2024 Nursing Hero Supplement

List of Nominees

2024 Nursing Hero Awards

Evelyn Aguilar

Humber River Family Health Team

Rosa Anasory

Alberta Health Services

Rhea Faye Caesar Argeulles

Alberta Health Services

Jennifer Arruda

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Ivana Matic Bacelic Trillium Health Partners

Elvie Basit Fraser Health

Emily Beke

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Sauna Amyn Bhagat

The Ottawa Hospital

Nicole Boenig

Alberta Health Services

Dawn Borja University Health Network

Karen Fantinic Boyadjian Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Christopher Braz University Health Network

Miriam Brenes The Ottawa Hospital

Roberto Calantoc The Ottawa Hospital

Austin Chen

Alberta Health Services

Daniel Chiarelli Westpark HealthCare Centre

Maria Chiera-Lyle University Health Network

Beverly Chung Brown Oak Valley Health

Fortuna Clipa

Trillium Health Partners

Michelle Co Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Abby Browne Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Charisse Callaghan Oak Valley Health

Dona Chen

Oak Valley Health

Cheryl DeLugt

Trillium Health Partners

D A SALUTE TO OUR NURSING HEROES

uring Nursing Hero Week, let us take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude to the true superheroes among us – the nurses. The stories that fill the pages of Hospital News’ 19th annual tribute to Nursing Heroes are a testament to the heroic work they do every single day.

To our 88 nominees, thank you. To every nurse who has ever gone above and beyond, we salute you. With boundless compassion and unwavering dedication, you stand as pillars of strength, providing comfort and care to those in need.

In the face of adversity, you rise above, selflessly putting others be-

Margaret Desousa University Health Network

Janet Evans

Sarsfield Colonial Home

Kevin Fernandes

Trillium Health Partners

Jocelyn Galan

University Health Network **

Alex Galixia University Health Network

Jessica Galletta Oak Valley Health

Karen Ganchua Trillium Health Partners

Rachel Garner Providence Health BC

Mark Anthony Gravoso University Health Network

Karen Halden Trillium Health Partners

Sharmila Haniff University Health Network ***

Gerry Henry

Trillium Health Partners

Margaret Hernandez

fore yourselves. Your tireless efforts, day in and day out, do not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of our healthcare system, the guiding light in moments of darkness.

Your kindness knows no bounds, your expertise is unmatched. With every patient you touch, you leave a lasting impact, a beacon of hope in their journey to wellness.

So, to each and every nurse, we say “Thank You.”

Thank you for your sacrifices, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to healing. You are true heroes.

If you are a nominee and would like to read your nomination, please email editor@hospitalnews.com ■ H

Ann Lescisin

Oak Valley Health

Katia (Kat) Lietz

Alberta Health Services

Janice Lin

University Health Network

Michelle BruceLockhart

Trillium Health Partners

Mediatrix (Gaby)

Mbombo

Trillium Health Partners

Diane (Dee Dee)

McEwan

VHA Home Healthcare

Janet Narciso

Mount Sinai Hospital **

Maya Nathani

Universal Health Hub

Susan Ng

Oak Valley Health

Joanne Ngo

Trillium Health Partners

Njeri Ntwiga

Trillium Health Partners

Jose Oliveria

Trillium Health Partners

Cathryn Paxon

Trillium Health Partners

Semona Piera

Melody Rowhani

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Lucinda Leanne

Sapinosa

University Health Network

Mehrdad Shams

Micheal Garron

Hospital

Sharon Singh Trillium Health Partners

Susan Song

Trillium Health Partners

Carmen Stiller Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Kalli Stilos Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Sandra Stuckless Trillium Health Partners

Harry Uppal Healthcare on Yates

Slavka Vujic Mackenzie Health

Sonya Wajdie

Saint Elizabeth Healthcare

Kristie Jones

Editor, Hospital News

Trillium Health Partners

Rowena Isla

Oak Valley Health

Ana Jalosinski

Alberta Health Services

Prabhjot (Jyoti)

Kaur

Trillium Health Partners

Charlene Kent

VHA Home Healthcare

Bonnie Kissick

Alberta Health Services

Yulia Kontos

Alberta Health Services

Shahnaz Lalnani

Oak Valley Health

Lindsay Lauer

Trillium Health Partners

Allan Lee

Mackenzie Health

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Sarah Pollock

Alberta Health Services

Valeriya (Valerie)

Potapov

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Domino Puson

Trillium Health Partners

Kelly Richer

Kemptville District

Hospital ********

Nicole Roberts

St. Joseph’s Health Care London

Emily Rosenblum

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Angelita Rosete

Alberta Health Services

Patricia Welsh Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Relu Wiegner University Health Network

Jennifer Willard Holland Centre

Janice Williams University Health Network

Megan Wilson Oak Valley Health

Ingrid Wiltshire Stoby

Oak Valley Health

Taylor Woodhouse Alberta Health Services

Monica Zarello University Health Network

University Health Network/ Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Mark Anthony Gravoso

have been inspired, encouraged, and empowered by fellow nurse Mark Anthony Gravoso. He is not only my colleague in nursing but a great leader who truly cares for his members.

Mark has 16 years of clinical nursing experience from the Philippines, Abu Dhabi UAE and Canada. He is an internationally educated nurse (IEN) and is currently working as an RN in General Internal Medicine at Toronto General Hospital (UHN) and on the

Vascular Access Team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He has completed his Clinical Educator Certificate from the Michener Institute of Education at UHN, is the President of the Integrated Filipino-Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA) and a

Member of the Canadian Vascular Access Association.

He started as an RPN and later became an RN, working full-time at Toronto General Hospital within the fast-paced and challenging General Medicine in-patient unit. Mark is

known for his attention to detail and dedication to getting work done. He values the importance of patient-centered care, and he enjoys working with his team to ensure his patients are receiving the best care possible. While in this position, he prided himself on being a mentor/preceptor to newly hired nurses on the floor, students, and internationally educated nurses completing their Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) program. He engaged in activities to strengthen competence in nursing skills by providing in-person help to the nursing team. He found his passion for clinical mentorship as he obtained his Clinical Educator’s Certificate from Michener Institute of Education at UHN, and attended the Preceptorship Workshop and RNAO Best Practice Champion Program to gain more knowledge and training to become a more effective mentor.

He also became an RNAO Consultation Representative of the York East Region to the RNAO 98th Annual General Assembly 2023. He is also the 2024 Recipient of the TeamUHN Declaration of Values Compass Pin for his exceptional clinical care, which included empathy and compassion that went a long way to making his patient truly feel seen and cared for. This recognition from patients to TeamUHN staff members during their challenging times in the hospital highlights the five core values of UHN Patient Declaration of Values (DOV), emphasizing Empathy and Compassion as essential components of quality healthcare. His love for Vascular Access (Difficult IV insertion and troubleshooting CVADs) led him to join Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Bayview Campus) VAT Team where he shares his expertise to improve patient’s experience in getting IV access with a better success rate of insertion. He also provides education in Vascular Access Care and Maintenance, providing further opportunities for him to meet IENs and encourage them to pursue their nursing career.

st prize

As the President of the Integrated Fil-Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA), I commend Mark’s unwavering support, unrelenting guidance, and mentorship abilities that helped in leading the path to Success for Filipino Internationally Educated Nurses(IENs) in Canada. Mark is an avid supporter of all IEN,s providing tremendous support because he believes that everyone has the power to lift others up with motivational words that can change someone’s outlook on life.

With his passion for nursing and commitment to serving the community, he advocated for the credential recognition of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) to address Canada’s looming nursing shortage. He pushed for acknowledging credential recognition and streamlining the process of nursing registration of IENs and assistance to those IENs with immigration issues in the roundtable discussions with Parliamentarians and policymakers. He advocated for the need to act quickly to get the country’s many internationally trained, but currently underutilized, nurses and other

medical professionals back to work. He identified the obstacles IENs face in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, and gathered recommendations that could help IENs throughout the country reach their career goals.

As an advocate for IENs, He presented his recommendations to government during the roundtable conversations he had on mitigating today’s challenges in the healthcare industry.

Mark presented his recommendations and requested parliamentarians to review them, considering the current shortage of Nurses in Ontario.

1. Extend the duration of the working permits for Registered Nurses

2. Support for nurses applying for permanent residency through the creation of additional spots designated specifically for high-demand occupations such as nursing.

