Episodes

  • My mental health journey as an internationally-trained nurse with Sun Sander-Jackson
    May 29 2025

    Let's Talk Nursing with Sun Sander-Jackson

    Sun Sander-Jackson, Inclusion Lead, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer’s Black and Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group, joins the podcast to share her personal experiences of racist microaggressions and the effect this had on her mental health. Throughout the episode, Sun discusses:

    • Her nursing career
    • The racist and sexist microaggressions she faced
    • Recommendations to nurse managers
    • Her message to fellow internationally-trained nurses

    Listen to the end to hear Sun’s approach to a scenario involving managing an internationally-trained nurse who has been experiencing racist microaggressions in the workplace.

    About Sun:

    Sun Sander-Jackson is a healthcare professional and inclusion advocate based in the UK. She has been with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust since 2009, starting as a nurse and advancing to the role of Sister in a complex outpatient department and theatre. In 2019, she became the first Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network Lead for the Trust, growing the network to encompass 320 members and devising action plans to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation in Somerset.

    In 2021, Sun was appointed as the Inclusion Lead at the Trust. She also holds national positions as a Workforce Race Equality Standard expert and as the lead of the Southwest Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Midwifery BAME Strategic Advisory Group. These roles allow her to actively listen to and address the concerns of internationally trained colleagues across the Southwest region.

    Sun's exceptional contributions have been recognised through several accolades, including an Inspirational Leader Award and BBC Somerset Radio Together award. In November 2023, she was invited to attend the King's 75th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace, representing the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.


    Contact Sun:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sun-sander-jackson-7a9bb1292


    More information and resources:

    It’s time to talk about our mental health as internationally-trained nurses

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    30 mins
  • Emotionally unstable personality disorder with Katie Loader
    Apr 24 2025

    Let's Talk Nursing with Katie Loader

    In this person-centred care episode, Katie Loader, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team, discusses emotional unstable personality disorder (EUPD), nurse attitudes towards the condition and delivering principles of person-centred care. Katie provides insights into:

    • The symptoms and diagnosis of EUPD
    • Her personal experience of caring for people with EUPD
    • Nurse attitudes towards people with EUPD
    • Skills involved in providing effective and compassionate care

    Later in the episode, Katie shared her three key actions on providing care for people with EUPD. She also explains what she would do when communicating with a patient in a particularly sensitive situation.

    This episode includes some discussion of self harm and suicidal thoughts. If you or anyone you know is affected by the topics discussed, you can phone a free helpline below:

    Samaritans – for everyone

    Call 116 123

    Email jo@samaritans.org

    Childline – for children and young people under 19

    Call 0800 1111

    SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone

    Call 0808 115 1505 – 8pm to midnight Monday to Friday, 4pm to midnight Saturday and Sunday

    Email contact@sossilenceofsuicide.org

    Shout – for everyone

    Text "SHOUT" to 85258

    About Katie:

    Katie is a Nurse Consultant in a Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team. She qualified with a Diploma in mental health nursing in 2003 and has worked extensively in acute practice in the UK and abroad and has 17 years’ experience working in Crisis Teams. She has continued her academic and professional development by becoming an independent prescriber in 2012 and worked towards a Bachelor’s degree in mental health care then a Masters in Advanced Professional Practice. Her current role as a Nurse Consultant within a Crisis Team involves assessment of patients presenting in crisis, home treatment, diagnosis and prescribing treatment plans including medicines and psychological approaches. As part of the senior leadership, she provides clinical and managerial support for colleagues and collaborates with the wider clinical and operational teams in service planning.

    More information and resources:

    Emotionally unstable personality disorder

    Antipsychotics and emotionally unstable personality disorder: a literature review

    What are the effects of nurse attitudes towards patients with borderline personality disorder?

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    51 mins
  • Virtual placements for student nurses
    Mar 27 2025

    Let's Talk Nursing with Aby Mitchell.

    Aby Mitchell, Senior Lecturer in Nursing Education and recent winner of the Nursing Educator of the Year award, joins the podcast to share her insights on virtual placements for student nurses. Throughout the episode, Aby discusses:

    • The benefits and limitations of virtual placements
    • Her personal experience of setting up a virtual placement programme at King’s College London
    • Advice on how academics can use simulation in the classroom

    Aby also shares her three key actions on successfully implementing a virtual placement programme for student nurses. Listen to the end to hear Aby’s response to a scenario on creating a virtual placement with limited access to technology.

