The Gritty Nurse

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 rea...

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 inter...

*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 ser...

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 e...

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 gue...

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...

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 medi...

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, th...

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 ...

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 en...

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/P...

"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. ...

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 su...

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 ...

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 beyon...

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!

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 ...

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 su...

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 purposef...