3. Review of the requirements set forth by both OINP streams alongside individual employer-based applications from those same companies that did not assist in either process (work visa renewal or provincial nomination program)

As President of IFCNA, Mark has improved the mentorship programs for all Filipino-Canadian Nurses and enhanced the collaboration with other

organizations and government agencies to support IENs like myself in the journey to our Canadian RN dream and successful integration into the Canadian healthcare system by providing information sharing among members and free educational learning opportunities and referral to our employment. Some IENs like myself, do not meet the eligibility criteria of publicly funded employment and educational programs because of immigration status, thus making it difficult to meet CNO’s nursing registration requirements. IENs holding work visa permits like me face a of challenge unique set of challenges but with Mark’s support we are overcoming these hurdles. He makes all things possible for IENs having immigration issues with his initiatives of collaboration with other organizations so we could have free learning opportunities, information sharing, and training. He effectively collaborated with other government agencies so we could have a platform to raise our concerns as IENs and better access to the programs that would help us achieve our nursing license. He is a nurse who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. He is the nursing hero in our IEN community. ■ H

Nominated by Froilan A. Imatong, RPN

Alberta

Health Services (retired)

am writing in strong support of Ms. Bonnie Kissick Nurse for Nursing Hero award 2024. Bonnie was the nurse manager at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Ophthalmology and ENT Operating room in Edmonton, Canada until her retirement one week ago. Bonnie is the most exceptional patient advocate with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working.

I Bonnie Kissick nd prize

I am an ophthalmologist and retina sub specialist based at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. I have been in practice for 20 years and throughout this time Bonnie Kissick led our op- erating room as head nurse manager. Without question I believe the Royal Alexandra Hospital Ophthalmology and ENT operating room to provide the finest surgical care in the country. Bonnie Kissick is the reason we can provide such exceptional care.

1. There is no one who is more dedicated or harder working than Bonnie Kissick. Regardless as to the time of day or day of the week, Bonnie could be found in her office or around the operating room helping out. If a special form had to be completed to access restricted medication or specialty medical device Bonnie would personally make it happen.

2. Bonnie always puts patient care first, regardless of the situation or concern of overtime, Bonnie would ensure that patients would receive timely access to surgical care. Many many times, when I was worried that an emergency case might not move forward due to bureaucratic difficulties Bonnie would would say to me “Dr. Tennant, we will do what is best for the patient”. This policy has allowed me to provide the

very best surgical care for my patients over the past 20 years.

3. Bonnie always would go above and beyond for patients. As an example, two months ago a patient, who happened to be a recent immigrant to Canada with limited resources and English as a second language was having difficulties getting to the operating room in time for her emergency retinal detachment surgery.

The entire operating room was waiting for the patient to come from her home to the hospital on a Friday evening. Bonnie personally called the patient’s husband and convinced him that timely eye surgery was imperative to save the vision in his wife’s eye. Bonnie gave step by step directions for the patient’s husband to drive his wife to the hospital. Upon arriving at the Hospital the patient was unable to find the operating room. Bonnie left the operating room on foot, travelled to the corner of the hospital property, found the patient and her husband waiting in their car, then got into the car with the family and directed them to the operating room entrance. She then brought the young lady into the operating room for admission and surgery. This example was by no means unique. Bonnie performed such acts of kindness every day.

Bonnie is a nurse who has dedicated her life to helping others through her work as a nurse. This life of service has been an example to all those who work with her. When I think of why I love working at the Royal Alexandra Hospital; an inner city hospital that treats all those that would otherwise be forgotten, I realize it is because of people like Bonnie. An individual who has

spent a lifetime giving back and never expecting anything in return. I can think of no one more deserving than Ms. Bonnie Kissick, nurse manager from the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta.

Respectfully, Matt Tennant, MD, FRCSC, Ophthalmologist, Clinical Professor Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta

Nurse Bonnie Kissick is an amazing Nursing Hero, who just retired this month after decades of service to the patients in Edmonton and Northern Alberta. As the surgical patient manager at the Royal Alexandra Hospital G O.R. she helped patients and surgeons from multiple services complete their emergency and elective surgical cases in an expert and timely fashion. Bonnie’s work ethic was nonpareil. I usually arrive in the hospital before 7

am and leave after 7 pm. Bonnie would always be working at her station before I arrived and after I left, optimizing the surgical lists, finding shift replacements, and obtaining supplies.

The Kissick motto was, “Patients come first”. She was a steadfast advocate for what was best for patients and would do her utmost to make the operating room time and resources available for her patients, staff, and surgeons. She found a way to incorporate new medications and new surgical instruments into her limited budget. Her infectious, caring, can-do attitude established the excellent surgical reputation at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Every single surgeon and nurse on multiple surgical services had the utmost respect for Bonnie’s unwavering dedication. We were deeply saddened when Bonnie retired a few weeks ago.

Continued on page 24

I Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Valeriya (Valerie) Potapov

n the heart of Holland Centre, you will find an inspiring and cheerful nurse with a commitment to excellence. This nurse, Valerie, demonstrates leadership through her dedication, willingness, expertise and positive demeanor. Valerie’s leadership qualities, support for the entire team and commitment to all patients make her a true nursing hero.

Valerie has embarked on her nursing journey at the Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre for 13 (fantastic) years. Throughout her career, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, develop professionally and strive for excellence in her practice. She is an active advocate and proud member of nursing council. Her peers describe her as a team player, advocate, and she is known to go the extra mile for patients to provide them with hope and comfort. Valerie has a depth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to patient care, she makes a lasting impact in the lives of many individuals each day.

Valerie embodies integrity and compassion while inspiring those around her. She often works in the capacity of team leader for 6 and 7 East, guiding the team through challenging situations. She leads by example while maintaining a contagious, positive attitude. Our patient population consists of post-operative and transitional care patients, some of the population include patients who demonstrate highrisk behaviors. During unpredictable situations, she is able to remain calm and composed to efficiently coordinate care, provide comfort and emotional support to families and staff. She has been recognized for her responsiveness and courage in code scenarios, as well as regularly providing support. Her approach to care is person-centred, respectful and dignified. She is skilled at recognizing the unique needs

of patients and creating individualized care plans. It is not uncommon for patients and family members to recognize her hard work and dedication. Mr. C and his wife we’re enthusiastic to share how Valerie has positively influenced their hospital stay in support of her Nursing hero nomination- “I feel she is God sent, I can feel the love in her nursing care. Because of her I don’t feel like I am in a hospital, it feels like I am a part of a family. This is important to me. I include Valerie in my prayers, she provides me comfort because she does not rush and takes time to explain things to me.”

Another example of Valerie’s patient-centred focus: We recently had a patient request for MAID procedure, this was the third time that MAID was performed at our facility since it has

been legalized. Immediately recognizing some of the team members feelings and moral/religious objections, Valerie had honorably volunteered to be the primary nurse caring for this patient during the day of the procedure. Valerie had developed a special rapport with the patient and his family, so much so that the patient had even shared with other team members that he was hoping she would be the nurse present to “wish him goodnight.” Valerie participated in many conversations to educate, comfort and validate feelings of staff. Most notably, she wore the most bright yellow sweater the day prior to the MAID procedure. When complimented, she had shared that she wore the sweater to brighten the patient’s day, since yellow was his favourite colour- it reminded him of sunshine and his favourite place, Florida. Valerie also helped orchestrate the collection of staff signatures on a big, bright (you guessed it…) yellow

card to give to the patient prior to his passing.

Valerie continuously shows support and dedication to nursing scholarship and ongoing learning through the mentorship of nursing students, new hires and being an active member of nursing council. She supports best practices and is dedicated to implementing quality improvement initiatives (i.e: calorie counts, early mobility, medpass, skin & wound best practices). She is very supportive of the allied healthcare team through supporting safe discharge needs, and liasing with community healthcare partners when needed.

In every interaction with Valeriya, it is a testament to her professionalism and dedication to the nursing profession. Recognizing her outstanding contributions to the Holland Centre team, we wholeheartedly nominate Valeriya as a Nursing Hero. Her leadership, dedication, supportiveness, expertise and positivity act as an inspiration to us all.

