Let's Talk Nursing

In this episode we explore domestic abuse within the nursing workforce: why nurses are at increased risk, why this issue has often remained hidden, and the vital role colleagues can play in recognising and responding to those experiencing abuse.
We are joined by Dr Alison Gregory, Independent Academic and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at  the University of Bristol, to discuss the latest evidence on domestic abuse among healthcare professionals and why many victim-survivors first disclose their experiences to someone they know and trust rather than a specialist service.
We explore how colleagues can recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing domestic abuse, how to start compassionate conversations with confidence, and what a supportive response looks like. We also discuss common misconceptions and practical ways to offer non-judgemental support aimed at empowering people.
Finally, we consider what healthcare organisations and nursing leaders can do to create workplaces where staff feel safe to seek help, and how colleagues can continue to offer meaningful support over time.
Listener discretion advised: This episode discusses domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, and may be distressing for some listeners. Please listen at your own pace and consider taking a break if needed. If you are affected by any of the issues discussed, please consider talking to someone whom you trust, or reaching out to one of the specialist services (see further information).
Further information:
UK specialist support: https://www.rcn.org.uk/-/media/RCN-Foundation/Documents/Domestic-violence-helplines.pdf
NOMORE global directory of specialist support: https://www.nomore.org/the-no-more-global-directory/
Safe Spaces free resources to train people to respond to colleagues experiencing domestic abuse: https://safespaces-againstviolence.axa.com/en/
Nursing And Midwifery professionals’ Experiences of Domestic abuse (NAMED) study: https://rcnfoundation.rcn.org.uk/Research-projects/Priority-research-areas/Domestic-abuse-in-nursing-and-midwifery/NAMED-study

In this episode we explore reflective practice in nursing: what it is, why it matters, and how it can shape both professional development and the quality of patient care.
We are joined by Helen Ayo-Ajayi, Associate Professor and Head of Placements and Work-Based Learning at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), Hannah Dunn, Senior Lecturer at BNU, Amy Pile, Lecturer at BNU and Sunny Daby, Senior Lecturer at BNU to take a practical and honest look at what reflective practice really means and why it is considered such a vital part of professional standards.
We explore some of the most commonly used models and approaches, looking at how structured reflection can support learning without being overly complicated or time-consuming. We discuss the role of leadership and team culture in creating safe and supportive spaces for honest reflection.
Finally, we look at the impact of reflective practice, not just on clinical-decision making and patient safety, but also on nurses' wellbeing when dealing with emotionally demanding situations.

BJN inform:
For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/ 

New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing. For more information visit: https://www.bjninform.com/

Transitioning from student to registered nurse is one of the most significant milestones in a nursing career. In this episode, we are joined by Tracy Cartwright, Senior Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), and Daniel Hodgkins, Lecturer at BNU, to delve into what this shift into qualified practice really looks like.
We explore the common challenges newly qualified nurses face, from rising workloads to navigating the fear of making mistakes. We discuss the vital role of workplace support and mentorship, and the contribution of higher education and clinical placements in preparing students for practice.
In the second half of the episode, we discuss wellbeing and retention and conclude with practical strategies and tips for students, educators, and employers to support the transition into professional nursing.

BJN inform:
For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/ 

New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing. For more information visit: https://www.bjninform.com/

Let's Talk Nursing with Sun Sander-Jackson
Sun Sander-Jackson, Inclusion Lead, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer’s Black and Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group, joins the podcast to share her personal experiences of racist microaggressions and the effect this had on her mental health. Throughout the episode, Sun discusses:
Her nursing career
The racist and sexist microaggressions she faced
Recommendations to nurse managers
Her message to fellow internationally-trained nurses
Listen to the end to hear Sun’s approach to a scenario involving managing an internationally-trained nurse who has been experiencing racist microaggressions in the workplace. 
 
About Sun:
Sun Sander-Jackson is a healthcare professional and inclusion advocate based in the UK. She has been with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust since 2009, starting as a nurse and advancing to the role of Sister in a complex outpatient department and theatre. In 2019, she became the first Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network Lead for the Trust, growing the network to encompass 320 members and devising action plans to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation in Somerset.
In 2021, Sun was appointed as the Inclusion Lead at the Trust. She also holds national positions as a Workforce Race Equality Standard expert and as the lead of the Southwest Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Midwifery BAME Strategic Advisory Group. These roles allow her to actively listen to and address the concerns of internationally trained colleagues across the Southwest region.
Sun's exceptional contributions have been recognised through several accolades, including an Inspirational Leader Award and BBC Somerset Radio Together award. In November 2023, she was invited to attend the King's 75th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace, representing the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.

Contact Sun:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sun-sander-jackson-7a9bb1292 

More information and resources:
It’s time to talk about our mental health as internationally-trained nurses
 
BJN inform:
For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/ 
New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.
If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com

Let's Talk Nursing with Katie Loader
In this person-centred care episode, Katie Loader, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team, discusses emotional unstable personality disorder (EUPD), nurse attitudes towards the condition and delivering principles of person-centred care. Katie provides insights into:
The symptoms and diagnosis of EUPD
Her personal experience of caring for people with EUPD
Nurse attitudes towards people with EUPD
Skills involved in providing effective and compassionate care
Later in the episode, Katie shared her three key actions on providing care for people with EUPD. She also explains what she would do when communicating with a patient in a particularly sensitive situation.
This episode includes some discussion of self harm and suicidal thoughts. If you or anyone you know is affected by the topics discussed, you can phone a free helpline below:
Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org 
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 
SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone
Call 0808 115 1505 – 8pm to midnight Monday to Friday, 4pm to midnight Saturday and Sunday
Email contact@sossilenceofsuicide.org 
Shout – for everyone
Text "SHOUT" to 85258
 
About Katie:
Katie is a Nurse Consultant in a Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team. She qualified with a Diploma in mental health nursing in 2003 and has worked extensively in acute practice in the UK and abroad and has 17 years’ experience working in Crisis Teams.  She has continued her academic and professional development by becoming an independent prescriber in 2012 and worked towards a Bachelor’s degree in mental health care then a Masters in Advanced Professional Practice. Her current role as a Nurse Consultant within a Crisis Team involves assessment of patients presenting in crisis, home treatment, diagnosis and prescribing treatment plans including medicines and psychological approaches. As part of the senior leadership, she provides clinical and managerial support for colleagues and collaborates with the wider clinical and operational teams in service planning.
 
More information and resources:
Emotionally unstable personality disorder
Antipsychotics and emotionally unstable personality disorder: a literature review
What are the effects of nurse attitudes towards patients with borderline personality disorder?
 
BJN inform:
For more information and resources, go to: https://www.bjninform.com/lets-talk-nursing-podcast/ 
New to the platform? BJN inform is a mentor-in-your pocket digital resource for nurses, nurse associates and nursing students, providing you with easy-access articles on topics across clinical areas, person-centred care, career and nurse wellbeing.
If you would like to speak with us about a no-commitment demo or trial, please get in touch at: institutions@markallengroup.com