Excerpt from nomination letter

Erin McQueen, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), consistently goes above and beyond to advocate for her patients, demonstrating a deep commitment to patient care and the principles outlined in Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC).

Erin is a true advocate for her patients, going far beyond basic nursing responsibilities. As a behavioral specialist, Erin’s expertise in caring for patients in delirium or a confused state is unmatched. She ensures these patients are always treated with professionalism, compassion, and respect. Erin works collaboratively with the healthcare team, providing individualized care that meets the unique needs of each patient. Her approach ensures that even patients who are in vulnerable and challenging states receive dignified and appropriate care, allowing for the best possible outcomes.

Erin’s dedication to improving the patient care experience is evident in her personalized approach. She takes the time to listen carefully to each patient’s concerns, preferences, and needs. Her empathetic and thoughtful nature allows her to create a care plan that is tailored to each individual, fostering a sense of trust and understanding. Erin also empowers her patients and their families by providing them with the information and resources needed to make informed decisions about their care. Her proactive approach to communication ensures that patients feel involved and valued in their own care process.

Erin’s respect for her patients is evident in every interaction. She treats each person with dignity, no matter their condition. Erin consistently creates a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where patients and families feel respected and heard. Her compassionate nature extends beyond physical care to provide emotional support, ensuring patients feel cared for as whole individuals. Her ability to balance professionalism with deep empathy allows her to connect with patients on a level that enhances the overall care experience.

Erin exemplifies the pillars of Patient- and Family-Centered Care by integrating respect, communication, and collaboration into every aspect of her practice. She consistently involves patients and their families in decision-making, ensuring their preferences and values are at the heart of the care provided. Erin understands the importance of family in the patient’s recovery journey and works diligently to build trust with families, creating an environment where everyone feels supported. Her ability to foster these meaningful relationships is a cornerstone of the exceptional care she provides.

In conclusion, Erin McQueen’s advocacy, compassion, and dedication to both her patients and the nursing profession make her an invaluable member of the healthcare team. Her efforts to ensure individualized care, respect, and dignity for every patient, along with her commitment to the principles of PFCC, have greatly enhanced the patient experience. Erin is a true example of excellence in nursing and an inspiration to all who work with her.

It is National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Melayne Swant, a Registered Practical Nurse at our Hospital.

Melayne Swant graduated from Confederation College in 2008 as a Registered Practical Nurse. After graduation, she started her career on 2B, the Medical Inpatient Unit. There she enjoyed providing care to a diverse population for 17 years as well as being a preceptor to many students and orientating new staff to 2B. Melayne also taught clinical placements for the Confederation College Personal Support Worker (PSW) program for five years. Recently, she has taken on a new role as a Clinical Scholar, supporting new nurses, new hires and all staff, which is a passion of hers. Outside of work, Melayne likes to spend time outdoors with her husband and three kids. She enjoys fishing in both the summer and the winter and live music.

The following individuals were awarded Tim’s Coffee Cards during the Secret Safety Walkabout by our JHSC representatives.  These workers were witnessed modelling safety practices such as PPE adherence, hand hygiene compliance, wearing their personal alarms and proper footwear and utilizing proper body mechanics and lift aids when transferring/transporting patients.

Tim’s $10 Coffee Cards:

Michelle Hutton – Mammography

Kelly Christiansen – Renal

Charlotte Sarrazin – 2B

TammLynn M – Clerk Chemotherapy Unit

Nancy Giesen – Porter

Winners of the Health and Safety Week Quiz:

Fresh Air Experience $100 – Laura Allen

Maltese Grocery $50 – Irene Pawluk

Tim’s Whole Health $50 – Ramsey Broennle

Winning Team of the Scavenger Hunt:  3A

Shared on behalf of Andrea Raynak, Director, Nursing Practice and Learning

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I am pleased to announce that Rachael Schaffer has accepted the position of Manager, Practice and Learning.

Rachael earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University in 2013 and brings a diverse range of clinical and leadership experience to the role. Her career began with the Nursing Resource Team and the Emergency Department, alongside serving as a Clinical Instructor at Lakehead University. She later transitioned to public health, where she served as a Professional Practice Lead, overseeing practice standards and quality assurance across various regulated health professionals. In this role, Rachael played a pivotal role in enhancing the practice of regulated health professionals and spearheading multiple continuous quality improvement initiatives. Most recently, Rachael has been the Manager of 2C Cardiology, Stroke, and Outpatient Vascular Services, where she has demonstrated collaborative leadership and strong advocacy for both her team and patients.

