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.
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, Martyn welcomes Peter Murphy Lewis, creator of the documentary series People Worth Caring About, and Erin Hart, Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA).
The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities facing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the United States, drawing parallels with the Nursing Associate role in the UK. Peter shares insights from filming People Worth Caring About, capturing the lives of CNAs and residents in long-term care. Erin highlights NAHCA’s work in advocacy, training, and creating career ladders that give dignity and progression to frontline caregivers.
Together they cover:
The reality of working in long-term care facilities
Why storytelling is crucial for workforce recognition
The power of career ladders and professional development for CNAs
What the UK can learn from the U.S. approach to supporting frontline carers
This is a thought-provoking conversation for anyone passionate about valuing the people who provide hands-on care every day.
“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!
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we’re joined by Dr. Sam Donohue to take a deep dive into the journey of the Nursing Associate role—where it started, how far it’s come, and where it’s headed next. As someone who has been instrumental in shaping the role, Dr Sam Donohue shares insights into the challenges, successes, and ongoing developments within the profession. We explore the impact of Nursing Associates on patient care, workforce dynamics, and the future of healthcare education. How do we ensure the role continues to evolve and thrive? And what’s next for those looking to step into this vital position? Tune in as we go Back to the Future with Dr. Sam Donohue!
Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted in your role as a healthcare professional? In this powerful episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we sit down with Jeanelle, an experienced nurse from Australia and author of the inspiring book Nursing the Nurse. Jeanelle shares her personal journey through burnout and how she rediscovered her passion for nursing. We’ll discuss: 🔥 Recognizing the early signs of burnout 🔥 Strategies to protect your mental health and wellbeing 🔥 Tips for fostering resilience in healthcare settings Jeanelle’s book, Nursing the Nurse, offers valuable insights and tools to help nurses and healthcare professionals prioritize their wellbeing while continuing to care for others. If you or someone you know is feeling the effects of burnout, here are some resources to reach out to: Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Mind (UK): Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk NHS Staff Wellbeing Support Line: Call 0300 131 7000 Burnout Help (US): Visit helpguide.org Mental Health Foundation: Visit mentalhealth.org.uk International Suicide Helpline Directory: Visit befrienders.org 🎧 Tune in on 6th January to hear Janelle’s story and gain actionable advice to help you thrive in your healthcare career. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we sit down with Paige Barsby, a Nursing Associate and educator working in surgical theatres. Paige offers a deep dive into the critical role Nursing Associates play in operating rooms, sharing her journey from clinical practice to becoming an educator. She discusses the unique challenges faced in surgical settings and the rewarding impact on patient care.
We also touch on future episodes of The Extra Dose, where we’ll explore how similar healthcare roles are evolving around the world in countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, and the United States. Whether you're a Nursing Associate or just curious about how healthcare roles are changing globally, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Tune in to hear Paige’s story and gain a new perspective on the vital contributions of Nursing Associates in the healthcare system.
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, we sit down with Dr. Sophie Wood to discuss everything you need to know about contraception. We dive into the options available today, answer common questions, and even take a quick look at the history of contraception and how it has shaped women’s health. Don’t miss this insightful women’s health special!
"Back to the Future: The Journey and Future of Nursing Associates"
In this special episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we’re joined by Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt to explore the fascinating journey of the Nursing Associate role. We dive into how the role was conceived, the challenges faced in its implementation, and the transformative impact it’s already having in healthcare. But that’s not all – we also look ahead to the future, discussing the opportunities that this innovative role holds for both nursing and patient care.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, student, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights into how the Nursing Associate role is reshaping the landscape and what we can expect in the years to come.
Lisa also talks to us about her exciting work she is supporting within the Fatima college of health sciences in the UAE.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights, future possibilities, and a forward-thinking look at the evolution of nursing.
