Life After Public Service

• Gunner to NHS Nurse with David Jenkins

  In this episode, Donna interviews David Jenkins, a retired military veteran and NHS nurse, who shares his remarkable journey from a childhood in Carlisle to a diverse career in public service. David reflects on his upbringing, his decision to join the military at 21, and the challenges he faced during his six years of service, including the loss of close friends. Transitioning to civilian life, he discusses the difficulties of settling into various jobs before finding his calling in the NHS, where he ultimately became a registered nurse at nearly 50 years old. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey from military service to civilian life can be challenging, as individuals may struggle to find stable employment and adapt to a different lifestyle. The importance of resilience and adaptability is emphasised throughout the transition. Building strong bonds with fellow service members is crucial, but the military experience can also involve significant emotional challenges, including the loss of friends and colleagues during training exercises or conflicts. Working in the NHS requires a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence. Healthcare professionals often encounter patients at their most vulnerable, and the ability to connect with them is essential for providing effective care. Pursuing further education and training, even later in life, can lead to fulfilling career opportunities. The transition to nursing involved overcoming challenges such as learning to use technology and adapting to new responsibilities. Both military and healthcare careers can be incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction derived from helping others and being part of a team is a significant motivator for those in these fields. BEST MOMENTS "I wanted to do something different. I had a couple of civilian jobs and I just wanted to do something different." "You have to be able to run three miles. Always a minimum standard." "I still think about them. They were here. And now they’re gone." "You are trying to see the world from their perspective. And there are so many, many sad situations that we find ourselves in as nurses." "If you want to care for people, or you care about people, it's a worthwhile career, despite all the ups and downs." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

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• From Head Teacher to Prominent Author - Gary Toward

  In today's episode, Donna sits down with Gary Toward, a former head teacher with a rich background in education. Gary shares his inspiring journey from aspiring RAF pilot to becoming a dedicated teacher, influenced by a pivotal moment with a supportive chemistry teacher. He reflects on his rewarding career, highlighting significant achievements such as transforming his school into a specialist arts college and creating the Heads Challenge, a program designed to foster effort and personal growth among students. Gary also candidly discusses the challenges he faced, including a difficult encounter with the Department for Education and a particularly harsh Ofsted inspection. As he approaches his tenth year of retirement, Gary reflects on the importance of inspiring students and the evolving landscape of education, while also sharing insights from his post-retirement career in teacher training and authorship. KEY TAKEAWAYS A pivotal moment in Gary's journey to becoming a teacher was the influence of a chemistry teacher who helped him overcome his colourblindness, igniting his passion for education and inspiring him to make a difference in students' lives. As a head teacher, Gary was proud of transforming his school into a specialist college for the arts, which not only enriched the curriculum but also fostered self-esteem and a positive ethos among students. Gary faced significant challenges during his tenure, including pressure from the Department for Education to convert his school into an academy, which he resisted in favor of maintaining control over the school's direction and ethos. A memorable experience involved an Afghan refugee student who, despite his traumatic background, thrived in school and expressed pride in his heritage, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and support in education. After retiring, Gary co-founded a teacher training business focused on building relationships in the classroom and inspiring students, demonstrating that retirement can lead to new and fulfilling career paths. BEST MOMENTS "I thought nobody's ever done this for me before because I didn’t enjoy secondary school. I didn’t enjoy the school. It was brutal." "I am so proud that my name is on this wall and that my family fought for Britain." "It was like an in-house, it was an in-school Duke of Edinburgh award almost, wasn’t it?" "I had to really, really work at it very, very hard to get as many people on board so that when we did become 11 to 16, the students stayed with us." "No teacher ever inspired me with a big stick; no teacher ever made me want to do my homework by threatening me." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

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  1:00:43
• From Military to Manual Handling Lead - Vincent Smith

