• EVERY Nurse Has a Ghost Story: The rule of 3, Crash Carts Outside of Rooms and Never Say The "Q" Word
    Oct 30 2025

    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 bump in the night. Did you have an unlucky room? Do you prepare a room when a code is called in the emerge and you work in ICU? Tell us your rituals or if you have a ghost story or heard one!

    Please Like and SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts and Youtube!!

    Takeaways
    • Every nurse has a ghost story.
    • Nursing rituals often serve as coping mechanisms.
    • The 'Q word' is taboo on night shifts.
    • Full moons are believed to affect hospital activity.
    • The rule of threes is a common superstition.
    • Some hospital rooms are deemed unlucky.
    • Opening windows for spirits is a practiced ritual.
    • Nurses' intuition is a valuable tool.
    • Shared experiences create community among nurses.
    • Humor helps nurses cope with the supernatural.

    Where to Listen / Watch

    * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

    * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

    Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

    www.hospitalnews.com

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    46 Min.
  • Healthcare Can Be Horror: Examining Nursing Portrayals, Asylum History and Medical Phobias in Healthcare
    Oct 23 2025
    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 of medical procedures. Get ready for a thought-provoking analysis of horror film tropes and cultural perceptions of mental health. Tune in for expert commentary and find out which horror movies you must watch next. Ideal for fans of psychological thrillers and medical horror. Takeaways Horror films often reflect societal fears about vulnerability in healthcare. Nurses are frequently depicted as villainous in horror, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Real-life cases of nurse killers highlight the darker side of the profession. The portrayal of asylums in horror films often exaggerates historical realities. Fear of medical procedures is a common theme in horror, tapping into real anxieties. Cultural perceptions of mental health are often shaped by horror narratives. The sexy nurse trope undermines the professionalism of nursing. Horror can serve as a lens to examine deeper psychological issues. The evolution of horror tropes reflects changing societal attitudes towards healthcare. Personal experiences with horror films can reveal underlying fears and anxieties. Chapters 00:00Exploring the Intersection of Healthcare and Horror 01:52Nurse Stereotypes in Horror Films 04:33The Villainous Nurse Archetype 06:59Real-Life Nurse Killers and Their Impact 09:56The Role of Asylums in Horror 12:26Psychological Fears and Vulnerability in Healthcare 15:11The Evolution of Horror Tropes 18:18The Fear of Medical Procedures 20:10Cultural Perceptions of Mental Health 23:06The Future of Horror in Healthcare 25:39Top Horror Movie Recommendations 📲 Follow, Like, and Subscribe! PlatformHandle/LinkWebsitegrittynurse.comInstagram@grittynursepod X (Twitter)@GrittyNurseFacebook/grittynurseYouTube@grittynursepodcastTikTok@thegrittynursepodcastLinkedIn/company/thegrittynurse Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com Where to Listen / Watch * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast
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    49 Min.
  • What's Your Fight Language? Decoding Conflict and Communication in Healthcare with Lena Morgan
    Oct 16 2025

    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 leading expert in communication and conflict resolution. She sits down with Amy to introduce her groundbreaking framework: "Fight Languages."

    In healthcare settings, unresolved tension doesn't just make for a bad day—it can directly impact patient care and lead to burnout among professionals. Lena shares her personal journey from the high-stakes environment of midwifery to developing her framework, driven by the need to give healthcare workers practical tools for better communication.

    What You'll Learn:
    • Understanding "Fight Languages": Get an overview of Lena's system for categorizing different conflict styles and how identifying your own and others' styles is the first step toward resolution.

    • The Critical Impact of Conflict: We discuss real-world examples of how unresolved professional disagreements, miscommunications, and personal clashes can create dangerous cracks in the delivery of care.

    • A Path to Healthier Workplaces: Lena offers concrete strategies focused on empathy, validation, and active listening that healthcare professionals can use immediately to transform difficult conversations into constructive ones.

    • Fostering Better Outcomes: The conversation emphasizes that learning to navigate conflict isn't just about feeling better; it's about improving patient safety and cultivating healthier, more sustainable work environments for everyone on the care team.

    If you've ever felt stuck in a communication loop or wished you had a better way to address tension with a colleague, this episode will give you the language and the framework to move forward. Don't just survive conflict—learn how to "fight" it.

