Scrubbed In and Speaking Out is the podcast of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador. Hosted by Dan Williams with President Yvette Coffey and guests, we explore the issues shaping nursing and health care in our province. From safe staffing and mental health to the role of Nurse Practitioners and workplace safety, each episode highlights the challenges nurses face, the advocacy driving change, and the impact on patients and communities.
Publisher
Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador
Episode 12: Scrubbed in and Speaking Out – Occupational Health and Safety
In this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, we explore what Occupational Health and Safety really means in today’s health care system—and why it goes far beyond physical safety.
For nurses, workplace safety is shaped by a combination of factors: workload, staffing levels, workplace violence, fatigue, and the systems in place to support them. When these pressures build, they impact not only nurses, but the quality and safety of patient care.
In this conversation, we discuss:
Why Occupational Health and Safety extends beyond physical risk
The realities of workplace violence in health care
Why Incidents often go unreported—and why that matters
The role of documentation, and advocacy
Nurses’ rights, including the right to refuse unsafe work
How stronger systems and supports can improve safety for both nurses and patients
Safety in health care doesn’t happen by chance. It requires investment, accountability, and systems designed to support the people delivering care every day.
15 Apr 2026
Your Voice at the Table
In this episode we get caught up with President YvetteCoffey on a few issues and including the advocacy work RNU is doing on behalfof membership and the next steps for Collective Bargaining.
Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 Biennial Convention inCorner Brook and the upcoming Board of Directors elections—two keyopportunities for members to get involved and help set the direction of theunion.
This episode is all about engagement, leadership, and thepower of member-driven advocacy. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and followfor more conversations about nursing and the future of public health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
1 Apr 2026
What does “safe staffing saves” actually mean?
In Episode 10 of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNU President Yvette Coffey breaks down how staffing levels impact everything in our health care system—from patient outcomes to nurse retention to overall system costs.
When nurses are working short, the consequences are immediate: increased workloads, delayed care, and growing pressure across the system. Over time, that leads to burnout, retention challenges, and a system that becomes more expensive to sustain.
This episode also explores solutions put forward in RNU’s Budget 2026 submission, including investing in the public system, reducing reliance on private agencies, and implementing a modern core staffing review.
The message is clear: safe staffing saves lives, saves resources, and strengthens our public health care system.
4 Mar 2026
Safer Workplaces, Stronger Care: Addressing Violence in Health Care
Violence in health care is not “part of the job.”
In Episode 9 of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNU President Yvette Coffey speaks with Todd Barron, Provincial Violence Prevention Coordinator with NL Health Services, about the growing crisis of workplace violence.
They discuss:
The 2024 Workplace Violence Survey results
Why violence is under-reported
Prevention strategies and the Ambassador Program
Long-Term Care challenges
The need for system-wide collaboration and public awareness
Safer workplaces mean better care — for nurses and for patients.
11 Feb 2026
Understanding Professional Practice — Protecting Patients and Protecting Your Licence
Professional practice is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — tools available to nurses.
In Episode 8, RNUNL President Yvette Coffey RN and Research and Education Specialist Ashley Hunt RN explain why professional practice forms are essential to protecting patients, protecting nurses, and upholding standards of practice.
From short staffing and non-nursing duties to incident reporting and grievances, this episode clarifies what to document, when to document it, and why it matters.
If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
28 Jan 2026
RNU Resolutions
In this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNUNL President Yvette Coffey joins host Dan Williams to unpack the resolutions guiding the union’s advocacy in the year ahead. From safer staffing and nurse retention to workplace violence and professional respect, Yvette speaks candidly about the realities nurses are facing across Newfoundland and Labrador — and what must change.
Grounded in direct conversations with members and frontline experience, this episode explores why honesty, action, and accountability matter more than ever for the future of public health care. Yvette outlines what it truly means to prioritize, retain, and protect nurses — and how these resolutions connect to better care for patients and communities.
Whether you’re a nurse, a health care decision-maker, or a member of the public, this episode offers a clear look at the challenges in the system and the path forward.
10 Dec 2025
Collective Bargaining
Featuring Yvette Coffey & Executive Director David HammondIn this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with Executive Director David Hammond for an in-depth conversation about collective bargaining—what it is, why it matters, and how members drive every step of the process.Together, they break down what “membership-driven bargaining” REALLY means, how proposals move from members to the negotiating table, and what nurses can expect as we prepare for this next round of negotiations. David also explains how the bargaining committee is formed, how the union evaluates priorities, what a tentative agreement process looks like, and why full member participation is essential.
26 Nov 2025
Safe Staffing Starts Here: Inside the Core Staffing Review
Episode 5 – Scrubbed In and Speaking Out
In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing issues in health care: safe staffing. Host Dan Williams sits down with RNU President Yvette Coffey to discuss the long-awaited core staffing review—why it matters, what’s changing, and how it will shape the future of nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador.
