“Hope to Inspire: Heidi Slatter on Autism, Training & Change”

In this inspiring episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: we sit down with Heidi Slatter — autism advocate, award winner, and founder of Hope to Inspire.

Heidi shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism, what led her to start speaking out, and how she’s spent the last decade helping others better understand the neurodiverse community. We also explore her involvement with the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, and why it’s a vital step in improving healthcare for autistic individuals.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, educator, or simply want to be a better ally — Heidi’s insights will leave you more informed, more empathetic, and more inspired.

🎙️ Real stories. Real people. Real change.

🎙️ Episode Title: The Gift of Experience: Dr Rachel Tims

This episode of Just a Sharp Scratch opens with something personal — a reflection on my journey with the Countdown to Change campaign. From the sleepless nights with a newborn to launching a national petition advocating for Nursing Associates, I share the highs, the lows, and the moments that sparked this movement for real change.

Then, we’re joined by the incredible Dr Rachel Tims, Clinical Training and Education Senior Specialist for Nursing and Midwifery at NHS England Southwest.

Rachel brings with her a wealth of experience, from the frontlines to national leadership. We explore:
🔹 How she’s shaping education for Nursing Associates
🔹 The barriers they continue to face
🔹 And why lived experience matters more than ever in transforming our workforce

🎧 This isn’t just a conversation about policy — it’s about people, progress, and the passion behind the profession.

🎙️: "From Leadership to Legacy: Michele Mtandabari’s Mission to Uplift Nursing Associates"

Guest: Michele Mtandabari – Clinical Workforce Transformation Manager & Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholar

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn sits down with the inspiring Michele Mtandabari to explore her remarkable journey through healthcare leadership and how it led her to become a powerful advocate for Nursing Associates.

From her roots in clinical practice to her current role transforming workforce strategies, Michele shares how lived experience, leadership, and mentorship can drive real change. She opens up about her work with the Florence Nightingale Foundation, the importance of representation in leadership, and why she’s passionate about ensuring Nursing Associates feel seen, supported, and set up for success.

Whether you're a Nursing Associate, student, educator, or healthcare leader, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and a clear call for inclusive, sustainable change in the NHS.

We’re thrilled to bring you a very special episode of our International Nursing Associate mini-series featuring Sandra Dawe — an experienced RN, IPHM-certified Holistic Practitioner, and university lecturer based in Texas. 🇺🇸

In this inspiring conversation, Sandra shares her insights into global nursing practices, the growing role of holistic health in mainstream care, and how education is shaping the next generation of nurses and nursing associates around the world.

Join us as we explore how international experiences and holistic approaches are redefining the future of nursing — from the UK to the US and beyond.

✨ Episode drops this Monday!

#JustASharpScratch | #NursingAssociates | #RN | #HolisticNursing | #NurseEducator | #InternationalNursing

🎙️ Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose — International Nursing Mini-Series
Episode Title: Borderless Care: Elizabeth’s LVN Journey

In this episode of our international mini-series, we head to the heart of Texas to meet Elizabeth Espinoza-Rodriguez, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) whose career spans hospice care, ambulance response, and community-based nursing.

Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey into the world of vocational nursing, offering insight into what it means to be an LVN in the U.S. healthcare system. From fast-paced emergency work to the emotional depth of end-of-life care, her experience reflects the diverse and essential role LVNs play across settings.

We also explore how the LVN role compares to the Nursing Associate role in the UK — highlighting the similarities, the differences, and the shared passion at the core of nursing worldwide.

🌍 One world, many nursing voices — this is global nursing through the eyes of those living it.

🎙️ International Nursing Associate Mini-Series: Christine Green, LPN

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we continue our International Nursing Associate mini-series with a special guest—Christine Green, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)! Christine shares her journey as an LPN, offering insights into how the role compares to the Nursing Associate position in the UK, the challenges and rewards of the job, and the vital impact LPNs make in patient care.

We also have some exciting updates! 🚀
🎥 Our Just a Sharp Scratch YouTube channel is launching soon, and applications are still open for our Day in the Life of a Nursing Associate video series—but hurry, the deadline is March 28th! 📅

💡 Plus, don’t miss the BCU National Nursing Associate Conference, a must-attend event for Nursing Associates and students. Find out more here: BCU National Nursing Associate Conference

"In the first episode of our international Nursing Associate mini-series, we’re heading to Australia to explore life as an Enrolled Nurse in surgical theatres! 🇦🇺✨

Joining us is Bradley Ross, an EN working in operating rooms, who gives us an inside look at theatre nursing Down Under. From training and responsibilities to the challenges of surgical care, we discuss how the role compares to the UK and what we can learn from different healthcare systems.

📢 Don’t forget! Applications for our upcoming YouTube series, A Day in the Life of a Nursing Associate, close on March 28th. If you want to be featured, head to www.justasharpscratch.com to apply!

🎧 Tune in to Just a Sharp Scratch and The Extra Dose on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms!"

Episode Title: Shaping the Future of Nursing Associates – With Ella Reynolds

In this episode ofJust a Sharp Scratch, we sit down withElla Reynolds,Programme Coordinator and Lead for Nursing Professions at University Centre South Devon, to explore the evolving role ofNursing Associates and what the future holds for nursing education.

💡In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ The impact of Nursing Associates in healthcare
✔️ How education and training are shaping the profession
✔️ Bridging the gap between learning and practice
✔️ The future of workforce development in nursing

🚀Exciting Updates!
🔹 We’re wrapping up ourWomen’s Health mini-series with an episode onpelvic floor health over onJust a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose.
🌍Our International Nursing Associate Mini-Series launches March 7th, featuringLPNs, LVNs, and SENs from around the world!
🎥Coming soon: OurYouTube channel and"A Day in the Life of a Nursing Associate" video series! If you're aNursing Associate and want to be featured, apply now atwww.justasharpscratch.com.

Hitplay and join us for this insightful conversation withElla Reynolds!

🔊Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms!

#NursingAssociates #JustASharpScratch #FutureOfNursing #HealthcarePodcast #NurseEducation #NursingLeadership

In this episode, we take a look back at the start of my TNA journey and sit down with our guest, Kirsty Brook, a senior lecturer at one of the leading universities in the West Midlands.

We’ll be sharing our top tips to help you ace your TNA interview, along with valuable advice on what to do if things don’t go your way this time around.

Don’t forget to check out theJust a Sharp Scratch SNA & RNA Playlist!