matt has tapped into a deep passion for nursing and primary healthcare — quietly pulling him toward what’s next.
Help! The Matts are taking over!!
...
Summer Series Episode 2: Pursue Excellence, Bel 👩🏻⚕️🏆
Amazing Nurse Stories | Nursing Australia Summer Series 2026
This summer, the Nursing Australia Podcast presents a special three-part Summer Series: Amazing Nurse Stories — profiling some of the most inspiring nurses of 2025 and the real-world impact they’re making across Australian healthcare.
Suzanne Blackeby is back too! She co-hosts with Matt throughout all the Summer Series eps - yay!! 🎉🏄🏼♀️🍸
Episode two features Bel Davis, winner of the 2025 APNA Pursue Excellence Award. Bel is an ADHD Co-Management Co-ordinator in Northern NSW. She enables access to ADHD...
Summer Series Episode 1: Positive Disruptor, Haley 👩🏻⚕️💪🏼
Amazing Nurse Stories | Nursing Australia Summer Series 2026
This summer, the Nursing Australia Podcast presents a special three-part Summer Series: Amazing Nurse Stories — profiling some of the most inspiring nurses of 2025 and the real-world impact they’re making across Australian healthcare.
Suzanne Blackeby is back too! She co-hosts with Matt throughout the all Summer Series eps - yay!! 🎉🏄🏼♀️🍸
Episode one features Haley Hodgson, winner of the 2025 APNA Positive Disruptor Award. An advanced practice nurse and rural health innovator, Haley is leading bold, nurse-led primary ca...
Ep. 93 😷 SEPTIC 😷
Welcome to our SEPTIC special. In Part One, THE MOTHER, Mary Steele shares her life-changing encounter with sepsis. In Part Two, THE CLINICIAN, Brett Abbenbroek guides us through the vital knowledge that can help save lives from sepsis.
The latest Nursing Australia News (04:10) Dangerous age bias, Queensland’s workforce crumble, and Florida’s very own fake nurse fiasco.
Segment 1: THE MOTHER (06:25)
Mary Steele tragically lost her young son to organ failure as a result of infection - or so she thought. It wasnt til yea...
Ep. 92 🦅🖤What the Crow Took🖤🦅
From loss and resilience to literary triumph — nurse and author Rhonda McCoy opens up about her life and debut novel Crow. Plus, we peer into the world of cyber and financial security — and why nurses could be the next big targets.
The latest Nursing Australia News (04:35) Aussie CDC, Nursing Emergency, Lung screens, and Festival of Nursing 2026
Segment 1: THE CROW (06:55)
Segment 2: STOLEN...
Ep. 91 HELP! Confronting Suicide & Domestic Violence
A content note for Australian listeners: this episode discusses suicide and domestic violence. If you need support at any time, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. For international listeners: Please see links below for global crisis support services, or Google ‘crisis support’ in your area.
The latest Nursing Australia News (00:00) Chronic gaps, tackling health challenges in Berlin, and Trump pharma tariffs.
Segment 1: DV (00:00) Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in our communities, with incidents occurring at increasingly alarming rates...
Ep. 90 Breathing New Futures 💫🌼
Episode 90: Breathing New Futures
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:00) Global nurse equity, Aussie prescribing breakthrough, and tap water fentanyl scandal.
Happy Birthday Matthew! (04:30)
Lung Cancer Screening (05:55) Lung cancer is still Australia’s leading cause of cancer death, but a new national screening program promises to shift the landscape. So, what does this mean for practice, and how can nurses prepare to support patients through it? Matt speaks with Mel Laan, the Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant from Royal Adelaide Hospital, to find out.
Sam...
BONUS: Meet the Chief, Part Three
Meet the Chief, Part Three of Three
She's Australia's most senior nurse and in this instalment, Matt St. Ledger talks to adjunct professor, Alison McMillan about the the changes that could redefine nursing as we know it...
We're casting our eyes forward - beyond the day-to-day, to what's next for the profession.
From the growing influence of Nurse Practitioners and expanded scope of practice, to how we stay connected as a workforce in a system under pressure.
What will it take to future proof nursing? And how do we mak...
BONUS: Meet the Chief, Part Two
Meet the Chief, Part Two of Three
She's Australia's most senior nurse and in this instalment, Matt St. Ledger talks to adjunct professor, Alison McMillan about the the changes that could redefine nursing as we know it...
From the expanding role of Nurse Practitioners, to the future of nurse prescribing. What's possible, what's coming and whats standing in the way.
This isn’t just about titles — it’s about impact, voice, and the quiet power behind the scenes of national healthcare.
