The Gritty Nurse Podcast

Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung
  • 4.5 (27)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Gritty Nurse Podcast

You can't have integrity without grit, right? Our podcast examines hot topics related to health and healthcare. We shy away from nothing, discussing topics such as mental health, social justice, women's health and women's rights. We are story-tellers and love hearing how healthcare has impacted individuals' lives. We want to discuss the good, bad and ugly . We also provide a platform for empowerment and shared experiences, where we represent voices that have been silenced, underrepresented and marginalized --so they can share their stories of hope, change and inspiration. Episodes are informative, gritty, humorous and educational.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    That’s a Holiday Wrap: Our Gritty Insights for 2025!

    In 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 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, also known as HCP,  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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! 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/ X: https://x.com/GrittyNurse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

    30 min

  2. DEC 6

    Climate change and Healthcare: The Hurricane Effect in Health with Nurse Jessica Sites and Raluca Ralu

    We 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 delivery registered nurse in the Tampa Bay area for over 21 years. 2 years ago she took a leap of faith and left bedside nursing in order to pursue a full-time comedic social media career. With nearly 1 million followers, Nurse Jessica has become a trending social media sensation and is proud of how far she has come in such a short amount of time. She is also the co-host of a nursing podcast called Nurses Uncorked, where and her co-host advocate for nurses while still managing to insert humor in the mix. Jessica says if that she can give nurses even a little chuckle in the midst of their crazy chaotic work lives, then she feels she is accomplishing their goals. Raluca Radu, a proud nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia, specializes in Climate Change & Health Education. Since beginning her nursing career in 2014, she has gained experience in public and private healthcare, including surgical units, emergency departments, primary care, and occupational health and safety. Raluca has also taught as a clinical instructor and lecturer at UBC, contributing as a content expert on Climate Change & Health. Passionate about the environment, she remains active in groups like the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE) and other planetary health initiatives. After serving as a Climate and Health Educator with Doctors Without Borders, where she led capacity-building on mitigation health co-benefits, Raluca joined Providence Health Care as its first Planetary Health Lead. She believes we all have opportunities to act now to protect our shared future. 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 a bold new approach to medical education, we will train future-ready doctors who are dedicated to delivering primary care to those who need it most. Our doctors will come from our communities and work with our communities to improve health and wellbeing. They will disrupt and drive change within the healthcare system for the benefit of our communities all across Canada. And they will advance our shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable world. The TMU School of Medicine will welcome its first cohort of residents in summer 2025 across 17 residency programs, including seven in family medicine and ten in generalist specialties. MD students will follow in September 2025, pending successful preliminary accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine  to learn more. 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 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, also known as HCP,  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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

    1h 1m

  3. NOV 21

    The Mo-ment of Truth: A Hairy Discussion on Men's Health & Prostate Cancer

    Get 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 little hair on your face can go a long way! 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 a bold new approach to medical education, we will train future-ready doctors who are dedicated to delivering primary care to those who need it most. Our doctors will come from our communities and work with our communities to improve health and wellbeing. They will disrupt and drive change within the healthcare system for the benefit of our communities all across Canada. And they will advance our shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable world. The TMU School of Medicine will welcome its first cohort of residents in summer 2025 across 17 residency programs, including seven in family medicine and ten in generalist specialties. MD students will follow in September 2025, pending successful preliminary accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine to learn more.  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 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, also known as HCP, 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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! Order our Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! https://a.co/d/5XTJRQd Leave us a review on Amazon! https://www.harpercollins.ca/97814434... https://www.grittynurse.com Bluesky: @grittynurse.bsky.social YouTube: / @grittynursepodcast  Facebook: / grittynurse Instagram: / gritty.nurse.podcast Twitter: / grittynurse LinkedIn: / grittynurse

    40 min

  4. NOV 4

    Women’s Bodies Are On the Ballot, Our Choice Is On The Line: The Right To Choose With Leader of NDP Jagmeet Singh

