National Nursing Week: Unit Leader Award, Samantha Lander

Samantha Lander consistently demonstrates strong leadership, critical thinking, and unwavering support for her team. Her ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations sets her apart as a remarkable leader.

Sam excels in managing challenges with professionalism and fairness. She ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully and with the best interests of the team and patients in mind. Her clear communication and ability to advocate for her colleagues make her a highly respected leader on the unit. Sam fosters a positive and collaborative environment where all team members feel supported and heard, leading by example in every aspect of her role.

One of Sam’s key strengths is her communication skills. She ensures that all information is conveyed clearly, concisely, and respectfully, which fosters understanding and cohesion within the team. Her ability to escalate concerns appropriately and to the right personnel ensures that issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner, maintaining professionalism and respect for all parties involved.

In addition to her day-to-day leadership, Sam played an instrumental role in assisting me with the development of Unit Leader education on 2B. She provided invaluable guidance, helping me navigate what works and what doesn’t in a practical, real-world context. Sam’s insights were crucial in creating a comprehensive and effective education program that addresses the needs of new Unit Leaders. Her feedback, based on her hands-on experience, has helped to ensure that the program is not only relevant but also practical for new leaders stepping into these roles.

Sam has also been key in refining the processes that ensure Unit Leaders are properly supported. Her clear communication, ability to troubleshoot challenges, and solution-oriented mindset have streamlined our processes, creating a more effective and supportive leadership structure. Thanks to her guidance, new Unit Leaders are better equipped to handle their responsibilities, contributing to a more efficient and collaborative work environment.

Samantha Lander’s leadership, communication, and support have greatly enhanced the unit and the development of Unit Leader education. Her calm demeanor, strong problem-solving skills, and dedication to her team make her a standout leader. Sam’s contributions have had a lasting impact, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.

Call for Expression of Interest: Substance Use and Addictions Education Working Group

Shared on behalf of Chad Johnson, Director, Trauma, Pre-hospital Programs, Emergency, Critical Care, Respiratory and Nurse Led Outreach Team and Crystal Edwards, Director, Women & Children’s and Adult & Forensic Mental Health Programs


The Substance Use and Addictions Project, Staff Education and Training Working Group has been actively advancing strategies related to anti-stigma throughout the organization. As we expand our focus to include harm reduction, we are seeking expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about supporting the development and rollout of a unified harm reduction philosophy and culture within our organization.

If you are interested in contributing to this important initiative, we invite you to consider joining the Substance Use and Addictions Education and Training Working Group.

Required time commitment:

  • Every two to four weeks, for 30-60 minutes per meeting
  • Participation must be consistent and fit within your regular work schedule
  • Your manager’s support for participation is required

If you would like further information or are interested in participating within this working group, please submit your inquiries/interest to: tbrhsc.substanceuseandaddictions@tbh.net by Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued dedication and commitment to ensuring our patients receive the best possible quality care.

National Nursing Week Spotlight: Kendaaz White

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


Kendaaz White recently graduated Lakehead University (class of 2025) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Throughout the past five years, he has been involved in multiple areas within the health care system, including rehab and treatment centres, long-term care homes and research studies within First Nations communities. With his array of experience in health care, Kendaaz ultimately found a true passion for nursing. He now works at TBRHSC as a Registered Nurse on 2C (Cardiology). Kendaaz shares, “I have consistently found fulfilment by helping and caring for patients and families as they go through some of the most difficult times in their lives. My ability to work as a nurse has allowed me to help many individuals and families physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ultimately, I am proud to be a Registered Nurse at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre!”

National Nursing Week Trivia Questions (Day 2)

Click HERE to complete today’s National Nursing Week Trivia Questions.

Each submission will be entered into a draw to win prizes! Winners will be announced on the Daily Informed Newsletter during National Nursing Week (May 12-18).

Manager of Outpatient Clinics, Nursing, Systemic Therapy, Palliative & Supportive Care

Shared on behalf of David McConnell, Director, Regional Cancer Care Northwest & Prevention and Screening Services


I am pleased to announce that Meagan McIlwain will assume the position of Interim Manager of, Outpatient Clinics, Nursing, Systemic Therapy, Palliative and Supportive Care, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre-Regional Cancer Care North West. This will be in effect on May 19, 2025 as Lori Hygaard officially transitions to her role as Manager of 1A Medical/Oncology Inpatient Unit.

Meagan graduated from Lakehead University in 2009 obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her time as a nursing student, she spend her fourth year preceptorship on 1A where she became passionate about Oncology and ultimately accepted a position on 1A afterwards. In 2013, she transitioned to the Cancer Centre where she primarily worked as a Hematology RN and Charge RN. Meagan most recently was acting Coordinator of Outpatient Nursing in the Cancer Centre where she has gained experience in leadership.

Meagan will be responsible for overseeing the Management of the outpatient clinics in the Cancer Program, as well as leading and participating in many Quality Initiatives through Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario. Meagan’s well-rounded experience will make her a valuable asset in this position.

Please join me in congratulating and welcoming her to her new role.

Emergency Preparedness Week – Thank You!

May 4 – 10, 2025, was Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. Thank you to everyone who attended the personal preparedness session in the Auditorium, as well as those who joined in on discussions about personal preparedness and hazard related trivia during unit rounding. There were many interesting questions raised regarding our internal Hospital emergency colour code processes, as well as regional risks, such as what this wildfire season might have in store.

Shout out to our two gift card winners:

  • Haley Koopman, Academic Affairs
  • Elizabeth Lempiala, Paediatrics

Don’t forget one free personal preparedness activity you can do throughout the year is to stay informed. How? Visit the Emergency Preparedness department webpage and tune into local news and emergency notification applications:

If you have questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net)

National Nursing Week (May 12-18)

It’s finally National Nursing Week and we want to acknowledge the incredible impact nurses have in shaping health care, driving innovation, and advocating for patient centred care.

National Nursing Week serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of nurses at our Hospital and across Canada. 

To the nurses at our Hospital — we are excited to celebrate this year’s edition of National Nursing Week with you! Click on the poster below to learn about the upcoming events and activities.

>> Click image to enlarge <<

Celebrating Leadership Excellence at TBRHSC

On May 9, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre proudly celebrated the graduation of 51 of our Hospital’s dedicated leaders and aspiring leaders who have actively participated in — and successfully completed—leadership development training through our most recent cohorts of the Humber College and Rotman School of Management programs.

This milestone reflects not only the hard work and commitment of our graduates but also our organization’s ongoing investment in leadership growth and team development. By continuing to support both personal and professional advancement, we are building a culture where excellence, innovation, and collaboration thrive.

Congratulations to each graduate on this outstanding achievement! Let’s continue to inspire one another, pursue excellence, and lead the way toward a stronger future — together.

>> Click image to enlarge <<

Respiratory Outbreak, TCU – Declared Over

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control


Please be advised that the respiratory outbreak on Transitional Care Unit at TBRHSC is declared over. Thank you to everyone who assisted in ending hospital acquired transmission on this unit. 

All restrictions are lifted. 

As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients.  Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.

For more information, please contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.

National Nursing Week Trivia Questions (Day 1)

Click HERE to complete today’s National Nursing Week Trivia Questions.

Each submission will be entered into a draw to win prizes! Winners will be announced on the Daily Informed Newsletter during National Nursing Week (May 12-18).

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