From outdated staffing models to the growing complexity of patient care, Yvette explains why this review is critical for nurses, patients, and the entire health care system. We also explore the challenges of continuity of care, the impact of virtual care, and why frontline voices must be heard.
Key topics include:
What the core staffing review means for nurses and patients
How health care has evolved while staffing models stayed the same
The importance of accurate data and frontline input
Why safe staffing goes beyond numbers—it’s about patient safety and staff well-being
Tune in to learn how this initiative could reshape nursing and public health care across the province.
12 Nov 2025
Nurse Practitioner Week!
Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!Today on our podcast Yvette Coffey, President of RNU is joined by Jessica Peddle, Nurse Practitioner and President of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Newfoundland and LabradorJessica discusses the aspirations of the NLNPA to be recognized as independent care providers, to practice to their full scope, and a new reporting structure.Yvette and Jessica find common ground and space to collaborate on a host of issues including access to primary care the development of a sustainable funding model and strengthening the public health care system.
29 Oct 2025
Retention and Respect: Keeping Nurses in the Profession
In this episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, RNU President Yvette Coffey joins host Dan Williams to discuss the urgent need to focus on retention — not just recruitment.They talk about why nurses are leaving the profession, the impact of unsafe workloads and mandatory overtime, and how initiatives like self-scheduling, flexible work arrangements, and accessible childcare can help.Yvette also outlines RNU’s push for an independent Health Sector Safety Council to address workplace injuries and violence, and how data and policy need to catch up with the realities nurses face today.Topics covered:Why retention needs equal attention to recruitmentThe federal Nursing Retention Toolkit and how RNU is applying itHow scheduling and flexibility improve job satisfactionThe link between workplace safety and retentionThe need for accurate data on why nurses are leaving
17 Oct 2025
Advocating for Change
What does advocacy look like behind the headlines? In this episode, RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with host Dan Williams for a candid conversation about the challenges facing nurses and nurse practitioners across Newfoundland and Labrador. They discuss the union’s work on equal pay for equal work, safe staffing, workplace safety, and the right to refuse unsafe work. Yvette also explains why RNU continues to push for nurse practitioner–led clinics, better retention strategies, and a healthcare system that finally listens to frontline experts.`
9 Oct 2025
Conversation with Tony Wakeham (Progressive Conservative Party)
In this election special, RNU President Yvette Coffey speaks with Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Their conversation covers the PC Party’s plans to strengthen the public healthcare system, improve working conditions for nurses, and ensure safe staffing in hospitals and communities across the province.
This episode is part of RNU’s Scrubbed In and Speaking Out election series — conversations aimed at helping nurses and the public understand where each party stands on the most pressing issues in healthcare today.
Explore all party responses to RNU’s election questions at www.rnunl.ca/advocacy/election-2025 (https://www.rnunl.ca/advocacy/election-2025).
9 Oct 2025
Conversation with Jim Dinn (New Democratic Party)
RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with Jim Dinn, Leader of Newfoundland and Labrador’s New Democratic Party, for a thoughtful discussion about the future of public healthcare and the nursing profession in this province.
Together, they explore the NDP’s commitments to safe staffing levels, recruitment and retention, workplace safety, and ensuring nurses have the resources they need to provide expert care.
This episode is part of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out’s special election series — designed to help voters make informed choices about the future of healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Learn more about party positions at www.rnunl.ca/advocacy/election-2025 (https://www.rnunl.ca/advocacy/election-2025).
9 Oct 2025
Conversation with Krista Lynn Howell (Liberal Party)
With less than a week before voters head to the polls, RNU President Yvette Coffey sits down with Liberal candidate Krista Lynn Howell, who joins Scrubbed In and Speaking Out on behalf of Premier John Hogan and the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In this candid conversation, Yvette and Krista Lynn discuss the Liberal Party’s commitments to strengthening public healthcare, supporting nurses and nurse practitioners, and addressing the staffing challenges across Newfoundland and Labrador’s health system.
🎧 Listen to this special election edition of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out and learn how each party plans to support nurses — and the people who depend on their care.
For full party responses to RNU’s election questions, visit www.rnunl.ca/advocacy/election-2025 (https://www.rnunl.ca/advocacy/election-2025).
29 Sept 2025
Getting Scrubbed In
In our first episode of Scrubbed In and Speaking Out, host Dan Williams sits down with RNU President Yvette Coffey for an introduction to the podcast and a look at Yvette’s journey as a nurse and union leader. From her early days in critical care to her passion for workplace safety and advocacy, Yvette shares insights that set the stage for future conversations about nursing, health care, and the work of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador.
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