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 a ...
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Things have been extremely difficult. A pandemic, divisive politics, climate change, a war, women’s rights & Civil Rights, wealth inequality, housing, inflation, relationships, Social Media…The list can go on and on. We have focused on all these important issues but neglected the most important issue. Our mental health. People aren’t ok…. Social media is FAKE. We tend to show the best sides of ourselves—the truth or rawness of emotion/reality is rarely shown. When those of us no longer fit t ...
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F*ck the Cake, WE WANT Change: Maybe It's Not Time For Celebration For Nurses Week
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22:58Five years have passed since the initial waves of the pandemic, yet the echoes of devastation resonate deeply within Canada's nursing workforce. Burnout remains rampant, exacerbated by chronic understaffing, unsafe patient-to-nurse ratios, and a shocking lack of basic protections against workplace violence. This Nursing Week, the usual calls for ce…
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We Need Another Leader: Navigating Difficult Times with Authentic Leadership, Courage and Clarity
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56:35In 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 c…
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Does the CMA Apology Go Far Enough? Indigenous Sovereignty of Health And The Pathway To Healing with Dr. Jamaica Cass
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35:09Is 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 a…
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Speaking Through Silence: Broken Oaths & Healthcare's Lack of Morality On The Crisis in Palestine with Dr. Yipeng Ge
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43:57You 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…
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We Need a Prescription for Leadership: Hamza Khan on Leading vs Managing
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59:39
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59:39"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 keyno…
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Decoding the Deception: RFK Jr.'s RACIST Vaccine Lies and the Fight Against Medical Misinformation
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32:45In 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 rac…
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Fraud, Felonies and Murder: True Crime in the Medical World From the Medical Investigators Notebook
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50:16
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50:16Do 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 t…
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Fractured Innocence: An NICU Nurse's Betrayal
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28:32In 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 ab…
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That’s a Holiday Wrap: Our Gritty Insights for 2025!
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29:39In 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 spo…
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Climate change and Healthcare: The Hurricane Effect in Health with Nurse Jessica Sites and Raluca Ralu
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1:00:48
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1:00:48We 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.…
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The Mo-ment of Truth: A Hairy Discussion on Men's Health & Prostate Cancer
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40:16Get 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…
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Women’s Bodies Are On the Ballot, Our Choice Is On The Line: The Right To Choose With Leader of NDP Jagmeet Singh
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27:29
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27:29Our 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 sill…
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Halloween Hospital Hell: Tales From the Dark Side of the Hospital Room
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44:10Welcome 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 …
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Vacation from Hell! You Never Get to Hang Up Your Stethoscope!
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43:41In 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 internatio…
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Your Personal Health Information up for Ransom: Hospital Cyberattacks Are On The Rise
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25:24In 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 …
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Health Equity, Medical School & Creating Healthy Changes: Toronto Metropolitan School of Medicine with Dean Dr. Teresa Chan!
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52:17In 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 me…
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We’re ALL Nurses, but not all TREATED like Nurses: Spotlight on The Registered Practical Nurse
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41:06Have 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 nu…
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The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation: A Nurse Drives Off a Parking Garage and a Nurse at a Strip Club
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37:01In 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, th…
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You Left WHAT in my Body?! A Patient's Worst Nightmare!
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35:19In 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 re…
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Reconciliation is more than a Checkbox: An Important Conversation with Len Pierre
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39:19
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39:19In 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 provide…
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Leaving the Bedside for the Bedroom: The Hottest Job Trend in Nursing~ Working from Home with Nurse Fern!
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32:13Remote 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! Em…
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National Nursing Staffing Ratios --Why Don't We Have Them? With Nurse Jessica Sites & Nurse Erica
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1:02:31Right 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 n…
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Nursing Seniority: A tradition or a travesty?
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34:18
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34:18Why 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 ro…
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National Nursing Week conversation with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau
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29:11
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29:11There 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, accountabilit…
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Nurses Getting Sh*t DONE: The Wisdom of Nurses is a #1 National Best Selling Book!!!!
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38:32In 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 Amaz…
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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): There's a New Kind of Nurse in Town!
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30:40Watch 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 F…
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What is the HARDEST specialty in nursing? Move out of the way ICU....