Rachael holds a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Gerontology and has completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training in continuous quality improvement. She is also currently pursuing a second master’s degree, the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality at Queen’s University.

We are confident that Rachael’s academic background and professional experience will significantly contribute to advancing health professions practice and learning across our organization.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Rachael to our team.

It is National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Larissa Warywoda, a Registered Nurse at our Hospital.

Larissa has been a nurse for over six years and has dedicated her career thus far to supporting both patients and fellow nurses in the field of mental health. Currently serving in an interim role as Nurse Champion for the Forensic Mental Health Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, she provides mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities to both new and experienced nurses.

As a new committee member on the Hospital’s Nursing Practice Council, Larissa brings a vital perspective to the committee, advocating for initiatives that enhance patient care and support frontline staff. A committed lifelong learner, she is an active member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), a Best Practice Champion, and a member of the Hospital’s Mental Health Awareness Committee. She is also pursuing her CNA certification in mental health, reinforcing her dedication to excellence in psychiatric nursing.

Beyond her professional role, Larissa is deeply involved in her community where she serves as President of the League of Ukrainian Canadians – Thunder Bay Branch. She is passionate about cultural preservation and fostering community engagement.

Larissa values the ever-evolving nature of nursing and the continuous opportunities for growth it provides. Whether in the hospital or the community, she remains committed to making a meaningful impact.

Last week marked Mental Health Awareness Week, with the Mental Health Awareness Committee hosting daily events to celebrate.

The week started with opening ceremonies that included Drumming and Smudging ceremony to start the week off in a good way. The engaging “Lunch, Learn, and Laugh” session offered insights and plenty of laughter. Dynamic discussions with the Brief Intervention Treatment Team provided invaluable perspectives on mental health. The Performing Arts Show showcased fantastic talent and collected donations for the Hospital’s clothing cupboard. There were 12 performers and 150 people in attendance. The week concluded with a Rest and Relaxation Hour that included coffee and therapy dogs to help everyone unwind.

Thank you to all those who participated!

As a reminder, there is currently a call out to join the Substance Use and Addictions Education Working Group. You can submit your inquiries/interest to: tbrhsc.substanceuseandaddictions@tbh.net by Tuesday, May 20, 2025. More information here.

As National Nursing Week continues at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we asked some of our nurses to help celebrate by sharing a shout-out to their exceptional colleagues. Hear what they had to say!

Excerpts from nomination letters below

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Ben consistently goes above and beyond in welcoming, mentoring, and guiding students through what can often be a challenging time in their educational journey. He creates a learning environment that is not only supportive but also inspiring, encouraging students to ask questions, reflect critically, and grow in confidence

His ability to balance clinical excellence with patient-centered care while also taking the time to teach and support students is truly admirable. Ben ensures every student feels valued, included, and empowered to learn and contribute to the team.

Feedback from students frequently highlights his approachable nature, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Students have expressed how their time with Ben has helped solidify their decision to pursue nursing and inspired them to model the same compassionate and professional behaviour.

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Ben is a true star when it comes to teaching and educating new staff and students. He is patient, confident, and kind with learners, creating an environment that allows them to grow and flourish in their education and nursing journeys. He is approachable, and with clear communication skills able to demonstrate effective abilities at letting learners know how to get better at their skills and nursing abilities. Ben fosters a sense of greatness in all the students and new hires he works with, regardless of ability when they come to him. We on 2A are grateful to have him as part of our preceptorship team, and I know learners are grateful for experiences with him as well. He does a tremendous job teaching all while creating an environment that is conducive to growth, confidence, and stronger nursing assessment skills.

Excerpt below from nomination letter

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Jassy Moores has been a contributing member to the Maternal Newborn team since 2014. She is a reliable resource with lots of experience, often mentoring and guiding colleagues and students alike. She advocates for and continually strives to exceed the standards of nursing.

Jassy recently completed her 2nd year in the Honours Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. Despite these educational demands, she has continued to demonstrate her commitment to her peers and patients by taking on additional projects on our unit to improve practice and unit workflows. This promotion of consistency and safety in patient care is something that Jassy continually role models. She is an excellent nurse with a keen eye for detail and safety. Her high energy and upbeat attitude definitely create a positive atmosphere, both in and outside of the workplace. She advocates, supports and communicates like a true leader and deserves this support towards furthering her education.