– Mackenzie Conn, 6/7East APN, Chantal Letang, 6/7East PCM & Patient/family recognition

The most admirable quality of Valerie is that she is always doing more than she is supposed to do. She always goes above and beyond no matter how small or big the task is. For example, she provides showers to patients when they are not scheduled for one or will paint/ trim patients nails. She is extremely accommodating when providing care to patients and ensures that their voice is heard. I have witnessed several occasions when she will purchase personal hygiene items if the patient does not have any. These may seem like minor acts to most people, but it makes a world of difference in our patients stay, sense of belonging and overall well-being. She has done many great things for patients and families.

– Ekaterina Zharinova, 6/7East RPN & Pilar Ramirez, 7East PT

Nominated by: Chantal Letang, Mackenzie Conn, Ekaterina Zharinova and Pilar Ramirez ■ H

Advanced Practice Nurse, Senior Home Support Susan Ng

It is our honour and pleasure to nominate Susan Ng (Advanced Practice Nurse) Hospital News Nursing Hero Awards. She is the nurse navigator for Seniors Home Support, an interdisciplinary primary care program for homebound seniors. As a full-time nurse navigator since 2021, she is the first point of contact to triage and respond to patient concerns, provide timely follow-up, and help patients and caregivers navigate hospital resources.

The testimonials below offer profound accounts of Susan’s impact on our program, underscoring her exceptional clinical knowledge, effective triaging skills, and compassionate care for our patients and caregivers by helping patients and their families to navigate through health care system. She demonstrates remarkable leadership by taking the initiative to propose innovative and thoughtful patient-centered solutions, clearly outlined in the example provided by W.S. She is an excellent and dedicated advocate, not only for our patients when she acts as a liaison in the emergency department but also for homebound seniors in general. Susan is extremely passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable se-

Continued from page 22

niors, proposing workflow solutions, sharing resources with our team, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. She has volunteered to be part of the Ontario Health Team palliative care table, led an environmental scan of geriatric resources and needs in Uxbridge, and also led our program’s quality improvement research, which she will present internationally in April 2024, impacting the lives of homebound seniors worldwide. We are so fortunate to have Susan as a member of our team and strongly believe that she deserves recognition for the profound impact that she has on the lives of our seniors.

TESTIMONIALS

It is with great pleasure that I share this endorsement of Susan Ng for the Hospital News Nursing Hero awards.

I have had 3 family members in the Seniors Home Support Program for several years now. One who recently passed away from a very challenging 12-year battle with a rare, degenerative illness, and 2 others who have various cognitive, health, and mobility issues that require round-the-clock supervision and care. As a working single mother, this program and in particular Susan Ng and Dr. Mui have

Bonnie Kissick

However, we are comforted that in times of adversity we will remember her shining spirit, ask ourselves, “What would Bonnie do?”, and this will lead us on the correct path.

In summary, Nurse Bonnie Kissick is a Medical Hero that kept the Royal Alexandra Hospital safe and above water despite tumultuous seas. Her profound commitment to patient care makes her most deserving of your Nursing Hero Award.

Nominated by: Dr. Edsel Ing Professor & Chair, University of Alberta, Depart-

given me such hope for the future of Health Care for Seniors in our province. That is no exaggeration. The personal, knowledgeable, compassionate, efficient, and thorough treatment we receive with this clinic is phenomenal. I rave about them regularly to anyone who will listen, so I’m happy to have a chance to put it down on paper.

Susan’s responsiveness and personalised approach to care have been invaluable to me and my family. Whenever I reach out, whether by phone or

voicemail, Susan consistently responds within an hour, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to our well-being. She is well aware of my family members’ health histories and issues, enabling her to provide tailored and timely recommendations and support. Susan expertly deduces, triages, and determines where we need to go next, whether it’s a phone call or a home visit with the doctor or paramedics, or an emailed (through Medeo) requisition from the doctor. Susan’s leadership in

ment of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, Chief of Ophthalmology Division, Edmonton Zone and Professor, University of Toronto DOVS

***

Re: Bonnie Kissick, RN, Royal Alexandra Hospital For over more than 25 years, my colleague surgeons and I have been inspired, encouraged, supported, and coached by this wonderful nurse. She has, by her significant energy and devotion to patient care, made the BOR (shared mainly by Ophthalmology/ENT) the very best OR in Canada

for eye and ENT surgery. There is no question in my mind of this statement, having visited all the major eye/large hospital centres in Canada. She has repeatedly pushed back any suggestion of a nomination for an award. She retired last month and wanted no celebration. She said emphatically that her reward was caring for the patients, nurse and surgeons and making the best outcomes possible. I am saying these words having witnessed the development of the amalgamation of 6 hospital programs into a regional eye centre in

1996, and then the construction of a purpose built OR for Ophthalmology. She should be very proud, as we all are, of her significant accomplishments and advocacy for our program. Because of her, we have a solid foundation, a hub that everyone can depend upon – patients, trainees, nurses, and surgeons. She is truly a “Bonnie lassie”.

Sincerely yours, Ian MacDonald, MSc, MD CM, FCCMG, FRCSC, FACHS Past Department Chair 1992-2014 Past Regional Alberta Health Services, Clinical Chief, Edmonton/Ophthalmolog ■ H

this facet is implacability. Moreover, Susan’s follow-up care is seamless and thorough. She never goes overboard and never minimizes the issues. Susan takes the time to re-explain in detail what the next steps will be, to ensure I fully understand the doctor. She tells me what any new prescriptions will look like and never makes me feel like an imposition when I reach out to her with additional questions, amidst her business schedule. Susan has even coordinated my large extended family into group meetings with Dr. Mui via video conference and trust me, managing all of us is no easy feat, that alone is worthy of an award!

When emergencies arise, which they tend to do with three fragile seniors, Susan is always calm and centred (which keeps me calm and centred too). Susan even went extra mile to visit my father when he was in the ER and hospital after a fall. It was extremely touching and comforting to know Susan, the “voice on the other end of the phone”, was there in person, holding his hand and being an advocate for him.

And when the time came and my mother was ready to pass away, Susan and Dr. Mui were there with us, by phone and in person, explaining what to expect. Susan, with her deep experience in palliative care, knew exactly how to do it. She gently connected me with the funeral home and helped with a lot of details behind the scenes that I don’t

even remember because of the loss.

The consistency of care and the time saved by being a part of this incredible program as a busy caregiver is so helpful. From the first call to the appointment, to simple tests being administered here at the house, to medications being phoned in and hand-delivered from the pharmacy, it saves me from countless trips, missed work days, and from the risks of bringing fragile seniors with mobility issues into hospitals and clinics where they are susceptible to falls and/or contracting infections. Being a caregiver to seniors is often an emotionally complicated and stressful business. Having a team of Health Care Providers like Dr. Mui and Susan Ng behind us is 100 per cent the reason I can keep them here at home, comfortable and connected to family, friends, and their community. This support offered my mother the security and dignity to stay home with her husband until her death. And it allows me to maintain some semblance of balance. I am extremely grateful.

***

My wife with advanced Alzheimer’s condition has benefitted immensely from Susan Ng’s outstanding palette of caring attributes. Susan took the initiative to find a smarter way to replace

Gerry Henry

Trillium Health Partners

erry is not only an exceptional nurse, but an exceptional person overall. Gerry has worked at Trillim Health Partners for many years as a nurse, educator, and now as a clinician specialized in wound, ostomy and continence care. His knowledge and experience in wound management through his various roles has made him an expert in his specialty with many colleagues of different professions hoping to learn from him. You can feel his joy in this specialty when he teaches, he is a natural educator. Being such an expert, he is also humble and ea-

the tiny broken external Y-connector for the permanent G-tube Francine depends on for all meds and nutrition. Instead of the stressful, resource-heavy transport, long wait in the ER, and the expensive trip home, she suggested I photo that part and site and email it to her; she showed this to the Interventional Radiology staff who quickly provided the simple part. She called for me to pick it up and with the help of our regular nurse, the part was easily replaced.

On a different more recent situation at the ER, I was deeply impressed with her visit to advocate and facilitate my wife’s procedure. Not only that but imagine how grateful I was when she arrived with a toasted sesame bagel for this anxious caregiver!

