The Gritty Nurse
By: Amie Archibald-Varley
Language: en
Categories: Health, Fitness, Medicine, Mental
The Gritty Nurse is back, and NO TOPIC is off-limits! Launching in September 2025 with host Amie Archibald Varley, this podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of nurses and others who work in healthcare to explore the most pressing issues they face. Join Amie as she continues to take a deep dive into powerful and often uncomfortable topics. Though shared experriences, storytelling and the discussions surrounding the intersection of power, we will navigate the challenges facing healthcare nationally and internationally--as of course--challenge the status quo. The show's core belief remains unwavering: that compassion is the through understanding diverse narratives and...
Episodes
98% Vote to Strike: Seattle Children's Nurses Fight for Safety w/ Kara Yates & Therese Hill
Jan 08, 2026In this critical episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Amie Archibald-Varley hosts Kara Yates, RN (WSNA Union Co-Chair) and Therese Hill, BSN, RN(Membership Officer) to discuss a historic turning point for nursing in Washington.
This conversation goes beyond the headlines, exploring the dire conditions that led nurses to the negotiation table. We expose how stalled contract negotiations have endangered patient safety, fueled critical staffing shortages, and allowed workplace violence to escalate—all while the hospital remains highly profitable. But since the episode, things have changed.
For the first time in its 118-year history, nurses at S...
Duration: 00:43:30Dying to be Seen: The Gritty Truth Is We ALL Need To Fight for Canadian Medicare
Jan 01, 2026As we kick off 2026, the stakes for Canadian healthcare have never been higher.
In this powerful season premiere (SEASON 7 baby!) of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with nurse, advocate, and author Cathy MacNeil to discuss her provocative and timely book, Dying to be Seen: The race to save medicare in Canada.
Far from just a collection of anecdotes, Cathy's work is heavily evidence-informed, blending raw frontline experiences with rigorous research into the systemic structures of Canadian healthcare. As Medicare stands at a breaking point, Cathy provides the data-backed reality of why o...
Duration: 00:54:23Nursing Ratios & Union Power with Michael Hurley President of Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE
Dec 18, 2025What does it mean to lead a movement? Michael Hurley, a veteran advocate and President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU/CUPE), joins Amie Archibald-Varley, The Gritty Nurse to discuss the grit required to protect the healthcare workforce.
In this high-stakes episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to fight for frontline workers. Michael emphasizes that the current crisis in recruitment and retention isn't an accident—it's a policy failure. He highlights his work on the front lines of union leadership, focusing on the necessity of staffing ratios and the urgent fi...
Duration: 00:38:45Sepsis, Equity, and the Fight for a National Standards In Canada with PhD. Candidate & Prominent Researcher Fatima Sheikh
Dec 11, 2025In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with researcher Fatima Sheikh, a PhD candidate at McMaster University, to unpack the urgent crisis of sepsis.
This conversation goes beyond the bedside, focusing on the social and structural determinants of health that fuel sepsis prevalence and worsen patient outcomes. Fatima argues for recognizing sepsis as a critical public health issue that begins in the community, not the hospital.
Key topics discussed:
The need for a national action plan to address policy gaps in sepsis care and prevention.
<... Duration: 00:35:19Why Boys Need Anti-Manosphere Education: Feminism, Neurodivergence, and Challenging Patriarchy
Dec 04, 2025In this episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Verley engages in a deep conversation with guest Jayne Gallays about the intersections of neurodivergence and feminism. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly women, and the societal expectations that shape their lives. The conversation also touches on the role of men in feminism, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of building community and advocating for change. Crucially, Amy and Jayne discuss the manosphere and the necessity of educating young boys on the damaging messages often promoted within these spaces. Jayne emphasizes the need...
Duration: 00:37:47Hospice Nurse Penny on "Influencing Death," End-of-Life Myths, and The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care
Nov 27, 2025Does discussing death actually help us live better? In this episode of the The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Penny Hawkins Smith—better known to her millions of followers as Hospice Nurse Penny—to find out.
Penny is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and a "death influencer" who uses social media to combat death anxiety and misinformation. She joins us to share her incredible journey from the ICU to hospice care and to discuss her new memoir, Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living.
Together, we break down the crit...
Duration: 00:32:07Screaming to be Heard: The Urgent Fight to Save Black Moms and Their Babies (Karrie Jones and Mercedes Wells Horrifying Experinces with Birth in the US)
Nov 20, 2025Two Black women. Two different states. One shared, terrifying experience: being ignored by the very people sworn to care for them.
Why are Black women in 2025 still screaming to be heard? In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley, a former L & D nurse and Maternal Health Expert (Masters in Women's Health) breaks down the viral birth stories of Karrie Jones (Dallas) and Mercedes Wells (Indiana)—two harrowing cases of medical racism & gaslighting that have shaken the nursing & medical world. We analyze the 54-million-view footage, dissect the latest maternal mortality stats, and discuss actionable steps for nu...
Duration: 00:39:39Are You A Caregiver in Crisis? Discussing Support & Solutions with Ontario Caregiver Organization CEO Amy Coupal
Nov 13, 2025In this essential episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley engages in a critical discussion with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), about the vital role of caregivers in Ontario.
This conversation illuminates the significant challenges faced by these essential, yet often overlooked, members of the healthcare team. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamics of caregiving and the crucial support available through the OCO.
Key Takeaways for Listeners:
Caregiver Recognition: Understand why caregivers must be recognized as essential members of the healthcare team in Ontario.
...
Duration: 00:38:39When The Nurse Becomes the Patient: Emily Edwards on Her MS Diagnosis and Fighting to Be Heard
Nov 06, 2025In this compelling and candid episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with a truly inspiring guest: Emily Edwards, RN, founder of Nomad Care Consulting.
Emily, a healthcare expert, shares the deeply personal and often frustrating journey of her own Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. She details the challenges of being a patient in the very system she knows so well, often feeling unheard, dismissed, and invalidated while searching for answers.
This is more than a story about chronic illness; it's a powerful masterclass in self-advocacy. Emily opens up about the immense e...
Duration: 00:57:16EVERY Nurse Has a Ghost Story: The rule of 3, Crash Carts Outside of Rooms and Never Say The "Q" Word
Oct 30, 2025In this hauntingly hillarious episode, The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley and guest Co-Host, Matthew Shepherd, discuss why every nurse has a ghost story and the rituals nurses follow religiously. From haunted hospital basements to eerie night shifts, this Halloween special explores the myths, rituals, and real-life experiences that make the nursing profession both fascinating and frightening. Tune in for a mix of humor, horror, and heartfelt stories that will leave you questioning what goes bump in the night. Did you have an unlucky room? Do you prepare a room when a code is called in the emerge and you...
Duration: 00:45:43Healthcare Can Be Horror: Examining Nursing Portrayals, Asylum History and Medical Phobias in Healthcare
Oct 23, 2025Why are nurses a favorite target for horror movie villains?
Why are nurses seen in movies as either sexy, satanic or dieties?
In this spine-chilling episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley and Guest Host Jordan Varley discuss the dark side of cinema's obsession with healthcare horror and nursing horror tropes. We cover everything from the psychological weight of nurse stereotypes and the real-world terror of nurse killers, to the unsettling history of asylums and our ingrained fears of medical procedures. Get ready for a thought-provoking analysis of horror film tropes and cultural perceptions of...
Duration: 00:48:45What's Your Fight Language? Decoding Conflict and Communication in Healthcare with Lena Morgan
Oct 16, 2025Are workplace tensions dragging down your patients' care?
