The Gritty Nurse Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 working conditions, and her hopes and aspirations for RPNs. After all, if nurse is in your title, you're a nurse. 

Dianne Martin has been a nurse since 1979. She graduated first as an RPN and then in 1998, she graduated as an RN with a diploma in nursing and is dually registered as both an RN and RPN. Currently she works as an RPN in the role of Chief Executive Officer of WeRPN where she has been recognized for her work to build bridges of greater understanding and respect among the categories of nurses in Ontario. Dianne has experience working in several Ontario hospitals predominantly in the field of Perinatal Care. She has held several leadership positions including professional practice coordinator in an Ontario hospital and senior policy analyst with the Nursing Policy and Innovation Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (formerly The Nursing Secretariat).

In 2016, Dianne received the Premier’s Award which recognizes college graduates whose achievements have made a difference in the province of Ontario. She is the daughter of a nurse, mother to a nurse, and she holds all those who care for others in the highest regard.

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 hospital employees and retirees 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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

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 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

Follow WeRPN- Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario

https://www.werpn.com/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/we_rpn

Facebook @wearepracticalnurses: https://www.facebook.com/wearepracticalnurses/

Instagram @we_rpn: http://instagram.com/we_rpn

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 nurse was injured after driving off the top floor of a parking garage. Authorities responded to the incident at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, according to a police report from the Boston Police Department.

Responding officers found a “heavily damaged” 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee next to the garage, as well as a piece of railing that appeared to match the railing on the garage’s roof.

Boston fire officials reportedly informed police that a vehicle had plunged off the top of the parking garage, though it was unclear how.

Article: https://people.com/nurse-slept-in-car-drove-off-top-floor-hospital-parking-garage-8656111 

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 hospital employees and retirees 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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

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 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

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 hospital employees and retirees

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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

Order our book, The Wisdom Of Nurses!

https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/ 

https://www.grittynurse.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grittynursepodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

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 government investment of over $200 Billion over 10 years. They discuss a comprehensive new resource, The Nursing Retention Toolkit, designed to actually KEEP nurses in nursing. 

This is a huge step in the right direction.

Now, which healthcare organizations are going to step up and put their staff first?

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 hospital employees and retirees

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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

Resources: 

Introduction: Nursing Retention Toolkit

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/@grittynursepodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

How 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 professions rank with the trust of the public.

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 hospital employees and retirees

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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

Episode Resources: 

https://news.gallup.com/poll/608903/ethics-ratings-nearly-professions-down.aspx

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/nursing/most-trusted-least-valued-how-to-help-nurses.html

https://nurse.org/articles/nursing-ranked-most-honest-profession/

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/healthcares-most-stressful-jobs.html

Trigger 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 Letby, a British former neonatal nurse who was convicted and murdered seven infants and attempted the murder of six others between June 2015 and June 2016. (This is all we know of so far!)

How did she get away with it for so long? Were there signs? How can this be prevented from happening again? Why did the media portray her as an "angel of death". 

They also discuss similar cases of serial killers in the healthcare system and what they have in common with other serial killers. 

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 hospital employees and retirees 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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

Episode Resources: 

https://people.com/crime/lucy-letby-trial-what-to-know/ 

https://people.com/lucy-letby-killer-nurse-claims-innocence-board-deems-unfit-8415316 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/30/child-serial-killer-lucy-letby-loses-initial-attempt-challenge-convictions 

https://news.sky.com/story/lucy-letby-trial-i-am-evil-i-did-this-read-the-confession-note-written-by-nurse-accused-of-murdering-seven-babies-12718882 

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/lucy-letby-parents-card-dead-baby/

https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/the-vault/double-o-swango-what-happened-to-dr-michael-swango-who-left-trail-of-dead-patients-in-midwest-elsewhere 

https://unsolvedmysteries.fandom.com/wiki/Michael_Swango

https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/5-chilling-details-serial-killer-kristen-gilbert 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristen_Gilbert

Bruce Sackman's book, Behind the Murder Curtain:

https://www.amazon.ca/Behind-Murder-Curtain-Special-Veterans/dp/1682617149

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/@grittynursepodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

In 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 Watts against racial injustice. 

Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!

Attention, hospital employees, retirees and HR in Ontario!  

Picture this: a benefit plan designed for casual and part-time hospital employees and retirees

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 plan premiums and an exceptional support team, Healthcare Providers, also known as HCP,  is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Enrolling is easy, and you’ll have access to a wide range of health and basic dental benefits from day one.

Already have coverage through your spouse? HCP still has your back! For less than $32 a month, the Signature Package, which includes Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death, Disease & Dismemberment, provides valuable income protection and peace of mind for the unexpected.

Take charge of your health and financial security today. Visit healthcareproviders.ca to learn more!

Episode Resources:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/19/us/brittany-watts-miscarriage-criminal-charge/index.html 

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/01/a-nurse-called-police-after-a-black-woman-miscarried-theres-a-history-to-that/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/11/ohio-woman-miscarriage-criminal-charge-declined/72196038007/

https://www.usatoday.com

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/why-black-women-are-apprehensive-about-pregnancy-and-why-this-matters/

https://ebn.bmj.com/content/early/2024/01/23/ebnurs-2023-103913

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brittany-watts-the-ohio-woman-charged-with-a-felony-after-a-miscarriage-talks-shock-of-her-arrest/

Pre-Order our Upcoming Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses!

https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/ 

Follow us!

https://www.grittynurse.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grittynursepodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grittynurse

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 group.

International: Organs of dead Black incarcerated ppl in Alabama are being removed & used for med school anatomy courses w/o family consent. Grave robbing the bodies of Black people was a commonplace practice to provide cadavers for med schools dating back to the 1700s.

Patient Safety Tip: Take the pain meds. Fear of Addiction in Medicine. 

"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 say, their teachings or ways of knowing? Listen as Amie & Sara dive into this interesting topic!

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/@grittynursepodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grittynurse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritty.nurse.podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrittyNurse

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 will add a patient safety tip at the end for all listeners because increasing health literacy and patient safety is always top of mind for us. 

Today's Topics:

Ontario: Health Minister Sylvia Jones announces that starting this spring the government will expand the number of private surgical and diagnosed centres. Will be OHIP covered. 

Canada- Canada’s Rights and the idea we have none:  Kevin Sorbo on Twitter- “You’re Canadian, who cares. You don’t have any rights so you wouldn’t understand why we want to keep ours.” 

International: Lucy Letby was convicted/found guilty in the deaths of 7 babies but authorities are now looking into the suspicious deaths of around 4000 babies.

Patient Safety Tip: You’ve got questions for your doctor, but you always forget to ask them—