***

Our family has been a patient at the SHS clinic for a short period and in that time, Susan has made a huge impact on our family. She is constantly following up on test results, touching base with family members after a test to see what the outcome is, and also meets with patients when they need anything. For instance, while waiting in hospital for an appointment, Susan provided us with a blood requisition so that we could do both appointments at the same time

and minimize the amount of time necessary to get the information the clinic needed. Another example is the time she called on her way home from work to touch base about a test result that was pending, indicating it was on her radar, and that she would be following up on the test the next day when she returned to the office. Susan constantly goes above and beyond connecting between care providers, patients, and their family members.

I first met Susan in Markham Stouffville Hospital ER when she came to see my late husband. He was already having dementia and was not being very cooperative. From the outset, I was impressed by Susan’s kind and patient manner. She spoke to him calmly and quietly and assured him he would have good care.

Since then, I have had numerous interactions with Susan, and each time I find her to be very knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and supportive. Her tone of voice is always warm and friendly and I never feel I am being stupid with my questions. When I have to leave a message, I know it will be answered as soon as possible and Susan will pass my information to Dr. Mui appropriately.

Altogether, I think Susan is well qualified to receive Hospital News Nursing Award.

– Annie Cheung, Physician, anncheung@oakvalleyhealth.ca, A.M. (caregiver) ■ H

G HMger to learn new things and listen to different perspectives. He makes every person he is speaking to feel like the most important person dedicating his attention and time to matters at hand, whether its a patient, family or a colleague. I don’t know anyone who works here who doesn’t know Gerry because he makes an impact on everyone he meets. He will often be seen in the halls being stopped by everyone to say hi or catch up because he brings joy and kindness to each encounter. One moment in particular he was a few minutes late to a meeting, because a family member stopped him to tell him

that a patient he is following is receiving end of life care. He was so important to this patient and family that they wanted him there to say goodbye. He took the time out of his busy schedule to spend the time and pay respect to the patient, and support the family during the patient’s passing. He is an example of what every nurse should hope to be; compassionate, kind, skillful and courageous.

honourable mention

Nominated by: Allison Da Silva, RN, NSWOC WOCC ■ H

Slavka Vujic

Mackenzie Health

Slavka Vujic is a registered nurse who works on our C4 Orange Complex Care Unit at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. She started at Mackenzie Health (when it was still York Central Hospital) in July 2008 in complex continuing care. When Mackenzie Health moved Slavka’s unit to the Reactivation Care Centre in 2018, she was so committed, she moved with her unit and team. In October 2023, as planned, Slavka came back with her unit and team to Mack-

HM honourable mention

enzie Richmond Hill Hospital. Slavka demonstrates patient care excellence in her everyday work. She is an incredibly patient-centered nurse. On C4 Orange, there is only one RN on every shift and that RN is always the MRN. All staff request to work with Slavka. Staff describe feeling “safe and secure” when Slavka is on duty. “She takes care of everything when you need her!”

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SLAVKA’S STRENGTHS ARE HER LEADERSHIP SKILLS, ADVOCACY, WORK ETHIC, RELIABILITY, FLEXIBILITY, CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, AND CREATIVITY.

In 2021, Slavka stepped up and became a Clinical Facilitator for her program. Her formal and informal leadership skills shine through everyday! When it comes to advocacy for patients and families, she always puts them first. The relationships she builds with the complex care patients and their families is incredible. She is always the first nurse the leadership team goes to for a quick safety review or new idea that needs an honest opinion on its potential.

Slavka’s strengths are her leadership skills, advocacy, work ethic, reliability, flexibility, clinical knowledge and skills, confidence, and creativity. She is known as the cheerleader for her team. Recently, she signed up for Strides for Mackenzie Health (the 5km walk/run at Canada’s Wonderland) and is running her own campaign on the unit to raise funds for the hospital. Furthermore, she has imbedded High Reliability Organization (HRO) universal skills in her practice. She will be the first one to ‘cross check’ and ‘speak up’ or ‘stop the line’ for safety. She understands that every

vulnerable patient in a complex bed is someone’s picture person and she will advocate with empathy every time! She has also led many mini patient care improvement projects on her unit. For example, she created an award system where new nurses could get tokens of appreciation for best mouth care and best trach care of our complex patients. She continually elevates passion and quality for the very vulnerable populations of patients and families in the complex and continuing care program. In addition to unit specific projects, Slavka is always involved in unit council and any other “superuser” initiatives rolled out corporately.

In addition to everything listed, Slavka is the nurse that all new hires want as their mentor. She openly shares her 16 years of Mackenzie Health experience with her peers and leaders. Her goal is to have C4 Orange be the magnet unit at Mackenzie Health! The collaborative culture she fosters is outstanding and there is no one that would deserve a hero award more than Slavka Vujic! ■ H

Alberta Health Services

A Anna Jalosinski

nna is one of the respected charge nurses of the in-patient psychiatric unit of Royal Alexandra Hospital and is also the clinical educator. With more than two decades of providing world-class quality nursing care, Anna has honed her skills, knowledge and critical thinking. With her natural confidence and expertise, it has been seamless with Anna leading the group. In my own experience, Anna is well organized and has that clinical eye in leadership. She is the go-toperson during the trouble shooting of challenging situations like handling complaints and conflicts. Moreover, she also advocates the safety of the staff and patients in the workplace by ensuring that the needs and concerns of the patients and staff are met. She is able to get along with a diverse and multi-cultural group of nursing staff in a way that encourages staff and patients to work as a team. She provides solutions to the issues she can fix and involves others when required. She is also a volunteer in their community daycare and helps out by providing basic education for kids and assists in cleaning the toys and organizing.

Anna fosters a collaborative approach to care and is one of the pioneers of collaboration at Royal Alexandra Hospital, especially in addictions and mental Health. As a charge nurse, Anna attends the rapid rounds where most of the heath care team are present to discuss the treatment plan of the patients. The team is composed of the main attending physician, pharmacist, social worker, nurse, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. This treatment plan is further discussed with the patient during their rounds. Anna advocates for the need of having family conference as part of the treatment plan for the patient. She ensures

that patients and their families are able to express their needs and address any concerns as preparation for their discharge home and going back to the community. Anna initiates care huddles before, during and after each shift. With these, any patient concerns and needs are addressed.

Anna is one of the Connect Care champions and as Super users when Connect Care was implemented. She attends workshops, training and seminars that improve the care provided

to the addiction and mental health patient population. She reads nursing journals and articles that highlight patient’s safety. Moreover, Anna ensures the staff from Addictions and Mental Health to have an annual education program for. In addition, Anna has completed the Leaders in Rehab program through the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. While completing this course, Anna had to complete a leadership project in which we had to implement a positive change within

our work environment. Anna’s project was focused on increasing communication during times of transfer, between sending and receiving sites and bed management. Her project is the reason bed management now connects the two sites and the sending nurse provides a verbal report to the receiving nurse – bridging a gap in care.

With her role as a charge nurse, Anna emphasizes the importance of LPNs in Addictions and Mental Health. She initiates care huddles to identify the needs and concerns of the patients. LPNs report any changes in patient health status basing on their assessment and clinical judgment to the team. And whenever there are any challenges and issues, Anna asks for suggestions from her colleagues. She is open minded and listens to recommendations and suggestions of her team members.

Anna encourages every member of the health care team to perform at their optimal scope of practice. She reiterates that when we provide care it should be the best, effective, and quality care for the mental health patients. She highlights the importance of continuing to have the rapid rounds and family conference with the patients, and doing care huddles with the nursing staff so that the needs and concerns of the patients are met. In addition, when she noticed that any staff have struggled in a certain task or procedure, she takes the time to talk to them. She provides orientation for new staff, booking buddy shifts for new hires and ensures they feel supported and ready to work independently. Providing any educational supports for new skills and any changes in policies and procedures.

In summary, Anna is perfect fit for a Nursing Hero Award. A born leader, down-to-earth nurse, highly qualified, professional and competent individual who is a recipient of recommendations from patients, families, and management.

Nominated by: Jun Christian Odtojan ■ H

Ingrid Wiltshire-Stoby

Oak Valley Health

It’s an honour for us to nominate Ingrid Wiltshire-Stoby!

Ingrid began her Oak Valley health journey in 2008 as an RN in Inpatient Mental Health, skillfully working in the PICU with challenging situations and special needs patients. Ingrid is a true patient advocate and team player. Ingrid also served as facilitating nurse (FN) and professional practice lead (PPL), leading by example, never hesitating to support and coach staff to identify and strive for their career goals.

