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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. AUG 15

    We’re ALL Nurses, but not all TREATED like Nurses: Spotlight on The Registered Practical Nurse

    Have 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, you're a nurse.  Dianne Martin has been a nurse since 1979. She graduated first as an RPN and then in 1998, she graduated as an RN with a diploma in nursing and is dually registered as both an RN and RPN. Currently she works as an RPN in the role of Chief Executive Officer of WeRPN where she has been recognized for her work to build bridges of greater understanding and respect among the categories of nurses in Ontario. Dianne has experience working in several Ontario hospitals predominantly in the field of Perinatal Care. She has held several leadership positions including professional practice coordinator in an Ontario hospital and senior policy analyst with the Nursing Policy and Innovation Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (formerly The Nursing Secretariat). In 2016, Dianne received the Premier’s Award which recognizes college graduates whose achievements have made a difference in the province of Ontario. She is the daughter of a nurse, mother to a nurse, and she holds all those who care for others in the highest regard. 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 Follow WeRPN- Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario https://www.werpn.com/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/we_rpn Facebook @wearepracticalnurses: https://www.facebook.com/wearepracticalnurses/ Instagram @we_rpn: http://instagram.com/we_rpn

    41 min

  7. AUG 2

    The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation: A Nurse Drives Off a Parking Garage and a Nurse at a Strip Club

    In 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 top floor of a parking garage. Authorities responded to the incident at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, according to a police report from the Boston Police Department. Responding officers found a “heavily damaged” 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee next to the garage, as well as a piece of railing that appeared to match the railing on the garage’s roof. Boston fire officials reportedly informed police that a vehicle had plunged off the top of the parking garage, though it was unclear how. Article: https://people.com/nurse-slept-in-car-drove-off-top-floor-hospital-parking-garage-8656111  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

    37 min

  8. JUL 16

    You Left WHAT in my Body?! A Patient's Worst Nightmare!

    In 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 back — and didn't tell her what happened. Instead, it was discovered during an X-ray more than a decade later. The woman says her doctor can't directly link the pain she's experiencing to the needle, but one thing has been made clear to her: it's not safe to remove it. Story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/needle-spine-patient-investigations-1.7227058#:~:text=Giovanna%20Ippolito%20is%20living%20with,more%20than%20a%20decade%20later. 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

    35 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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