From student nurses to those nearing retirement; from nurses in the community to those in our brand new palliative space on the 10th floor at Bridgepoint; from team leaders, to researchers, to dedicated bedside providers –the nurses profiled for Nursing Week 2019 have something important in common: a passion to see the person behind the patient, and to bring the best they have within themselves to connect with that person, in ways that make a difference.
The nurses across Sinai Health System consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care, to brighten the days of their patients and are constantly seeking ways to better their work, their workplace, and support their colleagues. We honour our nurses for their leadership, hard work and dedication every day, but for Nursing Week, we shine a brighter spotlight on the role that nurses play in moving the meter in patient and family experience, nursing practice, and the practice environment.
The theme of Nursing Week 2019 is a voice to lead; health care for all. We asked 10 nurses from across Mount Sinai Hospital, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare and our system partner at Circle of Care to share with us how all or part of this year’s theme resonated with them personally. Here’s what they had to say.
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As a nurse, I use my voice to lead by incorporating evidence-based research, practice standards, and guidelines into my nursing practice. Whenever I learn of any new information or treatment that I think will benefit the patient, the family or the health care team, I share it with the team. I advocate for patients who do not have a voice in order to promote their well-being with the health care team. Andrea Williams, Registered Nurse, Stroke Unit, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare |
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Health care for all speaks to the many extraordinary ways we care for our patients at Sinai Health System and enact the principles of accessibility, comprehensiveness and universality from the Canada Health Act in our everyday practice. Acknowledging patients as people rather than a diagnosis and understanding the social determinants of health that contribute to each patient’s experience allows nurses to live the concept of health care for all. Sarabeth Silver, Registered Nurse, Surgical Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital |
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Being a nurse at the bedside allows me to have such meaningful interactions with patients and families. The patients I have met have changed my life. Because of this impact, I find it incredibly important to engage in advocacy for patient’s needs, values, and beliefs, which is just one way for me to use my voice to lead. I’m also able to use my voice when I engage in quality patient care initiatives across the Sinai Health for patients, and also support initiatives for effective care teams. Marites Salvador RN, transitional care at Bridgepoint Active Healthcare. Congrats to Marites, who completed her BsCN in April of 2019. |
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As a Nurse Practitioner, I have a responsibility to be a role model in my practice, and that includes striving to embody the concept of health care for all. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we work hard to overcome barriers in many ways every day, including working with translation services for patients and families who do not speak English. Every person deserves access to health care and services no matter where they live, no matter their race or ethnicity, and no matter their age, and nurses have the power to facilitate this. Reem Beshay, Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital |
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I have the unique advantage of working in the same community where I live, and with people from a shared cultural background. This allows me to understand clients’ challenges and use my voice to be an advocate for them. I often work with outside agencies to ensure clients receive the equipment, funding and support they deserve. I also lead by example with those that I supervise, demonstrating empathy and strength while providing support for Circle of Care’s personal support workers, in hopes that they will then model this same empathy with clients. Anna Kornits, Registered Practical Nurse, Client Service Supervisor, Circle of Care |
I use my voice to lead our team by empowering staff and appreciating their contributions. Leading with humility recognizes that everyone has the capacity to lead and share responsibility.Joseph Gajasan, Nursing Unit Administrator, Critical Care – Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit |
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To me, health care for all means that every single person in the universe has the right to access health care without prejudice. It does not mean a simple delivery of care by curing the disease, but it means by ensuring that the person’s state of physical, mental and social well-being are met. This concept is reflected in my work by ensuring that I do not only provide care at the bedside, but give holistic care to my patients by guiding them to recovery, educating them regarding disease process and coping skills, and giving resources to improve their lives. Gladys Anung-Gutang, Registered Nurse, |
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Nurses have an opportunity to be close to patients, and to get to know their values, wishes, and needs. When we use our voices to advocate for our patients and facilitate communication between them and interprofessional team members, we are leading patient-centered care. I believe that nurses have the power to help the health care team work harmoniously with the patient, which leads to better health outcomes for all. Megumi Bachmann, Student, Labour and Delivery, Mount Sinai Hospital |
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When I think of “health care for all”, I know that each and every patient deserves the best care possible no matter their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, socio-economic background or any other position. This concept is reflected in my work when I approach each and every patient with the same passion, and strive to provide the best care possible and to make their hospital stay as pleasant as it can possibly be. Andrew Trinh, Registered Practical Nurse, Palliative Care, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare |
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As a nurse, I will use my voice to advocate for patients and their families, reach out, communicate, and work with clinicians, managers, and communities to be able to provide optimal care for patients and families. Velita Contiga, Registered Nurse, Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital. Velita retires June 2019. |
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