NURSING WEEK 2020 About Meet our Teams
NURSING WEEK 2020
About | Meet our Teams
Nursing Week 2020
MEET OUR NURSES
Nursing Week 2020
MEET OUR NURSES
LISA M.
Registered Nurse
Intensive Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Lisa
What do you most look forward to each day?My morning cup of tea with the sun shining.
Why did you become a nurse?
As a teenager, my mother was hospitalized with cancer. I realized then that I wanted to help her through her illness, and in turn, the nurses were the ones who were caring for her in the hospital. This showed me my career path. And I have been a nurse for 32 years now.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
As a Registered Nurse who nursed through SARS and now COVID-19, the most important lesson is to protect yourself with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all infection control guidelines. You must take care of yourself first in order to stay healthy to take care of your patients. And the second lesson would be to live your life to the fullest. When not at work, enjoy the little things and hug your loved ones.
Who is your hero?
My mother.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
We are a strong group of professionals and support one in other.
JOANN W.
Registered Practical Nurse
3A Surgery
Birchmount
Meet Joann
What do you most look forward to each day?
Helping patients on their road to recovery
Why did you become a nurse?
Because I have a passion to help others.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
Give thanks in all circumstances.
Who is your hero?
My parents are my heroes.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
We lead by example; showing compassion and care to others, and by respecting one another.
Photo taken before COVID-19 outbreak
DOROTA S.
Registered Nurse
Oncology Clinic
Centenary
Meet Dorota
What do you most look forward to each day?To see my amazing work family and our patients safe and sound.
Why did you become a nurse?
To help patients to the best of my ability. I always think of each individual as one of my family and treat them like I would want my family members to be treated by their health care team.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
That we are able to adapt to difficult work conditions and go above and beyond to make it through each day.
Who is your hero?
Can not just list one! My whole team of incredible colleagues are my heroes!!!
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
They put their heart and soul into what they do every single day!
BILJANA P.
Registered Nurse
Intensive Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Biljana
What do you most look forward to each day?
Good health and safe work.
Why did you become a nurse?
To help people and make a difference.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
Together we are stronger. Working with a great team, we are able to manage and make it easier.
Photo taken before COVID-19 outbreak
ANDREA L.
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Andrea
What do you most look forward to each day?Taking walks and being able to enjoy the fresh air, and video calling with my loved ones.
Why did you become a nurse?
I love being able to help others. To see the progression of a patient from when they’re ill to when they begin their path of recovery. It’s a very rewarding feeling to see when they’re healthy enough to leave the ICU! (Not having to wear uncomfortable clothes all day is also a bonus!)
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
It’s important to take care of your mental and physical well being. We’re often so busy taking care of others that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Go on walks, eat that donut, do things that you love and enjoy. You deserve it!
Who is your hero?
My colleagues who work alongside me each day.
HINA S.
Clinical Practice Leader
Oncology Clinic
SHN
Meet Hina
What do you most look forward to each day?
Helping everyone to reach their goal.
Why did you become a nurse?
I became a nurse to lead in promoting health and encourage nursing for higher education.
Who is your hero?
I believe, people who help others selflessly in any way are the heroes.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
I feel that SHN nurses are providing “voice to lead” by their everyday work. That is from taking care of patients to educating the fellow nurses.
Photo taken before COVID-19 outbreak
JODY P.
Staff Nurse
Intensive Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Jody
What do you most look forward to each day?Talking to friends and family who are my voice of reason and keep me calm. And of course, relaxing on the deck looking at my fish pond.
Why did you become a nurse?
After reading about Florence Nightengale at the age of 9, I knew instantly I wanted to be a nurse.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
To relax and not sweat the small stuff.
Who is your hero?
Florence Nightengale.
SHARAH H.
Registered Nurse
Intensive Care Unit
Centenary
Meet Sharah
What do you most look forward to each day?Working with my colleagues and getting to be “in the zone” when looking after patients.
Why did you become a nurse?
Nursing is a science and an art. This is a concept that I found appealing since I was in high school. I also value the professions’ trajectory of evolving and being dynamic and never boring. What’s more, I believe nursing is a small, positive way to contribute to humanity and improve lives.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
1. We are our best advocates. 2. Together, we can be stronger towards advocating for the safety of patients, colleagues, and ourselves. 3. I taught myself how to sleep with a mask on :). 4. Nurses have a great sense of humour :).
Who is your hero?
Me!
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
We have supported each other consistently throughout the pandemic. Staff have advocated and collaborated for the safety of our patients and our collective health as well. Nurses have engaged in committee work and attended multiple town halls to ask questions and stay informed. We are also supporting each other with our work, recognizing our emotions and vulnerable moments.
NICEYMOLE V.
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Niceymole
What do you most look forward to each day?To learn something different.
Why did you become a nurse?
Nursing was my passion.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
Team work is an important part of nursing.
Who is your hero?
All dedicated health care workers are my heroes.
NADINE J.
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Nadine
What do you most look forward to each day?I look forward to making a difference in my patients’ lives.
Why did you become a nurse?
I became a nurse because I love helping others.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
Working during this pandemic has really opened my eyes to how truly awesome our Critical Care team is. Not only are our patients and their families our priority, I find that each team member takes the time to look out for and support each other as well.
Who is your hero?
