Gloves Off, Minds On - A perioperative podcast

Collaboration between VPNG, NWS OTA and ACORN

Welcome to Gloves Off, Minds On—a perioperative podcast brought to you by VPNG and NSW OTA. We’re here to take the gloves off and dive into the real conversations shaping perioperative nursing today. Each episode, we bring you inspiring guests, practical insights, and thought-provoking topics from across the scrub bay and beyond. Whether you're in theatre, recovery, anaesthetics, or leadership—this is your space to learn, laugh, and stay connected. So scrub in, switch on, and let’s get into it.

  1. Aug 6

    Making an Impact: One Nurse's Journey from Sydney to Cambodia and Beyond

    From metropolitan theatres to international volunteering and regional practice, what does a truly diverse perioperative nursing career look like? In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, Elyse and Nadine sit down with Jane Howard, an experienced perioperative nurse whose career has spanned ophthalmic surgery, international volunteer work with Cambodia Vision, and regional healthcare practice. Jane reflects on her journey into perioperative nursing, her years working in ophthalmic surgery, and what inspired her to volunteer overseas. She shares insights into delivering surgical care in low-resource settings, the challenges and rewards of international volunteering, and the lessons she has brought back to her practice in Australia. The conversation also explores Jane's transition from metropolitan healthcare to regional practice, highlighting the unique opportunities, challenges and professional growth that come with working in different clinical environments. In this episode, we discuss: Jane's pathway into perioperative nursing Her experience working in ophthalmic surgery Volunteering with Cambodia Vision Delivering surgical care in low-resource settings Memorable experiences from international volunteer work Lessons learned from Cambodian patients and healthcare workers Moving from metropolitan to regional healthcare The rewards and challenges of regional perioperative practice Career reflections and advice for nurses considering volunteering or a new career direction Whether you're interested in volunteering overseas, considering a move to regional practice, or simply curious about the many pathways a perioperative nursing career can take, Jane's story offers inspiration, perspective and practical insights. 🎧 Listen now and discover how perioperative nurses can make an impact both locally and globally.

  2. Jul 9

    Beyond the OR: Stepping into Research as a Nurse

    What does it actually take for a perioperative nurse to step into research and why would you? In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, Elyse and Carmen sit down with Tarryn Armour RN, ACORN Fellow, lecturer, and PhD candidate — to talk about her pathway from clinical practice into academia and research. Tarryn shares how her interest in research developed, what gave her the confidence to start a PhD, and the realities of juggling study, teaching, and life along the way. This is an honest, practical look at what a research pathway can look like for perioperative nurses. They explore: How a clinical career in perioperative nursing can evolve into research and academia What sparked Tarryn’s decision to pursue a PhD Common misconceptions and barriers for nurses considering research The focus of her PhD and why it matters for perioperative practice and patient outcomes The realities of balancing study, work, and everyday life Advice for nurses who are curious about postgraduate study but not sure where to start This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought, “Could I do research?” — and needed to hear what that path actually looks like from someone living it.

  3. Jun 11

    What We Say Matters: Rethinking Pain in PACU

    Pain doesn’t begin in recovery and it’s not just measured on a scale of 0 to 10. In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, Nadine and Elyse sit down with pain physician and anaesthetist Dr Suyin Tan to unpack something we don’t always notice in practice: the language we use around pain, and how much it actually matters. From the pre‑operative conversations that shape expectations, to the familiar phrases we rely on in PACU, this discussion explores how words can unintentionally heighten distress, reinforce fear, or even “script” a patient’s pain experience before it begins. Together, they explore: How early conversations about pain influence what patients later experience after surgery The subtle ways clinicians may unintentionally amplify pain through well meaning language What PACU clinicians are really seeing when patients arrive with pre‑formed expectations Why numeric pain scores don’t tell the full story in recovery How shifting the focus from pain to comfort can change patient responses in real time Simple language changes clinicians can make immediately, without extra time or resources This is a practical, reflective conversation for perioperative clinicians who want to communicate more effectively, reduce distress, and support better recovery — without adding to their workload.

  4. May 14

    Breaking Barriers in Regional Care: A Nurse Endoscopist’s Story

    In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, hosts Nadine and Elyse talk with Christine Ayton, the first fully accredited nurse endoscopist in New South Wales. Christine shares her journey from regional nursing beginnings through ICU, emergency, and perioperative roles to pioneering nurse-led endoscopy, the challenges she faced, and how she supports access to care in regional communities. Listeners will hear practical insights about training, overcoming resistance, interprofessional collaboration, and the impact of nurse-led services on patient care and waiting lists.

  5. 07/03/2025

    21. Surgical plume in the OR

    Welcome to The VPNG Podcast! Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative. On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse interviews Penny Smally, and discusses all things surgical plume. Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now! Join and like VPNG on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/ Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

  6. 02/23/2025

    20. Quality Care, Every Time. Featuring Karolin King

    Welcome to The VPNG Podcast! Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative. On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk with Karolin King about all things safety and risk. Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours! Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now! Join and like VPNG on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/ Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

  7. 12/30/2024

    19. Stitching Together a Sustainable Future

    Welcome to The VPNG Podcast! Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative. On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk to Dr Emily Balmaks about sustainability in the operating theatre. Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours! Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now! Join and like VPNG on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/ Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

  8. 11/25/2024

    18. Mercy ship adventures with Jonathan Hardwick

    Welcome to The VPNG Podcast! Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative. On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk with Jonathan Hardwick about his experiences serving with Mercy Ships. Find more information here: Mercy Ships Australia - A Vessel of Hope and Health Care Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours! Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now! Join and like VPNG on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/ Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

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About

Welcome to Gloves Off, Minds On—a perioperative podcast brought to you by VPNG and NSW OTA. We’re here to take the gloves off and dive into the real conversations shaping perioperative nursing today. Each episode, we bring you inspiring guests, practical insights, and thought-provoking topics from across the scrub bay and beyond. Whether you're in theatre, recovery, anaesthetics, or leadership—this is your space to learn, laugh, and stay connected. So scrub in, switch on, and let’s get into it.

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