Keep an eye on your favourite podcast listening apps as p...
BONUS: Meet the Chief, Part One
Meet the Chief, Part One of Three
She’s the most senior nurse in the country — but what do we really know about Australia’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan?
Matt St Ledger sat down in Canberra with Allison for an in-depth 1 on 1
In today’s first part, discover the role, uncover the person behind the title, and explore the challenges of online trolling and disaster management in healthcare leadership.
This isn’t just about titles — it’s about impact, voice, and the quiet power behind the scenes of nationa...
Ep. 89 Rhythms & Ooze: Tales from the Treatment Room
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:15) Global workforce warning, Aussie nursing wins, cheeky pill pilfer, and UK pay revolt.
Wound Care - The Golden Rules (04:45) Jess Tully is joined by the wound care specialist Melissa Freeman to break down the golden rules of wound care — whether you’re managing chronic ulcers, surgical sites, discover eye-opening principles you can apply to practice.
Atrial Fibrillation (14:20) It’s estimated that 500,000 Australians have been diagnosed with AF. While this is only 2% of the population, the impact of undiagnosed and undertreated AF can be catastrophic. Dr Kat...
Ep. 88 Stigma, Science & The Stage is Set for Nurses
Nursing Australia's Stigma, Science & The Stage is Set for Nurses presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (04:00) Paid placements, Tasmania strikes, and TikTok popularises dangerous practice.
Segment 1: The Vital Role of Nurses in Ending HIV Transmission (07:10) We shine a spotlight on HIV in Australia—where we stand, what’s changing, and the frontline interventions making a difference. Hear directly from the team at ASHM Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine as they break down the latest in treatment, testing, and tackling stigma. Check out the...
Ep. 87 The June Edition
The June Edition of Nursing Australia presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:25) RN Prescribing Approved, Rural Nurse Bonuses, and AI Triage Sparks Debate.
Segment 1: Eating Disorders (05:15) A clinical deep-dive with Inside Out Australia exploring the latest evidence, diagnostic challenges, and treatment innovations in eating disorders—designed to support health professionals in delivering best-practice care.
Segment 2: Huntingtons Disease (10:25) A powerful conversation with advocate Kathy Langley on the realities of Huntington’s disease—raw insights, genetic heartbreak, and what every health professional needs to know to truly support these families...
Ep. 86 FLORENCE
This episode of Nursing Australia presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:15)
Workforce under strain, NP prescribing green-lit, and Rural nurse housing subsidy.
Seg 1 (04:45) Meet Florence
Discover Florence, the free app making CPD easy for nurses! Prue Baum from APNA explains how it helps you track everything you learn on the go.
Seg 2: (18:20) Expanding your Scope of Practice
Ready for rural nursing? Nurse Jess shares her takeaways from a 5-day course that helps you broaden your scope and thrive in remote roles!
<...
BONUS: Working with Medicinal Cannabis - full interview with Matt from WA 😎
Last episode Leith spoke with Matt about his experience working at a Medical Cannabis Facility in WA. Matt is also a medicinal cannabis user himself and is studying counselling. As promised, here is the extended interview. Enjoy, and see you next week for our May episode!
Click here to get in touch with Nursing Australia (send a text for free from anywhere in the world) #askusanything
Hosted & Produced by: Matthew St Ledger & Leith Alexander
Produced by: Leith Alexander & Matthew St Ledger
Ep. 84 CANNABIS
We’re diving into medicinal cannabis—how it works, who it helps, and the role nurses are playing. Serving 3 perspectives, featuring expert insights, patient stories, and behind-the-scenes at a cannabis facility, this episode unpacks a fast-evolving area of healthcare.
The Episode of Nursing Australia presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:36) Major psych clinic shutdown, global health security risk and public health ciggy raids.
Perspective 1: (05:27) The Nurse: Debbie
Perspective 2: (22:08) The Patient & Farmer: Matt
Perspective 3: (38:04) The Doctor: Dr. Jim
Handy Links: ...
Ep. 83 The Slammer 🚔💉
In this episode of Nursing Australia - The Slammer:
The latest Nursing Australia News (04:26) Ozempic for alcoholism, nursing assistant $100,000 fraud, and foreign nurse fast-track.
Seg 1 Kellie & Di - Prison Nurses (07:38) Behind bars, beyond duty—meet Kellie & Di, two Aussie prison nurses making a difference. 🚔💉 #HealthcareBehindBars
Seg 2: Step behind the bars - meet Blake (17:45) Step inside the world of prison healthcare with Blake as we uncover the realities of treating patients behind bars. 🚔💉 #HealthcareBehindBars
Submit your Abstract for The Fe...
