The Winchester Way: Preparing Nursing Associates for Practice

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn is joined by Rebecca Sanderson for an honest conversation about her journey through healthcare and her experiences as a Nursing Associate.Reflecting on how far she has come, Rebecca explores the challenges, experiences and personal growth that have shaped her professional journey.We ask a powerful question: “If you could thank your former Nursing Associate self, what would you say?”It's an opportunity to reflect on the person we were when we first started, recognise the obstacles we've overcome, and appreciate the experiences that have helped us grow.Whether you're a Student Nursing Associate, a qualified Nursing Associate or considering your next step in healthcare, this episode is a reminder to recognise your progress and give yourself credit for how far you've come.🎙️ Join Martyn and Rebecca for a conversation about reflection, resilience, career development and the journey that makes us who we are.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn is joined by Lia Baldock, a Registered Nursing Associate working in community care.Lia shares her inspiring journey into healthcare, including the personal motivations that led her to the profession and her experiences as a Nursing Associate in community care.We explore the development of the Nursing Associate role, the importance of supporting students and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals, and Lia's perspective on the future of community healthcare.An honest conversation about finding your place in healthcare, developing a role and helping to shape what comes next.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn is joined by David Parker, a Nursing Associate with experience across paediatrics, A&E and colorectal surgery.David shares his journey through healthcare, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped him professionally and personally. From working across different clinical environments to the moments that have stayed with him, this is an honest conversation about what it means to build a career in healthcare.We explore career development, the realities of working in different areas of healthcare, the challenges we face, and the emotional moments that can stay with us long after a shift has finished.David also reflects on the importance of learning from our experiences and continuing to develop throughout our careers.A genuine conversation about healthcare, resilience, professional growth and the person behind the Nursing Associate role.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

This week on Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn is joined by Angela Coates, Charlotte Johnson, Sara Leigh, Angelina Georgieva, and Carly Le Marechal, Interim Course Lead at Southampton Solent University.Together, they discuss the journeys that led them into healthcare, the impact of student-led service improvement projects, and the difference Nursing Associates can make in improving patient care.Throughout the episode, each guest shares their own experiences, the inspiration behind their projects, and the lessons they've learned along the way. From improving continence care and enhancing patient safety to supporting vulnerable people in the community, the conversation highlights the innovation, passion and commitment that Nursing Associates bring to healthcare.Whether you're considering a career as a Nursing Associate, currently studying, or already working within the profession, this episode offers an insight into the diverse opportunities available and the positive impact Nursing Associates continue to have across health and social care.

Finding My Place in HealthcareWhat does it feel like to take a leap of faith into healthcare and discover where you truly belong?In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, I'm joined by Samantha-Joanne Matthews, who shares her journey from a career outside healthcare to qualifying with distinction as a Registered Nursing Associate.Together, we discuss what inspired her to pursue a career in care, the challenges and opportunities of becoming a Nursing Associate, and what it's like stepping into a brand-new role in primary care. We also talk openly about neurodiversity, self-discovery and building confidence throughout your career.⚡ Plus, Sam takes on Signed, Sealed, Escalated!

What inspires someone to leave one career behind and dedicate themselves to caring for others?In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn sits down with Samantha Pallister, Registered Nursing Associate and educator, to discuss her journey from banking into health and social care, a career that has now spanned more than 17 years.Sam reflects on the experiences that led her to become a Nursing Associate, the lessons she's learned throughout her career, and her passion for supporting the next generation of Nursing Associates through education.Together, they explore the evolving Nursing Associate role, the importance of creating supportive learning environments, and how empowering students to develop confidence can ultimately improve patient care.As always, Sam also takes on our quick-fire Signed, Sealed, Escalated challenge before choosing a song to add to the Just a Sharp Scratch Spotify playlist.Whether you're a Student Nursing Associate, Registered Nursing Associate, educator or healthcare professional, this episode offers an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, lifelong learning and helping shape the future of the profession.

In this conversation, Lucie shares her inspiring journey from being a patient with mental health challenges to becoming a nursing associate. She discusses the importance of lived experience in healthcare, the challenges of transitioning roles, and the significance of self-care. Lucie emphasizes the need for hope and resilience, and her desire to make meaningful changes in the healthcare system. The conversation also touches on the importance of empathy and understanding in patient care, as well as the impact of personal history on professional practice.

In this engaging conversation, Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from being a hospital porter to a nursing associate and now nearing the completion of her nursing training. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights her passion for patient care, especially in the field of endoscopy. The conversation also touches on the importance of team culture in healthcare and the impact of positive reinforcement on patient experiences. Rebecca's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the belief that change is possible in the healthcare system.

In this episode of we are meeting at the Winchester, host Martyn Davey is joined by educators from the University of Winchester to talk all things Nursing Associates — from innovative apprenticeship design to preparing learners for the realities of modern practice.Through discussion around simulation, digital learning, and real-world clinical expertise, the team explore how Winchester’s approach helps develop confident, resilient, and practice-ready Nursing Associates. They also reflect on the challenges and successes of delivering education that truly meets the needs of today’s healthcare landscape.

Peter Murphy Lewis takes the host seat for a special takeover episode, interviewing Martyn Davey a dedicated voice for nursing associates and mental health.This conversation goes deeper than titles and job roles. It’s about why stories matter.You hear Martyn reflect on• how podcasting became a platform for unheard voices• moments in clinical practice that changed the way he sees people• the emotional demands of mental health care• why storytelling can shift perception more effectively than policy• where nursing associates are heading next, and the legacy he wants to help buildThis episode offers insight, honesty, and a look behind the microphone.It highlights the power of real experiences, recorded and shared for impact.Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:Who in healthcare isn’t being heard and how do we amplify them?