You know the feeling: the passive-aggressive emails, the hallway whispers, the moments of silence when communication breaks down. In healthcare, these conflicts aren't just frustrating—they're dangerous.
On this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amy-Archibald Verli dives deep into the often-avoided topic of conflict in healthcare with special guest, Lena Morgan.
Lena, a former midwife, transitioned her career to become a leading expert in communication and conflict resolution. She sits down with Amy to introduce her groundbreaking framework: "Fight Languages."
In...
Duration: 00:38:31The Maligning Manager: We Must Address Substance Use in Healthcare Workers Without Shame!
Oct 09, 2025In this crucial and eye-opening episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast with host Amie Archibald-Varley and guest host, Jordan Varley, they confront the hidden crisis of addiction within the healthcare industry. This is essential listening for nurses, physicians, social workers, and all healthcare professionals struggling with the stigma of substance abuse.
I'll never forget my first exposure to addiction in the workplace—it was the epitome of a toxic culture. My then-boss shared a disgusting story about a former director allegedly found drunk under a desk, treating a colleague's pain as a vicious joke. I realized instantly th...
Duration: 00:56:25A $20M Wake-Up Call:The Landmark DonQuenick Joppy Case, Racism, Retaliation, and the Future of Nursing
Oct 02, 2025In this eye-opening episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley and special guest Jerry Soucy unpack the landmark case of DonQuenick Yvonne Joppy, the ICU nurse who courageously challenged racial discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation in healthcare.
Recently, a federal jury awarded $20 million to Joppy after finding that Aurora Medical Center (Colorado) had retaliated against her and discriminated against her because she spoke up. During her employment, she was wrongfully accused of causing a patient's death (charges later dropped) and faced a hostile work environment, unequal workloads, disciplinary scrutiny, and barriers to promotion.
...
Duration: 00:56:12U.S. Healthcare Reform or Disaster? Breaking Down RFK Jr.'s "Big Beautiful Bill"
Sep 25, 2025In this hard-hitting episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley, we dive deep into the controversial healthcare proposal dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill"—a sweeping plan backed by RFK Jr. that claims to overhaul the US healthcare system. But what's really behind this policy? And who stands to lose the most?
Joined by Dr. Kaveh Hoda, gastroenterologist, podcaster, and advocate, we explore:
The background and political motivations behind RFK Jr.'s healthcare agenda
The devastating consequences of Medicaid cuts on low-income Americans, seniors, and people with disabilities
How privatization an...
Duration: 00:37:43Is Nursing a Profession Worth Dying For? No, it's Not...
Sep 18, 2025Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions on suidcide.
In this episode, The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley discusses the tragic story of Roseanne, a nurse who died by suicide, highlighting critical issues in mental health staffing, accountability in healthcare, and the need for systemic change. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs of suicide and supporting colleagues in the nursing profession. Through personal anecdotes and advocacy for better mental health care, the episode calls for a shift in how the healthcare system addresses these pressing issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling...
Duration: 00:41:21Embracing Change in Nursing: The Gritty Nurse is Back
Sep 04, 2025In this episode of The Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley (The Gritty Nurse) and Matt Shepherd, RN discuss the importance of embracing change and personal growth in the nursing profession. They emphasize the need for self-compassion among healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the challenges they face, including burnout and violence in the workplace. The conversation highlights the significance of addressing these issues openly and honestly, while also celebrating the positive changes and opportunities that lie ahead. The podcast serves as a platform for real talk about the realities of nursing and the grit required to navigate the...
Duration: 00:29:26I Got Ghosted, But I am Still Alive To Tell The Tale: Ghosting is NOT Boundary Setting
Aug 19, 2025***This will be the last ATYPICAL Episode uploaded to THE GRITTY NURSE podcast show!
THE GRITTY NURSE RETURNS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH 2026!
The date went well--but you havent heard back--like...EVER.
Did your bestie of 10 years suddenly stop talking to you?
Are you still WAITING to hear back from that job interview that you did over 6 months ago?
Ever been left on read... forever?
Sorry hunny, you have been GHOSTED.
Ghosting isn't just a frustrating dating trend; it's a cultural phenomenon that's silently killing our trust in...
Duration: 01:08:59The Illusion of Support to Increase Social Capital: Unmasking Peformative Allyship and HACKtivism
Aug 05, 2025In this episode of the Atypical Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley RN, MN and Jordan Varley BSW, RSW delves into the complex world of advocacy work, exploring the responsibilities within their professions (nursing and social work) as well as the challenges of advocacy work. The discussion sheds light on the troubling trend of performative allyship, where actions are often more about boosting one's social capital than effecting real change. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, Amy and her guests unpack the layers of intention and impact in advocacy, urging listeners to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities. Tune in...
Duration: 00:49:05Mindfulness Monday – Focus on YOU (Not Them!) with Amie Archibald-Varley
Jul 28, 2025Feeling pulled in too many directions by the world around you? It's Monday and it's time to hit the reset button. Join Atypical host and "lifecare" advocate Amie Archibald-Varley for a powerful 5-minute mindfulness session designed to help you gently turn your attention inward.
In this session, Amie guides you through the process of observing your own sensations, thoughts, and emotions, fostering a deeper connection with your internal landscape. Learn to consciously release any preoccupation with the actions, words, or perceived intentions of others, creating a much-needed space for your own well-being.
This isn't about...
Duration: 00:07:23Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater: When Personal Actions Cost Professional Trust
Jul 22, 2025*Note: This is NOT a shaming podcast episode....
In the hyper-connected world, every click, like, and share carries a surprising weight, especially for those in professions built on trust. This week on ATYPICAL podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley RN, MN, we dive into the fascinating and often brutal "digital court of public opinion," sparked by the recent viral "kiss cam" incident involving CEO Andy Byron. His very public moment serves as a potent reminder that in our increasingly transparent society, no one truly lives in a glass house, and the stones we throw online can shatter careers.
<... Duration: 00:43:58Finding Your Anchor: A 5-Minute Mindfulness Practice for Uncertainty
Jul 14, 2025Raise your hand if Mondays feel like a personal attack?? Seriously, the start of the work week or the start of a nursing/healthcare rotation (when you're crushing it on those 2s and 3s or 4-on-4-off rotations) can drop a ton of bricks on your vibe. That wave of "ugh, here we go again" anxiety? Been there, felt that.
Trouble sleeping Sunday night? Anxiously in the morning or a bit on edge? But what if we could reframe that Monday energy? What about owning your work week from the jump?
Try this short but pow...
Duration: 00:08:02Life is not TYPICAL: Unravelling the Illusion of a Linear Life
Jul 08, 2025Ever tell yourself that life will finally settle down after this next hurdle? For a brief moment, it seems to—and then life smacks you with the unexpected. Job loss, a new love, divorce papers, your teenager's puberty, a health scare, a new life. Good or bad, it's always change. We crave the constant, but the only thing constant is change.
In this introductory episode of ATYPICAL Podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley, Amie and her guest dismantle the pervasive myth of linear progression of life and offer a liberating alternative. What if we just embrace the unexpected? How ca...
Duration: 00:56:44Beyond the Bedside: Our Healthcare Future (with Former Minister Mark Holland)
Jun 12, 2025In this poignant and powerful final episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, we close this chapter with a truly essential conversation. We are honoured to welcome former Minister Mark Holland, who offers an exclusive look into the federal government's pivotal efforts to improve Canadian healthcare. From the pressing issue of Pharmacare to strategies for a healthier nation, Minister Holland addresses what's being done on a federal level to make a tangible difference in the lives of Canadians.
