Shift Happens

Nurses sign up to save lives, not to dodge punches. Violence in healthcare is rising, and for nurses, it’s becoming an everyday reality. In this episode, MNU Vice President-to-be Katie Stark shares her firsthand experience with workplace violence, the gaps in support for nurses, and the fight for real safety measures. From staffing shortages to security failures, we’re breaking down the rise in violence, and what needs to change now.

We know that nursing isn’t just physically exhausting. It’s emotionally and psychologically draining, too. And yet, nurses are expected to just keep going, push through, shift after shift. But at what cost? Paige Mathison—a former psychiatric nurse turned clinical counsellor—joins Darlene and Brandi to talk about the heavy emotional toll of nursing, why so many healthcare workers struggle with unprocessed trauma, and what we can do about it.

Let’s get into it! Welcome to Shift Happens. In this first episode, hosts Darlene Jackson and Brandi Johnson introduce the podcast, share why now is the time for bold conversations about nursing and healthcare, and set the stage for what’s ahead. Get ready for real talk, unfiltered stories, and a deep dive into the issues that matter most to nurses.