    Our 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 the face of other men who are trying to suppress our voices. And Canada, think again if you think we cannot lose our rights here--The CPC has proposed many anti-choice bills. We say for Canada too, "We will not go back"! Listen to this most crucial episode, and please vote! 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 a bold new approach to medical education, we will train future-ready doctors who are dedicated to delivering primary care to those who need it most. Our doctors will come from our communities and work with our communities to improve health and wellbeing. They will disrupt and drive change within the healthcare system for the benefit of our communities all across Canada. And they will advance our shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable world. The TMU School of Medicine will welcome its first cohort of residents in summer 2025 across 17 residency programs, including seven in family medicine and ten in generalist specialties. MD students will follow in September 2025, pending successful preliminary accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine to learn more. 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 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, also known as HCP, 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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! Order our Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! Leave us a review on Amazon! https://www.harpercollins.ca/97814434... https://www.grittynurse.com/ YouTube:    / @grittynursepodcast   Facebook:   / grittynurse   Instagram:   / gritty.nurse.podcast   Twitter:   / grittynurse   LinkedIn:   / grittynurse

    27 min

  5. OCT 24

    Halloween Hospital Hell: Tales From the Dark Side of the Hospital Room

    Welcome 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 summer 2025, Toronto Metropolitan University’s new School of Medicine will officially open its doors and begin shaping a new generation of doctors. Through a bold new approach to medical education, we will train future-ready doctors who are dedicated to delivering primary care to those who need it most. Our doctors will come from our communities and work with our communities to improve health and wellbeing. They will disrupt and drive change within the healthcare system for the benefit of our communities all across Canada. And they will advance our shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable world. The TMU School of Medicine will welcome its first cohort of residents in summer 2025 across 17 residency programs, including seven in family medicine and ten in generalist specialties. MD students will follow in September 2025, pending successful preliminary accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine  to learn more.  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 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, also known as HCP,  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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

    44 min

  6. OCT 10

    Vacation from Hell! You Never Get to Hang Up Your Stethoscope!

    In 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 a bold new approach to medical education, we will train future-ready doctors who are dedicated to delivering primary care to those who need it most. Our doctors will come from our communities and work with our communities to improve health and wellbeing. They will disrupt and drive change within the healthcare system for the benefit of our communities all across Canada. And they will advance our shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable world. The TMU School of Medicine will welcome its first cohort of residents in summer 2025 across 17 residency programs, including seven in family medicine and ten in generalist specialties. MD students will follow in September 2025, pending successful preliminary accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine  to learn more.   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 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, also known as HCP,  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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

    44 min

  7. SEP 26

    Your Personal Health Information up for Ransom: Hospital Cyberattacks Are On The Rise

    In 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/ascension-hospital-ransomware-attack-care-lapses  https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/05/23/1253011397/how-the-ascension-cyberattack-is-disrupting-care-at-hospitals  https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/ascension-cyberattack-impact-ehr-pharmacy-ambulance-diversion/719139/ https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/tracking-ascension-healthcare-cyberattack-impact/716327/  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 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, also known as HCP, 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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!  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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

    25 min

  8. SEP 12

    Health Equity, Medical School & Creating Healthy Changes: Toronto Metropolitan School of Medicine with Dean Dr. Teresa Chan!

    In 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 the Assistant Dean of Faculty Development and Associate Dean of Continuing Professional Development within the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.  Dr. Chan is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the medical education website, CanadiEM.org, which provides resources for medical learners and educators in Canada and around the world. She is a well-known figure in the medical education community and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field. 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 a bold new approach to medical education, we will train future-ready doctors who are dedicated to delivering primary care to those who need it most. Our doctors will come from our communities and work with our communities to improve health and wellbeing. They will disrupt and drive change within the healthcare system for the benefit of our communities all across Canada. And they will advance our shared vision to build a healthier, more equitable world. The TMU School of Medicine will welcome its first cohort of residents in summer 2025 across 17 residency programs, including seven in family medicine and ten in generalist specialties. MD students will follow in September 2025, pending successful preliminary accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Visit torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine  to learn more. 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 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, also known as HCP,  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 spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected. Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more! 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/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

    52 min
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4.5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

You can't have integrity without grit, right? Our podcast examines hot topics related to health and healthcare. We shy away from nothing, discussing topics such as mental health, social justice, women's health and women's rights. We are story-tellers and love hearing how healthcare has impacted individuals' lives. We want to discuss the good, bad and ugly . We also provide a platform for empowerment and shared experiences, where we represent voices that have been silenced, underrepresented and marginalized --so they can share their stories of hope, change and inspiration. Episodes are informative, gritty, humorous and educational.

Information

  • Creator
    Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Gritty Nurse Podcast

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