We’re ALL Nurses, but not all TREATED like Nurses: Spotlight on The Registered Practical Nurse
Release Date: 08/15/2024
The Gritty Nurse Podcast
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 insecurity, can transform individual well-being and public health and improve healthcare outcomes...
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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 the country. We'll explore why "thank yous" are no longer enough and why this designated week must...
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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 difficult times. This week, we're honoured to welcome Dr. Laura Desveaux, a seasoned leadership expert, to...
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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 Cass, a First Nation physician, brings her invaluable perspective to this vital conversation. We...
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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 share in advocating for humanitarian principles. We'll explore: The Silence and the Struggle: We...
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"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 workplaces to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth (something desperately needed in...
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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 disturbing history of racism in medicine, from the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to ongoing disparities in...
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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 fraud, bribery, thefts, drug diversions, and even internet scams targeting vulnerable patients. This...
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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 profound sorrow for the families affected by this horrific crime, and discuss the enduring trauma they...
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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, ! 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....
info_outlineHave 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!
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