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The Gritty Nurse

The Gritty Nurse

By: Amie Archibald-Varley
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 The Gritty Nurse is back, and NO TOPIC is off-limits! Launching in September 2025 with host Amie Archibald Varley, this podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of nurses and others who work in healthcare to explore the most pressing issues they face. Join Amie as she continues to take a deep dive into powerful and often uncomfortable topics. Though shared experriences, storytelling and the discussions surrounding the intersection of power, we will navigate the challenges facing healthcare nationally and internationally--as of course--challenge the status quo. The show's core belief remains unwavering: that compassion is the through understanding diverse narratives and perspectives is KEY. Amie will continue to explore hot-button issues like mental health, social justice, women's health, and the daily challenges within the nursing profession. The Gritty Nurse is more than just a podcast—it's a community where nurses and healthcare workers can feel heard, empowered, and recognized as the community leaders they truly are. Change is HERE.2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Nursing Ratios & Union Power with Michael Hurley President of Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE

    Nursing Ratios & Union Power with Michael Hurley President of Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE
    Dec 18 2025
    What does it mean to lead a movement? Michael Hurley, a veteran advocate and President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU/CUPE), joins Amie Archibald-Varley, The Gritty Nurse to discuss the grit required to protect the healthcare workforce. In this high-stakes episode, we pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to fight for frontline workers. Michael emphasizes that the current crisis in recruitment and retention isn't an accident—it's a policy failure. He highlights his work on the front lines of union leadership, focusing on the necessity of staffing ratios and the urgent fight to end violence against staff. From the history of illegal strikes to the modern-day battle against privatization, Michael illustrates how his work as Union President is centered on one goal: empowering workers to reclaim their profession through community mobilization and bold, collective action. Michael shares his transformative journey from healthcare worker to a fearless union leader, revealing why sometimes the most effective path to change requires the courage to take collective action. Michael breaks down the front-line battles he leads every day, including: The Blueprint for Staffing: Why mandated ratios are the only cure for a collapsing system. Holding the Line: Michael's fierce advocacy against the quiet creep of healthcare privatization. Safety as a Right: Addressing the "silent epidemic" of violence against healthcare workers and the legislative teeth needed to stop it. The Power of the Union: How Michael mobilizes communities to turn individual frustration into unstoppable collective power. This is a masterclass in advocacy for any nurse who has ever felt unheard. WHY ONTARIO NEEDS SAFE NURSE STAFFING LEVELS (OCHU Report) https://ochu.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Safe-nurse-staffing-Report_ENG_Final_WEB.pdf More about Micheal Hurley Michael Hurley has been a hospital worker and a CUPE member since 1977. He was fired and convicted of contempt of court during the illegal 1981 Ontario hospital strike. He has been the President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions since 1990. He is also the first Vice-President of CUPE Ontario as well as Regional Vice-President on CUPE's National Executive Board for Ontario. He is the proud father of two daughters. https://ochu.on.ca/history/ https://cupe.ca/michael-hurley-regional-vice-president-ontario About Ontario Council of Hospital Union (OCHU) OCHU was founded in 1982 following a very difficult hospital strike and forced arbitration decisions that were unfair to CUPE members. The seven CUPE regions and CUPE staff worked on a plan to improve the bargaining process, communications with members and locals, and the coordination between regions. They also recognized the need for the existence of a permanent decision-making authority between collective agreements. The plan developed was received favourably by all locals and led to the founding of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions. About CUPE We've been together for over 50 years. We do different jobs that require different skills. We are diverse – from all sorts of backgrounds in all corners of the country. But we're connected by a common purpose. Together we've fought for the things that matter most. Fairness. Equality. Dignity. There's still much to be done before we have a truly just society. Empowering young workers, women's rights, racial equality, dignity for the disabled, as well as justice for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. We have made Canada a better place for millions of workers and their families. We will keep fighting for a Canada where ALL workers have a decent wage, retirement security, dignity and a safe workplace. As we move forward, we are undertaking an unprecedented initiative to speak with every rank and file member in order to re-create our movement. We are 800,000 public service workers. We will back each other up. We will speak with one voice. We are CUPE. * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast Stay Connected: Website: grittynurse.comInstagram: @grittynursepodTikTok: @thegrittynursepodcastX (Twitter): @GrittyNurse Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com
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    39 mins
  • Sepsis, Equity, and the Fight for a National Standards In Canada with PhD. Candidate & Prominent Researcher Fatima Sheikh

