Dani leads with compassion, even in an emergency

Dani is a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Emergency Department (ED) at Osler’s Etobicoke General Hospital, a role she’s held for the last five years.

EDs across the province have faced immense pressures as a result of the pandemic, but Dani and her team continue to face these challenges with compassion, adaptability and a patient-first approach.

Supported growth from surgery to emergency

Dani started her career at Osler in 2012 as a new graduate in the General Surgery department before transitioning to the ED in 2017. “I decided I wanted to move from general surgery to emergency nursing after I spent some time picking up shifts in the ED at Osler’s Brampton Civic site and realized how much I enjoyed it. My managers were nothing but supportive of my professional development and I was keen to listen, learn and grow. The more experienced ED nurses took me under their wings and provided mentorship every step of the way. I’ve learnt so much and do my best to share that knowledge with new nurses who join our team since I was in their shoes not that long ago.”

Patient and family-centered care

Working in the ED, nurses are meeting patients on what is often one of the most challenging days of their lives. “Patients typically arrive feeling upset and vulnerable. It’s our job to support them, talk them through their care and ensure that they are feeling informed and empowered during their visit. Right now with COVID-19, we tend to connect with patients’ families over the phone. We make sure they know that their loved one is being well cared for and provide status updates in accordance with patient wishes and privacy laws. It’s important to me that patients and their families feel involved in their care and, while it is undoubtedly more difficult nowadays, we’ve found ways to stay connected.”

Putting the “care” in health care

At the height of the pandemic, nurses like Dani took on an even more profound role in the patient journey. “We were not just health care providers to our patients but also their support network, both physically and emotionally. We were the ones holding their hands through nerve-wracking tests, difficult news and unfortunately, for some, their final moments. As tough as this was, it is an honour to be able to provide that comfort in the most challenging of times.”

Careers that go beyond

Hands down, Dani’s favourite aspect of her job is the dynamic working environment. “I love the ED. Every shift, every hour and every patient is different and unpredictable. Things can change at the drop of a hat, so you have to be adaptable. Critical thinking skills are also essential. When a patient comes in, you have to use all of your knowledge, skill, judgement and past experiences to ask the right questions, conduct the right tests and provide the right treatment. Seeing a patient come in so ill and then watching them go home safely to their family or on to receive specialized care is incredibly rewarding.”

Are you ready to join Dani?

Come join our diverse team of Osler Strong professionals! We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, providing best-in-class care and opportunities for advancement in various specialties.

Apply today to exciting roles in our Emergency Departments at Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General.