    Please do not forget to LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!

    Tune in for essential strategies to improve your communication skills and transform your professional relationships!

    Where to Listen / Watch

    * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

    * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

    Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

    www.hospitalnews.com

    More About Lena

    Lena Morgan is a retired midwife, communications expert, and author of The Fight Languages, a powerful communication system that helps people translate conflict and spark connection. Driven by a passion for advocacy and empowerment, she created The Overflow Effect, HealHer, and WOLFmother. All transformative programs designed to help people reclaim their power and voice in every stage of life. Lena partners with families, leaders, and organizations to foster stronger, more connected communities through better communication. Learn more at lenamorgan.com.

    Connect with Lena

    IG: @lenamorgan.co TT: @lenamorgan FB: @hi.lenamorgan Buy The Fight Languages https://www.lenamorgan.com/product-page/the-fight-languages-pdf-download

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    39 Min.
  • The Maligning Manager: We Must Address Substance Use in Healthcare Workers Without Shame!
    Oct 9 2025

    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 about a former director allegedly found drunk under a desk, treating a colleague's pain as a vicious joke. I realized instantly that in this environment, no healthcare worker would ever feel safe coming forward. That betrayal of confidentiality and trust perfectly illustrated the profound stigma we're fighting.

    We delve into the alarming substance abuse statistics and share raw, personal stories that reveal the profound struggles faced by healthcare workers who are silently battling addiction. Our special guest, social worker Jordan, joins us to tear down the wall of shame and expose the systemic issues that often enable or worsen provider impairment. We address the pressures from leadership—the maligning manager or enabling system—that makes seeking addiction treatmentand achieving recovery so difficult.

    Tune in to understand why it's crucial for every hospital and clinic to champion healthcare worker recovery and create a culture that genuinely dedicates itself to saving the healers. Please do not forget to LIKE and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Youtube!

    Keywords

    addiction, healthcare, nurses, stigma, workplace culture

    Takeaways

    • Addiction is a rising crisis in healthcare.
    • 10-15% of nurses struggle with substance abuse.
    • Registered nurses are 2.2 times more likely to die from overdose.
    • Stigma prevents healthcare workers from seeking help.
    • 43% of drug-related deaths involve workplace medications.
    • Physician suicide rates are high due to substance abuse.
    • Workplace culture contributes to addiction issues.
    • Healthcare workers face unique addiction challenges.
    • Support systems for addiction in healthcare are lacking.
    • Addressing stigma is crucial for solving addiction issues.

    Chapters

    • Introduction to Addiction in Healthcare
    • Statistics and Personal Stories
    • Stigma and Workplace Culture
    • Systemic Issues and Solutions

