The Gritty Nurse

In a world grappling with constant change and unprecedented challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. Whether it's navigating turbulent times in the workplace, steering through personal storms, or fostering resilience in our communities, strong leadership is the compass that guides us forward. Join us for a vital conversation on "We Need Another Leader," where we...

Is it too late to say sorry? Do apologies for medical harm actually create change? The Canadian Medical Association recently issued an apology to Indigenous Peoples for the harms inflicted upon them by the medical system, acknowledging a history of racism, neglect, and abuse. In this crucial episode, we delve into the significance of this apology and explore what true transformative medical justic...

You would sooner see a medical society protect a physician who has sexually assaulted numerous patients than see them openly defend a physician who stands against the genocide of the people of Gaza/Palestine. This is where we are....and it is SHAMEFUL.  In this episode, Amie Archibald-Varley, Sara Fung and guest Dr. Yipeng Ge delve into the critical role of healthcare workers not remaining silent...

"We always have done it this way"---is the death of inspiration and innovation in healthcare.  In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss moving beyond traditional administrative roles and cultivate the kind of leadership that inspires innovation and drives meaningful change with best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and globally-renowned keynote speaker, Hamza Khan. We discuss his background...

In this episode, Amie & Sara delve into the alarming rise of medical misinformation, focusing on the dangerous and racist rhetoric perpetuated by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. throughout his "health stances" and during his confirmation hearing. We dissect his false claims about offering differing vaccine schedules for Black people, exposing the medical racist undertones, the fact that he MISUNDERSTOOD the...

Do you think your physician should continue to practice after 245 complaints of sexual misconduct? Ever wonder what really goes on behind the closed doors of a hospital? Join Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung as we delve into the dark side of healthcare with Bruce Sackman, a seasoned medical center investigator who's seen it all. From the mundane to the truly shocking, this podcast pulls back the...

In this season 6 premiere episode, Amie Archibald-Varley & Sara Fung delve into the chilling case of a NICU nurse caught on surveillance cameras inflicting harm on vulnerable infants. We grapple with the devastating impact of this betrayal of trust, exploring the unanswered questions that remain: What were the systemic failures that allowed this abuse to occur? Who else should be held accountable...

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, hospita...

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...

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 chec...

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 abo...

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 wit...

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...

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...

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 Fo...

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, CE...

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...

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...

In this insightful episode, the Gritty Nurses chat with Len Pierre, an Indigenous leader who provides education and awareness in Indigenous Cultural Safety & reconciliation: Indigenous cultural advising, education & training, and consultation services. They chat about pressing issues in healthcare affecting Indigenous people, how healthcare providers can give better care to vulnerable populations,...

Remote work is a hugely hot topic right now! How the heck can you work from home as a NURSE?! The Gritty Nurses chat with Emma, aka Nurse Fern, who has built a platform and community centred on helping nurses find work from home jobs! Listen for Emma's story on how she got into remote work and how you can too, plus pros and cons of the WFH life! Emma Geiser is the founder of Nurse Fern, a platform...

Right now, across Canada and the US, patients are not receiving the care they deserve because nurses continue to work with fewer resources. Nurses have stated, time and time again, that patients are getting sicker, are more complex and require more dedicated attention to their care. The evidence is clear--staffing ratios protect patients, support nurses to do the work required and improve better o...

Why is it that the only thing that seems to matter in traditional nursing is seniority? Ask a nurse, any nurse to tell you about themselves and they will start by saying how long they've worked. While the rest of the world focuses on performance and skills, nursing somehow seems stuck on where you are on the seniority list. Does seniority have a role in nurses eating their young? Or are times chan...

There is no better way to finish off National Nursing Week than to hear from the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. In this special episode, Amie and Sara sit down to discuss the triumphs and challenges in nursing with the Prime Minister. We also discuss the role of the Federal Government as it pertains to healthcare & nursing, accountability of the provinces concerning healthcare funding,...

In this episode, Amie and Sara talk about the whirlwind of events that have taken place in the last few months. An exciting national media tour, a book release, hitting #1 National Bestselling status, NurseCon, and more! This is just the beginning. Unstoppable, Unflappaple, Undeniable!  Order our Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! Leave us a review on Amazon! https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/th...

Watch out now---we got a Doctor of Nursing in the HOUSE!!! In this episode, the Gritty Nurses chat with Dr. Farah Laurent, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with 6 board certifications and nurse career coach! They talk about what a DNP is, what opportunities exist and the role of a DNP in healthcare organizations. They also take a dive into what Farah's career path has looked like and her entrepr...