What’s it like to go from treating ski injuries on the slopes of Queenstown to working ED shifts under the red-hot skies of rural Australia? For Nicole Watts - emergency nurse, adventure-seeker and proud member of the cmr community - it’s a career that blends adrenaline, autonomy and purpose.

Nicole shares what it takes to thrive as both a ski field nurse in New Zealand and a travel nurse in Australia. We step into her world on the slopes, where ski patrol briefings start the day and anything from fractures to major trauma can come through the door. From fast-paced clinic days with limited backup to regional EDs across the country, she reflects on the clinical skills, confidence and adaptability these environments demand and how each setting has shaped her as a nurse and a person.

You’ll also hear Nicole’s practical advice for NZ nurses considering the move across the ditch. She unpacks the logistics of nursing in Australia and how to find your feet quickly in agency-heavy emergency departments. Whether you’re a NZ nurse curious about what’s possible or a travel nurse dreaming of seasonal work, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

More about Nicole's Organisation of Choice, Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust
The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust is committed to supporting the world class rescue helicopter service that is delivered across the large and geographically challenging southern area of New Zealand. The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service is partially funded by Government, but we rely on donations from our community to support this critical service that brings vital help to seriously unwell or injured patients.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Neha arrived in Brisbane from Nepal with good grades, high hopes, and a postcard-perfect image of Australia, but the reality was tougher. Cultural shocks, unfamiliar accents, and the quiet weight of starting over left her searching for solid ground. Nursing became her anchor and in time, aged care quietly captured her heart.

Now a registered nurse, Neha supports aged care residents through a mix of bedside care and telehealth. She shares what good care really looks like: calm, consistent, and deeply human. She also shares lifestyle and nursing content online, offering insight, encouragement, and connection, especially for international students navigating similar journeys.

This episode is for anyone wondering where a career in nursing can take them, especially if you’re starting fresh in a new country, navigating setbacks, or finding your place in a different system. Neha’s story is a reminder that purpose often lives in the places we least expect.

More about Neha's Organisation of Choice, Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s most well-known, trusted, and visited mental health organisations. For more than 20 years, people in Australia have placed their trust in Beyond Blue as a reliable source of mental health information, support, and hope - whether they’re well and want to stay that way, unsettled or struggling and need support, or in recovery and want to reconnect.

Follow Neha on Instagram and TikTok.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

You might know Erin Barnett from Love Island or I'm a Celebrity…, but her most powerful story isn’t one that played out on screen. A registered nurse living with endometriosis, adenomyosis and PCOS, Erin opens up about what it’s taken to be heard in a system that too often overlooks women’s pain.

From a tough start in the health system to becoming the kind of nurse she wished she’d had, Erin shares the personal journey behind her book Endo Unfiltered and what led her to make the life-changing decision to have a hysterectomy in her 20s.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the system, are raising young women, or work in women’s health, this episode is for you.

Language warning: This episode contains occasional strong language.

More about Erin's Organisation of Choice, Endometriosis Australia
Endometriosis Australia is at the forefront of advocating for those affected by endometriosis, a chronic condition that impacts millions worldwide. Dedicated to improving the lives of those living with endometriosis, they deliver a comprehensive range of programs and support services designed to make a real difference.

Follow Erin on Instagram.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber.

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.