Q&A with Melissa
What motivated you to become a nurse?
I started my medical career as a care aide, where I worked with elders in long-term care (LTC) and spent a short period in community care. I always felt a deeper connection and longing to be able to further help individuals, and decided to continue my career as a nurse.
What are some of your proudest moments in health care?
I would say when patients and family members are grateful for the help you have given them. You see people at their most vulnerable state, but you also get to see them thrive and become healthier.
What qualities do you bring to your role at Pinnacle?
I bring a lot of experience to my role. I have had the opportunity to work and experience different aspects of nursing, including long-term care, medical and acute care, surgical, palliative care, mental health and addictions, and community care. I have learned many skills that I carry with me throughout my career as a nurse, and of course I continue to learn each day!
What values influence your work?
Working as a team for our patients for their best interest and health. Improving their independence and/or helping them maintain their independence as long as possible. Respect and dignity for all clients and patients.
What challenges do you face as a nurse? How do you overcome them?
Using the hospital as an example, I can say burnout was (and can be) a challenge for everyone in nursing. So I have learned to maintain a work/life balance that cares for my own mental and physical health. High turnover at the hospital and worker shortages also contributed to increased stress and more workload on the nurses on the floors. It was there I learned to balance workloads (and ask for help when you need it) to overcome the stressors of these challenges.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love being active in the gym, outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and seasonal sports (paddle boarding, snow boarding). I also enjoy target shooting, quading, and travelling. Some of my favourite places so far include Roatán and the Philippines. You can also always find me spending time with my two labradoodles, Ronan and Merlin.
What do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?
Knowing that I am making a difference in peoples lives – not only for our patients, but for their family as well. It takes a team to make this happen, and I am proud to be part of the Pinnacle team. Its the little things that matter!
What is your educational and professional background?
I was a care aide for 14 years prior to becoming a nurse, where I worked mainly with elderly and dementia patients. I knew I wanted to grow more in my career, and devote my time in helping individuals heal and or continue living comfortably with the support I can give them, which brought me to nursing.
What message do you hope readers will take away from your bio?
I hope that they will read my bio and feel confident knowing we are the right team to help, and perceive myself and the team as a positive benefit to their lives.