My colleagues.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
SHN nurses are strong and resilient. Despite facing serious adversity, past and present, SHN nurses remain brave, compassionate, and committed to providing excellent nursing care. We provide a “voice to lead” by just showing up for our patients, our community, and our colleagues.
LEONORA S.
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Unit
Centenary
Meet Leonora
What do you most look forward to each day?Working as a team and staying strong. Being respectful and kind to each other.
Why did you become a nurse?
It’s my passion. I’m dedicated to serve the community.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
Stay strong. Be mindful. Be courageous. Be kind. Support each other and cherish family. Every day is a blessing.
Who is your hero?
Florence Nightingale.
ANDREEA A.
Manager
Emergency Department
General
Meet Andreea
What do you most look forward to each day?Working with all the emergency department (ED) heroes on our team at General.
Why did you become a nurse?
To make a difference in the lives of those I care for, and in the lives of those I work with.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
There is nothing like a global crisis to bring people together. There is nothing we can’t accomplish when people work together. When this is over, give longer hugs to those you love.
Who is your hero?
The ED staff at General are my heroes. They come to work every day with a positive attitude and a sense of fearlessness. They not only look after those in need in their community, but they look after each other. They are a family of heroes.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
They advocate for what is right, they speak up because they want the best for patients and their team. They take every opportunity to get involved and help their community.
JULIE C. & RISHAN W.
Registered Nurse
Emergency Department
General
Meet Julie
RECOGNIZED BY A COLLEAGUEJulie volunteered for almost every day that there was a need to attend a long-term care home to do COVID-19 testing. I think she only missed one day! Her partner Rishan also attended several days of swabbing. It’s clear that they are brave and compassionate heroes!
HEATHER H.
Registered Nurse
Emergency Department
General
Meet Heather
RECOGNIZED BY A COLLEAGUEHeather has connected with several donors in the community that want to show their support for the front line staff in emergency department. She has lifted staff spirits up by taking on organizing all of the donations, holding weekly draws for prizes, making nursing caps and t-shirts with her friends — you name it she has done it for the department.
SHELLAH M.
Registered Nurse
Emergency Department
General
Meet Shellah
What do you most look forward to each day?That I will be able to serve the community with my very best.
Why did you become a nurse?
It was a childhood dream.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
That we should be always be thankful and appreciate what we have, and not take it for granted.
Who is your hero?
The community who has always been there and showing us their support. Everybody is a hero in their own little way. We will beat this pandemic not because of one person, but because the community came together as one.
MARY A. & MARY K.
Registered Nurse
Emergency Department
General
Meet Mary and Mary
RECOGNIZED BY A COLLEAUGEMary A. has shown tremendous leadership in the department. She is always “cool, calm and collected” — her nickname is Cool Mary. She has recently taken on the role of unit council chair. Her colleague Mary K. is nicknamed Not So Cool Mary — in reality, she is also very cool. Both Marys have a great sense of humor, they have a positive attitude, and create a warm and welcoming environment for staff and patients.
DOMINIC J.
Registered Practical Nurse
Emergency Department
General
Meet Dominic
What do you most look forward to each day?I look forward to bringing a smile to each person, carrying the positivity, hope, and sense of comfort in these difficult times.
Why did you become a nurse?
I want to make a difference in somebody’s life.
Who is your hero?
All health workers and frontliners
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
I see health care workers’ dedication each day, having the courage and dedication to extend their help to others.
NEZA N.
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Unit
Birchmount
Meet Neza
What do you most look forward to each day?I look forward to a cup of hot tea and fresh air.
Why did you become a nurse?
I’ve been fascinated with the nursing profession. When I was young, I had an accident that landed me at two hospitals for treatments. I witnessed how nurses made me feel better on the inside despite being in bed hooked up with an IV, poked many times, and in pain. Growing up, I wanted to learn health and science and to help people, so I chose nursing. I feel that the intangible aspects of what nurses do is what especially makes patients feel better. It’s also a profession that there’s always something to learn each day, which makes it exciting and challenging.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
I’ve learned that there are diseases still unknown to man; to be prepared for all possibilities on what may come to our door. And also to look after our well being— especially our mental health.
Who is your hero?
My Dad. He’s my hero because he showed me strength and courage when I was sick. He made sacrifices to look after me during my long treatments.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
It is great! Nurses are great advocates and are active agents on promoting better health policy for the community and across the organization.
RACHEL J.
Registered Nurse
7W Paediatrics
Centenary
Meet Rachel
What do you most look forward to each day?I look forward to learning something new!
Why did you become a nurse?
I wanted to make a living out of all the things I loved: science, teaching, and supporting children and their families during times of stress and uncertainty.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
They say there are six degrees of separation between you and everyone on the planet. I think this pandemic has shown the world how interconnected we all are and how important it is to support each other — now and always.
Who is your hero?
My Mom, of course.
LYNNE W.
Registered Nurse
3A Surgery
Birchmount
Meet Lynne
What do you most look forward to each day?
Each and every day I hope to make a positive impact on at least one person I encounter, whether it be my patient or a co-worker.
Why did you become a nurse?
I wanted to be in an occupation that can be used globally to help a person or a community.
Any lessons learned from COVID-19?
The importance of human contact, especially during times of illness and suffering.
Who is your hero?
My God, my Creator who has called me to become a nurse.
How are SHN Nurses providing a “voice to lead”?
Be strong and work together with pride in what we do day to day, especially during this pandemic.