Ep. 82 Overprescribed & The Dementia Dilemma 💊💊💊
In this episode of the Nursing Australia podcast: MAJOR gaps in dementia training among health professionals, as well as lack of general knowledge among the general population; PLUS: Did you know 1 in 4 Australians over 65 are prescribed antidepressants (compared with 1 in 7 from the average Australia population); and of course, the latest healthcare news.
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:05): Broken heart patches, bacterial pricks, and Ebola claims a nurses' life.
The Dementia Dilemma (03:45): Globally, dementia is on the rise and yet there are still so many misconceptions about this disease. Kristie Tiernan, works fo...
The Graduate 🏆👩🏼🎓: Part 4 of 4 Nursing Australia Summer Series 🏖️
We interrupt this programming to introduce 🌞🎙️ Nursing Australia’s Summer Series! This 4-part, limited series will deliver a dose of nursing insights to your ears 🎧each week throughout the month of January. Dive into the heart and soul of Australian healthcare 🩺with inspiring stories, expert insights, and a touch of summer vibes as we profile 4 of Australia’s favourite nurses☀️🌊
In this fourth (4th) installment of our Summer Series meet nurse, Taylor-Jane! Taylor is a 2024 APNA Nurse Awards recipient, taking out Graduate Nurse of the Year. Taylor is very goal-driven & even had written down on her list of goals that she...
Nursing Excellence 🏆👩🏻⚕️: Part 3 of 4 Nursing Australia Summer Series 🏖️
We interrupt this programming to introduce 🌞🎙️ Nursing Australia’s Summer Series! This 4-part, limited series will deliver a dose of nursing insights to your ears 🎧each week throughout the month of January. Dive into the heart and soul of Australian healthcare 🩺with inspiring stories, expert insights, and a touch of summer vibes as we profile 4 of Australia’s favourite nurses☀️🌊
In this third (3rd) installment of our Summer Series meet nurse extraordinaire & Nurse Practitioner (NP), Jo! Jo is a 2024 APNA Nurse Awards recipient, taking out the Nurse of the Year: Pursuing Excellence category. Our producer Leith interviewed Jo about...
The Student 🏫🎓👩🏻⚕️: Part 2 of 4 Nursing Australia Summer Series 🏖️
We interrupt this programming to introduce 🌞🎙️ Nursing Australia’s Summer Series! This 4-part, limited series will deliver a dose of nursing insights to your ears 🎧each week throughout the month of January. Dive into the heart and soul of Australian healthcare 🩺with inspiring stories, expert insights, and a touch of summer vibes as we profile 4 of Australia’s favourite nurses☀️🌊
In this second (2nd) installment of our Summer Series meet student extraordinaire Ash! Ash is a 2024 APNA Nurse Awards recipient, taking out the Student Nurse of the Year category. Our producer Leith interviewed Ash to find out what makes him tic...
The Positive Disruptor 👩🏻⚕️💪🏼: Part 1 of 4 Nursing Australia Summer Series 🏖️
We interrupt this programming to introduce 🌞🎙️ Nursing Australia’s Summer Series! This 4-part, limited series will deliver a dose of nursing insights to your ears 🎧each week throughout the month of January. Dive into the heart and soul of Australian healthcare 🩺with inspiring stories, expert insights, and a touch of summer vibes as we profile 4 of Australia’s favourite nurses☀️🌊
In this first installment of our Summer Series, Amazing Nurse Stories are back! Meet positive disrupter, RN Melissa Freeman! Melissa is a 2024 APNA Nurse Awards recipient, taking out the Positive Disrupter category. Our producer Leith interviewed Melissa to find...
Ep. 77 The Faces of Nursing 👩🏻⚕️👨🏽⚕️
In this episode of the Nursing Australia podcast, get ready for a groundbreaking new campaign called 'Treating the Whole Person' which set to change everything you thought you knew about primary care. Meet the nurses championing this message. Plus, vaping is on the rise the startling latest stats - here's how you can help.
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:00): Endometriosis sufferers windfall, Aged Care staffing knife-fight, disrupted sleep under scrutiny, and APNA Nurse Awards 2024 winners revealed.
Not Just the Hole in the Patient (05:50): Meet the faces behind the Treating the Who...
Ep 76. Taboo
In this episode of the Nursing Australia podcast, we aren't shying away from the TABOO as we investigate Australia’s herpes stigma and dive headfirst into the subject of death and dying, as we navigate palliative care. Plus, in the latest healthcare news: gaping health gaps, midwives jump ship, and mid-life binging.