Amie & Sara dive deep into the critical issues that define our healthcare landscape. We discuss the pervasive problem of healthcare...
Duration: 00:37:05The Cure That Should Be Written Into Policy: Prescribing Housing for Health with Dr. Andrew Boozary
May 29, 2025This week on The Gritty Nurse Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that's should not be considered revolutionary--but is fundamentally human and morally ethical: the idea that a safe, stable and affordable housing should be considered a prescription for health. Medicine is not just about pills and procedures – it is about examining and dealing with humans and their entire situations.
We discuss the profound impact of social medicine and how addressing the root causes of illness, like housing insecurity, can transform individual well-being and public health and improve healthcare outcomes overall. Joining us this week is Dr...
Duration: 00:44:20F*ck the Cake, WE WANT Change: Maybe It's Not Time For Celebration For Nurses Week
May 15, 2025Five years have passed since the initial waves of the pandemic, yet the echoes of devastation resonate deeply within Canada's nursing workforce. Burnout remains rampant, exacerbated by chronic understaffing, unsafe patient-to-nurse ratios, and a shocking lack of basic protections against workplace violence. This Nursing Week, the usual calls for celebration ring hollow for many on the frontlines. Instead of accepting platitudes, this episode dives into the stark realities facing nurses across the country. We'll explore why "thank yous" are no longer enough and why this designated week must become a catalyst for meaningful change. Join us as we discuss...
Duration: 00:22:58We Need Another Leader: Navigating Difficult Times with Authentic Leadership, Courage and Clarity
Apr 24, 2025In a world grappling with constant change and unprecedented challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. Whether it's navigating turbulent times in the workplace, steering through personal storms, or fostering resilience in our communities, strong leadership is the compass that guides us forward.
Join us for a vital conversation on "We Need Another Leader," where we delve into the essential qualities and actionable strategies for leading with impact during difficult times. This week, we're honoured to welcome Dr. Laura Desveaux, a seasoned leadership expert, to share her invaluable insights.
Laura brings...
Duration: 00:56:35Does the CMA Apology Go Far Enough? Indigenous Sovereignty of Health And The Pathway To Healing with Dr. Jamaica Cass
Apr 10, 2025Is it too late to say sorry? Do apologies for medical harm actually create change?
The Canadian Medical Association recently issued an apology to Indigenous Peoples for the harms inflicted upon them by the medical system, acknowledging a history of racism, neglect, and abuse. In this crucial episode, we delve into the significance of this apology and explore what true transformative medical justice must entail for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada.
Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jamaica Cass, a First Nation physician, brings her invaluable perspective to this vital conversation. We discuss t...
Duration: 00:35:09Speaking Through Silence: Broken Oaths & Healthcare's Lack of Morality On The Crisis in Palestine with Dr. Yipeng Ge
Mar 20, 2025You would sooner see a medical society protect a physician who has sexually assaulted numerous patients than see them openly defend a physician who stands against the genocide of the people of Gaza/Palestine. This is where we are....and it is SHAMEFUL.
In this episode, Amie Archibald-Varley, Sara Fung and guest Dr. Yipeng Ge delve into the critical role of healthcare workers not remaining silent amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza/Palestine. We discuss the ethical and moral obligations we all share in advocating for humanitarian principles.
We'll explore:
The Silence and the S... Duration: 00:43:57We Need a Prescription for Leadership: Hamza Khan on Leading vs Managing
Feb 27, 2025"We always have done it this way"---is the death of inspiration and innovation in healthcare.
In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss moving beyond traditional administrative roles and cultivate the kind of leadership that inspires innovation and drives meaningful change with best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and globally-renowned keynote speaker, Hamza Khan. We discuss his background working in the armed forces and how it led him to becoming a world speaker on rehumanizing workplaces to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth (something desperately needed in healthcare)!
In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the need for modernization and fre...
Duration: 00:59:39Decoding the Deception: RFK Jr.'s RACIST Vaccine Lies and the Fight Against Medical Misinformation
Feb 14, 2025In this episode, Amie & Sara delve into the alarming rise of medical misinformation, focusing on the dangerous and racist rhetoric perpetuated by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. throughout his "health stances" and during his confirmation hearing. We dissect his false claims about offering differing vaccine schedules for Black people, exposing the medical racist undertones, the fact that he MISUNDERSTOOD the research and the potential harm such misinformation can cause.
This rhetoric echoes a long and disturbing history of racism in medicine, from the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to ongoing disparities in healthcare access and treatment, demonstrating how these historical...
Duration: 00:32:45Fraud, Felonies and Murder: True Crime in the Medical World From the Medical Investigators Notebook
Jan 30, 2025Do you think your physician should continue to practice after 245 complaints of sexual misconduct?
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the closed doors of a hospital? Join Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung as we delve into the dark side of healthcare with Bruce Sackman, a seasoned medical center investigator who's seen it all. From the mundane to the truly shocking, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the crimes plaguing our hospitals. Hear firsthand accounts of investigations into fraud, bribery, thefts, drug diversions, and even internet scams targeting vulnerable patients. This isn't just about numbers and statistics...
Duration: 00:50:16Fractured Innocence: An NICU Nurse's Betrayal
Jan 16, 2025In this season 6 premiere episode, Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung delve into the chilling case of a NICU nurse caught on surveillance cameras inflicting harm on vulnerable infants. We grapple with the devastating impact of this betrayal of trust, exploring the unanswered questions that remain:
What were the systemic failures that allowed this abuse to occur?
Who else should be held accountable beyond the perpetrator?
How can we prevent similar tragedies in the future?
We also share our profound sorrow for the families affected by this horrific crime, and discuss the enduring...
Duration: 00:28:32That's a Holiday Wrap: Our Gritty Insights for 2025!
Dec 19, 2024In this year in review episode, the Gritty Nurses take a beat to discuss the whirlwind that was 2024!
Highlights of podcast episodes and listeners from around the world, travelling to speak to nurses across the country, a baby, a #1 bestselling book and what's to come in 2025!
The Gritty Nurses are just getting started!
Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!
Attention, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Canada!
Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees who aren't covered by their hospital's gro...
Duration: 00:29:39Climate change and Healthcare: The Hurricane Effect in Health with Nurse Jessica Sites and Raluca Ralu
Dec 06, 2024We are realizing more and more how much climate change is affecting us in healthcare. Join the Gritty Nurses as they sit down with Nurse Jessica Sites of the Nurses Uncorked podcast and Planetary Health Lead Raluca Ralu, MSN, RN.
They discuss the delicate intersection between the environment and healthcare, through a professional and personal lens. Jessica literally survived a hurricane at home in Florida and Raluca specializes in climate change and education in her work!
Nurse Jessica Sites has over 2 decades worth of experience in the healthcare industry. Jessica worked as a labor and...
Duration: 01:00:48The Mo-ment of Truth: A Hairy Discussion on Men's Health & Prostate Cancer
Nov 21, 2024Get ready to stache the facts about men's health! In this episode, Amie & Sara are diving deep into the world of Movember, exploring the importance of prostate cancer awareness, and breaking the silence around men's health issues.
Join us as we discuss:
The significance of Movember and its impact on men's health Understanding the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer The importance of regular check-ups and early detection How to support the Movember Foundation and make a difference So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's get serious about men's health. Remember, a...
