Scrubbed in and Speaking out

In this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, we explore what Occupational Health and Safety really means in today’s health care system—and why it goes far beyond physical safety. For nurses, workplace safety is shaped by a combination of factors: workload, staffing levels, workplace violence, fatigue, and the systems in place to support them. When these pressures build, they impact not only nu...

In this episode we get caught up with President YvetteCoffey on a few issues and including the advocacy work RNU is doing on behalf of membership and the next steps for Collective Bargaining. Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 Biennial Convention inCorner Brook and the upcoming Board of Directors elections—two key opportunities for members to get involved and help set the direction of the union. This...

In this episode we get caught up with President YvetteCoffey on a few issues and including the advocacy work RNU is doing on behalfof membership and the next steps for Collective Bargaining. Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 Biennial Convention inCorner Brook and the upcoming Board of Directors elections—two keyopportunities for members to get involved and help set the direction of theunion. This ep...

In Episode 10 of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out , RNU President Yvette Coffey breaks down how staffing levels impact everything in our health care system—from patient outcomes to nurse retention to overall system costs. When nurses are working short, the consequences are immediate: increased workloads, delayed care, and growing pressure across the system. Over time, that leads to burnout, retention...

Violence in health care is not “part of the job.” In Episode 9 of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out , RNU President Yvette Coffey speaks with Todd Barron, Provincial Violence Prevention Coordinator with NL Health Services, about the growing crisis of workplace violence. They discuss: The 2024 Workplace Violence Survey results Why violence is under-reported Prevention strategies and the Ambassador Progr...

Professional practice is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — tools available to nurses. In Episode 8, RNUNL President Yvette Coffey RN and Research and Education Specialist Ashley Hunt RN explain why professional practice forms are essential to protecting patients, protecting nurses, and upholding standards of practice. From short staffing and non-nursing duties to incident report...

In this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out , RNUNL President Yvette Coffey joins host Dan Williams to unpack the resolutions guiding the union’s advocacy in the year ahead. From safer staffing and nurse retention to workplace violence and professional respect, Yvette speaks candidly about the realities nurses are facing across Newfoundland and Labrador — and what must change. Grounded in dire...

Featuring Yvette Coffey & Executive Director David HammondIn this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with Executive Director David Hammond for an in-depth conversation about collective bargaining—what it is, why it matters, and how members drive every step of the process. Together, they break down what “membership-driven bargaining” REALLY means, how...

Episode 5 – Scrubbed In and Speaking Out In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing issues in health care:  safe staffing . Host Dan Williams sits down with RNU President Yvette Coffey to discuss the long-awaited  core staffing review —why it matters, what’s changing, and how it will shape the future of nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador. From outdated staffing models to the growing...

Happy Nurse Practitioner Week! Today on our podcast Yvette Coffey, President of RNU is joined by Jessica Peddle, Nurse Practitioner and President of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Newfoundland and LabradorJessica discusses the aspirations of the NLNPA to be recognized as independent care providers, to practice to their full scope, and a new reporting structure. Yvette and Jessica find commo...

In this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNU President Yvette Coffey joins host Dan Williams to discuss the urgent need to focus on retention — not just recruitment. They talk about why nurses are leaving the profession, the impact of unsafe workloads and mandatory overtime, and how initiatives like self-scheduling, flexible work arrangements, and accessible childcare can help. Yvette also...

What does advocacy look like behind the headlines? In this episode, RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with host Dan Williams for a candid conversation about the challenges facing nurses and nurse practitioners across Newfoundland and Labrador. They discuss the union’s work on equal pay for equal work, safe staffing, workplace safety, and the right to refuse unsafe work. Yvette also explains wh...

In this election special, RNU President Yvette Coffey speaks with Tony Wakeham , Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their conversation covers the PC Party’s plans to strengthen the public healthcare system, improve working conditions for nurses, and ensure safe staffing in hospitals and communities across the province. This episode is part of RNU’s Scrubbed...

RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with Jim Dinn , Leader of Newfoundland and Labrador’s New Democratic Party, for a thoughtful discussion about the future of public healthcare and the nursing profession in this province. Together, they explore the NDP’s commitments to safe staffing levels, recruitment and retention, workplace safety, and ensuring nurses have the resources they need to provide...

With less than a week before voters head to the polls, RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with Liberal candidate Krista Lynn Howell , who joins Scrubbed In and Speaking Out on behalf of Premier John Hogan and the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. In this candid conversation, Yvette and Krista Lynn discuss the Liberal Party’s commitments to strengthening public healthcare, supporting n...

In our first episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out , host Dan Williams sits down with RNU President Yvette Coffey for an introduction to the podcast and a look at Yvette’s journey as a nurse and union leader. From her early days in critical care to her passion for workplace safety and advocacy, Yvette shares insights that set the stage for future conversations about nursing, health care, and the...