How long is too long to wait in an emergency room? For 16-year-old Finlay van der Werken, an eight-hour wait for a doctor proved fatal.

In this powerful episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Hazel van der Werken to share the heartbreaking story of her son, Finlay. After being rushed to an Ontario hospital with what began as a migraine, Finlay was triaged as an CTAS 2 (urgent case) but left in a "constant state of terror" for hours as his oxygen levels plummeted. By the time he was finally seen, he was in septic shock.

Hazel discusses the systemic failures that led to Finlay's preventable death and why she is now channeled her grief into Finlay's Voice—a national movement demanding urgent reform in pediatric emergency care.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Finlay's Story: The harrowing 8-hour wait at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.

• Sepsis Awareness: Identifying the "silent killer" that the WHO has named a global health priority.

• The Legislative Push: What is Finlay's Law, and how would it mandate maximum wait times and safe staffing ratios for children?

• Advocacy in Action: How parents and healthcare providers can support Finlay's Petition to ensure "no child dies waiting."

This is a must-listen for nurses, healthcare advocates, and parents. It's time to move from complacency to action to protect our most vulnerable patients.

About the Guest: Hazel van der Werken is the mother of Finlay and the co-founder of Finlay's Voice. She is currently advocating for a coroner's inquest and the passage of Finlay's Law in Ontario.

Connect with The Gritty Nurse:

• Follow Amie Archibald-Varley for more episodes on healthcare reform and nursing advocacy.

• Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Important Links & Resources:

• Sign Finlay's Petition: https://www.finlaysvoice.com/finlay-s-law

• Learn More about Finlay's Law & Voice: https://www.finlaysvoice.com/

Please, like, follow and SUBSCRIBE!!

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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

In this critical episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Amie Archibald-Varley hosts Kara Yates, RN (WSNA Union Co-Chair) and Therese Hill, BSN, RN(Membership Officer) to discuss a historic turning point for nursing in Washington.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines, exploring the dire conditions that led nurses to the negotiation table. We expose how stalled contract negotiations have endangered patient safety, fueled critical staffing shortages, and allowed workplace violence to escalate—all while the hospital remains highly profitable. But since the episode, things have changed.

For the first time in its 118-year history, nurses at Seattle Children's Hospital have overwhelmingly authorized a strike.

Yates and Hill detail the nurses' core demands, emphasizing that the potential strike is not about wages alone but is a necessary action to protect the community's children by ensuring safe staffing and a workplace where nurses can heal without losing their PTO after being assaulted. Hear firsthand why this show of unity is a powerful mandate for change, and why community support is now vital to pushing the hospital to prioritize care over corporate profit.

Links for WSNA:

https://www.wsna.org/

https://www.wsna.org/news/2025/seattle-childrens-nurses-vote-overwhelmingly-to-authorize-strike

https://www.wsna.org/news/2025/perspective-seattle-childrens-is-promoting-ableism-with-its-sick-time-policy

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* Like & Subscribe! Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Stay Connected:

• Website: grittynurse.com
• Instagram: @grittynursepod
• TikTok: @thegrittynursepodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064212216482
• 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

As we kick off 2026, the stakes for Canadian healthcare have never been higher.

In this powerful season premiere (SEASON 7 baby!) of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with nurse, advocate, and author Cathy MacNeil to discuss her provocative and timely book, Dying to be Seen: The race to save medicare in Canada.

Far from just a collection of anecdotes, Cathy's work is heavily evidence-informed, blending raw frontline experiences with rigorous research into the systemic structures of Canadian healthcare. As Medicare stands at a breaking point, Cathy provides the data-backed reality of why our public system is failing and what must be done to salvage it.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Evidence Behind the Crisis: How Dying to be Seen utilizes research and data to expose the cracks in the system.

• The Erosion of Public Healthcare: A critical, evidence-based look at the current threats to Medicare and the true cost of privatization.