Duration: 00:40:16Women's Bodies Are On the Ballot, Our Choice Is On The Line: The Right To Choose With Leader of NDP Jagmeet Singh
Nov 04, 2024Our bodies are on the ballot, and our choice are on the line. In this episode, right before the US presidential election, we discuss one of the most pressing issues in Canada and the US: women's bodies and the right to choose. We sit down to discuss this issue with the Leader of the New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh. Some might think it is a silly choice on our behalf to speak to a man about abortion rights---but this is purposeful. Men need to speak out and stand in solidarity with us, be allies and agents of disruption in...
Duration: 00:27:29Halloween Hospital Hell: Tales From the Dark Side of the Hospital Room
Oct 24, 2024Welcome to the Gritty Nurse Podcast Annual Halloween edition! What is more frightening than tales from haunted hospitals? It could be your aunt's cooking, that cringe blind date you had last week, or governments trying to privatize healthcare—either way—Turn your lights down low, and get comfortable as we listen to the most chilling episode of the season.
In this episode The Gritty Nurses chat with Nurse Freija about some chilling tales and some creepy facts from history. Listen if you dare!
Thank you to our episode sponsor, TMU School of Medicine!
In su...
Duration: 00:44:10Vacation from Hell! You Never Get to Hang Up Your Stethoscope!
Oct 10, 2024In this episode, the Gritty Nurses talk about their recent vacations, the importance of travel insurance and how being a nurse never stops! From giving nursing advice to complete strangers, to their kids getting injured and becoming unwell, this is a funny & lighthearted episode you won't want to miss!
They also talk about navigating the international healthcare system as travellers.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, TMU School of Medicine!
In summer 2025, Toronto Metropolitan University's new School of Medicine will officially open its doors and begin shaping a new generation of doctors. Through...
Duration: 00:43:41Your Personal Health Information up for Ransom: Hospital Cyberattacks Are On The Rise
Sep 26, 2024In this episode, the Gritty Nurses talk about the concerning increase in cyberattacks on hospitals in recent years. Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation, was hit by a ransomware attack in May 2024 (right around nurses week). Affected were no less than 12 states, over a period of 36 days. Cyber attacks have increased by 128% from 2022-2023. They discuss safety issues when EMR charting is down, how we can better prepare, how much we should rely on paper charting. Technology can be a double edged sword.
Resources:
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/19/nx-s1-5010219...
Duration: 00:25:24Health Equity, Medical School & Creating Healthy Changes: Toronto Metropolitan School of Medicine with Dean Dr. Teresa Chan!
Sep 12, 2024In this episode, the Gritty Nurses talk about a new medical school at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) with their founding dean, Dr. Teresa Chan! They discuss their bold new training model, what sets them apart from other medical schools, student racial inequities, bullying and advocacy!
Dr. Teresa Chan is a Canadian emergency physician and medical educator. On July 15, 2023 she became the Founding Dean of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Medicine.
She is currently a practicing emergency physician and clinician educator at William Osler Health System in Ontario, Canada. She has formerly served as th...
Duration: 00:52:17We're ALL Nurses, but not all TREATED like Nurses: Spotlight on The Registered Practical Nurse
Aug 15, 2024Have you heard that all nurses aren't made the same? That some are Registered Nurses and others are Registered Practical Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses? Did you know that even within nursing, we create categories of who is "really" a nurse? Let's cut the bullshi*t, shall we? In this episode, the Gritty Nurses talk about registered practical nurses (RPNs) with none other than Dianne Martin, CEO of WeRPN. We discuss what RPNs can do, common misconceptions, and raising awareness and improving working conditions, and her hopes and aspirations for RPNs. After all, if nurse is in your title...
Duration: 00:41:06The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation: A Nurse Drives Off a Parking Garage and a Nurse at a Strip Club
Aug 02, 2024In this episode, The Gritty Nurses and Nurse Matthew discuss two juxtaposing cases: first of a nurse who uploaded a video showing her at a strip club before her shift and a horrifying case of a nurse who fell asleep in her car and then accidentally drove off the top floor of a parking garage. We discuss both cases, the circumstances around each, the "upload/pick me" culture and how common falling asleep while driving among shift workers are.
Details of Case 2: "I was so exhausted..."
A Boston nurse was injured after driving off the...
Duration: 00:37:01You Left WHAT in my Body?! A Patient's Worst Nightmare!
Jul 16, 2024In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss something that would be a patient's worst nightmare: having a medical instrument left in your body. In this particular instance, an epidural needle was left in Giovanna Ippolito's back from years ago! Furthermore, no one will take responsibility for it. Amie & Sara unpack some of the issues in hospitals related to medical malpractice, patient advocacy and glaring gaps in the healthcare system.
Giovanna Ippolito is living with a broken needle in her spine after it broke off during childbirth. An anesthesiologist then left the 4cm/2 inch-long fragment embedded in her...
Duration: 00:35:19Reconciliation is more than a Checkbox: An Important Conversation with Len Pierre
Jul 05, 2024In this insightful episode, the Gritty Nurses chat with Len Pierre, an Indigenous leader who provides education and awareness in Indigenous Cultural Safety & reconciliation:
Indigenous cultural advising, education & training, and consultation services. They chat about pressing issues in healthcare affecting Indigenous people, how healthcare providers can give better care to vulnerable populations, and more.
Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is an educator, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, traditional knowledge keeper, and cultural practitioner. He has completed his Master of Education degree from Simon Fraser University focusing on curriculum and instructional d...
Duration: 00:39:19Leaving the Bedside for the Bedroom: The Hottest Job Trend in Nursing~ Working from Home with Nurse Fern!
Jun 20, 2024Remote work is a hugely hot topic right now! How the heck can you work from home as a NURSE?! The Gritty Nurses chat with Emma, aka Nurse Fern, who has built a platform and community centred on helping nurses find work from home jobs! Listen for Emma's story on how she got into remote work and how you can too, plus pros and cons of the WFH life!
Emma Geiser is the founder of Nurse Fern, a platform dedicated to helping nurses explore non-traditional and remote roles through education, support, and community. She has a background...
Duration: 00:32:13National Nursing Staffing Ratios --Why Don't We Have Them? With Nurse Jessica Sites & Nurse Erica
Jun 06, 2024Right now, across Canada and the US, patients are not receiving the care they deserve because nurses continue to work with fewer resources. Nurses have stated, time and time again, that patients are getting sicker, are more complex and require more dedicated attention to their care. The evidence is clear--staffing ratios protect patients, support nurses to do the work required and improve better outcomes. In this episode, The Gritty Nurses Amie & Sara, sit down to talk to 2 of the most notable nurses in the US --Nurse Erica and Nurse Jessica Sites from Nursing Uncorked about National Nursing to Patient...
Duration: 01:02:31Nursing Seniority: A tradition or a travesty?
May 23, 2024Why is it that the only thing that seems to matter in traditional nursing is seniority? Ask a nurse, any nurse to tell you about themselves and they will start by saying how long they've worked.
While the rest of the world focuses on performance and skills, nursing somehow seems stuck on where you are on the seniority list. Does seniority have a role in nurses eating their young? Or are times changing? Listen and see what The Gritty Nurses think.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!
Attention, hospital em...
Duration: 00:34:18National Nursing Week conversation with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau
May 10, 2024There is no better way to finish off National Nursing Week than to hear from the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. In this special episode, Amie and Sara sit down to discuss the triumphs and challenges in nursing with the Prime Minister.
We also discuss the role of the Federal Government as it pertains to healthcare & nursing, accountability of the provinces concerning healthcare funding, mental health and why nursing IS POLITICAL! We even hear a personal story from the PM about his most recent interaction with a nurse! We also ask the PM to name some...
