Gloves Off, Minds On - A perioperative podcast

Beyond the OR: Stepping into Research as a Nurse

What does it actually take for a perioperative nurse to step into research and why would you?
In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, Elyse and Carmen sit down with Tarryn Armour RN, ACORN Fellow, lecturer, and PhD candidate — to talk about her pathway from clinical practice into academia and research.
Tarryn shares how her interest in research developed, what gave her the confidence to start a PhD, and the realities of juggling study, teaching, and life along the way. This is an honest, practical look at what a research pathway can look like for perioperative nurses.
They explore:
How a clinical career in perioperative nursing can evolve into research and academia
What sparked Tarryn’s decision to pursue a PhD
Common misconceptions and barriers for nurses considering research
The focus of her PhD and why it matters for perioperative practice and patient outcomes
The realities of balancing study, work, and everyday life
Advice for nurses who are curious about postgraduate study but not sure where to start
This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought, “Could I do research?” — and needed to hear what that path actually looks like from someone living it.
 

What We Say Matters: Rethinking Pain in PACU

Pain doesn’t begin in recovery and it’s not just measured on a scale of 0 to 10.
In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, Nadine and Elyse sit down with pain physician and anaesthetist Dr Suyin Tan to unpack something we don’t always notice in practice: the language we use around pain, and how much it actually matters.
From the pre‑operative conversations that shape expectations, to the familiar phrases we rely on in PACU, this discussion explores how words can unintentionally heighten distress, reinforce fear, or even “script” a patient’s pain experience before it begins.
Together, they explore:
How early conversations about pain influence what patients later experience after surgery
The subtle ways clinicians may unintentionally amplify pain through well meaning language
What PACU clinicians are really seeing when patients arrive with pre‑formed expectations
Why numeric pain scores don’t tell the full story in recovery
How shifting the focus from pain to comfort can change patient responses in real time
Simple language changes clinicians can make immediately, without extra time or resources
This is a practical, reflective conversation for perioperative clinicians who want to communicate more effectively, reduce distress, and support better recovery — without adding to their workload.
 

Breaking Barriers in Regional Care: A Nurse Endoscopist’s Story

In this episode of Gloves Off, Minds On, hosts Nadine and Elyse talk with Christine Ayton, the first fully accredited nurse endoscopist in New South Wales. Christine shares her journey from regional nursing beginnings through ICU, emergency, and perioperative roles to pioneering nurse-led endoscopy, the challenges she faced, and how she supports access to care in regional communities.
Listeners will hear practical insights about training, overcoming resistance, interprofessional collaboration, and the impact of nurse-led services on patient care and waiting lists.

21. Surgical plume in the OR

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse interviews Penny Smally, and discusses all things surgical plume.
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!Join and like VPNG on social media.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Ordo you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us atpodcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

20. Quality Care, Every Time. Featuring Karolin King

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!
Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.
On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk with Karolin King about all things safety and risk.
Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours!
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!
Join and like VPNG on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

19. Stitching Together a Sustainable Future

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!
Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.
On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk to Dr Emily Balmaks about sustainability in the operating theatre.
Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours!
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!
Join and like VPNG on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

18. Mercy ship adventures with Jonathan Hardwick

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!
Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.
On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk with Jonathan Hardwick about his experiences serving with Mercy Ships. Find more information here: Mercy Ships Australia - A Vessel of Hope and Health Care
Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours!
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!
Join and like VPNG on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

17. Laser Light: A Perioperative Nurse's Guide to Safety

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!
Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.
On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse and Kate are joined by Adj A/Professor Elissa O’Keefe to discuss laser safety.
If you would like to access the Laser Safety Standards they can be found here:
https://www.standards.org.au/news/new-standard-on-lasers-emphasises-staff-training
To contact Elissa email: hello@bravura.edu.au
 
We’re curious to hear about your surgical consent stories! Email us at
podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours!
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!
Join and like VPNG on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or
do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at
podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

16. Optimising Recovery: The Essential Role of the ERAS Nurse

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!
Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.
On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk with Catherine about all things ERAS,
Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours!
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!
Join and like VPNG on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.

15. Women in Surgery: Dr. Carly Fox's Story

Welcome to The VPNG Podcast!
Join your hosts, Elyse & Kate, as they discuss all things perioperative.
On this episode of The VPNG Podcast, Elyse & Kate talk with Dr Carly Fox about her journey to becoming a female Plastic Surgeon
Email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to share yours!
Not a VPNG member? No problem! Visit vpng.org.au to join now!
Join and like VPNG on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpng2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicperiopnurses/
Do you have any topics or ideas that you would like discussed on the podcast? Or do you have any questions you would like answered? Feel free to email us at podcast@vpng.org.au to get in touch.