    Where to Listen / Watch

    * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

    * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

    Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

    www.hospitalnews.com

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    56 Min.
  • A $20M Wake-Up Call:The Landmark DonQuenick Joppy Case, Racism, Retaliation, and the Future of Nursing
    Oct 2 2025
    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 wrongfully accused of causing a patient's death (charges later dropped) and faced a hostile work environment, unequal workloads, disciplinary scrutiny, and barriers to promotion. In this conversation, Amie and Jerry: Trace the legal journey of Joppy's case and the jury verdict Explore systemic racism and retaliation in nursing Expose how hospital culture perpetuates bullying and silencing Center the voices of nurses of color who often suffer in silence Propose strategies for advocacy, accountability, and cultural transformation in healthcare This is an essential listen for nurses, leaders, administrators, and all who believe in a just, equitable healthcare system. 🔍 Key Takeaways & Themes $20M verdict marks a turning point — Joppy's win is a powerful statement that institutions can be held accountable and that speaking up matters. Systemic racism in healthcare is real — This case spotlights how discrimination is not isolated but woven into policy, discipline, and culture. Retaliation silences and damages — Nurses risk their careers when challenging injustice; legal protections must be stronger. Hospital culture enables harm — Toxic leadership, favoritism, and lack of oversight perpetuate harassment and inequality. Advocacy is a lifeline — Collective action, legal recourse, and peer support are vital for nurses of color. Leadership must evolve — Diversity, inclusion, and transparent accountability should no longer be optional. Training, education, and alliances matter — Nurses, managers, and boards need cultural competence, allyship, and courage to confront bias. Grassroots movements drive change — From unions to nursing networks, bottom-up pressure forces institutions to transform. Beyond patient care: moral injury & ethics — Discrimination and retaliation injure nurses' spirit, agency, and integrity. Vision for a new nursing culture — One rooted in justice, mutual respect, courageous voices, and systemic repair. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Injustice 04:34 The Case of DonQuenick Joppy 12:57 The Role of Nursing Culture 15:56 The Patient That Needed to be Admitted Had Advanced Directives 19:14 The family wants to redirect care: EOL 20:27 Rapidly Evolving Situation 21:20 Making Something out of Nothing: Mean Girls of Nursing 22:55 Termination and Court Proceeding 23:47 Legal Proceedings and Outcomes 25:33 The Illusion of Quality in Healthcare: Magnet Hospitals and Daisy Awards 26:47 Racism and Bullying in Nursing 28:27 Profession Rotten to the Core 29:25 Legal Battles and the Fight for Justice 32:34 The Duality of Nursing: Care vs. Compliance 35:31 Rating Performance without nurses knowledge: The ESL 39:07 The Verdict: A Step Towards Accountability 41:15 The Ongoing Struggle Against Racism in Healthcare 42:47 Dealing with Racism in Nursing 48:00 The Future of Nursing: A Call for Change Resources https://www.denverpost.com/2022/05/04/donquenick-joppy-lawsuit-medical-center-aurora/ The recent verdict https://www.denverpost.com/2025/08/20/donquenick-joppy-verdict-hca-healthone/ Link to website with 7 short videos and source material regarding the case and context https://www.antiracismnursing.org/ Related links ANA racism in nursing https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/racism-in-nursing/ Magnet(tm) https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/ Daisy https://www.daisyfoundation.org/
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    56 Min.
  • U.S. Healthcare Reform or Disaster? Breaking Down RFK Jr.’s “Big Beautiful Bill"
    Sep 25 2025
    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 devastating consequences of Medicaid cuts on low-income Americans, seniors, and people with disabilities How privatization and deregulation threaten the core of public healthcare Why Canadian listeners should view this as a cautionary tale—what’s happening in the US could be a warning sign for Canada’s own healthcare system 💡 From rising inequity to the erosion of public trust, this episode is a must-listen for healthcare workers, policymakers, and citizens on both sides of the border. If you value accessible, fair public healthcare or are curious about how U.S. health policy debates can inform what's happening (or could happen) in Canada, this episode is essential listening. Let us know your thoughts: share, review, and talk back. 👉 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show! 📢 Listen now and stay informed. Your healthcare depends on it. Listen on Apple Podcasts – The Gritty Nurse Podcast: The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube – The Gritty Nurse Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast #RFKJr #BigBeautifulBill #USHealthcare #MedicaidCuts #HealthcarePolicy #HealthEquity #GrittyNursePodcast #DrKavehHoda #CanadianHealthcare #HealthcareAdvocacy #PublicHealth #NursingPodcast #USPolitics About House of Pod by Dr. Kaveh Hoda House of Pod is hosted by Kaveh MD: a science‑/medical‐adjacent podcast that often combines deep health policy discussions with critical commentary. Apple Podcasts+2Metacast: podcast app with transcripts+2 You can listen to House of Pod on Apple Podcasts: The House of Pod on Apple Apple Podcasts+1 Also available through other platforms such as Acast, SoundCloud, Castbox, etc. Dr. Kaveh Hoda Social Media X: https://x.com/thehouseofpod Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kavehmd.