Duration: 00:29:11Nurses Getting Sh*t DONE: The Wisdom of Nurses is a #1 National Best Selling Book!!!!
May 02, 2024In this episode, Amie and Sara talk about the whirlwind of events that have taken place in the last few months. An exciting national media tour, a book release, hitting #1 National Bestselling status, NurseCon, and more! This is just the beginning. Unstoppable, Unflappaple, Undeniable!
Order our Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! Leave us a review on Amazon!
https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/
https://www.grittynurse.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/
...
Duration: 00:38:32Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): There's a New Kind of Nurse in Town!
Apr 18, 2024Watch out now---we got a Doctor of Nursing in the HOUSE!!!
In this episode, the Gritty Nurses chat with Dr. Farah Laurent, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with 6 board certifications and nurse career coach! They talk about what a DNP is, what opportunities exist and the role of a DNP in healthcare organizations. They also take a dive into what Farah's career path has looked like and her entrepreneurial ventures! Have a listen and tell us what you think!
Order our #1 National Best Selling Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! If you have read a...
Duration: 00:30:40What is the HARDEST specialty in nursing? Move out of the way ICU....
Apr 04, 2024In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss a viral Instagram reel in which a nurse describes what she believes to be the hardest specialty in nursing. We discuss the pros and cons! Which is the hardest or most stressful? There are so many, how do we decide? Does it mean the hardest is the best? You be the judge!
Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!
Attention, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Canada!
Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees
who aren't co...
Duration: 00:23:20A Historic Document For Nursing Retention: Collaboration, Consultation & Connection: For us, by us!
Mar 21, 2024In this episode, the Gritty Nurses get an update from the Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, Dr. Leigh Chapman! In the most recent update of the Nursing Retention Toolkit, on March 1st, 2024, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health and Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer for Canada, held a news conference to announce an initiative to improve the well-being and retention of nurses across Canada as well as the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan, which includes a government investment of over $200 Billion over 10 years. They discuss a comprehensive new resource, The Nursing Retention Toolkit...
Duration: 00:37:59Nursing: The most Trusted Profession but the LEAST RESPECTED Profession
Mar 07, 2024How can for 22 years in a row Nursing as a profession voted the most "trusted" profession but also the LEAST respected and LEAST valued?
Nursing has been cited to be the least respected and most stressed, according to experts and national data. In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss this conundrum of a situation. We also discussed how other professions rank with the trust of the public.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!
Attention, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Canada!
Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual an...
Duration: 00:33:30Lucy Letby: Nurse and Serial Killer of Babies in The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Feb 22, 2024Trigger warning: the case discussed in this episode may be triggering for some
In the true crime episode, the Gritty Nurses are back at it again with Bruce Sackman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division.
They discuss the shocking case of serial killer Lucy Letby, a British former neonatal nurse who was convicted and murdered seven infants and attempted the murder of six others between June 2015 and June 2016. (This is all we know of so far!)
How did she get away...
Duration: 00:59:27Criminalization of Miscarriage: Brittany Watts and The Black Maternal Health Crisis
Feb 08, 2024In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss the Black Maternal Health Crisis in relation to the most concerning case/situation of Brittany Watts. We discuss the history of nurses who "police" their patients, obstetrical racism and the changes needed to prevent what happened to Brittany Watts from happening again.
We stand in Solidarity with Brittany Watts against racial injustice.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!
Attention, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Ontario!
Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees
...
Duration: 00:44:13Quick and Gritty Takes: News Ep. 2
Feb 02, 2024This week on Quick and Gritty Takes, Amie & Sara discuss:
Ontario: Parents who waited 11 hours in Ontario ER with a child suffering allergic reaction focus their anger - "Not at the nurses, not at the doctors, not at SickKids, just at our government,"
Canada: Justin Trudeau adviser defends use of crude language in online exchange with right-wing group.
International: Organs of dead Black incarcerated ppl in Alabama are being removed & used for med school anatomy courses w/o family consent. Grave robbing the bodies of Black people was a commonplace practice to provide c...
Duration: 00:14:41"Mother knows best?" When your parents health remedies DO NOT MATCH Your Health Science Background
Jan 25, 2024"Cover your head or you'll get a cold"...." Close that window or you will catch a chill"...." Drink this tea...it will clear your sinuses".....Are you in the health field and you hear these remedies from your parents? How do you handle these conversations? Do you ignore your parents, or do you educate them? Or is there a bit of truth to what they say, their teachings or ways of knowing? Listen as Amie & Sara dive into this interesting topic!
Pre-Order our Upcoming Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/
Quick & Gritty Takes: News Ep 1
Jan 18, 2024Welcome to "Quick & Gritty Takes" our independent news network where we discuss hot topics in news provincially, nationally and internationally. We will take 4-5 news items and in under 20 minutes discuss our "gritty takes" on the subject matter.
We hope that this can be a forum where you take these topics and continue the conversation. We also will add a patient safety tip at the end for all listeners because increasing health literacy and patient safety is always top of mind for us.
Today's Topics:
Ontario: Health Minister Sylvia Jones announces that starting th...
Duration: 00:14:17The Rise & Popularity of Ozempic Use: What is the "skinny" truth of this "wonder" Drug
Jan 11, 2024Happy NEW YEAR 2024! What were the 3 most popular resolutions for 2024? Did you guess fitness, finances and weight loss? You guessed right! There has been A LOT of buzz around the medicine OZEMPIC. What is the "skinny" truth on Ozempic? We hear a lot about celebrities using it for weight loss, but what about the patients who need it? It's time to talk about our society's perceptions related to weight, fitness, well-being and what a health body size is--without being judgy a-holes (we think healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes). It's time for healthcare providers to take over...
Duration: 00:38:11A Book, A Baby, A Renewed Focus for 2024: Year End in Review
Dec 14, 2023In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss their year-end and how much has changed over 2023. They also discuss the hottest topic this week in healthcare to close the year.
Pre-Order our Upcoming Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/
https://www.grittynurse.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grittynursepodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse
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Duration: 00:36:18
What Will it Take to Retain Nurses? Tangible, Measurable, NURSE- LED interventions
Dec 07, 2023Yes we have talked about nursing retention...and we have to keep talling about it...
What will it take to actually retain nurses? Will CEO's and hospital executives listen and adhere to nurse-led interventions?
The Gritty Nurses take a deeper dive into the results of Nursing retention toolkit: Improving the working lives of nurses in Canada, of which they were contributing members.
Which parts resonated the most with them and why? Take a listen to find out.
Resources:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/health-human-resources/nursing-retention-toolkit-improving-working-lives-nurses.html
... Duration: 00:25:04Medicine Needs a #MeToo Movement: How can a Doctor be Suspended 3X For Sexual Assault STILL Practice?
Nov 23, 2023Trigger warning: this episode discusses topics which may be triggering for some.
In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss the recent case of a physician who has been suspended 3 times and convicted of sexual assault, but is allowed to continue to practice! Whatever happened to zero tolerance policies or the fact that he is a danger to the public as a REPEAT OFFENDER?
They discuss this story and other cases, how the College of Physicians of Ontario handled it, what the law is on sexual assault, and more. This is very concerning given the power...
Duration: 00:32:19Nursing During Times of War: Healthcare Should NEVER be Military Targets
Nov 08, 2023Trigger warning: this episode discusses topics which may be triggering for some. Our episode starts with the story of Emily Callahan, an American nurse activity manager with Doctors Without Borders, who shared her experience working with Palestinians in Gaza before returning to the US. 07:49 - Source: CNN
In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss the role of nursing and war. They discuss nurses' roles during war & conflict, nurses' experiences, international law during war and the fact that hospitals and healthcare should NEVER be militant targets. They discuss how war affects healthcare and nursing and the types of...