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23:20In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss a viral Instagram reel in which a nurse describes what she believes to be the hardest specialty in nursing. We discuss the pros and cons! Which is the hardest or most stressful? There are so many, how do we decide? Does it mean the hardest is the best? You be the judge! Thank you to our episode sponsor, he…
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A Historic Document For Nursing Retention: Collaboration, Consultation & Connection: For us, by us!
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37:59
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37:59In this episode, the Gritty Nurses get an update from the Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, Dr. Leigh Chapman! In the most recent update of the Nursing Retention Toolkit, on March 1st, 2024, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health and Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer for Canada, held a news conference to announce an initiative to imp…
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Nursing: The most Trusted Profession but the LEAST RESPECTED Profession
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33:30How can for 22 years in a row Nursing as a profession voted the most "trusted" profession but also the LEAST respected and LEAST valued? Nursing has been cited to be the least respected and most stressed, according to experts and national data. In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss this conundrum of a situation. We also discussed how other profess…
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Lucy Letby: Nurse and Serial Killer of Babies in The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
59:27
59:27
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59:27Trigger warning: the case discussed in this episode may be triggering for some In the true crime episode, the Gritty Nurses are back at it again with Bruce Sackman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. They discuss the shocking case of serial killer Lucy Let…
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Criminalization of Miscarriage: Brittany Watts and The Black Maternal Health Crisis
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44:13
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44:13In this episode, Amie and Sara discuss the Black Maternal Health Crisis in relation to the most concerning case/situation of Brittany Watts. We discuss the history of nurses who "police" their patients, obstetrical racism and the changes needed to prevent what happened to Brittany Watts from happening again. We stand in Solidarity with Brittany Wat…
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This week on Quick and Gritty Takes, Amie & Sara discuss: Ontario: Parents who waited 11 hours in Ontario ER with a child suffering allergic reaction focus their anger - “Not at the nurses, not at the doctors, not at SickKids, just at our government,” Canada: Justin Trudeau adviser defends use of crude language in online exchange with right-wing gr…
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"Mother knows best?" When your parents health remedies Do Not Match Your Health Science Background
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15:41
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15:41"Cover your head or you'll get a cold"...." Close that window or you will catch a chill"...." Drink this tea...it will clear your sinuses".....Are you in the health field and you hear these remedies from your parents? How do you handle these conversations? Do you ignore your parents, or do you educate them? Or is there a bit of truth to what they s…
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Welcome to “Quick & Gritty Takes” our independent news network where we discuss hot topics in news provincially, nationally and internationally. We will take 4-5 news items and in under 20 minutes discuss our “gritty takes” on the subject matter. We hope that this can be a forum where you take these topics and continue the conversation. We also wil…
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The Rise & Popularity of Ozempic Use: What is the "skinny" truth of this "wonder" Drug
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38:11
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38:11Happy NEW YEAR 2024! What were the 3 most popular resolutions for 2024? Did you guess fitness, finances and weight loss? You guessed right! There has been A LOT of buzz around the medicine OZEMPIC. What is the "skinny" truth on Ozempic? We hear a lot about celebrities using it for weight loss, but what about the patients who need it? It's time to t…
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A Book, A Baby, A Renewed Focus for 2024: Year End in Review
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36:18In this episode, Amie & Sara discuss their year-end and how much has changed over 2023. They also discuss the hottest topic this week in healthcare to close the year. Pre-Order our Upcoming Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses! https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/ https://www.grittynurse.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grit…
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What Will it Take to Retain Nurses? Tangible, Measurable, NURSE- LED interventions
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25:04
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25:04Yes we have talked about nursing retention...and we have to keep talling about it... What will it take to actually retain nurses? Will CEO's and hospital executives listen and adhere to nurse-led interventions? The Gritty Nurses take a deeper dive into the results of Nursing retention toolkit: Improving the working lives of nurses in Canada, of whi…
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Medicine Needs a #MeToo Movement: How can a Doctor be Suspended 3X For Sexual Assault STILL Practice?
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32:19
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32:19Trigger warning: this episode discusses topics which may be triggering for some. In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss the recent case of a physician who has been suspended 3 times and convicted of sexual assault, but is allowed to continue to practice! Whatever happened to zero tolerance policies or the fact that he is a danger to the public …
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Nursing During Times of War: Healthcare Should NEVER be Military Targets
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33:41Trigger warning: this episode discusses topics which may be triggering for some. Our episode starts with the story of Emily Callahan, an American nurse activity manager with Doctors Without Borders, who shared her experience working with Palestinians in Gaza before returning to the US. 07:49 - Source: CNN In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss …
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Gritty Nurse Halloween Edition: What Makes Hospitals So Scary???