In 2018 after completing her NP certification, Ingrid transitioned to adult Outpatient Mental Health, pioneering our first ever NP program in the Rapid Access Psychiatry clinic. Ingrid’s effort has significantly decreased patient wait times for initial psychi-

atric assessment by months decreased. As a full-time NP, she had a direct, measurable impact on improving patient experience and decreasing risk.

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Ingrid’s works include the full scope of NP practice, consisting of collaborating daily with stakeholders including patients and families, physicians, allied health, clerical, and crisis. Ingrid strives to build trust relationships with our psychiatrist group as we were offering something innovative-diagnostic and prescribing mental health patient care service for the first time by an NP, not a psychiatrist. Also showing innovation by collaborating community partner organization CMHA, supporting them by providing

psychiatric assessments in the community for their clients where no hospital visit is required!

Ingrid’s excellence and perseverance were evident within a year, leading to compelling evidence supporting the hiring of a second adult NP. Ingrid created a roadmap to meet patient needs for rapid psychiatric access. As a result of her hard work, we’re currently hiring an NP for child and adolescent outpatient mental health services; and we know this will work too!

Recent feedback from an adult OPMH patient highlights Ingrid’s exceptional ability to listen and respond effectively. He states, “Ingrid heard and responded to what I was saying

and to what I wasn’t comfortable saying, she understood me and I felt heard for the first time in years. She was kind and gentle and I got the help and support I needed.”

FROM INGRID’S COLLEAGUES

Ingrid’s colleagues describe her as a dedicated, caring nurse, and committed to the patient’s full recovery (physically, spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually). Ingrid is patient-focused, acting as an advocate, particularly in situations where patients aren’t able to, or struggle to advocate for themselves. Ingrid is an exemplary role model for women. Establishing goals, moving quietly forward, and accomplishing them through the many roles she’s held at our hospital. Prioritizing patient care, practicing diligent-

INGRID’S COLLEAGUES DESCRIBE HER AS A DEDICATED, CARING NURSE, AND COMMITTED TO THE PATIENT’S FULL RECOVERY (PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY, AND INTELLECTUALLY).

ly, thoughtfully, and professionally. Working with Ingrid is always enjoyable, and her dry sense of humour adds joy to each day.

Ingrid is a true inspiration; not only does she complete her NP while working full time at Oak Valley Health, but she has also taken on active roles with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) as a clinical instructor with nursing students, providing mentorship for new nurses. Ingrid uses her professionalism to uphold the standards of the CNO, advocating to protect the public, shaping the nursing profession by strategic decision making and planning, advancing practice through educating,

and preparing future nurses to carry the baton.

Ingrid is a super role model for nurses, showcasing tenacity and grit. She possesses an unparalleled work ethic and was ground-breaking in the role of the first NP in our Rapid Access Psychiatry clinic program. Ingrid carries herself with a calm modest manner, with a smile, and self-deprecating sense of humour, putting others at ease. She is a team player, approachable, and cherished by colleagues and patients too.

Ingrid embodies excellence in professional nursing practice. Thank you for considering Ingrid for this award. :)

Nominated by: Teresa Givelas, Patient Care Manager ■ H

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

K Karen Fantinic-Boyadjian

aren Fantinic-Boyadjian is an all-star nurse at CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario)!

Karen has been an RN at CHEO for many years, changing the lives of many patients over the course of her nursing journey. Karen has spent the majority of her nursing career working in eating disorders, and has become an expert in the field. With her knowledge, kindness, and caring nature Karen not only impacts the lives of patients and families, but also of her colleagues. She is quick to offer support, mentor a new nurse, or help staff better understand

the complex realm of eating disorders and they affect they have on patients.

Recently, while working with a newly diagnosed patient and her family, a mother told me that Karen had helped her to see and understand eating disorders in a whole new light, and that for the first time she understood the internal struggle her daughter was facing. THe mother explained that she no longer felt frustration and anger towards her daughter, but that she felt compassion for what her daughter was experiencing. This led to the mother being better able to connect with her daughter, and they have been taking

CHANGING LIVES. SHAPING TOMORROW.

Every day, Sunnybrook nurses demonstrate commitment, compassion and strength. Our nurses have an extraordinary and lasting impact on the health of patients, residents, families and each other.

As we embrace this year’s theme – Changing Lives, Shaping Tomorrow, we will learn, grow and provide exceptional care when it matters most.

With our deepest gratitude for all that you do.

HAPPY NATIONAL NURSING WEEK 2024.

steps towards recovery that previously seemed impossible. This is not out of the ordinary. Almost every family that connects with Karen feels the impact that her knowledge and guidance have. Even in some of the most challenging and longterm cases our team has dealt with, Karen maintains optimism and patience; she can support a patient struggling to eat a granola bar day after day, without complaint - she feels the patient’s struggle and connects with them in a meaningful way. I have learned a lot from watching Karen over the years, and try to emulate her positivity and empathy in every patient interaction. Her stellar patient interaction is not the end of it. Karen is also very smart, and recognizes arising medical issues and trends quickly, jumping into action to help turn things around. She

HMrecently read a referral and noted some concerning medical features; Karen advocated for a quick assessment and helped to prevent major complications from presenting in the community.

Karen has held a variety of roles within the eating disorder program, and shines wherever she goes. Karen has worked at the bedside with some of the sickest patients, as well as in the day program where she helps patients to work towards independence and recovery. Karen has also held roles as case manager, doing triage, and even joined the team the helped our hospital go live with Epic. Wherever she works, Karen brings a compassion and advocacy that is unparalleled.

Karen’s work with the eating disorder community is so important and valued. I hope that she can be recognized for all of her hard work! ■ H

Sharmilla Haniff

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

or 17 years and counting!

FSharmila Haniff has been my nursing hero! She is an empowering nurse from PMH 18B Short Term Care is exactly what a nursing hero encompasses. As I write this, I become emotional since she was my first encounter on 18B as my nursing preceptor in 2007. She fills you with confidence and encouragement to her colleagues, members of the interdisciplinary team and most importantly, the patients who need this care and affection the most. To each new staff member that enters the busy unit of 18B, she is always there to help them transition and offer advice or support when needed. There has been quite a staff turnover on our unit, and never has she become weary of offering her skills and knowledge to them. I have never seen any other

nurse go above and beyond like this. She keeps her patients smiling despite the challenges of treatment they encounter.

Sharm, after 22 years of nursing, continues to exude the utmost care and compassion to the people she touches. Not only should she be recognized for this reward, but she should also know it was her that made me who I am today as an oncology nurse and also a personal friend who I refer to as my sister.

You have your nursing hero on what we refer to as the penthouse suite of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Nominated by: Michelle Ganesh ***

I wanted to nominate Sharmila Haniff Oncology Nurse on 18B Short Term Care Unit at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

National Nurses Week

Sharmila is a dedicated nurse who advocates for patients to ensure safe and timely treatment is provided. Patients are always made to feel they are in good hands with her caring, empathetic and funny approach. She is able to respond to crisis in a calm and collected manner, always ready to take the lead. She is organized and has the ability to prioritize patient care based on patients’ needs. She goes above and beyond for everyone that is under her care.

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ing approach and she will support you if you feel you are not being treated disrespectfully by others. Always encouraging and gives you validation.

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Sharmila has been a preceptor for nursing students and new nurses. All her learners have done well, some hired at PM. She teaches with patience and understanding and her expertise is definitely passed on to the learner.

Sharmila is a huge advocate for fellow nursing colleagues. New staff are always welcomed with a kind mentor-

Sharmila is a special person. She encompasses what nursing is, especially oncology nursing. She is an integral part of 18B and is definitely worthy of this nomination and award and so much more.

Nominated by: Bindu Patel RN CON(C) ■ H

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Taylor Woodhouse Alberta Health Services HM

Iam writing to nominate a colleague, Taylor Woodhouse that has demonstrated an inspiring and encouraging spirit in the wake of the Pandemic. At a time when healthcare feels more exhausting than ever, those still working in the field have persevered, though certainly have been feeling the weight of the aftermath (staffing crisis, low morale, burnout, etc.).

