Finding My Place in Healthcare

What does it feel like to take a leap of faith into healthcare and discover where you truly belong?

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, I'm joined by Samantha-Joanne Matthews, who shares her journey from a career outside healthcare to qualifying with distinction as a Registered Nursing Associate.

Together, we discuss what inspired her to pursue a career in care, the challenges and opportunities of becoming a Nursing Associate, and what it's like stepping into a brand-new role in primary care. We also talk openly about neurodiversity, self-discovery and building confidence throughout your career.

⚡ Plus, Sam takes on Signed, Sealed, Escalated!

What inspires someone to leave one career behind and dedicate themselves to caring for others?

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn sits down with Samantha Pallister, Registered Nursing Associate and educator, to discuss her journey from banking into health and social care, a career that has now spanned more than 17 years.

Sam reflects on the experiences that led her to become a Nursing Associate, the lessons she's learned throughout her career, and her passion for supporting the next generation of Nursing Associates through education.

Together, they explore the evolving Nursing Associate role, the importance of creating supportive learning environments, and how empowering students to develop confidence can ultimately improve patient care.

As always, Sam also takes on our quick-fire Signed, Sealed, Escalated challenge before choosing a song to add to the Just a Sharp Scratch Spotify playlist.

Whether you're a Student Nursing Associate, Registered Nursing Associate, educator or healthcare professional, this episode offers an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, lifelong learning and helping shape the future of the profession.

In this conversation, Lucie shares her inspiring journey from being a patient with mental health challenges to becoming a nursing associate. She discusses the importance of lived experience in healthcare, the challenges of transitioning roles, and the significance of self-care. Lucie emphasizes the need for hope and resilience, and her desire to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system. The conversation also touches on the importance of empathy and understanding in patient care, as well as the impact of personal history on professional practice.

In this engaging conversation, Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from being a hospital porter to a nursing associate and now nearing the completion of her nursing training. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights her passion for patient care, especially in the field of endoscopy.

The conversation also touches on the importance of team culture in healthcare and the impact of positive reinforcement on patient experiences.

Rebecca's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the belief that change is possible in the healthcare system.

In this episode of we are meeting at the Winchester,

host Martyn Davey is joined by educators from the University of Winchester to talk all things Nursing Associates — from innovative apprenticeship design to preparing learners for the realities of modern practice.

Through discussion around simulation, digital learning, and real-world clinical expertise, the team explore how Winchester’s approach helps develop confident, resilient, and practice-ready Nursing Associates. They also reflect on the challenges and successes of delivering education that truly meets the needs of today’s healthcare landscape.

Peter Murphy Lewis takes the host seat for a special takeover episode, interviewing Martyn Davey a dedicated voice for nursing associates and mental health.

This conversation goes deeper than titles and job roles. It’s about why stories matter.

You hear Martyn reflect on• how podcasting became a platform for unheard voices• moments in clinical practice that changed the way he sees people• the emotional demands of mental health care• why storytelling can shift perception more effectively than policy• where nursing associates are heading next, and the legacy he wants to help build

This episode offers insight, honesty, and a look behind the microphone.

It highlights the power of real experiences, recorded and shared for impact.

Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

Who in healthcare isn’t being heard and how do we amplify them?

You hear directly from the educators shaping the Nursing Associate journey at Sheffield University.
They talk openly about what the role means, how apprenticeships are changing the landscape, and why strong support systems matter for every student.

In this episode, you explore:

• What educators want every Nursing Associate to understand about the role
• How apprenticeships create both challenges and real opportunities
• The support Sheffield offers to help students succeed
• Their personal routes into nursing education
• How the Nursing Associate pathway has evolved and what that means for future practice
• Why holistic care and strong teamwork sit at the centre of good healthcare

This conversation gives you a grounded look at the people behind the training, the realities of the programme, and the values driving it forward.

In this conversation, Martyn Davey interviews Peter Watt, a nursing associate and research associate, discussing his journey from theatre assistant to his current role in research. They explore the challenges faced by nursing associates, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of peer-to-peer networks in supporting mental health and learning disabilities. Peter shares insights into qualitative research, the barriers to nursing research, and offers advice for those looking to transition into research roles. The conversation emphasizes the need for ongoing education and the evolving role of nursing associates in the healthcare system.

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn Davey interviews Tom Connelly, a Clinical Educator at the University of Sheffield. They discuss Tom's journey into nursing, his experiences in emergency care, and the transition to education.

The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on nursing, the role of a clinical educator, and the challenges faced by nursing associates. Tom shares insights on misconceptions about the nursing associate role and offers advice for aspiring nursing associates.

The episode concludes with a reflection on personal achievements and a song choice from the musical Wicked.

This episode is dedicated to Lynn Firth, Director of Apprenticeships at the University of Sheffield’s Health Sciences, who sadly passed away. Her work and passion for developing the next generation of nursing professionals continue to inspire many.

In this engaging conversation, Martyn Davey and Charlie Craig discuss the evolution of nursing education, the role of nursing associates, and the challenges faced in the healthcare sector. Charlie shares her personal journey into nursing, the importance of the nursing associate role, and the creation of a clinical pocket reference designed specifically for nursing associates. The discussion emphasizes the need for recognition and respect for nursing associates, the importance of proactive learning, and the future potential of the nursing associate role in shaping the healthcare workforce.