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.
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From outdated staffing models to the growing complexity of patient care, Yvette explains why this review is critical for nurses, patients, and the entire health care system.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:
Tune in to learn how this initiative could reshape nursing and public health care across the province.
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.
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
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.`
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.
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.
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.
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.