Listen to this! 15 podcasts made with you in mind
With so many to choose from, we explore the podcasts made with nurses in mind, whether you need support in your practice, or crave a little help to wind down
With so many to choose from, we explore the podcasts made with nurses in mind, whether you need support in your practice, or crave a little help to wind down
Podcasts are a great way to engage with the latest news and online content.
For nurses, there are many podcasts that cover clinical topics, well-being advice and the latest in healthcare news.
Here we share Nursing Standard’s favourite podcasts to inform, entertain, and support you.
Podcasts to help you look after yourself
You Are Not a Frog
The title refers to the boiling frog analogy that says if a frog is boiled in water very slowly, it will not recognise the danger and will cook to death.
Founder and former GP Rachel Morris says her podcast can help you overcome the guilt of never being able to do enough at work. ‘We talk about the things other people do not talk about, for example the shame and guilt when you can’t get to the bottom of your to-do list or when you feel you have let people down,’ she says. ‘We ask, what stops us from looking after ourselves?’
There are hundreds of episodes to choose from, which vary in length from under ten minutes to an hour-plus. Each has a reflection form that you can use for CPD. Dr Morris recommends you start by listening to these episodes:
- Finding your North Star – how to find happiness in your career
- How to get out of a toxic shame spiral
- How to be really productive without losing the plot
Nurse Wellbeing Mission
Offers advice and self-care tips for nurses, with talking points including:
- How to relieve stress.
- Overcoming sleep problems.
- Preventing PTSD among nurses.
Clinical psychologist and preventative mental health advocate Nathan Illman, who hosts the show, says: ‘The Nurse Wellbeing Mission podcast brings together practical advice and thought-provoking conversations to help nurses flourish in their roles.’
There are 28 episodes with more due to drop in autumn 2024.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
This weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart is one of the most popular health and self-help podcasts.
One nurse reviewer via Apple podcasts says: ‘I greatly appreciate Dr Rangan’s holistic, positive, compassionate approach to health.
‘He interviews amazing people and I get something out of each episode I listen to. I’m truly grateful in my own life and as a nurse for the work he does.’
Podcasts to feed your interest in nursing history
The Past Caring podcast
An understanding of the history of nursing can inform how you think about nursing today.
The eight episodes in the Past Caring podcast series from the RCN library and archive covers a range of topics, from the difficult histories in women's health to the essential role that nurses have played in tackling pandemics.
RCN museum and events manager Sarah Chaney says: ‘To give nursing its best possible future, first we need to understand our past. Our podcast explores the history of key areas of nursing, and related topics like emotions and activism to delve deeper into the complex art of nursing. Hear from experts in nursing past and present, alongside creative ways to improve care.’
Irish Nurses in the NHS
Limited series presented by retired nurse, now radio producer Grainne McPolin.
Based on research and in collaboration with the London Irish Centre, the nine episodes tell the story of nurses who left Ireland in the 1950s and 60s and had to adapt to new lives and work in Britain.
Living with Feeling
A historian’s take on feeling and emotion in the 21st century.
Episode two, Robot nurses, explores the potential and the limitations of care robots, and looks at the emotional qualities historically shown by an ‘ideal human nurse’.
The Nursing Standard podcast
We couldn’t resist the temptation to plug our own podcast. The Nursing Standard podcast series covers a range of clinical and professional topics affecting nurses, nursing students and healthcare.
Presented by Nursing Standard journalists, we release episodes twice monthly with episodes that include discussions with nurse experts and lots of practical advice.
From clinical topics such as managing skin tears, to issues affecting your professional life such as how to resolve conflicts at work, the podcast has something of interest for every nurse.
Listen to all episodes of Nursing Standard podcast
Clinical and educational podcasts
The Resus Room
From aortic dissection to spontaneous pneumothorax, The Resus Room covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about emergency medicine.
This educational and entertaining podcast from consultant nurse Rob Fenwick, emergency medicine consultant Simon Laing and specialist paramedic James Yates is aimed at healthcare professionals working or interested in emergency medicine. Episodes drop at least twice a month and cover a variety of emergency medicine topics, evidenced-based medicine and the latest papers.
A five-star review on Apple says The Resus Room is a welcome break from reading and ‘a useful tool in helping understanding of pre-hospital treatment’.
Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum UK
The weekly podcast from the Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum UK covers all the latest diabetes news, from insulin shortages to trial results.
Given that the number of people in the UK living with diabetes is thought to be at an all-time high the podcast offers many opportunities for learning, even if you are not a diabetes specialist nurse.
The Nurse Researcher Podcast
This podcast offers an insight into the world of clinical academia and what the role of a nurse researcher involves.
Introducing the podcast, nurse academic Andrew Finney says the aim is ‘to chat to clinical academics, to identify what their role entails, how their jobs are split, what they do in their daily lives and what tips and advice they can give to people aspiring to be a nurse academic’.
The MDTea podcast
This is a podcast for nurses working with older adults.
The 100-plus episode archive reviews aspects of caring for older people from the perspective of the multidisciplinary team. Topics include nutrition, medication, falls and communication.
High Performance Nursing
A series with useful information for nurses, whatever their career stage. Host Liam Caswell, a nurse and career coach, covers topics such as interview preparation, money management, and personal growth.
One listener says: ‘As a nurse, I can relate to a lot of what is said. It’s great food for thought and makes me want to challenge myself to be that high-performing nurse that I know I am capable of being. I feel empowered to take control of my career and tap into what makes me an amazing clinician.’
Mr Caswell says the podcast explores all avenues of career development, nurse entrepreneurship, and personal growth. ‘Each episode offers practical strategies, inspiring stories, and expert advice, helping nurses to navigate the challenges of their profession and achieve their fullest potential,’ he says.
Episodes drop weekly and feature interviews with nursing professionals and experts, offering diverse perspectives and insights.
Podcasts on policy and healthcare
The Health Foundation podcast
Covers all the latest issues in healthcare.
Recent topics include policymaking, NHS productivity, and the impact of the economy on health.
Leading Improvement in Health and Care
The Health Foundation has launched a sister podcast series for leaders, Leading Improvement in Health and Care.
The first episode on how to improve staff engagement and morale is now available.
Leading Improvement in Health and Care
The King’s Fund podcast
For more discussions on the NHS, social care, health policy and leadership, plus interviews with experts who explore the ‘big ideas’ in health and care.
The most recent episode is an election special covering the NHS budget, community services and questions about the workforce.
Anita Kowalczyk is assistant features editor at RCNi