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44:27The Annual Gritty Nurse Halloween episode is here! Sara, Amie, and Nurse Matt sit down and talk about what makes hospitals so scary! We share our insights, nursing ghost stories and what spooky shows we are watching now! We also discuss how we might make hospitals less scary! So turn down the lights, charge your defibrillators, grab your favourite …
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Learning How to Own our Own Struggles: A Road to Recovery with Minaa B~ Social Worker, Author & WONDERMIND Mental Health Advisor
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35:00In this powerful episode, the Gritty Nurses chat with Minaa B, a licensed mental health professional and therapist specializing in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is also the author of the book "Owning our own struggles- A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World" and sits on the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Won…
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Privatized Healthcare is no ROYALE with CHEESE
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37:02
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37:02Be warned--this episode is not for your kids, ok? We are MAD---annoyed in fact that we have to have this conversation---but here we are. In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss the current state of prviate vs. public healthcare in Canada. Is healthcare still universal, or are we sliding down a slippery slope? They discuss what privatized healthc…
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Are you a Nursing Advocate or a Nursing Influencer? Healthcare Professionals in the Spotlight
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36:46
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36:46In this episode, the Gritty Nurses sit down with another fellow nurse, podcaster and entrepreneur, Amanda Guarniere! Amanda is an Ivy-league educated Nurse Practitioner, Keynote Speaker and Career Mentor who helps nursing professionals find and land their dream job. She founded The Résumé Rx in 2018 and since then has grown the community to over 40…
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Healthcare, Gender Expression and Combatting Hate: Trans Rights are Human Rights with Advocate Fae Johnstone!
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36:17
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36:17Thank you to HMA Benefits for sponsoring this episode! Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees in Ontario 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 …
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A Nursing Retention Strategy FOR US, BY US: Discussions with Chief Nursing Officer of Canada Dr. Leigh Chapman
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36:17Thanks to the Healthcare Providers Group Insurance Plan for sponsoring this episode! ! Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees in Ontario who aren’t covered by their hospital’s group health plan. Introducing Healthcare Providers Group Insurance Plan – a friendly partner dedicated to your health…
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A Historic Wage Increase for Nurses...But not ALL Nurses...
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21:08
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21:08In this episode, the Gritty Nurses discuss a recent arbitration decision that will increase wages of nurses part of the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) by 11% over the next 2 years. They discuss their thoughts and opinions of this wage increase that was so badly needed and well-deserved by nurses! Although this win was historic for nurses in Ontar…
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More than "Just a Nurse" with Nurse Blake: Advocate, Entrepreneur and Comedian
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33:59In this exciting episode, the Gritty Nurses interview the one and only Nurse Blake! If you haven't seen his hilarious, heartwarming and HONEST videos, you have been missing out! Blake Lynch (aka Nurse Blake) is a nurse, creator, internationally touring comedian, healthcare advocate, and keynote speaker. Earning viral video status via his light take…
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Is the Florence App Uber for Nurses? The intersection of Health & Tech with Shelly-Ann Rampersad
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30:05In this episode, Amie and Sara speak with Shelly-Ann Rampersad, the Managing Director of Florence in Canada, a global tech start-up on a mission to tackle the healthcare staffing gap. We discuss needed innovations in healthcare and tech, why this app was created and the pro's and cons of creating a healthcare app such as Florence. Bio: Shelly-Ann R…
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In Between Life and Death: Chat with Hospice Nurse Hadley!
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28:24In this episode, Sara and Amie chat with Nurse Hadley, and what it's like looking after patients at the end of life. They caht about what drew her into hospice nursing, what kinds of things patients think about and what their biggest regrets are. They talk about how her work has shaped her thoughts about her own end of life plans and her upcoming b…
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The Controversial Use of Agency Nurses: Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game!
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27:05In this episode, Sara and Amie dicuss a hot topic! The controversial use of agency nurses and Internationally Educated Nurses. Using both were supposed to solve the problem of short staffing, but has it helped? They discuss price gouging, short staffing, costs to healthcare organizations, and holding agencies accountable. Little public information …
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