    Sepsis, Equity, and the Fight for a National Standards In Canada with PhD. Candidate & Prominent Researcher Fatima Sheikh
    Dec 11 2025

    In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with researcher Fatima Sheikh, a PhD candidate at McMaster University, to unpack the urgent crisis of sepsis.

    This conversation goes beyond the bedside, focusing on the social and structural determinants of health that fuel sepsis prevalence and worsen patient outcomes. Fatima argues for recognizing sepsis as a critical public health issue that begins in the community, not the hospital.

    Key topics discussed:

    • The need for a national action plan to address policy gaps in sepsis care and prevention.

    • The critical significance of equity in research and clinical practice.

    • The role of community engagement in early recognition and prevention.

    • The potential—and pitfalls—of using AI in sepsis diagnosis and management.

    This is a crucial listen for nurses, public health professionals, policymakers, and anyone concerned with health justice. Learn why treating sepsis as a medical emergency is essential and what structural changes are needed to save lives.

    More about Fatima:

    Fatima Sheikh (She/Her) is a PhD Candidate at McMaster University and a Health Equity Specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences.

    Her research focuses onunderstanding how social determinants of health influence both the incidence and outcomes of critical illnesses. She also explores how these determinants shape healthcare delivery, with the goal of informing equitable health policies, responsible evidence use, and inclusive care practices. Fatima's academic foundation includes a master's thesis centered on equity, diversity, and inclusion, in which she investigated how gender and ethnicity affect N95 respirator fit among a diverse group of Canadian healthcare workers. At the core of Fatima's work is a commitment to understanding how social and structural factors shape health and disease, their systemic implications, and the power of cross-sector collaboration to drive meaningful change.

    Listen now to learn why talking about death is the key to a better life.

    Where to Listen / Watch to THE GRITTY NURSE

    * Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782

    * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

    Stay Connected:

    • Website: grittynurse.com
    • Instagram: @grittynursepod
    • TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
    • X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse

    Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact

    Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse!

    www.hospitalnews.com

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Why Boys Need Anti-Manosphere Education: Feminism, Neurodivergence, and Challenging Patriarchy

    Why Boys Need Anti-Manosphere Education: Feminism, Neurodivergence, and Challenging Patriarchy
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Verley engages in a deep conversation with guest Jayne Gallays about the intersections of neurodivergence and feminism. They discuss personal experiences, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly women, and the societal expectations that shape their lives. The conversation also touches on the role of men in feminism, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of building community and advocating for change. Crucially, Amy and Jayne discuss the manosphere and the necessity of educating young boys on the damaging messages often promoted within these spaces. Jayne emphasizes the need for intersectionality in discussions about feminism and neurodivergence, highlighting the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in advocacy and support one another in their journeys.

    Where to find Jane: Twitter/Threads/Instagram: @calamityjayne4

    Where to Listen / Watch to THE GRITTY NURSE

    • Listen on Apple Podcasts – : The Gritty Nurse Podcast on Apple Apple Podcasts

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...

    • Watch on YouTube – / @thegrittynursepodcast

    Stay Connected:

    • Website: www.grittynurse.com
    • Instagram: @grittynursepod
    • TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
    • X (Twitter): @GrittyNurse

    Collaborations & Inquiries: For sponsorship opportunities or to book Amie for speaking engagements, visit: grittynurse.com/contact

    Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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