    About Aby:

    Aby Mitchell is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing Education and Simulation Lead in the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care at King's College London with an education portfolio relating to teaching primary care, health promotion and public health and simulation and digital/immersive technologies.

    Aby started her nursing career in her local general hospital, initially working within a burns and plastics and head and neck cancer unit. In 1999 she embarked on a career in district nursing with a special interest in wound care and leg ulcer management. Latterly, she worked as a Senior Physical Health Lead for Community Mental Health. Aby has an MSc in Advanced Practice (healthcare education).

    Contact Aby:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abymitchell

    Contact Behnam Jafari Salim (co-creator of the virtual placement programme at KCL):

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/behnamjs

    More information and resources:

    Virtual reality with artificial intelligence-led scenarios in nursing education: a project evaluation

    Virtual placements in nursing education

    Future nurse standards in nursing education

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    29 mins
  • Menopause in the workplace: a nurse's perspective with Claire Leader
    Dec 12 2024

    Let's Talk Nursing with Claire Leader.

    In this episode, Samina is joined by Claire Leader, Assistant Professor in the department of Nursing and Midwifery at Northumbria University and women's health and wellbeing champion. They discuss the menopause, common symptoms and how this affects nurses in the workplace.

    Throughout the episode, they explore a variety of topics, including:

    • Menopausal symptoms and the ways in which these can be relieved
    • How the menopause affects nurses at work
    • Reasonable workplace adjustments for the menopause
    • Nurse's personal experiences around having the menopause

    Listen to the episode to hear Claire's three key actions for nurses who are experiencing the menopause, colleagues and healthcare organisations on seeking and providing support. Claire also shares her insights into two scenarios about how nurses and managers can have conversations around the menopause.

    About Claire:

    Claire Leader is an Assistant Professor in the department of Nursing and Midwifery at Northumbria University. As both a registered adult nurse and midwife, Claire has a keen interest in women's health across the life course and is also the women's health and wellbeing champion for her department. Claire delivers workshops relating to menopause in the workplace; and balancing the demands of full-time work with the completion of her PhD as well as a busy home life, she has first-hand experience of the challenges presented when menopause hits.

    Contact Claire:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/claire-leader-35180944
    Twitter/X: @ClaireLeader

    More information and resources:

    The menopause and mental health
    RCN position statement: menopause and you at work
    NHS menopause guidance for line managers and colleagues

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    41 mins
  • What is causing the student nurse attrition crisis with Barry Hill
    Nov 28 2024

    Let's Talk Nursing with Barry Hill.

    In this episode, Samina is joined by Barry Hill, Professor of Nursing and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Buckinghamshire New University. They discuss the challenges and barriers that are causing the drop in applications to nursing degrees and high rates of student nurse attrition, as well as the potential solutions to these.

    Throughout the episode, they explore a variety of topics, including:

    • Challenges that are contributing to high rates of student nurse attrition
    • Policy changes that would benefit student nurse retention
    • Alternative routes into nursing
    • Examples of successful university projects aimed at reducing attrition

    In the episode, Barry shared his three key actions targeted at students, academics and practicing nurses on improving the landscape and supporting student nurses in their degrees. At the end of the episode, Barry shares his insights into how to support students who are struggling with their workload and overcoming challenges in teamwork.

    About Barry:

    Barry Hill is a professor of Nursing and head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Buckinghamshire New University. He is part of the University Executive Team, leading the strategic direction and development of the school. Throughout his career, Barry has been committed to improving student wellbeing, reducing attrition and enhancing student experiences, particularly in relation to the National Student Survey.

    Contact Barry:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-barry-hill-377b98b7/
    Twitter/X: @HonoraryGeordi_

    More information and resources:

    RePAIRing the student nurse journey: empowering interrupted students through innovative support strategies

    Innovations in nurse education: creating the multisensory learning approach of The WISE Room

    Nursing students: why are almost 40% leaving before they qualify?

    The nine Belbin team roles

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    41 mins
  • Writing for publication with editor of the BJN
    Nov 21 2024

    Let's Talk Nursing with Sophie Gardner.

    In this bonus episode, Samina chats with Sophie Gardner, editor of the British Journal of Nursing (BJN). They discuss the major do's and don'ts of writing for publication, and Sophie even reveals some insider tips on getting published in the BJN.

