Nursing is the largest group of regulated health professionals in Canada and at SHN. Each year, SHN celebrates Nursing Week in recognition of the hard work and dedication of nurses for their impact on the lives of many members of our community. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the ways in which nurses contribute and impact exceptional quality care for patients 24 hours a day.

This year, National Nursing Week celebrations take place during the week of Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10, featuring the theme: Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow.

At SHN, our nurses are the cornerstone of patient care, providing expert and compassionate care from the time of birth to the end of life. They are essential to the healthcare journey of every patient. We take immense pride in acknowledging the dedication our nurses and we encourage you to join us in honouring our nurses and expressing gratitude for their tireless efforts.

We invite everyone to embrace nurses and shine a spotlight on them by following us on social media and using the hashtags #NursingWeek2024 #NationalNursingWeek #IND2024 #Nurses2024 #NursesChangingLives #NursesShapingTomorrow.


Messages from our CEO, Chief of Staff, and Chief Nursing Executive

Headshot of David Graham

“I want to thank each and every one of you for the unwavering commitment and the exceptional quality care you provide at SHN. Your dedication to delivering high-quality, compassionate care is at the heart of what you do every day to enhance and deliver the best patient care experience.

During this Nursing Week, we celebrate your achievements, your tireless commitment, and your relentless dedication to our Scarborough community. Thank you for making us a better organization and for all that you do, day in and day out.”

David Graham
President and CEO

Dr. Elaine Yeung headshot

“Every day I enter our hospitals, I cross paths with a nurse. Be it in the hallways, on a patient care unit, or completing a procedure, I come in contact with one of our many nurses on a daily basis. Each time, I am in awe of their wisdom, their patience, their compassion, and their skill.

Our SHN nurses are passionate about what they do—whether it is caring for patients, working in the community, educating future healthcare providers, or leading research teams in discovering ways to improve care, we are all grateful for the dedication and commitment they bring to their work.

On behalf of our physicians and professional staff, we cannot thank our nurses enough. You extend remarkable support and expertise in the name of safe, high-quality care that we all deeply appreciate and respect. Happy Nursing Week!”

Dr. Elaine Yeung
Chief of Staff and EVP, Medical

Headshot of Glyn Boatswain

“As we come together to celebrate Nursing Week 2024, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of our exceptional nurses. Your dedication, expertise, and the compassionate care you provide are the hallmark of our healthcare system.

Your commitment to delivering outstanding patient care does not go unnoticed. You make a difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and the broader community every single day. It is your resilience and professionalism that bring hope and healing, even in the most challenging times.

I am incredibly proud to stand with such an inspiring group of nurses. Your efforts not only define the present of healthcare but also shape its future. You are the heartbeat of our organization, and your impact extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals.

Thank you for showing up everyday, for the compassion you embody, and for the excellence you inspire in us all. I wish you a rewarding and fulfilling Nursing Week.”

Glyn Boatswain
Executive Vice President, Chief Nursing and Allied Professional Executive


Message from SHN Foundation

On behalf of SHN Foundation, we want to wish all the amazing nurses at SHN a happy National Nursing Week! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our patients and our community. 

We at SHN Foundation are so grateful for your tireless work at SHN and endless support of our Love, Scarborough campaign. It is your grit and determination that shines through every day, and we’d love to hear your story of Scarborough Grit! Our SHN team members are featured throughout the Love, Scarborough campaign, and by sharing your story you could be part of the campaign. Get in touch with us at foundationcomms@shn.ca to share your story.

Thank you again for all that you do, and have a wonderful Nursing Week!


Messages from SHN managers

In the face of adversity, the team’s dedication to excellence changes lives today, and paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
-Emily, Manager of Critical Care

SHN mental health nurses are kind, experienced leaders in our field. No matter how severe the illness, our nurses see the person, and know they can help.”
-Erin, Manager of Mental Health

I am so proud of the nurses on my unit. They are prepared and understand thoroughly how to integrate the determinants of health, as it affects the patients.”
-Ben, Manager of Inpatient Surgery

The passion of the nephrology nurse is not only reflected in the caring of their patients, but through the nursing students who come to our unit.
-Audrey, Manager of Nephrology

I want to thank all of our nurses for their compassion and continued exceptional care that they provide to our community.
-Geleta, Manager of the Emergency Department

I want to thank all of our nurses for the compassion and continued exceptional care that they provide to our community.
-Meghan, Interim Manager of the Family Birthing Centre

To me, a passionate team is not just important, it is everything. The passion of the team has the power to transform lives and drive positive change.
-Maria Teresa, Manager of Medicine

The NGGs are eager to make a positive impact. The NRTs are knowledgeable and encourage the growth of staff and students.
-Hector, Manager of the Nurse Resource Team and Nurse Graduate Guarantee Program

Nurses are pivotal in elevating care through connecting patients with services they require and by advocating for their patients.
-Doreen, Manager of the Nurse-led Outreach Team and Urgent Care Centre

To my incredible nursing team, I say thank you for your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
-Deb, Manager of Palliative Care

Our nurses are helping shape tomorrow by embracing change and supporting the growth of nursing students and new staff.
-Janel, Manager of Professional Practice and Vascular Access Team

Looking towards tomorrow, our teams remain curious on how to do things differently and looks for the relationships needed to be future-ready.
-Meredith, Manager of Senior’s Health

The Allied Health team shapes the care of tomorrow, alongside their nursing partners, by educating and training students who are the next generation of healthcare professionals.
-Natalie, Manager of Allied Health

Our team is pouring their hearts into everything that they are doing. They share their expertise and knowledge.
-Rex, Manager of Cardiology