Newsroom

DALEDA ELACHKAR, RPN, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre

Daleda works in the Cancer Centre and is described as an exceptional nurse and a strong advocate for patient care.

"Her patients know her by name, and know she cares for them, she shares in their joys and sadness, remembers them by name and follows closely with them on their cancer journeys. You will not find a more dedicated and caring staff member."

In Memoriam: MARIBETH FITZSIMMONS, RPN, 7 Medical, Ouellette Campus

As announced on Tuesday, Maribeth passed away last weekend following a battle with cancer. The longtime nurse of nearly 40 years was a beloved colleague on the 7 Medical unit at Ouellette Campus and received dozens of nominations for an award this year.

Maribeth was given her nursing award during her stay in hospital last week and truly appreciated the recognition and support from colleagues before her passing.

Affectionately referred to on the unit as "Merve," everyone from student nurses to longtime teammates will remember her tireless efforts and continuous dedication and service on behalf of patients. Says one colleague: "Not only is she caring and constantly providing care, but she has also been a mentor and teacher to all new staff over the years. Anyone who has worked on the 7th floor has looked up to Maribeth for direction, friendship, and mentorship over the years. She is a shining light on a bad day."

Our sincere condolences to Maribeth’s family and her many friends and colleagues who worked beside her through her long and successful career.

CHRIS LEDUC, RN, CCU, Ouellette Campus

Chris has shown dedication and caring to the patients he cares for in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Ouellette Campus. He’s known to his colleagues as being a leader when there’s the pressure of critical incidents on the unit.

"He truly exemplifies extraordinary care while always going above and beyond on a daily basis. He advocates appropriately for his patients while working as a team player with the multidisciplinary health team," says a colleague.

BERNADETA LEVESQUE, RPN, 6 Surgery, Ouellette Campus

Bernadeta is an RPN on the sixth-floor surgery unit at the Ouellette Campus. She advocates for her patients and communicates their needs to a multi-disciplinary team.

One colleague describes what Bernadeta meant to her not just as a colleague, but while in her care following emergency surgery. "This nurse went out of her way to make me feel comfortable as I was truly terrified. She took her time and held my hand to assist me in navigating through this time in my life."

HANNAHJEAN MORRISON, RN, Windsor Regional Cancer Centre

Hannahjean works in the Cancer Centre, often with patients diagnosed with prostate cancer or skin cancer. She displays cheerfulness and compassion that a colleague describes as "contagious."

"She is patient and kind with individuals who may have mental health issues or other significant health issues that can complicate their cancer journey. She is empathetic and compassionate and overall is such an AMAZING nurse and colleague."

COURTNEY NELSON, RN, Emergency Department, Met Campus

Courtney is described as being "an absolute superstar" in the Met Campus Emergency Department. Known as a department "role model," Courtney provides exceptional care to everyone she encounters.

"I would trust her with my life and my family's lives. She is one of the hardest workers, she is amazing to work side by side with."

MIRANDA OLAH, RPN, Mental Health, Ouellette Campus

Miranda is an RPN in the Ouellette Campus mental health unit, seen as a hard-working young teammate among colleagues and an advocate for the unit’s complex patient population needs.

"She goes out of her way to communicate with each patient in a way that they understand," says a colleague. "Her knowledge base is rock solid and most importantly, she approaches her work with joy and a commitment to excellence. So very proud to work with this exceptional nurse!"

SHIRLEY PINSONNEAULT, RN, Emergency Department, Ouellette Campus

Shirley received multiple nominations from colleagues for the truly extraordinary nursing care she provides in the Ouellette Campus Emergency Department. Described by one colleague as having "electric energy," Shirley displays compassion for patients as "the epitome of an exemplary nurse" and the "calm in the storm" in high-pressure emergencies.

"She is the nurse we should all strive to be. Our patients and their families, our staff, our hospital - we are all so fortunate to have such a special nurse on our side. She is so deserving of this award - she is humble and I don't think she even realizes how special she is. Thank you, Shirley!"

JAYNE RAJARATNAM, RN, 2 North, Ouellette Campus

Jayne's many years of experience and teaching background shine through on a unit that includes many recent professional newcomers.

"She always takes the minute to help and teach the new nurses to WRH," says one junior colleague. "Her safety huddles are an example of excellence and she handles stress with a smile and a thoughtful conversation. The unit is beyond lucky to have her giving her all every day!"

KRISTA SHAMBLAW, Clinical Resource Nurse, ICU, Met Campus

Krista has a passion for teaching which consistently and reliably elevates the quality of care provided when she is working in the Met Campus Intensive Care Unit.

She is a leader for staff in the ICU and other units, lending her experience and knowledge to helping staff learn about sedation, critical care assessments, code blue management and other clinical issues.

Says a colleague: "I truly feel that quality of care, comradery, team building, and overall workplace enjoyment is significantly elevated when she is working."

GEORGE SLOGAN, RPN, 6N, Met Campus

George works on the 6th-floor medicine unit at Met Campus. Described as a calm and positive addition to the team, he consistently displays outstanding clinical skills and always puts his patient's needs first.

"His communication with patients is clear and respectful, and he is always a crowd favourite," says a colleague. "All in all, he contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment, leading by example and continuously striving for excellence in patient care."

BINCY VETTUKATTIL-JOSE, RN, 7N/8N, Met Campus

Bincy walks on to the 7North/8North surgical units at Met Campus with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard and help others.

"It rubs off on the people around her: people love to work with her," says one colleague. She has excellent clinical skills and is often chosen by management to orient new staff to the floor because of her combination of friendliness and skill.