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