This episode is brought to you by RACGP HEALTHY HABITS
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:39): Gaping health gaps, midwives jump ship, and mid-life binging.
The Herpes Stigma (05...
Ep 75. Shots, Skin & Scope: Eczema, Vaccines & Aesthetics Mastery
In this October episode, we look into Australia’s current vaccine rates; career mentoring, education, and scope of practice in aesthetics medicine; and... effective treatments for eczema. Gain unique insights from those navigating these spaces. Plus, all the latest healthcare news headlines.
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:35): Deadly viral outbreak, psych prescription spike, Aussie Asthma hotspots, and vape ban repealed.
Australia’s Chief Nurse on Vaccines (06:56) These past few years in Australia, we’ve certainly seen a lot more discourse around the mistrust in vaccine use. Alison...
Ep 74. The Organ
In the latest installment of the podcast, we dissect three (3) key perspectives on organ donation & transplant: the patient, the family, and the health professional. Gain unique insights from those navigating this complex space. Plus, all the latest healthcare news headlines.
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:22):
1. The Recipient (05:25)
2. The Donor Family (18:15)
3. The Donor Specialist Nurse (24:25)
Handy Links:
Join APNA today
Su...
Ep 73. When Nurses Break the Rules 🏛️ ⚖️
Dive into the jaw-dropping saga of a once-trusted nurse who spiraled into controversy, leading to a shocking ban from practice. Discover the untold story in this must-hear episode of the Nursing Australia podcast. What happened? Find out now! 🔍🎧
This special edition of the Nursing Australia podcast unravels the compelling true story of a midwife's journey from trusted professional to controversial figure, banned from practice.
Presented in 2 chapters, we first unpack the case study and it's central protagonist, and later delve into the regulatory process for Australian health professionals, with the help of Nurse & Lawyer Niki Eastwo...
Ep 72. Bear-y Brave: Organ Plushies & Remote Nursing
Line up for the freshest serve of Australia's fave nursing pod. In this episode we promote organ donation & transplants; and discover a fascinating perspective from inside the world of Remote Area Nursing.
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:22): International M-Pox alert, fake skinny jabs, and Aussie viral boom.
Body Buddies: Plushy Organs (05:13): Step inside the charming world of a plushie enterprise that's revolutionising health education. Imagine learning about your organs and their functions through adorable, soft, and cuddly plush toys. We'll explore how this innovative company is using plush orga...
Ep. 71 Walk this Way
The 71st episode of Nursing Australia explores the vital connection between physical exercise and health for you and your clients, debunk HPV testing self-collection myths, and hear an awe-inspiring story of a nurse who went above and beyond.
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:26): Tasmanian hospital under fire, NSW GP access causing ED strain, date rape drug alarm, and M-pox re-emerges.
Segment 1 (05:30) Get Walking
Segment 2 (16:38) Janeece's Story
Segment 3 (31:41) Debunking HPV Self-Collection Testing
Handy L...
Ep. 70 Jubilee
The 70th episode of Nursing Australia presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (03:00): Nurse embroiled in mercy killing trial, Spinal cord stimulator debacle, and midwife disqualified.
Segment 1 John's Story (05:31): Meet John Wright, an RN working for Tasmania's Karadi Aboriginal Corporation. This is his amazing nursing story.
Segment 2 Hepatitis (15:23): Australia is leading the world in reaching the goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. To make this happen, we need more general...
Ep 69. Beyond the Bedside
The 69th episode of Nursing Australia 'Beyond the Bedside' presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:00): Copycat Ozempic, Nurses target Australia, and The Black Death rears its head
Segment 1: Beyond the Beside (03:35): exploring non-conventional career pathways in nursing. We sat down with Kate from Sonic Health Plus to discover alternative ways you can utilise a nursing or healthcare qualification.
Segment 2: Nataly's Story (16:09): Nataly Tormey is a nurse, care researcher, and designer. This year she has decided to hit the road with her two...
Ep 68. Nurse Hamish
The 68th episode of Nursing Australia presents:
The latest Nursing Australia News (02:45) Aged Care regulator under fire, Ross River surge, and peri-natal depression figures on the rise.
Segment 1 (05:04) Nurse Hamish Part nurse, part performing artist, part social media phenomena Hamish Briggs, who goes by moniker Nurse Hamish on TikTok joins Nursing Australia to share his story. From country boy to global influencer, Hamish leaped from a career as a professional dancer to Registered Nurse.
Segment 2: (21:13) The Essential Health Summit 2024...