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofpod/ Email: hopquestions@gmail.com Takeaways Healthcare is inherently political and affects everyone. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' poses significant risks to Medicaid. Cuts to healthcare will disproportionately affect low-income individuals. Communication is crucial in addressing healthcare issues. Community engagement is essential for effective healthcare advocacy. Misinformation in healthcare is a growing concern. Compassionate conversations can bridge political divides. Healthcare professionals must hold politicians accountable. The future of healthcare requires inclusive dialogue. Canada should learn from the U.S. healthcare challenges. Keywords healthcare, politics, Medicaid, big beautiful bill, Kaveh Hoda, The Gritty Nurse, healthcare access, socioeconomic factors, misinformation, community engagement Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Politics 07:44 The Big Beautiful Bill: Overview and Implications 15:20 Understanding the Impact on Healthcare Access 19:28 Patriotism vs Nationalism 22:45 Moderate Voices in a Polarized Landscape 26:40 The Role of Healthcare Professionals 29:43 Combating Misinformation in Healthcare 32:47 Accountability in Politics 35:23 The Cautionary Tale for Canada Resources https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/03/opinion/domestic-policy-bill-in-charts.html https://www.statista.com/chart/34728/public-view-of-trumps-tax-and-domestic-policy-bill/?srsltid=AfmBOorbA8KxFjHm8B1cLgFP9FrR8yzICKMGrwzJxRbwiuPzkAa8I6H6 https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1 https://globalnews.ca/news/11273459/trump-big-beautiful-bill-details-explained/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/07/big-beautiful-bill-trump-deaths/683385/ https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/big-beautiful-bill-trump-america-great-power-medicaid-rcna216034 https://theconversation.com/how-the-big-beautiful-bill-will-deepen-the-racial-wealth-gap-a-law-scholar-explains-how-it-reduces-poor-families-ability-to-afford-food-and-health-care-260680
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    38 Min.
  • Is Nursing a Profession Worth Dying For? No, it's Not...
    Sep 18 2025
    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 mental health care, the episode calls for a shift in how the healthcare system addresses these pressing issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in North America for 24/7, free, and confidential support, or dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies. You can also find local resources through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or doctor for help. https://988.ca/ (Canada) https://988lifeline.org/ (USA) Chapters 00:00 Intro and Amie's Story 07:35 Critical Issues in Mental Health In Healthcare 17:25 Rosanne's Story: Accountability in Healthcare: Who is Responsible? 23:04 Vital Signs: Changing the Narrative on Mental Health 39:03 A Call to Action: Resources and Support for Nurses Takeaways The story of a nurse's suicide highlights systemic failures. Understaffing in mental health units is a critical issue. Nurses should never work alone in high-risk situations. Violence against nurses is often normalized and overlooked. Accountability in healthcare organizations is lacking. Mental health care must prioritize safety and support for nurses. Suicide prevention requires a cultural shift in healthcare. Vulnerability among healthcare providers can foster connection. Recognizing warning signs of suicide is essential for support. The 988 hotline is a vital resource for those in crisis. Episode Links https://globalnews.ca/news/11110293/bc-nurse-dies-by-suicide-attacks-on-the-job/ https://www.clarksfuneral.ca/obituaries/Rosanne-Wallace?obId=40163864 Donations To Honor Rosanne's Memory: GoFundMe https://gofund.me/7dbdf031. Sarah (Sarita Warren) https://sarahewarren.com Don't Clock Out https://www.dontclockout.org Keywords nurse suicide, mental health, healthcare accountability, staffing issues, violence in nursing, suicide prevention, healthcare reform, nurse support, mental health advocacy, healthcare workers
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    41 Min.
  • Embracing Change in Nursing: The Gritty Nurse is Back
    Sep 4 2025

    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 positive changes and opportunities that lie ahead. The podcast serves as a platform for real talk about the realities of nursing and the grit required to navigate the profession.

    Keywords

    nursing, self-compassion, healthcare, burnout, personal growth, podcast, violence in nursing, grit, change, mental health

    Takeaways

    We need to be gentle with ourselves in healthcare.
    It's okay to celebrate change and new beginnings.
    Nurses often forget to give themselves grace.
    Burnout and violence in nursing are real issues.
    Racism and bullying in nursing need to be addressed.
    The Gritty Nurse podcast offers real talk about nursing.
    Self-compassion is crucial for healthcare professionals.
    Change is a part of life, and we should embrace it.
    Nurses play various roles in advocacy and community work.
    The podcast aims to provide supplemental education for nurses.

    Chapters

    00:00 Embracing Change and Personal Growth
    03:01 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Healthcare
    05:54 Addressing Challenges in Nursing
    08:56 The Gritty Nurse Podcast: A Platform for Real Talk

    Thank you to our collaborate partner, Hospital News for supporting the work of The Gritty Nurse.

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    29 Min.