In this episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast with host Amie Archibald-Varley, she interviews fellow nurse, Danielle Gibbs Koenitzer. Danielle recounts her experience presenting to the Emergency Department at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital—the very institution where she served as a nurse. Despite her clinical background as an emergency room nurse and professional ties to the facility, Danielle's care was marked by significant gaps, dangerous dismissal of her symptoms and pain. and questions con...
Feb 26, 2026•39 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Can an algorithm truly care for a patient? As we move further into 2026, the healthcare industry is being flooded with AI tools promising to automate everything from charting to triage. But there's a massive problem: most of these tools are being built by engineers who have never spent a 12-hour shift on a med-surg floor. In this high-stakes conversation, Rebecca Love, RN, joins us to explain why the "Nursing Voice" is the most valuable asset in the 2026 tech landscape. We discuss the recent sur...
Feb 19, 2026•36 min•Season 7Ep. 8
A Historic Seat at the Table... In this landmark episode of the Gritty Nurse Podcast , we sit down with a true trailblazer: The Honorable Marjorie Michel, Canada's first Black Minister of Health. The Canadian healthcare system is at a critical crossroads, and Minister Mitchell is leading the charge toward a more modern, equitable, and efficient future. We dive deep into the "gritty" realities of reform, from the essential—yet often undervalued—role of nurses to the technological frontier of AI i...
Feb 12, 2026•42 min•Season 7Ep. 7
In this episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley, Dr. Katie Boston-Leary shares her journey from an accidental entry into nursing to becoming the Senior VP of Equity and Engagement at the American Nurses Association. She discusses the importance of equity in nursing, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the systemic barriers that exist within the profession. Dr. Boston-Leary also addresses the current crises in healthcare, the significance of the racial reckoning statement, an...
Feb 03, 2026•41 min•Season 7Ep. 6
What happens when high-stakes clinical expertise meets a heart for patient advocacy? Join us as we sit down with Jessi Dressler, a veteran registered OB-GYN sonographer and the founder of New Life Imaging Ultrasound. After years of navigating the high-pressure environment of emergency rooms and hospitals, Jessie recognized a glaring gap in the healthcare system: the need for emotional support and personalized care during the most vulnerable moments of pregnancy. Today, she's bridging that gap by...
Jan 29, 2026•30 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Are we diagnosing allergies all wrong? Join pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman as we debunk common myths in allergy management. We dive deep into why patient history matters more than testing, the danger of using Benadryl, and the life-changing impact of early food introduction. Dr. Abdurrahman also discusses the "diversity gap" in Canadian healthcare, explaining why cultural sensitivity and representation are vital for better patient outcomes. Whether you're a ...
Jan 22, 2026•58 min•Season 7Ep. 4
How long is too long to wait in an emergency room? For 16-year-old Finlay van der Werken, an eight-hour wait for a doctor proved fatal. In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast , host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Hazel van der Werken to share the heartbreaking story of her son, Finlay. After being rushed to an Ontario hospital with what began as a migraine, Finlay was triaged as an CTAS 2 (urgent case) but left in a "constant state of terror" for hours as his oxygen levels pl...
Jan 15, 2026•49 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this critical episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast , Amie Archibald-Varley hosts Kara Yates, RN (WSNA Union Co-Chair) and Therese Hill, BSN, RN(Membership Officer) to discuss a historic turning point for nursing in Washington. This conversation goes beyond the headlines, exploring the dire conditions that led nurses to the negotiation table. We expose how stalled contract negotiations have endangered patient safety, fueled critical staffing shortages, and allowed workplace violence to escalate...
Jan 08, 2026•44 min•Season 7Ep. 2
As we kick off 2026, the stakes for Canadian healthcare have never been higher. In this powerful season premiere (SEASON 7 baby!) of The Gritty Nurse Podcast , host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with nurse, advocate, and author Cathy MacNeil to discuss her provocative and timely book, Dying to be Seen: The race to save medicare in Canada. Far from just a collection of anecdotes, Cathy's work is heavily evidence-informed, blending raw frontline experiences with rigorous research into the system...