Taylor worked throughout the Pandemic on the frontlines in a busy hospital within the psychiatric emergency setting, and consistently demonstrated an adaptable spirit to the constant changes and sought ways to improve both staff and patient safety as well as staff morale throughout. Post-pandemic, Taylor has taken initiative to “bring-

ing back team fun” and has initiated monthly fun activities and topics to encourage all staff to participate. Each month, Taylor sends out a fun monthly activity topic for staff to participate in, started a Kudos shoutout box, started a book exchange, and sends out save the dates for outside of work activities too (which she organizes) that everyone is included to participate in. Below is an example of one of her emails.

As we know, patient care is improved when staff have better work satisfaction. Taylor has taken initiative to boost the teams’ morale in a critical time and the effects of this kindness and compassion are immeasurable. Taylor would never want to be called a Nursing Hero, though I believe that is precisely what makes her one.

Nominated by: Tamara Wegren ■ H

Happy Nursing Week (May 6 -12)

Celebrating successes, solving challenges

RNAO celebrates the expertise, resilience and dedication of nurses throughout the year. Nursing Week offers a unique chance to highlight our collective achievements and spotlight the significant contributions nurses make towards fostering health for all.

A most notable accomplishment is our leading role ensuring evidence-based, patient-centred care, which is essential for individual wellbeing and healthier systems. As we mark the 25th anniversary of RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) Program, we thank deeply the thousands of nurses and others who have participated in developing, implementing and evaluating RNAO BPGs. We praise the 150,000 champions who lead the way in our Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) Program, now in its 21st year with over 1,500 BPSOs at home and abroad.

On the policy front, increases in educational seats for RNs, NPs and RPNs, alongside RN prescribing and expansion of NP-led clinics are tremendous outcomes of RNAO’s steadfast advocacy and our collective mobilization to improve access to care for all. Nurses’ unwavering commitment and teamwork enhance the health of Ontarians and lay the groundwork for future nursing generations.

Success – individual and/or collective – often involves overcoming challenges within our health system and sometimes within ourselves. You each have crafted remarkable stories as you face these challenges. Together, we make progress and emerge stronger.

We salute all nurses and in particular our 51,650+ members. Know that RNAO will continue to move from strength to even greater strength, as we remain focused

on addressing RN and NP retention and recruitment, competitive compensation in all roles and sectors, harm reduction, the environmental crisis, and systemic racism and all forms of discrimination in nursing and in health care.

We wish every RN, NP, RPN and nursing student across Ontario a joyous Nursing Week.

Dr. Doris Grinspun RN, BScN, MSN, PhD, LLD(hon), Dr(hc), DHC, DHC, FAAN, FCAN, O.ONT RNAO CEO

Dr. Claudette Holloway RN, BScN, MSN, DHA, CHE RNAO President

Lindsay Lauer and Jose Oliveria

Trillium Health Partners

would like to nominate my colleagues as a nursing DUO for the nursing Hero award. I realize that the award is likely intended for an individual nurse, but this pair truly shows a level of exceptional family-centred care that can only be achieved through collaboration and partnership.

Lindsay and Jose are the Co-Leads of our Paediatric Oncology Clinic at Credit Valley Hospital. This clinic is a satellite site of the larger paediatric cancer programs at children’s hospitals in Ontario, such as SickKids or McMaster Children’s Hospital. When children are first diagnosed with cancer, they typically receive intensive treatment at the larger programs within children’s hospitals for weeks to months before their first visit to a

satellite POGO clinic. These satellite clinics enable families to receive care closer to home, but families often share how scary it is to come to a satellite clinic when they have built such a comfort level and trust with the larger site. Children’s hospitals are known for their expertise in paediatric care and families worry about how their care will change when they move to a community hospital setting. It is generally not a change in care that they look forward to during an already stressful journey of childhood cancer.

Enter Jose and Lindsay. It is not long before children and their families feel at home in our clinic because of the compassionate care, advanced skill, and expert knowledge that Jose and Lindsay provide on a daily basis. Families share how much they appreciate the calm environment and personalized care they receive at our clinic. Jose and Lindsay quickly build rapport with children, and their families know they can trust Jose and Lindsay to communicate with their children’s hospital cancer team to ensure seamless coordinated care. Truly, Jose and Lindsay are the experts in paediatric oncology at our hospital and they advocate for the unique needs of children and their families in the POGO clinic. They provide a calming presence that encourages children and teens to share their worries and feel heard during their treatment. They will adapt their care for each child’s preferences to help them feel safe and recognize their own courage during their journey. Jose and Lindsay support families during some of the darkest days imaginable for parents - offering comfort and compassion to build strength when parents need it the most. But they also bring joy and a light-heartedness to each day that can allow kids to just be kids, no matter their diagno-

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sis. It is not uncommon to find Jose busting a dance move to celebrate a teen’s success during treatment or distract a child during a difficult procedure, or to see Lindsay enjoying some fresh tea and cupcakes that the children cook up in the pretend kitchen in our playroom. They embody the best of the nursing profession.

One of the many examples of the sentiments that our families share with us can be found below:

“Jose and Lindsay have made my daughter’s cancer journey brighter since the day we met them. After 2 months of the journey, their expertise and knowledge aided them to change one of Charlee’s least favourite part of chemo – The Flush! (yucky!)

Every day Charlee knew we were going to Credit Valley Hospital – or “Jose and Lindsay’s” was a happy day. We love you both Jose and Lindsay! Charlee’s mom, Charlotte (Charlee bear’s mom)

Please accept this nomination for the Nursing Hero DUO that we are privileged to work with at Credit Valley Hospital.

Nominated by: Emily Synnott ■ H

Thank You Nurses,

On National Nursing Week, we thank the nearly 4,500 nurses at Trillium Health Partners (THP). Your commitment to Changing Lives and Shaping the Future is inspiring. With compassion, courage, and excellence, you drive our patient-centered and quality-focused care.

Thank you for your vital role in redefining nursing and creating a new kind of healthcare for a healthier community.

Celebrating National Nursing Week: Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow May 6 – May 12, 2024

Visit us at thp.ca or donate at trilliumgiving.ca

Ivana Matic Bacelic

Iwould like to nominate Ivana Matic Bacelic RPN on 2C general medicine at C-site. I have been working with Ivana for well over a decade and have been meaning to do this but always miss the deadline. I don’t even know where to begin.

Trillium Health Partners HM

Ivana is the type of nurse that I want to care for my loved ones. The countless times she has literally saved people’s lives is ridiculous! Even this week, she advocated for her pt to get a specific treatment. If she had not, that pt might not be here today. During the height of covid, we were a designated Covid unit. I remember so many shifts the nurses were short. There was one

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shift in particular that I remember, we had 2 externs, and 2 nurses for the day shoft. 1 RN and 1 RPN. Ivana was the RPN on that day. Our patients were so sick. We had at least 5 pt’s on Airvo. We were running out of body bags on a daily basis. Moral was below rock bottom. The shift was seamless. You wouldn’t have thought we were short. Patients received amazing care. She continued to support staff professionally and personally. Lifting up our spirits. We would look to her to give us hope, that one day this would be over. I remember her saying “don’t worry, in 2 years this will all be better.” I personally held

Nursing Week is a special time to celebrate the amazing work of nurses worldwide. This year’s theme, “Changing lives. Shaping tomorrow,” truly speaks to the heart of what over 4,000 nurses do here at The Ottawa Hospital, and the nursing profession as a whole.

In 2023 alone, our nursing team made a tremendous impact on our patients and community, managing over 1.3 million patient visits and providing compassionate care in 1,188 beds across 61 units of varying clinical settings and specialties. Changing the lives of many.

Nurses are not only caregivers; they’re educators, researchers, mentors, leaders, advocates and much more. Their dedication to expanding their skills and expertise through education, professional development, research and innovation play a vital role in shaping the future of health care and the next generation of nurses.

Despite facing numerous ongoing challenges, nurses show unwavering dedication to providing exceptional patient care. A true testament to the strength of our nursing community.

As a nurse myself, I am so proud of our profession. On behalf of everyone at The Ottawa Hospital, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all nurses.

Happy Nursing Week!

Suzanne Madore

on to that, and I know a lot of other staff did as well.

