JUST A SHARP SCRATCH

What inspires someone to leave one career behind and dedicate themselves to caring for others? In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch , Martyn sits down with Samantha Pallister , Registered Nursing Associate and educator, to discuss her journey from banking into health and social care, a career that has now spanned more than 17 years. Sam reflects on the experiences that led her to become a Nursi...

In this conversation, Lucie shares her inspiring journey from being a patient with mental health challenges to becoming a nursing associate. She discusses the importance of lived experience in healthcare, the challenges of transitioning roles, and the significance of self-care. Lucie emphasizes the need for hope and resilience, and her desire to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system. Th...

In this engaging conversation, Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from being a hospital porter to a nursing associate and now nearing the completion of her nursing training. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights her passion for patient care, especially in the field of endoscopy. The conversation also touches on the importance of team cu...

In this episode of we are m eeting at the Winchester , host Martyn Davey is joined by educators from the University of Winchester to talk all things Nursing Associates — from innovative apprenticeship design to preparing learners for the realities of modern practice. Through discussion around simulation, digital learning, and real-world clinical expertise, the team explore how Winchester’s approac...

Peter Murphy Lewis takes the host seat for a special takeover episode, interviewing Martyn Davey a dedicated voice for nursing associates and mental health. This conversation goes deeper than titles and job roles. It’s about why stories matter. You hear Martyn reflect on• how podcasting became a platform for unheard voices• moments in clinical practice that changed the way he sees people• the emot...

You hear directly from the educators shaping the Nursing Associate journey at Sheffield University. They talk openly about what the role means, how apprenticeships are changing the landscape, and why strong support systems matter for every student. In this episode, you explore: • What educators want every Nursing Associate to understand about the role • How apprenticeships create both challenges a...

In this conversation, Martyn Davey interviews Peter Watt, a nursing associate and research associate, discussing his journey from theatre assistant to his current role in research. They explore the challenges faced by nursing associates, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of peer-to-peer networks in supporting mental health and learning disabilities. Peter shares insights...

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn Davey interviews Tom Connelly, a Clinical Educator at the University of Sheffield. They discuss Tom's journey into nursing, his experiences in emergency care, and the transition to education. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing, the role of a clinical educator, and the challenges faced by nursing associates. Tom sha...

In this engaging conversation, Martyn Davey and Charlie Craig discuss the evolution of nursing education, the role of nursing associates, and the challenges faced in the healthcare sector. Charlie shares her personal journey into nursing, the importance of the nursing associate role, and the creation of a clinical pocket reference designed specifically for nursing associates. The discussion emphas...

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose , Martyn welcomes Peter Murphy Lewis , creator of the documentary series People Worth Caring About , and Erin Hart , Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA). The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities facing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the United States, drawing parallels...

Not Just a Stepping Stone: The Impact of a Nursing AssociateIn this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we sit down with Alison Ayliffe-Jessup — a former teacher turned Nursing Associate working in General Practice. Alison shares her journey from education into healthcare, what it was like to qualify after more than a decade as a Health Care Assistant, and the impact she’s now making as an NA and amb...

“Hope to Inspire: Heidi Slatter on Autism, Training & Change” In this inspiring episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: we sit down with Heidi Slatter — autism advocate, award winner, and founder of Hope to Inspire . Heidi shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism, what led her to start speaking out, and how she’s spent the last decade helping others better understand the neurodivers...

🎙️ Episode Title: The Gift of Experience: Dr Rachel Tims This episode of Just a Sharp Scratch opens with something personal — a reflection on my journey with the Countdown to Change campaign . From the sleepless nights with a newborn to launching a national petition advocating for Nursing Associates, I share the highs, the lows, and the moments that sparked this movement for real change. Then, we’...

🎙️ : "From Leadership to Legacy: Michele Mtandabari’s Mission to Uplift Nursing Associates" Guest: Michele Mtandabari – Clinical Workforce Transformation Manager & Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholar In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch , Martyn sits down with the inspiring Michele Mtandabari to explore her remarkable journey through healthcare leadership and how it led her to become a...

We’re thrilled to bring you a very special episode of our International Nursing Associate mini-series featuring Sandra Dawe — an experienced RN, IPHM-certified Holistic Practitioner, and university lecturer based in Texas. 🇺🇸 In this inspiring conversation, Sandra shares her insights into global nursing practices, the growing role of holistic health in mainstream care, and how education is shaping...

🎙️ Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose — International Nursing Mini-Series Episode Title: Borderless Care: Elizabeth’s LVN Journey In this episode of our international mini-series, we head to the heart of Texas to meet Elizabeth Espinoza-Rodriguez , a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) whose career spans hospice care, ambulance response, and community-based nursing. Elizabeth shares her inspiring jo...

🎙️ International Nursing Associate Mini-Series: Christine Green, LPN In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch , we continue our International Nursing Associate mini-series with a special guest— Christine Green, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ! Christine shares her journey as an LPN, offering insights into how the role compares to the Nursing Associate position in the UK, the challenges and rewards...

"In the first episode of our international Nursing Associate mini-series, we’re heading to Australia to explore life as an Enrolled Nurse in surgical theatres! 🇦🇺✨ Joining us is Bradley Ross , an EN working in operating rooms , who gives us an inside look at theatre nursing Down Under. From training and responsibilities to the challenges of surgical care, we discuss how the role compares to...

Episode Title: Shaping the Future of Nursing Associates – With Ella Reynolds In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch , we sit down with Ella Reynolds , Programme Coordinator and Lead for Nursing Professions at University Centre South Devon , to explore the evolving role of Nursing Associates and what the future holds for nursing education. 💡 In this episode, we discuss: ✔️ The impact of Nursing A...

In this episode, we take a look back at the start of my TNA journey and sit down with our guest, Kirsty Brook, a senior lecturer at one of the leading universities in the West Midlands. We’ll be sharing our top tips to help you ace your TNA interview, along with valuable advice on what to do if things don’t go your way this time around. Don’t forget to check out the Just a Sharp Scratch SNA &...

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch , we’re joined by Dr. Sam Donohue to take a deep dive into the journey of the Nursing Associate role—where it started, how far it’s come, and where it’s headed next. As someone who has been instrumental in shaping the role, Dr Sam Donohue shares insights into the challenges, successes, and ongoing developments within the profession. We explore the impact of...

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted in your role as a healthcare professional? In this powerful episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we sit down with Jeanelle, an experienced nurse from Australia and author of the inspiring book Nursing the Nurse. Jeanelle shares her personal journey through burnout and how she rediscovered her passion for nursing. We’ll discuss: 🔥 Recognizing the early signs o...

Episode 1: Season 2 Premiere – Su Hickman Welcome to Season 2 of Just a Sharp Scratch! 🎉 We’re kicking off with an inspiring conversation featuring Su Hickman, a dedicated healthcare professional whose journey in nursing showcases resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference. In this episode, Su shares: ✅ Her career journey and what inspired her to enter the world of healthcare....

In this special anniversary episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we’re celebrating a full year of stories, insights, and the incredible journey of our podcast. To mark the occasion, we’re honored to welcome back Laira Pearson, Head of Nursing & Health Professions at Bridgwater & Taunton College, whose vision helped lay the foundation for nursing associates and the pilot program that started it all. Jo...

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch , we sit down with Paige Barsby, a Nursing Associate and educator working in surgical theatres. Paige offers a deep dive into the critical role Nursing Associates play in operating rooms, sharing her journey from clinical practice to becoming an educator. She discusses the unique challenges faced in surgical settings and the rewarding impact on patient care....