Jan 01, 2026•54 min•Season 7Ep. 1
What does it mean to lead a movement? Michael Hurley, a veteran advocate and President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU/CUPE), joins Amie Archibald-Varley, The Gritty Nurse to discuss the grit required to protect the healthcare workforce. In this high-stakes episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to fight for frontline workers. Michael emphasizes that the current crisis in recruitment and retention isn't an accident—it's a policy failure. He highlights his work o...
Dec 18, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 14
In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with researcher Fatima Sheikh, a PhD candidate at McMaster University, to unpack the urgent crisis of sepsis. This conversation goes beyond the bedside, focusing on the social and structural determinants of health that fuel sepsis prevalence and worsen patient outcomes. Fatima argues for recognizing sepsis as a critical public health issue that begins in the community , not the hospital. Key topics discuss...
Dec 11, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 13
In this episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Verley engages in a deep conversation with guest Jayne Gallays about the intersections of neurodivergence and feminism. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly women, and the societal expectations that shape their lives. The conversation also touches on the role of men in feminism, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of building community and advocating for change...
Dec 04, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Does discussing death actually help us live better? In this episode of the The Gritty Nurse Podcast , Host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Penny Hawkins Smith—better known to her millions of followers as Hospice Nurse Penny—to find out. Penny is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and a "death influencer" who uses social media to combat death anxiety and misinformation. She joins us to share her incredible journey from the ICU to hospice care and to discuss her new memoir, Influen...
Nov 27, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Two Black women. Two different states. One shared, terrifying experience: being ignored by the very people sworn to care for them. Why are Black women in 2025 still screaming to be heard? In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley, a former L & D nurse and Maternal Health Expert (Masters in Women's Health) breaks down the viral birth stories of Karrie Jones (Dallas) and Mercedes Wells (Indiana)—two harrowing cases of medical racism & gaslighting that have shaken the nursi...
Nov 20, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 11
In this essential episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley engages in a critical discussion with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), about the vital role of caregivers in Ontario. This conversation illuminates the significant challenges faced by these essential, yet often overlooked, members of the healthcare team. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamics of caregiving and the crucial support available through the OCO. Key Takeaways for Listen...
Nov 13, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In this compelling and candid episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with a truly inspiring guest: Emily Edwards, RN, founder of Nomad Care Consulting. Emily, a healthcare expert, shares the deeply personal and often frustrating journey of her own Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. She details the challenges of being a patient in the very system she knows so well, often feeling unheard, dismissed, and invalidated while searching for answers. This is more than a...
Nov 06, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In this hauntingly hillarious episode, The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley and guest Co-Host, Matthew Shepherd, discuss why every nurse has a ghost story and the rituals nurses follow religiously. From haunted hospital basements to eerie night shifts, this Halloween special explores the myths, rituals, and real-life experiences that make the nursing profession both fascinating and frightening. Tune in for a mix of humor, horror, and heartfelt stories that will leave you questioning what goes...
Oct 30, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Why are nurses a favorite target for horror movie villains? Why are nurses seen in movies as either sexy, satanic or dieties? In this spine-chilling episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley and Guest Host Jordan Varley discuss the dark side of cinema's obsession with healthcare horror and nursing horror tropes. We cover everything from the psychological weight of nurse stereotypes and the real-world terror of nurse killers, to the unsettling history of asylums and our ingrained fears o...
Oct 23, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Are workplace tensions dragging down your patients' care? You know the feeling: the passive-aggressive emails, the hallway whispers, the moments of silence when communication breaks down. In healthcare, these conflicts aren't just frustrating—they're dangerous. On this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amy-Archibald Verli dives deep into the often-avoided topic of conflict in healthcare with special guest, Lena Morgan. Lena, a former midwife, transitioned her career to become a ...
Oct 16, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this crucial and eye-opening episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast with host Amie Archibald-Varley and guest host, Jordan Varley, they confront the hidden crisis of addiction within the healthcare industry. This is essential listening for nurses, physicians, social workers, and all healthcare professionals struggling with the stigma of substance abuse. I'll never forget my first exposure to addiction in the workplace—it was the epitome of a toxic culture. My then-boss shared a disgusting story ...