  In this episode, Donna interviews Vincent Smith, a dedicated public servant with a diverse background in the military, police, and NHS. Vincent shares his journey from growing up in an army family to serving as a soldier in the Coldstream Guards, and later transitioning to civilian roles in law enforcement and healthcare. He discusses his current position as a manual handling manager in the NHS, highlighting the importance of safety and training in patient care. Throughout their conversation, Vincent reflects on the challenges and rewards of his various roles, the impact of his military experiences on his perspective towards conflict and compassion, and his commitment to supporting colleagues and the community. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey from military service to roles in the police and NHS highlights the transferable skills gained through public service, emphasising the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in various environments. Growing up in a military family shaped perspectives on camaraderie, discipline, and the importance of safety, which have influenced professional roles and approaches to conflict resolution. A strong passion for problem-solving is evident in various roles, whether dealing with challenging patients in the NHS or supporting colleagues in the military, showcasing the importance of calmness and rationality in high-pressure situations. A consistent focus on patient and staff safety has been a driving force throughout the career, with a commitment to creating supportive environments in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Engaging with younger generations through roles like the Army Cadet Force reflects a dedication to mentorship and community support, emphasising the value of guiding others in their personal and professional development. BEST MOMENTS "I think that's what's missing. And that's the bit that frustrates me, if I'm honest. I spent a lot of time on the wards, and that sort of put me in good stance with this job." "I felt we'd failed the people. That's how I felt inside. Even though we hadn't, because we didn't start that conflict." "I cannot stand injustice. Fairness is my biggest value. I will back people to the hilt if I feel they're being treated unfairly." "If the NHS didn't exist he’d have to pay for his insulin himself. So we're so lucky in this country to have such an institution as the NHS that cares for people." "I just think it's such a precious organisation. We need to love it and care for it because I think we're all fantastic at looking after each other." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

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  45:20
• Practice Makes Perfect. The Story of How a Nurse Used Her Experience To Become a Legal Expert By Experience - Di Spooner

  In this episode, Donna interviews Di, a retired registered nurse with an impressive 51-year career in nursing. Di shares her journey from her apprenticeship-style training in the 1970s to her role as a nurse practitioner, where she specialised in diabetes care and built lasting relationships with her patients. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by nurses, including the pressures of documentation and the impact of organizational culture on patient care. Di also discusses her transition into medical legal work, highlighting the importance of proper training and the emotional toll of navigating clinical negligence cases. KEY TAKEAWAYS Di had a remarkable 51-year career in nursing, transitioning from traditional apprenticeship-style training to becoming a nurse practitioner and eventually engaging in medical legal work. Throughout her career, Di faced significant challenges, including the pressures of managing patient care while adhering to administrative demands and the stress of writing reports under tight deadlines for legal cases. Building strong relationships with patients was a highlight of Di's career, allowing her to provide personalised care and make significant impacts, such as early cancer detection that saved lives. The nursing profession has evolved from apprenticeship models to academic routes, with new pathways like nurse associates emerging, allowing individuals with a passion for nursing to enter the field without traditional academic qualifications. There is a growing demand for nurses in medical legal roles, and those interested can pursue training through organizations like the Royal College of Nursing or specialised courses to gain the necessary skills for this field. BEST MOMENTS "I was allowed to examine people, diagnose them, treat them for all sorts of different conditions. And then eventually, I was able to prescribe as well." "Gradually, more and more requests came through." "I think you're right, I think coming in through an academic route is good because it means that people have the knowledge and the evidence base for what they're doing." "You know, sometimes these cases went on for years and this was hanging over the nurse's head. You could feel very, very sad for them really." "I do remember one particular occasion. He just came in to see me and said, you saved my life." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

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  32:17
• Crafting Spirits and Support: The Impact of Community and Charity in Cameron's Distillery Journey

  In this episode, Donna interviews Cameron McCann, a former police officer who served for 15 years before facing significant challenges that led to his medical retirement. Cameron shares his journey from the Metropolitan Police to Police Scotland, detailing the physical and mental health struggles he encountered due to workplace conditions and treatment. Despite these hardships, he and his wife June transformed their passions for whisky and art into a successful business, culminating in the establishment of Stirling Distillery. Cameron discusses the innovative pivots they made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including producing hand sanitiser and hosting virtual tastings. KEY TAKEAWAYS After a challenging career in the police force, which included serious health issues and a difficult work environment, the individual successfully transitioned to running a family business, highlighting the potential for personal growth and new opportunities after leaving public service. The experience of mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, was exacerbated by the treatment received during the individual's time in the police force. This underscores the importance of mental health support within public service careers. Building strong relationships with supportive individuals, such as Gary Hayes from PTSD 999, played a crucial role in navigating personal challenges. This emphasises the value of community and peer support for those in high-stress professions. The business adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting to produce hand sanitiser and offering online tasting events, demonstrating resilience and the ability to innovate in response to changing circumstances. The establishment of a charity gin, with proceeds supporting PTSD 999, reflects a commitment to giving back to the community and addressing mental health issues faced by first responders, highlighting the importance of social responsibility in business. BEST MOMENTS "I always say this, and we wouldn't be where I wouldn't be where I was today if it wasn't because of that." "I ended up getting arrested for fraud. I ended up getting surveillance on me." "I had a brain tumour. It wasn't cancerous or anything like that. It affected other things." "I would rather lose money than my word." "There is some very good people there now, but they're quite often hand-tied by the system, in my opinion." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

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  48:30

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