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The Gritty Nurse


The Gritty Nurse is back, and NO TOPIC is off-limits! Launching in September 2025 with host Amie Archibald Varley, this podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of nurses and others who work in healthcare to explore the most pressing issues they face. Join Amie as she continues to take a deep dive into powerful and often uncomfortable topics. Though shared experriences, storytelling and the discussions surrounding the intersection of power, we will navigate the challenges facing healthcare nationally and internationally--as of course--challenge the status quo. The show's core belief remains unwavering: that compassion is the through understanding diverse narratives and perspectives is KEY. Amie will continue to explore hot-button issues like mental health, social justice, women's health, and the daily challenges within the nursing profession. The Gritty Nurse is more than just a podcast—it's a community where nurses and healthcare workers can feel heard, empowered, and recognized as the community leaders they truly are. Change is HERE.

Feb 22, 2024

Trigger warning: the case discussed in this episode may be triggering for some

In the true crime episode, the Gritty Nurses are back at it again with Bruce Sackman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. 

They discuss the shocking case of serial killer Lucy Letby, a British former neonatal nurse who was convicted and murdered seven infants and attempted the murder of six others between June 2015 and June 2016. (This is all we know of so far!)

How did she get away with it for so long? Were there signs? How can this be prevented from happening again? Why did the media portray her as an "angel of death". 

They also discuss similar cases of serial killers in the healthcare system and what they have in common with other serial killers. 

Thank you to our episode sponsor, healthcareproviders.ca!

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Episode Resources: 

https://people.com/crime/lucy-letby-trial-what-to-know/ 

https://people.com/lucy-letby-killer-nurse-claims-innocence-board-deems-unfit-8415316 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/30/child-serial-killer-lucy-letby-loses-initial-attempt-challenge-convictions 

https://news.sky.com/story/lucy-letby-trial-i-am-evil-i-did-this-read-the-confession-note-written-by-nurse-accused-of-murdering-seven-babies-12718882 

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/lucy-letby-parents-card-dead-baby/

https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/the-vault/double-o-swango-what-happened-to-dr-michael-swango-who-left-trail-of-dead-patients-in-midwest-elsewhere 

https://unsolvedmysteries.fandom.com/wiki/Michael_Swango

https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/5-chilling-details-serial-killer-kristen-gilbert 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristen_Gilbert

Bruce Sackman's book, Behind the Murder Curtain:

https://www.amazon.ca/Behind-Murder-Curtain-Special-Veterans/dp/1682617149

Pre-Order our Upcoming Book, The Wisdom Of Nurses!

https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/ 

https://www.grittynurse.com/

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