• The Nurse's Burden: Discussing the documented rise of moral injury and systemic neglect.

• A Call to Advocacy: Why everyday people and healthcare workers must use evidence-driven narratives to fight for equitable care.

This episode is a masterclass in combining clinical expertise with fierce advocacy. If you want to understand the actual state of Canadian healthcare—backed by facts—this is the conversation you've been waiting for.

"Public healthcare is not just a policy; it is a promise. And it's a promise backed by decades of evidence that we cannot afford to ignore." — Cathy MacNeil

• Support the Show: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help us keep these critical conversations going!

* 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

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

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* 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

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

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

Does discussing death actually help us live better? In this episode of the The Gritty Nurse Podcast, Host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with Penny Hawkins Smith—better known to her millions of followers as Hospice Nurse Penny—to find out.

Penny is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and a "death influencer" who uses social media to combat death anxiety and misinformation. She joins us to share her incredible journey from the ICU to hospice care and to discuss her new memoir, Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living.

Together, we break down the critical (and often misunderstood) differences between hospice and palliative care, debunk common myths about morphine and the dying process, and dive into the "gritty" reality of end-of-life advocacy. Penny also opens up about the mysterious side of dying—including "visioning" and the unexplainable phenomena nurses witness at the bedside.

Whether you are a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or just someone looking to understand mortality better, this conversation is an honest, educational, and surprisingly uplifting look at the end of life.

• Hospice vs. Palliative Care: What is the actual difference, and when should you ask for a consult?

• The "Death Influencer" Phenomenon: How Penny uses TikTok and Instagram to educate millions and fight death phobia.

• Controversial Topics in Death Care: We tackle the hard questions about withholding food/fluids, pain management, and the stigma surrounding hospice.

• Mysterious Experiences: Penny shares stories of "visioning" (seeing deceased loved ones) and terminal lucidity.

• Influencing Death: A look inside Penny's new memoir and how her personal struggles with addiction shaped her compassionate approach to nursing.

• Advocacy in Action: How nurses can lead the charge in normalizing conversations about death.

• Book: Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living by Penny Hawkins Smith

• Follow Penny: @HospiceNursePenny on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

• Website: https://www.hospicenursepenny.com/

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

Two Black women. Two different states. One shared, terrifying experience: being ignored by the very people sworn to care for them.

Why are Black women in 2025 still screaming to be heard? In this episode of The Gritty Nurse, Amie Archibald-Varley, a former L & D nurse and Maternal Health Expert (Masters in Women's Health) breaks down the viral birth stories of Karrie Jones (Dallas) and Mercedes Wells (Indiana)—two harrowing cases of medical racism & gaslighting that have shaken the nursing & medical world. We analyze the 54-million-view footage, dissect the latest maternal mortality stats, and discuss actionable steps for nurses to become better allies.

From Karrie's screams being dismissed during intake to Mercedes being discharged only to give birth in her car eight minutes later, we are breaking down exactly what went wrong. We discuss the failure of the nurse and nursing teams, the weaponization of hospital policies, and the "weathering" effect that is keeping Black maternal mortality rates 3.5x higher than white counterparts.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Receipts: A minute-by-minute breakdown of the viral videos from Dallas Regional and Franciscan Health.

• The Stats: Why 2025 data shows the gap is widening for Black maternal morbidity.

• Medical Racism & Medical Gaslighting 101: How nurses can spot implicit bias in real-time and the "fight languages" needed to advocate for patients.

• The Momnibus Act: An update on the legislative fight for health equity.

Key Takeaways for Nurses:

1. Pain is Subjective, Vital Signs Are Not: If a patient says the baby is coming, believe them.

2. Documentation is Defense: How patients are using video to protect themselves when the chart doesn't tell the whole story.

3. Silence is Complicity: Your duty to intervene when a colleague dismisses a patient.

Resources & Links:

• Learn: CDC "Hear Her" Campaign

• Act: The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act Status

• Tool: Irth App (Yelp for Black birth experiences)

Join the Conversation: Have you witnessed medical gaslighting on your unit? Share with me your stories!