Duration: 00:33:41Gritty Nurse Halloween Edition: What Makes Hospitals So Scary???
Oct 26, 2023The Annual Gritty Nurse Halloween episode is here! Sara, Amie, and Nurse Matt sit down and talk about what makes hospitals so scary! We share our insights, nursing ghost stories and what spooky shows we are watching now! We also discuss how we might make hospitals less scary! So turn down the lights, charge your defibrillators, grab your favourite nurse deadite--you don't miss this episode!
New Book Coming Soon "THE WISDOM OF NURSES"- Published By Harper Collins
From the hosts of the hit podcast Gritty Nurses, stories of the challenges, heartbreak and humour of l...
Duration: 00:44:27Learning How to Own our Own Struggles: A Road to Recovery with Minaa B~ Social Worker, Author & WONDERMIND Mental Health Advisor
Oct 05, 2023In this powerful episode, the Gritty Nurses chat with Minaa B, a licensed mental health professional and therapist specializing in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is also the author of the book "Owning our own struggles- A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World" and sits on the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-founded by Selena Gomez.
They chat about why there is still so much stigma around mental health, how we can break the cycle of nurses eating their young, and how we practice self-care when many nu...
Duration: 00:35:00Privatized Healthcare is no ROYALE with CHEESE
Sep 21, 2023Be warned--this episode is not for your kids, ok? We are MAD---annoyed in fact that we have to have this conversation---but here we are. In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss the current state of prviate vs. public healthcare in Canada. Is healthcare still universal, or are we sliding down a slippery slope?
They discuss what privatized healthcare looks like, whether we should be concerned, and what they think should be occurring.
References:
https://www.ipolitics.ca/queens-park/health-canada-concerned-about-ontario-company-that-charges-for-virtual-doctor-visits
https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/etvke2/has_anyone_ever...
Duration: 00:37:02Are you a Nursing Advocate or a Nursing Influencer? Healthcare Professionals in the Spotlight
Sep 07, 2023In this episode, the Gritty Nurses sit down with another fellow nurse, podcaster and entrepreneur, Amanda Guarniere! Amanda is an Ivy-league educated Nurse Practitioner, Keynote Speaker and Career Mentor who helps nursing professionals find and land their dream job. She founded The Résumé Rx in 2018 and since then has grown the community to over 40,000 nursing students and professionals worldwide.
They chat about how she pivoted from bedside nursing to becoming a business owner, whether she sees herself as a nurse influencer or an advocate, her friendship with Katie Duke, and what the biggest issues are for nu...
Duration: 00:36:46Healthcare, Gender Expression and Combatting Hate: Trans Rights are Human Rights with Advocate Fae Johnstone!
Aug 25, 2023Thank you to HMA Benefits for sponsoring this episode!
Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees in Ontario who aren't covered by their hospital's group health plan. Introducing Healthcare Providers Group Insurance Plan – a friendly partner dedicated to your health and wellbeing!
With affordable plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you'll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one. Already have coverage through your sp...
Duration: 00:36:17A Nursing Retention Strategy FOR US, BY US: Discussions with Chief Nursing Officer of Canada Dr. Leigh Chapman
Aug 10, 2023Thanks to the Healthcare Providers Group Insurance Plan for sponsoring this episode! !
Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees in Ontario who aren't covered by their hospital's group health plan.
Introducing Healthcare Providers Group Insurance Plan – a friendly partner dedicated to your health and wellbeing!Enrolling is easy, and you'll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one. With affordable plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers is dedicated to helping you every step of the way.
Already have coverage th... Duration: 00:36:17A Historic Wage Increase for Nurses...But not ALL Nurses...
Jul 27, 2023In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss a recent arbitration decision that will increase wages of nurses part of the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) by 11% over the next 2 years. They discuss their thoughts and opinions of this wage increase that was so badly needed and well-deserved by nurses! Although this win was historic for nurses in Ontario--not all nurses get this pay bump. Listen to hear the positives, and what is still needed after a step in the right direction.
Bill 124:
In 2019, the Ford government introduced and passed Bill 124, wage-suppression legislation negatively impacting registered nurses...
Duration: 00:21:08More than "Just a Nurse" with Nurse Blake: Advocate, Entrepreneur and Comedian
Jul 13, 2023In this exciting episode, the Gritty Nurses interview the one and only Nurse Blake! If you haven't seen his hilarious, heartwarming and HONEST videos, you have been missing out!
Blake Lynch (aka Nurse Blake) is a nurse, creator, internationally touring comedian, healthcare advocate, and keynote speaker. Earning viral video status via his light takes on his experience as a nurse, he now takes his comedy to stages around the world bringing nurses together through his humor and inspiration. Nurse Blake's sold out 2022 PTO Comedy Tour began as a 14 show run and grew to 55 shows due to demand...
Duration: 00:33:59Is the Florence App Uber for Nurses? The intersection of Health & Tech with Shelly-Ann Rampersad
Jun 29, 2023In this episode, Amie and Sara speak with Shelly-Ann Rampersad, the Managing Director of Florence in Canada, a global tech start-up on a mission to tackle the healthcare staffing gap. We discuss needed innovations in healthcare and tech, why this app was created and the pro's and cons of creating a healthcare app such as Florence.
Bio:
Shelly-Ann Rampersad is Managing Director of Florence in Canada, a global tech start-up on a mission to tackle the healthcare staffing gap. She is the former Vice President of Clinical Operations at Maple, where she built and...
Duration: 00:30:05In Between Life and Death: Chat with Hospice Nurse Hadley!
Jun 15, 2023In this episode, Sara and Amie chat with Nurse Hadley, and what it's like looking after patients at the end of life. They caht about what drew her into hospice nursing, what kinds of things patients think about and what their biggest regrets are.
They talk about how her work has shaped her thoughts about her own end of life plans and her upcoming book called The In-Between!
Hadley Vlahos, RN, is a hospice registered nurse, mother, and wife. Her husband also works in the medical field as a doctor of physical therapy. Vlahos started h...
Duration: 00:28:24The Controversial Use of Agency Nurses: Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game!
May 31, 2023In this episode, Sara and Amie dicuss a hot topic! The controversial use of agency nurses and Internationally Educated Nurses. Using both were supposed to solve the problem of short staffing, but has it helped? They discuss price gouging, short staffing, costs to healthcare organizations, and holding agencies accountable.
Little public information about how much is being spent on agency staff, and most of it is anecdotal. Don't hate the player-hate the game!
Links:
https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/newly-elected-ona-president-wants-to-stop-the-use-of-agency-nurses-1.6380815
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-international-nurses-applications-1.6825724
https://globalnews.c...
Duration: 00:27:05As You Get Older Will We Care For You?: Interview with the Minister of Seniors of Canada
May 18, 2023In this eye-opening episode, Sara and Amie interview nurse, politician and Minister of Seniors of Canada, Kamal Khera.
They discuss the national standards for seniors, the top priorities for seniors, concerns related to oversight in long-term care, access to treatment and how nursing and others in healthcare be a part of the solution.
The Honourable Kamal Khera was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Brampton West in 2015. Minister Khera is one of the youngest women ever elected to Parliament. A registered nurse, community volunteer, and political activist, she is passionate about improving the li...