She has brought in clothing for pt’s that don’t have any friends or family, or are homeless. She mentors junior staff without asking. She is a wealth of knowledge. She educates not only the nursing staff, but also allied and physicians. She’s the first one to show up when help is needed. Doesn’t hesitate when a code is called. She’s actually prepared before the code even begins. She just knows. She’s there ready with the cart, calling the doctors, prepping the team on what needs to be done as soon as that lever gets pulled. She definitely lives by the motto “everyone’s patient.” She will advocate for her patients, especially when they cannot. She’s not afraid to

speak to physicians and discuss their cases with them, getting the best possible outcome. She never expects recognition or praise. Her mentality is very much “this is my job; this is what I do.” Whenever she’s working, you feel that you can let your shoulders down, because you know if anything happens, she has your back. She does not get paid a fraction of her worth! The organization is so lucky to have her call THP her place of employment. I know that when the day comes that she leaves us here on 2C, the unit will feel a huge sense of loss. I know I’m not doing her justice with this e-mail. But I hope that she finally gets the recognition that is long overdue.

Nominated by: Mariza Saverino

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Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow.

Alberta Health Services

A Angelita (Angie) Rosete

ngelita aka “Angie” is one of the respected charge nurses in Unit 3D specialize in Geriatric care of Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. With more than two decades of experience providing world-class quality nursing care, Angie was able to sharpen her skills, knowledge and critical thinking. With that confidence and expertise, it was easier for Angie to lead the group. In my own experience, Angie is well organized and has that clinical eye in leadership. She is able to get along with diverse and multi-cultural group of nursing staff in a way that the staff and patient work as a team. She is the go-to-person in trouble shooting of challenging situations like handling complaints and conflicts. Moreover, she also advocates the safety of the staff and patients in the workplace by ensuring that the needs

and concerns of the patients and staff are met. There was an incident where she suspected the patient was a victim of abuse from his wife. Angie immediately raised her concerns to the attending physician and social worker and as a result measures were taken to ensure the patient’s safety. She provides solutions within her scope as the charge nurse to issues that need her immediate attention and relays further concerns to the patient care manager and unit manager. Furthermore, she is also an active volunteer in the community. She served as altar server coordinator at St. Charles Parish since 2010, and at her kids school and their

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basketball community. In addition, she is also the President of a non-profit cultural organization called Pinoy Roots Rondolla which is a group of kids that plays Philippine indigenous instruments.

Nursing Week 2024: Humber River Health

Nurses are an integral part of our healthcare team, playing a vital role in ensuring the well-being of patients. They are often the initial point of contact for patients and their families and display unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients.

At Humber River Health, we are grateful for our resilient nurses who embody our values of compassion, professionalism, and respect in many ways. Our nurses go beyond to demonstrate kindness and empathy, and ensure patients are treated with dignity and respect in receiving the best possible care and outcomes.

Our nurses remain up-to-date with medical trends and innovations to better collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals in providing in-depth knowledge and clinical expertise. They adhere to ethical and professional standards to continuously act in the best interests of patients and families.

We recognize the daily, high-quality care our nurses provide to assist with care and recovery journeys. We appreciate the outstanding contributions they have on improving the health of our diverse communities. We are proud to have such dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking individuals on our clinical teams. To all our nurses at Humber River Health, thank you for the essential role you play in our health and our community.

Angie fosters a collaborative approach in providing care and is one of the pioneers at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

First, Angie, as a charge nurse attends the rapid rounds where most of the heath care team are present to discuss the treatment plan of the patients. The team is composed of the main attending physician, pharmacist, social worker, nurse, physical therapist, and occupational therapist and this treatment plan is further discussed with the patient during their rounds. Second, Angie advocates for the need of having family conference as part of the treatment plan for the patient. She ensures that patient and family are able to address their needs and concerns as preparation for their discharge to home and going back to the community. Lastly, Angie initiates care huddles before, during and after the shift. With these, any patient concerns and needs are addressed.

Angie is a certified CIHI evaluator. She is also one of the Connect Care champions and a Super users when Connect Care was implemented. She attends workshops, training and seminars that improve the care for the

geriatric patient population. She reads nursing journals and articles that highlight patient safety.

Angie advocates that each member of the health care team perform at their optimal scope of practice. She reiterates that when we provide care it should be the best, effective, and most quality care for the geriatric patients. She highlights the importance of continuing to have the rapid rounds and family conference with the patients, and doing care huddles with the nursing staff so that the needs and concerns of the patient is met.

In addition, when she notices that a staff member is struggling with a certain task, Angie takes time to talk to them and assist them. She is like an extra clinical educator who reviews the procedures or tasks with the staff by checking it under the policies and procedures set by the company. She also provides tips and information for staff to complete further readings like nursing journals utilizing the e-learning modules provided by vendors.

In summary, Angie is perfect for the Award. A born leader, down-to-earth, highly qualified, professional and competent individual who is a recipient of recommendations from patients, families, and management. She was nominated twice for the Daisy Award. Received an award last year 2023 in CLPNA with the Interprofessional Development Award. ■ H

University Health Network, Toronto Rehab Bickle Centre

Complex Continuing Care

M Maria Chiera-Lyle

aria came into Complex Continuing Care (CCC) full of energy and enthusiasm and just kept going and going, much like a famous “battery bunny”. Armed with over 25 years of experience and contributions in neuroscience nursing care on the acute side of the hospital, Maria dedicated herself to a new role as Advanced Practice Nurse Educator (APNE) on the rehab/CCC side of the house. She very quickly engaged leadership and pointof-care nurses to identify practice gaps

and opportunities for learning. For example, in 2018, no nurses in CCC were able to initiate or manage IV’s; this situation, of course, limited the capacity of CCC to accept certain patients.

Maria very quickly identified this gap and engaged with key internal and external stakeholders to develop the educational and training resources specifically tailored for nurses in CCC. As the most senior Nurse Educator in CCC, Maria has been instrumental in

providing leadership and insight to UHN-wide Vascular Access training for nurses, and has been working in collaboration and partnership with her professional practice colleagues to develop and implement educational materials to support local on-boarding of nursing staff and to create the conditions where nurses can work to full scope. Maria’s leadership has also seen the growth of our CCC Education Simulation resources--where nurses and allied health members alike can practice different interventions or Code Blue resuscitation techniques on life-like mannequins in a simulated patient room. A staff nurse said this about Maria: “I was encouraged to continue my education in nursing because of Maria...I obtained my baccalaureate degree and am now finishing my Masters degree in Nursing...every nurse should be as lucky as I to have someone like Maria to show them the way...”

Maria has also been a leader in introducing “gamification” in the education of nurses. Maria recognized early that digital citizens and tech-savvy nursing students are among us and that we need to educate using different modalities from those that have been used in the past--Maria believed the nursing workforce was are ready for gaming as part of their ongoing educational needs. Maria, with the help of her husband, designed a “Describe

that Drug” spinning wheel to teach nurses pharmacology. When a nurse spins the wheel, he/she needs to be prepared to describe the class of drug, its actions and side-effects when the wheel’s pointer stops at a particular medication. This wheel has also been used during mock Code Blue training, where Maria reviews with staff the commonly used drugs in emergency situations.

Through all of her work, aside from nursing staff, Maria has never lost sight of the most important beneficiaries of her education--the patients in CCC.Some of the most vulnerable patients at UHN are found in CCC. Most patients are older, have multiple co-morbidities that require complex treatment regimes. Some patients are palliative, some have cognitive impairment and unpredictable behaviour. Maria has worked tirelessly to ensure staff understand patient needs and that the patients receive the best care possible. She has also been a champion for revising hospital policies so that these incorporate the needs (and realities) of CCC patients and reduce health inequities.

Maria has been a key driver in changing the (sometimes negative) views of others about complex continuing care, decreasing stigma, encouraging more nurses to the field, and, ultimately, enhancing the patient experience. ■ H

Katia (Kat) Lietz

Alberta Health Services

Ihave worked with many incredible nurses over my career, but would like to especially nominate one of the most passionate, dedicated, and hard working Nurses that I know.

Katia (Kat) Lietz and I worked on PCU 54 together for several years. She is one of the AHN’s and has an incredible way with patients and with other staff. Kat will stay later, pick up extra, and do whatever needs to be done to ensure the patients needs are met, even sometimes to her own detriment. People do need to sleep, after all.