#GrittyNurse #BlackMaternalHealth #KarrieJones #MercedesWells #NurseTwitter #HealthEquity #MedicalGaslighting #NursingEducation #PatientAdvocacy

In this essential episode of the Gritty Nurse podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley engages in a critical discussion with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), about the vital role of caregivers in Ontario.

This conversation illuminates the significant challenges faced by these essential, yet often overlooked, members of the healthcare team. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamics of caregiving and the crucial support available through the OCO.

• Caregiver Recognition: Understand why caregivers must be recognized as essential members of the healthcare team in Ontario.

• Tailored Support: Learn about the need for tailored support and resources specifically designed for diverse caregiving communities.

• Burnout Prevention: Discover the importance of organizations implementing caregiver-friendly policies to prevent caregiver burnout and improve their experience.

• Political Awareness: The episode stresses the significance of political awareness and advocacy to drive systemic change for caregivers.

Amy Coupal is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), a charitable organization dedicated to supporting Ontario's 4 million caregivers. A visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Amy is passionate about mobilizing change through knowledge exchange and building collaborative initiatives. She brings a deep personal understanding of the benefits and challenges of the role, having been a caregiver for most of her life, supporting her brother who had Cerebral Palsy, her mother throughout her cancer journey, and now her father through older adulthood.

Do not forget to Comment, Like and SUBSCRIBE on Apple and Youtube!

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

www.hospitalnews.com

Where to Listen / Watch

* 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

In this compelling and candid episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, host Amie Archibald-Varley sits down with a truly inspiring guest: Emily Edwards, RN, founder of Nomad Care Consulting.

Emily, a healthcare expert, shares the deeply personal and often frustrating journey of her own Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. She details the challenges of being a patient in the very system she knows so well, often feeling unheard, dismissed, and invalidated while searching for answers.

This is more than a story about chronic illness; it's a powerful masterclass in self-advocacy. Emily opens up about the immense emotional toll of MS and the sheer resilience required to keep pushing for proper care.

What you'll learn in this eye-opening conversation:

• The shocking reality of receiving a major diagnosis as a practicing RN.

• Why self-advocacy is crucial—especially when dealing with complex or chronic conditions.

• How to push past dismissal and demand validation from your care team.

• The psychological and emotional landscape of living with MS.

Join us for this essential conversation that will redefine how you view the patient experience and inspire you to find your own voice in the healthcare world.

Where to Listen / Watch * Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-gritty-nurse/id1493290782 * Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thegrittynursepodcast

Leave a comment, Like and SUBSCRIBE!

Thank you to Hospital News for being a collaborative partner with the Gritty Nurse! www.hospitalnews.com

More about Emily Edwards:

Emily Edwards, RN is a Registered Nurse and a highly respected expert in the dementia care space, as well as the founder of Nomad Care Consulting.

With an expansive knowledge of older adult mental health and dementia, Emily's expertise is built on years of experience, including her roles as a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant, a Long Term Care Behavioural Supports Coordinator, and an RN Team Lead for a specialized dementia care team.

Emily's unique strength lies in her ability to take complex healthcare topics and translate them into actionable, manageable pieces, empowering families and caregivers to navigate the intricate healthcare system and discover effective, non-pharmacological care approaches. She is dedicated to helping people cultivate a life worth living for both their loved ones and themselves.

Support Emily!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-emily-rest-recover-return-better-than-ever

Where to find Emily:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyedwardsbscn/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatnomadnurse/

Websites: https://www.nomadcare.ca/

https://nomadcare.kit.com/uncover?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn4bcyAvxUxhHr4TaDy1Yu6iH5VLVO7BbOmNemtDU08WrU1KmVDxw1pvoTLvg_aem_UCvO6EjkIb0Su1nZw0HNFg