Duration: 00:49:39Notorious Nurses: Fraud, Scandal and Murder
May 04, 2023In this episode, Sara and Amie interview guest Bruce Sackman, a former Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations about the Florida Nursing License Scandal.
We also discuss Netfilx's The Good Nurse, a true story based Charles Edmund Cullen an American serial killer. Cullen, a nurse, murdered dozens – possibly hundreds – of patients during a 16-year career spanning several New Jersey medical centers, until being arrested in 2003.
Bruce Sackman served as the Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector Gener...
Duration: 00:49:34The Intersection of Healthcare and Comedy: Two Gritty Nurses, a Doctor and a Comedian!
Apr 20, 2023Thanks to WeRPN for sponsoring this episode!
We want to share an amazing opportunity for RPNs & PSWs in Ontario! Designed in partnership with the Government of Ontario, WeRPNs Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing program (aka BEGIN) is a tuition reimbursement program for eligible students enrolled in bridging programs. To learn more, go to https://begin.werpn.com/ or email info@begin.werpn.com
The Gritty Nurses decided to team up with another Canadian medical podcast duo, Doctor vs. Comedian, for this episode! Get ready for some lighthearted comedy!
Dr Asif Doja i...
Duration: 00:39:14Nurses Murdered by their Partners: The Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence
Apr 06, 2023Thanks to WeRPN for sponsoring this episode!
We want to share an amazing opportunity for RPNs & PSWs in Ontario! Designed in partnership with the Government of Ontario, WeRPNs Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing program (aka BEGIN) is a tuition reimbursement program for eligible students enrolled in bridging programs. To learn more, go to https://begin.werpn.com/ or email info@begin.werpn.com
Trigger warning (intimate partner violence and sexual assault): the stories discussed in this episode may be triggering for some.
In this episode, Amie and Sara talk about two very shocking...
Duration: 00:31:11Manslaughter Charges Dropped & Unequal Justice: The Nurse DonQuenick Joppy Story
Mar 23, 2023Thanks to WeRPN for sponsoring this episode!
We want to share an amazing opportunity for RPNs & PSWs in Ontario! Designed in partnership with the Government of Ontario, WeRPNs Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing program (aka BEGIN) is a tuition reimbursement program for eligible students enrolled in bridging programs. To learn more, go to https://begin.werpn.com/ or email info@begin.werpn.com
In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss the case of nurse DonQuenick Joppy with nurse Amanda Golino. Ms. Joppy, a Black nurse claims she faced racial discrimination at an Aurora hospital that led to h...
Duration: 00:40:58Bad NICU Nurse: What Happens When a Nurse is the One Abusing Patients
Mar 09, 2023Nurses being abused on the job is unfortunately common, but what happens when it's the other way around?
In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss the shocking case of baby Nikko, whose nurse was caught slamming him down face first into a bassinet, with video evidence to prove it. They discuss the event, was happened afterwards, and steps that should be taken to prevent a situation like this from happening again.
They discuss the idea of Family Integrated Care, more transparency and screening in the hiring process, and legal actions. Patients and especially Infants being...
Duration: 00:36:19Becoming Your Own Boss: Rise of the Nurse Entrepreneur with Janine Kelbach
Feb 24, 2023Could you be a badass nurse entrepreneur?
So many of us want to be our own boss, but don't actually know how! In this episode, we have not just one but THREE nurse entrepreneurs sharing their hacks: nurse and healthcare writer Janine Kelbach, and of course Sara and Amie!
Janine Kelbach, BSN RNC-OB, is a wife, mom of 2 boys (and a Great Dane), educator and author of the book, Entreprenurse: 30+ Nurses Turn Into Business Owners and Share Their Secrets to Success. She has been a Freelance Health Content Writer since 2013 and is the CEO of W...
Duration: 00:30:49Ep 3. NYC Nurses Striking to Save Our Patients, Healthcare System & Profession
Feb 09, 2023In this episode, nurses and healthcare advocates Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung discuss the strike of over 7000+ nurses in New York and their victory. The crisis surrounding safe patient-nurse ratios, a larger nursing workforce and low morale is a universal and International nursing issue—should more nurses across the globe go on strike? If so- tell us where and when- we ride at dawn. "Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; But make it hot by striking"~ William Bultler Yeats. "The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress"~ Martin Lu...
Duration: 00:24:03Destroying the Public Healthcare System to Fund a Private One: The New Wave of Healthcare in Canada
Jan 26, 2023In this episode, nurses and healthcare advocates Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung discuss the new privatization clinics and hospitals proposed by the Ford government in Canada and Ontario. We also discuss strategies for how people can get involved in making changes and protecting our current system.
"That's the standard technique of privatization: Defund, make sure things don't work, people get angry, you hand it over to private capital"~ Noam Chomsky.
#privatization #healthcare #health #canada #ontario #surgery #privateclinics #forprofit #hospital #care #caplitalism #upselling #OHIP #nursing #Nurse #podcast #upselling #twotieredsystem #dougford #slyviajones #grittynurse #AmieArchibaldVarley #SaraFung #advocates #equity #healthequity #m...
Duration: 00:30:46As a Nurse, We Have a Nursing Ick: It's Nurses Doing Ick Videos About Patients
Jan 12, 2023Welcome Back to Season 4 of The Gritty Nurse Podcast! Our first episode back is about nursing icks. What in the hell got into these nurses why they thought this was ok? We discuss our takes as Maternal Child nurses/OB nurses, give other options for "venting" and discuss how social media can be used by nurses in a more productive way. Forgive our crazy video setup! We are just getting started using videos and video editing! Next episode we will have 3 cameras....please pray for us.
Your Gritty Nurses, Amie & Sara
Articles:
https...
Duration: 00:24:28Over 1700+ Minutes, Listened to in 27 Countries and Top 5% of Podcasts: The Gritty Nurses Say Goodbye to 2022!
Dec 22, 2022In this episode, the Gritty Nurses say goodbye to 2022! We discuss our Spotify Wrapped Stats, our favourite episodes of 2022 and what to expect from us in 2023. The only place to go is up! We will be moving to a bi-weekly schedule (episodes will still be released on Thursdays) but we will also be going visual! You will still be able to find us on all of your favourite listening platforms and now watch us on our youtube channel. We also are planning to do more in-person engagements (A Gritty Nurse Tour- perhaps)! So stay tuned, stay safe and stay b...
Duration: 00:36:39Does Teamwork Actually Make the Dream Work? Discussing The Power of Teamwork with Dr. Brian Goldman
Dec 15, 2022In this episode, Amie & Sara sit down to talk with Dr. Brian Goldman about his new book, "The Power of Teamwork". We discuss examples of high-functioning teams within other industries, why teamwork in healthcare is crucial and how better teams create better healthcare outcomes. We also touch on toxic environments and how individual behaviour can disrupt teams.
Dr. Brian Goldman is an emergency physician, author, public speaker, and radio personality. He practices in the Schwartz Reisman Emergency Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto
He has been a regular medical columnist on CBC Radio One...
Duration: 00:49:53Can the Role of a Nurse Practitioner Save Primary Healthcare?
Dec 08, 2022Why aren't Nurse Practitioners (NP) more utilized in Canada? Are NPs the answer to solving the primary care crisis? In this episode, Amie & Sara interview Stella Cruz, a nurse practitioner in Ontario. We discuss what an NP is, their scope of practice and how they might contribute to an overstretched healthcare system.
Stella Cruz has been an RN since 2002 working in neuro critical care, the emergency department, and geriatric psych medicine. She completed her masters at the University of Toronto in 2008 with a focus on nursing and women and horizontal violence. She decided to become a nurse p...