Oct 09, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this eye-opening episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley and special guest Jerry Soucy unpack the landmark case of DonQuenick Yvonne Joppy, the ICU nurse who courageously challenged racial discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation in healthcare. Recently, a federal jury awarded $20 million to Joppy after finding that Aurora Medical Center (Colorado) had retaliated against her and discriminated against her because she spoke up. During her employment, she was...
Oct 02, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 4
In this hard-hitting episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley, we dive deep into the controversial healthcare proposal dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill"—a sweeping plan backed by RFK Jr. that claims to overhaul the US healthcare system. But what's really behind this policy? And who stands to lose the most? Joined by Dr. Kaveh Hoda, gastroenterologist, podcaster, and advocate, we explore: The background and political motivations behind RFK Jr.'s healthcare agenda The devastati...
Sep 25, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions on suidcide. In this episode, The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley discusses the tragic story of Roseanne, a nurse who died by suicide, highlighting critical issues in mental health staffing, accountability in healthcare, and the need for systemic change. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs of suicide and supporting colleagues in the nursing profession. Through personal anecdotes and advocacy for better men...
Sep 18, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 2
In this episode of The Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley (The Gritty Nurse) and Matt Shepherd, RN discuss the importance of embracing change and personal growth in the nursing profession. They emphasize the need for self-compassion among healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the challenges they face, including burnout and violence in the workplace. The conversation highlights the significance of addressing these issues openly and honestly, while also celebrating the p...
Sep 04, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 1
***This will be the last ATYPICAL Episode uploaded to THE GRITTY NURSE podcast show! THE GRITTY NURSE RETURNS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH 2026! The date went well--but you havent heard back--like...EVER. Did your bestie of 10 years suddenly stop talking to you? Are you still WAITING to hear back from that job interview that you did over 6 months ago? Ever been left on read... forever? Sorry hunny, you have been GHOSTED. Ghosting isn't just a frustrating dating trend; it's a cultural phenomenon that's...
Aug 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of the Atypical Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley RN, MN and Jordan Varley BSW, RSW delves into the complex world of advocacy work, exploring the responsibilities within their professions (nursing and social work) as well as the challenges of advocacy work. The discussion sheds light on the troubling trend of performative allyship, where actions are often more about boosting one's social capital than effecting real change. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, Am...
Aug 05, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Feeling pulled in too many directions by the world around you? It's Monday and it's time to hit the reset button. Join Atypical host and "lifecare" advocate Amie Archibald-Varley for a powerful 5-minute mindfulness session designed to help you gently turn your attention inward. In this session, Amie guides you through the process of observing your own sensations, thoughts, and emotions, fostering a deeper connection with your internal landscape. Learn to consciously release any preoccupation wit...
Jul 28, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 4
*Note: This is NOT a shaming podcast episode.... In the hyper-connected world, every click, like, and share carries a surprising weight, especially for those in professions built on trust. This week on ATYPICAL podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley RN, MN, we dive into the fascinating and often brutal "digital court of public opinion," sparked by the recent viral "kiss cam" incident involving CEO Andy Byron. His very public moment serves as a potent reminder that in our increasingly transparent soc...
Jul 22, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Raise your hand if Mondays feel like a personal attack?? Seriously, the start of the work week or the start of a nursing/healthcare rotation (when you're crushing it on those 2s and 3s or 4-on-4-off rotations) can drop a ton of bricks on your vibe. That wave of "ugh, here we go again" anxiety? Been there, felt that. Trouble sleeping Sunday night? Anxiously in the morning or a bit on edge? But what if we could reframe that Monday energy? What about owning your work week from the jump? Try this sh...
Jul 14, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Ever tell yourself that life will finally settle down after this next hurdle? For a brief moment, it seems to—and then life smacks you with the unexpected. Job loss, a new love, divorce papers, your teenager's puberty, a health scare, a new life. Good or bad, it's always change . We crave the constant, but the only thing constant is change. In this introductory episode of ATYPICAL Podcast with Amie Archibald-Varley, Amie and her guest dismantle the pervasive myth of linear progression of life an...
Jul 08, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 1
