May 8, 2023 | Faces of HDGH
No matter which path has led each of us to choose nursing as our career, it is clear that nurses are a breed of their own.
Each and every day is an adventure filled with unexpected moments and accomplishments. Witnessing a patient progress towards their goals. Encouraging and supporting them through the challenges and adversities they may face. Providing care and support to them when they are perhaps at their most vulnerable.
Over the past several years there have been instances of uncertainty and hardships to overcome. Times that were just plain hard, both personally and professionally. However despite all of this, our nurses continue to prove time and time again how compassionate and caring they truly are - shining brightly through the uncertainty. Trenching on through staff redeployment, community support and outreach, swabbing clinics, long term care and retirement home support, opening and closing of units and programs during each wave, the compassion and care we showed our patients and families was unwavering.
Although the last several years have displayed its fair share of challenges, it has also revealed how truly amazing our HDGH team is. Not solely our nursing staff, but each member of our team who rose to each challenge with grace and support for one another and our patients.
When I first started my nursing journey as a Registered Nurse (RN), I don’t know if I would have fathomed I would be where I am today. This role is truly a passion of mine. To educate and assist our clinical teams is such an honour and a privilege. Nursing has endless opportunities for development, growth and vast specialty areas. At HDGH, this includes Complex Medical Care, Palliative Care Unit, Long Term Mechanical Ventilation, Rehabilitation, Toldo Neurobehavioral Institute and Withdrawal Management Services. I am truly delighted with my chosen career and the impact and supports I am able to provide.
National Nursing Week (May 8-14, 2023) is a time for us to celebrate our nurses – those just beginning their journey and seasoned alike. As nurses, we are provided such a meaningful opportunity to be a part of our patient’s journey. By being truly present, listening and offering support, we leave little ripples on this chapter of their life. The smallest gesture can be so impactful. Each little moment throughout a patient’s day, day in and day out, we are all woven through.
Thank you and cheers to all of our amazing HDGH nurses!!
Jennifer has a background in community nursing and long term care before starting her career at HDGH 10 years ago as a Registered Nurse (RN). The first several years of her career at HDGH were spent on many of our inpatient units prior to transitioning to a Clinical Practice role within Complex Medical Care (CMC) and Palliative Care.