Duration: 00:38:37Pay Me What You Owe Me: Bill 124 and Women Talking About MONEY
Dec 01, 2022In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss 2 hot trending topics: Bill 124 has been deemed unconstitutional and the "taboo" subject of talking about pay equity. In nursing, there is a long history of saying that "we are called by god", well some nurses are called by the paper,- and that's just fine too. This thinking as well is PROBLEMATIC. We are not servants, we are not just caregivers, the church does not, nor should influence what we do. Nursing is a job- just like any other jobs, but the price of not bargaining what we are worth can have even...
Duration: 00:38:27Fined, Bullied and Silenced over a Facebook Post? Carolyn Brost Strom's Story and Victory for Patient Safety and Patient Care
Nov 22, 2022Nurses are nurses' worst enemies. Our job is to ensure that patient safety and patient outcomes are our primary concerns. But what happens when self-interest or pride, or greed takes over and patients care is not important? This is exactly what happened in Carolyn Brost Strom's Story. There was no professional misconduct, only a nurse who was brave enough to speak out to protect her family which extended to protecting other patients and families.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-nurse-carolyn-strom-wins-appeal-1.5752592
Duration: 00:34:54Hiding The Harm in Hospitals: Sounding the Alarm in Healthcare with Tracy Zambory- President of The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses
Nov 10, 2022Could you imagine working in a climate where the government is not being transparent about how dire the healthcare crisis is? Or even worse, working in conditions that you know can cause patient harm and are NOT ALLOWED to speak up because of severe punishment? Yes- this is real. And it is happening right here in Canada, specifically in Saskatchewan. Nurses CAN NOT SPEAK OUT without fear or reprisal or intimidation from their employers--but Tracey Zambory and the Saskatchewan Nursing Union is bringing the fight to the government for patient safety and nursing rights!
Tracy Zambory is...
Duration: 00:37:41They Don't Give a F*ck About Nurses or They Would Protect Us: Nursing Homicides
Nov 03, 2022In this podcast episode, Amie & Sara discuss the deaths of two nurses that happened less than weeks apart. On Oct 18, 2022 June Onkundi, a wife, mother, and psychiatric nurse practitioner was stabbed to death by one of her patients, James Gomes, while at work. On Oct 20th, 2022, Jacqueline Pokuaa (social worker), 45, and Katie Flowers (nurse), 63, were shot and killed by Nestor Hernandez, 30, who was on parole following an aggravated assault conviction.
How does this continue to happen? Are nursing lives worth nothing? What is being done to stop this? Why aren't the hospitals doing more to protect healthcare s...
Duration: 00:36:20Haunted Hospitals: A re-release of our own scariest stories
Oct 27, 2022Have you seen our Haunted Hospitals Episode yet? This creepy podcast that we released in Oct 2020 is now on a TV show!! Amie & Sara are both featured Season 4 of Haunted Hospitals premieres within our Creep Week programming event on Wednesday, October 12 at 10pm ET/PT. Links attached!
Our podcast episode gets into Halloween spirit by discussing personal encounters with the paranormal! Spooky stories that happened in the hospital and at home. Listen to this one curled up in the comfort of your bed or couch :)
Sara talks about a spooky encounter on nights at the...
Duration: 00:42:35Pregnancy and Infant Loss & Perinatal Mental Health: When it's more than the Blues
Oct 20, 2022October is pregnancy & infant loss awareness month. Thousands of families are devastated each year by the death of their baby. But the grief of these families and the value of their babies' lives are very rarely acknowledged. In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss Perinatal Mood Disorder and Pregnancy loss. We also discuss how we coped with loss in our professional and personal experiences and signs and symptoms of perinatal mood disorders. It's ok to not be ok. Mental health matters.
https://pailnetwork.sunnybrook.ca/about-us/awareness/pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-day/
https://starlegacyfoundation.org/awareness-month/
Duration: 00:35:11Nurses and the Supernatural: Fact, Fiction or Fun?
Oct 06, 2022It's OCTOBERWEEN! Your Gritty Nurses are at it again! In this light hearted episode, we discuss nursing/ healthcare ghost stories? Are they real? Are they fake? Is it just fun? We also have a para-skeptical guest, Jordan Varley, joining us to give us his take on our experiences. We also discuss our experineces recording Haunted Hospitals, Season 4 premieres October 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on T+E. Creep Week programming starts Oct 10- 15th! See the Creep Week hub here for more info.
Amie's Episode: Haunted Hospitals, Season 4, Episode 1 (The world premiere episode of Season 4 on October 12 a...
Duration: 00:46:47So we got a Lawyer here to talk about Nursing Strikes...Part 2!
Sep 29, 2022We finally did it. We have a lawyer who talks about Strike action of Nurses. Some good news, some not so great news. But as we have always said...LAWS CAN CHANGE. Listen. Learn. Reflect. There is still hope!
John has been litigation counsel for innumerable clients for over a decade. John has experience before private arbitrators, the Ontario Courts, the British Columbia Courts, the Federal Courts, federal and provincial agencies, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
John has worked for law firms and clients big and small and has helped clients ranging from individuals...
Duration: 00:38:41The Dark Side of Working in Healthcare: Violence towards Healthcare Workers
Sep 22, 2022"92% of healthcare workers experienced workplace violence in April 2022" (Security Magazine)
In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss the current rise of violence towards healthcare workers. In an article posted by the Amercican Medical Association, it was noted that "...violence against healthcare employees has markedly increased since the onset of the pandemic. The American Hospital Association (AHA) reports that healthcare workers suffer more workplace injuries because of violence than any other profession". It is not just verbal but physical violence as well. Our guest this week, Dr. Resa Lewiss, discusses the pervasiveness of violence she has seen and experinced in...
Duration: 00:39:08When 15,000 Nurses Walk off the Job: "Strike" is not a bad word.
Sep 15, 2022What is the dirtiest word in healthcare? It is also one of the most powerful words in the labour world? Let me give you a few quotes...
You have nothing to loose but your chains...
An injury to one is an injury to to all...
You have to listen to find out.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2022/09/12/nurse-strike-minnesota-hospitals-gr-orig.cnn
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-nurses-union-strike-vote-1.6060793
https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/strike-inevitable-for-alberta-nurses-likely-two-months-away-1.5565332
https://www.una.ca/116/25-years-later-remembering-the-1988-nurses-strike
https://www.benefitscanada.com...
Duration: 00:39:13There's a New Role in Town- The Chief Nurse Officer: Our Gritty Expectations
Sep 01, 2022There's a new role in town: the Chief Nurse Officer. Do you have a CNO position where you live? What is the role of a CNO? What will the CNO's first 90 days look like? In this episode, Amie & Sara give their "gritty" take on what the first 90 days of the CNO positions should look like. Its just our opinion...but we put it all out there. No BS here, just looking out for the needs of nurses.
Duration: 00:39:21Dental Care: It's NOT Universal and You'll Be SHOCKED To Find Out Why
Aug 25, 2022In Canada, over six million people avoid seeking treatment from the dentist each year. It's not the "fear" of going to see the dentist, but the fear of going absolutely broke doing it. But missing dentist's appointments has costs- it degrades the quality of life, and can introduce severe health problems down the road. At the end of the day, to decrease healthcare costs, keep a healthy community and reduce socioeconomic inequities- Canada NEEDS a universal dental care plan. In this episode, Amie and Sara speak with Dr. Brandon Doucet, a Dentist and advocate about the importance of having...
Duration: 00:38:58