Kat is an inspiration to her colleagues, taking time to get to know each patient and going the extra mile with many patients on the unit at any given time. Not only does she ensure that her patients are cared for from a

KAT IS AN INSPIRATION TO HER COLLEAGUES, TAKING TIME TO GET TO KNOW EACH PATIENT AND GOING THE EXTRA MILE WITH MANY PATIENTS ON THE UNIT AT ANY GIVEN TIME.

nursing standpoint, she helps them to feel safe and taken care of emotionally as well. I have seen patients seek her out for hugs, and heard her interacting with patients and their families to offer comfort. Despite the incredible amount of work she has to take care of as the AHN, she always takes time to ensure that her patients are cared for, and that the unit runs as smoothly as possible.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Kat acted as Nurse, Porter, Care

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is proud to celebrate all nurses and the pivotal roles they play in the healthcare journey of our patients.

Our nurses are the cornerstone of patient safety and quality, their commitment driving them to excel each day. They are the champions of care, the advocates for patients, and the leaders in our quest for healthcare excellence.

Thank you, SHN nurses, for your tireless efforts and for leading the charge as we forge ahead in shaping the future of care for our Scarborough community.

support person, patient and family advocate, and so much more. Kat proves that a Nurse is not only the functions that a Nurse needs to do during any given shift, but so much more. While we suffered many losses during the Pandemic, Kat maintained excellence in her nursing role, as well as looking after her three adult children. A single parent too, due to the loss of her husband, Kat is what people had in mind when they deter-

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mined what a nurse is. She is caring, compassionate, driven, an example to everyone on the unit regardless of profession, and one of my hero’s. Once the other professionals go home at the end of a business day, Kat and the other nurses remain. Where some nurses will do their jobs and only that, Kat takes assignments, is a consistent point of contact for anyone who needs patient information, and a consummate advocate for her patients.

Nominated by: Ryan Chopin BSW, RSW, Credential Trainer ■ H

I Allan Lee Mackenzie Health

t is with immense pleasure and privilege that I submit this nomination in support of Allan Lee.

Allan has been Registered Nurse (RN) in the Emergency Department at Mackenzie Health’s Richmond Hill Hospital for 16 years.

Our journey as new ED nurses started together. At times during our schooling, we were a bit competitive, but we were always the biggest support for each other. We have laughed, cried, yelled, cried some more, but mostly laughed. I am honored to have Allan as part of our team, I am privileged to be his manager and everyday he amazes me”

HMAllan is one of the most caring nurses and individuals that I have ever met. He cares with his entire heart, whether he has just met you, or known you his entire life. Anyone who has met Allan always remembers him. They may notice him because let’s face it he is bit loud, but they remember for the care, and compassion, he demonstrates whether directly involved in the care or supporting the team.

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Allan is a leader in the department, and now in his older years, refers to himself as father, or at times grandfather. The ED team is truly his family, and there is nothing he will not do for his team. He will triage the patient, jump into the code, com-

We recognize and celebrate our nurses who go above and beyond to provide excellent mental health care and are #RisingUp to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and each other. Our nurses have the right attitude and take action to anticipate and advocate for the needs of others. Our Nurses Care

ALLAN IS AN ASSET TO THE MACKENZIE HEALTH TEAM AND DESERVES THIS NOMINATION, AND SO MUCH MORE, HE IS THE LEADER OF THE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF NURSES.

plete a round of compressions, grab every piece of equipment you need, run the code, support the family, and debrief with the staff afterwards. He is the department Superman.

Late last year the Emergency Department in Richmond Hill received an unprecedented number of critical pediatric, which did not end successfully despite the efforts of the ED. Allan was involved in almost every code, and his priority was firstly the patient and the family, but it was his actions when it was over that were remarkable. Allan ensured a detailed debrief occurred, connected with the staff involved personally, and checked on them multiple times over the next couple of weeks. Having children himself, I knew he was

hurting, but he stayed strong for everyone else. Approximately, one month later, the senior leadership at Mackenzie met with the ED team to show their support. When asked if he would say a few words at the meeting, he went above and beyond. On his day off, he came in, and gave his speech, acknowledging everyone involved, how amazing the keep is, and there was not a dry eye in the room. But of course, it would not be Allan, if there were not a few jokes, a couple swear words, and an enormous hug to Altaf.

Allan is an asset to the Mackenzie Health team and deserves this nomination, and so much more, he is the leader of the future generations of nurses. ■ H

I Janice Lin University Health Network

am writing to wholeheartedly nominate Janice Lin for the Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Janice, through her dedication and compassionate care, has played a pivotal role in the recovery journey of my wife, Linda, at the Lyndhurst Centre.

Linda’s path to recovery began after a terrifying fall at home, which resulted in multiple fractures, including a severe injury to her spine. After undergoing cervical decompression surgery at Sunnybrook Hospital, Linda faced a daunting road to recovery. It was during her subsequent rehabilitation at Lyndhurst that we had the good fortune to meet Janice.

From the outset, Janice distinguished herself not just as a skilled nurse but as hope and warmth for Linda and me. Her kindness, ever-present

smile, and readiness to engage deeply and meaningfully with us were instrumental in transforming the rehabilitation centre from a place of clinical recovery to one of warmth and healing.

Janice’s approach to care is marked by an exceptional blend of professionalism and personal touch. She always made herself available to answer our questions, no matter how small or complex, with patience and clarity. This not only helped Linda in her physical recovery but also provided us with much-needed reassurance and comfort during a tumultuous period in our lives.

HMhonourable mention

bly welcomed and cared for throughout her stay. Her ability to create a nurturing environment, coupled with her professional demeanor, made a significant difference in Linda’s overall well-being and outlook on her recovery process.

her patients, her ability to connect on a human level, and her unwavering commitment to excellence in care are qualities that deserve the highest recognition.

Perhaps what stood out most was how Janice made Linda feel incredi-

For these reasons and many more, I believe Janice embodies the essence of a Nursing Hero. Her dedication to

We are profoundly thankful for Janice’s presence in our lives during such a critical time. It is with great admiration and gratitude that I nominate her for the Nursing Hero Award, confident that her contributions to nursing and patient care are truly exemplary.

Sincerely,David Kennedy and Linda Kennedy. ■ H

I Karen Ganchua Home peritoneal dialysis HM honourable mention

would like to nominate Nurse Karen Ganchua for THP Nursing Hero. My husband, Samson Andres is a peritoneal dialysis patient. We’ve been serviced by different nurses either in kidney clinic and hospital. They are all helpful. But one particular nurse, her named is Karen Ganchua. She had shown a very remarkable assistance and support to my family over and beyond of what is expected of her to do as a nurse. Karen become our contact nurse for a couple of years now . Karen never change. Consistently providing guidance and emotional support to my family. If I call the clinic and she is not available someone is usually ready to assist us. Then Karen later always give us a call to check that everything was done to our satisfaction for our peace of mind. Karen always give an advice on what to do.

In a couple of times that my husband was admitted in the hospital. No one can really explain the delayed dialysis or no dialysis at all for 24 hours. This

causes emotional stress on me about the side effect on my husbands health of not having dialysis on the proper time. To lessen my fear and worry, I

The Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) program provides eligible PSWs and RPNs with up to $10,000 per year in tuition reimbursements to grow their careers.

New enrollees also now have the opportunity to gain experience in one of four priority sectors: Hospitals, Primary Care, Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care.

always call Karen to ask questions. She always tried to find an effort to contact me and explained to me the process or even outside her work hours on her way home she will pass by the hospital or in our house to give us some moral support , comfort and ease our mental tension. Karen’s kind gesture means a lot specially to us being seniors losing patience. Sitting in the waiting room area, same comments we received from other patients, about Karen’s kindness and special support to dialysis patients. Karen is so patient, understand the patients feeling. Her guidance and emotional support outside of her line of work is very much appreciated. All nurses deserve a recognition. But I nominate Karen Ganchua as the THP nursing hero.

Nominated by Marlyn Andres ■ H

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WE ARE GRATEFUL

Thank you to the 60,000 RPNs across Ontario. Your expertise, experience, and compassion keep our communities healthy and safe – despite the many challenges faced from day-to-day.

Your care makes a difference – to patients, to families, to the healthcare system – and we are proud to advocate for you and stand alongside you in support.

The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) thanks all RPNs for making us a healthier province and a stronger profession. Together, we will continue championing improvements to our healthcare system and inspire change.

To learn more, please visit werpn.com.