Life After Public Service
Life After Public Service
Podcast Description
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 these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these 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, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide range of themes focused on personal stories from public service workers, such as experiences of trauma, career transitions, and the impact of public service on mental health. Specific episodes delve into topics like navigating career changes, the effects of COVID-19 on professional duties, and the challenges faced by first responders dealing with traumatic events.

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 these stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. However, alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity: highlighting the positive impact these 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, have moved in or out of public service roles or have successfully introduced an additional income stream alongside your public service role, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.
Donna continues to add to her extensive academic achievements, experience and skills. She is working towards a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology and offers support to individuals looking to find clarity in their careers, to reach their full career potential or to plan their exit with confidence.
In this episode, Donna reflects on her impending departure from a 30-year career in the NHS as a registered nurse. She shares her emotional journey over the past six months, discussing the challenges of burnout, the increasing pressures on healthcare services, and the impact of institutionalization on public servants. Donna also highlights the need for better communication and patient advocacy in the evolving healthcare landscape, expressing her concerns for the future of the NHS.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
After a long career in the NHS, Donna reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of leaving a profession that has been a significant part of her life, likening it to a grieving process.
It’s important to recognise when one is overwhelmed. There is a need for resilience among public servants to prevent and recover from burnout.
There is a concern about the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare, which may detract from the essential human element of patient care, such as direct observation and communication.
The introduction of Martha’s Rule in the NHS allows patients and families to call for a rapid review when they feel a patient is deteriorating.
BEST MOMENTS
“I suppose I’ve been through a period of grieving in the last few weeks.”
“The demand on NHS services in general is just growing and growing and growing.”
“I think there are lots of people working in the NHS who are probably just a little bit broken by the work that they do.”
“Martha’s Rule gives patients, families, carers, and staff in the hospital an opportunity to phone a number for a rapid review when they feel that their patient is deteriorating.”
“We’ve lost the art of communication. We’ve lost the art of being able to instinctively tell when something’s not right.”
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.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

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