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When The Nurse Becomes the Patient: Emily Edwards on Her MS Diagnosis and Fighting to Be Heard

The Gritty Nurse

Release Date: 11/06/2025

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More Episodes

In this compelling and candid episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with a truly inspiring guest: Emily Edwards, RN, founder of Nomad Care Consulting.

Emily, a healthcare expert, shares the deeply personal and often frustrating journey of her own Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. She details the challenges of being a patient in the very system she knows so well, often feeling unheard, dismissed, and invalidated while searching for answers.

This is more than a story about chronic illness; it's a powerful masterclass in self-advocacy. Emily opens up about the immense emotional toll of MS and the sheer resilience required to keep pushing for proper care.

What you'll learn in this eye-opening conversation:

  • The shocking reality of receiving a major diagnosis as a practicing RN.

  • Why self-advocacy is crucial—especially when dealing with complex or chronic conditions.

  • How to push past dismissal and demand validation from your care team.

  • The psychological and emotional landscape of living with MS.

Join us for this essential conversation that will redefine how you view the patient experience and inspire you to find your own voice in the healthcare world. 

Where to Listen / Watch
* Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782
* Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

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Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!
www.hospitalnews.com

More about Emily Edwards:

Emily Edwards, RN is a Registered Nurse and a highly respected expert in the dementia care space, as well as the founder of Nomad Care Consulting.

With an expansive knowledge of older adult mental health and dementia, Emily's expertise is built on years of experience, including her roles as a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant, a Long Term Care Behavioural Supports Coordinator, and an RN Team Lead for a specialized dementia care team.

Emily's unique strength lies in her ability to take complex healthcare topics and translate them into actionable, manageable pieces, empowering families and caregivers to navigate the intricate healthcare system and discover effective, non-pharmacological care approaches. She is dedicated to helping people cultivate a life worth living for both their loved ones and themselves.

Support Emily!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-emily-rest-recover-return-better-than-ever

Where to find Emily:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyedwardsbscn/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatnomadnurse/

Websites: https://www.nomadcare.ca/

https://nomadcare.kit.com/uncover?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn4bcyAvxUxhHr4TaDy1Yu6iH5VLVO7BbOmNemtDU08WrU1KmVDxw1pvoTLvg_aem_UCvO6EjkIb0Su1nZw0HNFg