Healing Through Advocacy: Emily Wyatt’s Journey as a 2SLGBTQIA+ Nurse

Summary:

In this episode, Emily Wyatt, a 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse, shares their deeply personal journey of navigating healthcare as both a provider and a patient. From their own healing process to advocating for marginalized communities, Emily reflects on the emotional challenges and triumphs of creating safer spaces in healthcare for everyone.

Emily Wyatt’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and heart. As a 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse, Emily opens up about their journey through nursing and the personal experiences that shaped their dedication to improving care for marginalized communities. They share the struggles of balancing their own well-being while helping others find safety and acceptance in the healthcare system. This episode offers a personal reflection on the impact of inclusive care, the importance of support networks, and how we can all play a part in creating a more compassionate healthcare environment. 

Content Warning:

This episode includes discussions about sensitive topics, including self-harm, suicide ideation, substance use, and depression. We recommend listening with care.

Chapters:

• 00:01:20 - Introduction to Emily Wyatt and Their Role as a 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse

• 00:03:13 - Recognizing Gaps in 2SLGBTQIA+ Healthcare and Patient Care

• 00:06:11 - Emily’s Personal Story: Transition, Nursing, and Medical Challenges

• 00:09:12 - The Role of Nursing Education in Emily’s Healing Journey

• 00:17:10 - Navigating Work, Burnout, and the COVID-19 Pandemic

• 00:26:42 - Creating and Expanding the 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse Role

Takeaways:

• Inclusive Care Matters: Emily Wyatt highlights the critical need for creating healthcare environments that are safe, respectful, and inclusive, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, to improve overall care quality.

• Lived Experience Enhances Patient Care: Emily’s personal journey as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community demonstrates how lived experience can bring deeper empathy and more effective advocacy in healthcare.

• Support Networks Are Essential: Emily underscores the importance of strong support systems, both for patients navigating the healthcare system and for healthcare professionals managing their well-being.

• Preventing Burnout is Critical: Emily’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout in high-stress healthcare environments.

• Allyship Transforms Healthcare: Emily stresses the role of allyship, urging healthcare providers to actively listen to and support their 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues and patients, fostering a more equitable and safe healthcare system.

Resources:

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Phone Resources

SafeCare BC: Your Mental Health Matters

Bounceback (bouncebackbc.ca)

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