In this poignant and powerful final episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, we close this chapter with a truly essential conversation. We are honoured to welcome former Minister Mark Holland, who offers an exclusive look into the federal government's pivotal efforts to improve Canadian healthcare. From the pressing issue of Pharmacare to strategies for a healthier nation, Minister Holland addresses what's being done on a federal level to make a tangible difference in the lives of Canadians. Amie &a...
Jun 12, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 10
This week on The Gritty Nurse Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that's should not be considered revolutionary--but is fundamentally human and morally ethical: the idea that a safe, stable and affordable housing should be considered a prescription for health. Medicine is not just about pills and procedures – it is about examining and dealing with humans and their entire situations. We discuss the profound impact of social medicine and how addressing the root causes of illness, like housing ...
May 29, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Five 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 celebration ring hollow for many on the frontlines. Instead of accepting platitudes, this episode dives into the stark realities facing nurses across th...
May 15, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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 delve into the essential qualities and actionable strategies for leading with impact during difficul...
Apr 24, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 justice must entail for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jamaica...
Apr 10, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza/Palestine. We discuss the ethical and moral obligations we all shar...
Mar 20, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 5
"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 working in the armed forces and how it led him to becoming a world speaker on rehumanizing workp...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 4
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 research and the potential harm such misinformation can cause. This rhetoric echoes a long and ...
Feb 14, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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 curtain on the crimes plaguing our hospitals. Hear firsthand accounts of investigations into fra...
Jan 30, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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 beyond the perpetrator? How can we prevent similar tragedies in the future? We also share our pr...
Jan 16, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Canada! Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-tim...
Dec 19, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 25
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 Florida and Raluca specializes in climate change and education in her work! Nurse Jessica Sites has...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 24
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 check-ups and early detection How to support the Movember Foundation and make a difference So, grab ...
Nov 21, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 23
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 abortion rights---but this is purposeful. Men need to speak out and stand in solidarity with us, be all...
Nov 04, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 22
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 with Nurse Freija about some chilling tales and some creepy facts from history. Listen if you dare! Tha...
Oct 24, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 21
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 our episode sponsor, TMU School of Medicine ! In summer 2025, Toronto Metropolitan University's ...
Oct 10, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 20
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 when EMR charting is down, how we can better prepare, how much we should rely on paper charting. Te...
Sep 26, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 19
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 Founding Dean of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Medicine. She is currently a pra...
Sep 12, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 18
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, CEO of WeRPN. We discuss what RPNs can do, common misconceptions, and raising awareness and improving ...
Aug 15, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 17
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 asleep while driving among shift workers are. Details of Case 2: "I was so exhausted..." A Boston nu...
Aug 02, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 16
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 glaring gaps in the healthcare system. Giovanna Ippolito is living with a broken needle in her ...
Jul 16, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 15
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, and more. Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is an educato...
Jul 05, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 14
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 dedicated to helping nurses explore non-traditional and remote roles through education, support, an...
Jun 20, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 13
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 outcomes. In this episode, The Gritty Nurses Amie & Sara, sit down to talk to 2 of the most notab...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 12
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 changing? Listen and see what The Gritty Nurses think. Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareprovi...
May 23, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 11
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, mental health and why nursing IS POLITICAL! We even hear a personal story from the PM about his ...
May 10, 2024•29 min•Season 5Ep. 10
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/the-wisdom-of-nurses/ https://www.grittynurse.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grittynursepodcast...
May 02, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 9
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 entrepreneurial ventures! Have a listen and tell us what you think! Order our #1 National Best Selling Book...
Apr 18, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In 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, healthcareproviders.ca ! Attention, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Canada! Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospit...
Apr 04, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In 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 improve the well-being and retention of nurses across Canada as well as the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan, which includes a ...
Mar 21, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 6
