Christie Watson, a nurse turned bestselling author talks about failures in nursing, motherhood, and being diagnosed as peri-menopausal. She discusses the hero narrative for healthcare workers, the impact of the Me Too movement, and shares humorous stories about being a single parent. The chapter also explores her journey to becoming a nurse and the privilege of nursing.
Embracing failure as a tool for learning and improvement in nursing is essential for the healthcare field.
The hero narrative associated with nursing can be limiting and potentially harmful, as it overlooks the need for adequate support and resources.
Perimenopause is a neglected stage in a woman's life, and raising awareness about it is crucial for women's rights and wellbeing.
Deep dives
CB2 and the Benefits of CBD Oil for Sleep and Wellness
The podcast episode is sponsored by CB2, a leading UK CBD brand. Research conducted by CB2 found that the pandemic has affected the sleep of half of UK adults. CB2's CBD oil has garnered positive reviews for improving sleep quality, managing stress and anxiety, and alleviating body aches. The host shares her personal experience with CB2's CBD oil in improving her sleep. CB2's products include oils, capsules, skincare, and candles, all made with an exclusive hemp extract from Switzerland. They offer a seven-day Discovery Duo Starter Kit, and our audience can enjoy a 50% discount by using the code HOWTOFAIL.
Kristi Watson's Journey as a Nurse and Author
The podcast interview features Kristi Watson, a retired nurse and award-winning author. She shares her background and career path as a nurse, including her experience in pediatric intensive care. Kristi's transition from nursing to writing is discussed, as well as her motivation to raise the voice and importance of nursing through her books. The interview touches on her recent return to frontline nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges and fears faced by healthcare professionals. Kristi's profound optimism and gratitude for the nursing profession are evident throughout the conversation.
Exploring the Notion of Failure and Learning in Nursing
Kristi Watson reflects on the idea of failure in nursing and how it has evolved over time. She discusses the importance of embracing failure as a tool for learning and improving in the healthcare field. The conversation explores the shift in healthcare culture towards recognizing the value of reflection and learning from mistakes. Kristi emphasizes the need to support nurses as humans who are prone to making errors and acknowledges the ongoing efforts to foster a blame-free environment in healthcare.
Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions about Nursing
Kristi Watson challenges the hero narrative often associated with nursing and addresses the limitations and potential dangers of this portrayal. While appreciating the community's support during the COVID-19 pandemic, she voices concerns about the hero label being politically convenient and emphasizes the need to address inadequate support, resources, and pay for nurses. Kristi highlights the importance of recognizing nursing as a profession that goes beyond stereotypes and encompasses different roles and specialties such as district nursing, prison nursing, and military nursing.
Kristi Watson's Personal Journey Through Perimenopause
Kristi Watson opens up about her experience with perimenopause and the profound impact it had on her physical and mental health. She describes the initial challenges and misdiagnosis she faced before a therapist suggested checking her hormone levels. Kristi shares the transformative effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in alleviating her symptoms. She discusses the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding perimenopause, the importance of starting conversations about it, and the potential impact on women's rights and wellbeing. She also touches on the upcoming book 'Quilt on Fire' that will delve deeper into this often overlooked stage of a woman's life.
Christie Watson is a nurse turned bestselling author who went back to frontline nursing during the Covid-19 pandemic. But if you were to call her a 'hero' she would refuse the label - and during the course of this interview, she tells me why.
Watson left school at 16 and volunteered at a charity before training to become a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She spent the next 20 years in hospitals in various disciplines and mainly in paediatric intensive care.
Alongside that, she built up a successful writing career. Her debut, Tiny Sunbirds Far Away, won the Costa First Novel Award and in 2018, she published a memoir - The Language of Kindness: A Nurse’s Story, which has been translated into 23 languages. Her most recent book, The Courage To Care, is just out in paperback.
She joins me to talk about failures in nursing, motherhood and, in an especially enlightening conversation, she tells me what happened when she thought she was having a breakdown only to be diagnosed as peri-menopausal. Every woman (and man) should listen. [WARNING: contains mention of clambering into fishfinger freezers].
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The Courage To Care is out now and available to buy here.
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My new novel, Magpie, is out on 2nd September. I'd love it if you felt like pre-ordering as it really helps authors! You can do that here.
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How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com