    Throughout the episode, they explore a variety of topics, including:

    • Why nurses should write for publication
    • Top tips for getting started with writing
    • Sophie's pet peeves when it comes to manuscripts submitted to the BJN
    • The peer review and editing process

    About Sophie:

    Sophie Gardner is an editorial director at MA Healthcare, and the editor of the British Journal of Nursing. After studying Molecular Genetics at Sussex University, Sophie began working in the sphere of healthcare publishing. In addition to overseeing all publications in MA Healthcare, Sophie works with her sub-editors to commission, edit and publish bi-weekly issues of the BJN.

    Contact Sophie:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-gardner-b3407636

    More information and resources:

    Beall's list of potentially predatory journals and publishers
    British Journal of Nursing
    MA Healthcare: guidance for authors

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    24 mins
  • Health promotion for person-centred care with Gillian Morris and Brian Webster
    Nov 14 2024

    Let's Talk Nursing with Gillian Morris and Brian Webster.

    In this episode, Samina is joined by Gillian Morris, lecturer at the University of Dundee, and Brian Webster, registered nurse and trainee district nurse at NHS Tayside. They discuss health promotion strategies that nurses can deliver when providing holistic, person-centred care.

    Throughout the episode, they explore a variety of topics, including:

    • Tips and tricks for delivering health promotion
    • Assessing people's readiness to change
    • Resources around lifestyle changes for signposting
    • The role of the nurse in providing lifestyle advice and being a role model

    Listen to the episode to hear Brian and Gillian talk about recommendations for lifestyle interventions and how they would deliver this. They also share their three key actions around brief interventions, being aware of the impact of health promotion and knowing the facts. At the end of the episode, Gillian and Brian work through a case study about a patient with back pain and diabetes, and share how they would go about recommending lifestyle changes in this scenario.

    About Gillian and Brian:

    Gillian is a lecturer at the University of Dundee. She is also a qualified advanced nurse practitioner and district nurse with a special interest in health promotion for non-communicable disease. Brian is a registered nurse and trainee district nurse at NHS Tayside. Brian also has an interest in health promotion, and both Gillian and Brian are members of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

    Contact:

    Brian
    Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brian-webster-4a208672
    Twitter/X: @BrianWebster18

    Gillian
    Twitter/X: @mrsgmorris1

    More information and resources:

    Health promotion series:
    Health promotion for person-centred care
    Health promotion for non-communicable diseases: cardiovascular diseases
    Health promotion for non-communicable diseases: cancers
    Health promotion for non-communicable diseases: respiratory diseases
    Health promotion for non-communicable diseases: diabetes

    Making every contact count: improving surgical outcomes for patients

    Health promotion resources:
    Readiness to change
    NHS MSK app
    NHS Couch to 5k

    Brian's podcast: Learning leadership 3 2 1

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical are

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    52 mins
  • Environmental sustainability: the nurse’s role with Melanie Maddison
    Oct 31 2024

    Let's Talk Nursing with Melanie Maddison.

    In this episode, Samina is joined by Melanie Maddison, lecturer in Adult Nursing and sustainability lead at King's College London. They discuss the impact of the healthcare sector on the environment and climate change, as well as the nurse's role in promoting sustainable practices.

    Throughout the episode, they explore a variety of topics, including:

    • The carbon footprint of the NHS
    • The impact of climate change and pollution on health
    • Excessive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other unsustainable practices

    Tune in to hear Melanie's three key actions for nurses when it comes to integrating sustainability into everyday life and nursing practice. At the end of the episode, Melanie shares her advice around communicating with colleagues about unsustainable practices and speaking to patients about the impact of the environment on health.

    About Melanie:

    Melanie Maddison is a lecturer in Adult Nursing at King's College London. She has 21 years of clinical experience in the NHS as a registered nurse in cardiology and emergency medicine, and worked as matron during the pandemic before joining higher education. She is one of the sustainability leads in the Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care department, and is currently leading educational reforms to reduce the carbon footprint of clinical skills teaching at the university.

    Contact Melanie:

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melanie-maddison-4146b6260

    More information and resources:

    Sustainable nursing practice: the environmental impact of healthcare

    Rizan C, Reed M, Bhutta MF. Environmental impact of personal protective equipment distributed for use by health and social care services in England in the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. J R Soc Med. 2021;114(5):250–263. https://doi.org/10.1177/01410768211001583

    World Health Organization - Communicating on climate change and health: toolkit for health professionals

    BJN inform:

    For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/

    New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.

    If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

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    40 mins