Bradley Cox is someone that has embodied the values and behaviors that we want to see in our nurses. He has supported numerous student and new-hire nurses to find their footing in a challenging and ever-changing atmosphere. Bradley has supported his peers in helping to create an environment in which new nurses and students feel welcomed and supported. His colleagues have received feedback from new-hire nurses, orienteees, students and peers that Bradley is approachable, engaged and active in his approach to teaching.
A big congratulations to Bradley on receiving the preceptor award! He demonstrates hard work and dedication to the nursing profession through his efforts in supporting several nursing students as well as new hires over the past few years. His great work ethic and contribution to quality patient care on 3A is second to none. We are very lucky to have him as part of our team.
This week is Emergency Preparedness Week! This year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks”. The intent of the theme is to encourage us all to understand the risks in our area and learn what actions we can take to protect ourselves, our families, and our community.
Emergency Preparedness at TBRHSC
Here at TBRHSC we recognize the importance of running regular emergency preparedness drills and exercises to help us test and validate our response plans, policies, procedures, and capabilities. They also help us identify strengths, areas for improvement, and potential best practices.
So far this year Interprofessional Education and Emergency Preparedness have successfully completed the following drills and exercises:
4 Code Blue
4 Code Red
2 Code Black
1 Code Pink
1 Code White
1 Code Amber
1 Fan Out
Thank you to everyone who’s engaged so far! These have been great learning opportunities for the entire organization, with drill observers reporting active participation from across the hospital.
But it doesn’t stop there. Check out the list of drills and exercises we have planned so far for later this year:
7 Code Red & 1 Code Red to Code Green (Minimum Staffing)
3 Code Blue
3 Code NRP
2 Code Pink
1 Code White
1 Code Amber
1 Code Orange – Stage 1
1 Fan Out
Note: the above list doesn’t even capture upcoming exercises that include collaboration between TBRHSC and external stakeholders, such as the City of Thunder Bay’s annual emergency management exercise.
Future goals include improving our ability to capture who has attended mock codes and exercises, as well as improving our methods of capturing participant feedback. We are also dedicated to enhancing and formalizing our debriefing processes.
It’s National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Sara Bobyk, a Registered Practical Nurse at our Hospital.
Sara graduated from Confederation College in 2016. With over eight years of nursing experience across various settings, Sara has thrived in supporting patients across many areas of the healthcare system. From her time at Roseview Manor (LTC) to the OATC methadone clinic and now the last six years in acute care at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Sara has consistently found deep fulfillment in helping and caring for patients as they go through some of the most difficult moments of their life.
“I enjoy building connections with patients and appreciate the opportunity to learn about their unique backgrounds and stories,” says Sara. “It is fulfilling to see patients get better and be able to provide comfort to those who might not have supported or don’t have a good prognosis.”
Every day, Brittney McLaughlin leads by example, demonstrating a tireless work ethic and an unyielding commitment to the organization and further, the Interprofessional Education team. Her ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and determination serves as a guiding light for her colleagues, instilling confidence and fostering a culture of excellence.
Beyond her clinical, education, leadership and research expertise, Brittney possesses a rare gift for uplifting, supporting and empowering those around her. She recognizes the unique strengths of each team member and works collaboratively with all to advance the health system. Even though Brittney is a nurse by background, she is committed to interprofessional advancements and takes great pride in their successes.
She goes above and beyond the call of duty, consistently investing time and effort in all she does. She approaches every challenge with tenacity, resilience, and determination to succeed. In the face of program adversities, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, she remained steadfast and unwavering. Her unwavering resolve and optimism has served as a strength for the entire team.
In essence, Brittney is more than just a nursing leader; she is a visionary, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for us all. Her impact on our department is immeasurable.
Click HEREto 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 6-12).
This week is Emergency Preparedness Week! This year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks”. The intent of the theme is to encourage us all to understand the risks in our area and learn what actions we can take to protect ourselves, our families, and our community.
Emergency Preparedness at TBRHSC
Did you know that at TBRHSC, Emergency Preparedness has its own dedicated iNtranet page? It’s true! Be Ready for Anything by reviewing our safety huddles, posters, and training videos. Check it out in the iNtranet under Departments > Emergency Preparedness and Security > Emergency Preparedness or via this link, and follow along as we gradually build up this resource with new material!
And don’t forget to periodically review our emergency colour code policies and your departmental sub-plans. Emergency code policies are located:
On the iNtranet under Corporate Info > Emergency Codesor at the bottom of the Main Page there is a “quick link” to Emergency Codes.
Departmental Emergency Code binders
If you have questions, please reach out to your manager or Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net)
Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital & Facility Services
Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5 to 11, 2024) has been a national awareness event for over twenty-five years. This year’s theme of “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks” hopes to encourage us all to understand the risks in our area and learn what actions we can take to protect ourselves, our families, our colleagues, and our community.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (the Hospital), we have response procedures for each emergency code captured in policy. Some of these emergency codes, e.g., Code Green, require detailed response area specific plans. Be Ready for Anything by annually reviewing emergency code policies and your departmental sub-plans. All emergency code policies are located:
We all have a role to play in an emergency. Preparing ahead of time at home will also save time and stress during emergencies. Follow the steps below to:
Make a plan: Include actions that will help you stay safe before, during, and after an emergency event.·
Build a kit: Gather supplies for you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency (e.g., loss of power).
Stay informed: Follow local authorities for up-to-date information and instructions (please refer to the City’s emergency preparedness site).
For more information, check out the Daily Informed Newsletter this week for daily Emergency Preparedness related posts, or reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net).
From monthly fire drills, to participating in mock codes, to debriefing after incidents, I want to thank everyone for your ongoing dedication to Emergency Preparedness at the Hospital. I also want to encourage you to continue to take concrete actions throughout the year to help us all be more prepared.
It’s National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Amy Binch, a Clinical Nurse Specialist at our Hospital.
Amy always knew she wanted to be a nurse, but her career has evolved in ways she never could have anticipated. She knew from early into her university degree that she had a passion for acute care nursing. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University in 2012, Amy embarked on her career at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Amy started as a staff nurse on our 1A medical oncology unit, where she then joined the Nursing Resource Team and was able to diversify her nursing skills by working in numerous areas across the Hospital. After a few years of floating between units, Amy accepted a position on 2A medical inpatient unit. Here, Amy not only continued to grow as a nurse, but also discovered a love for teaching, leading, and mentorship. Additionally, Amy is committed to creating exceptional learning experiences for nursing students and have been involved in instructing clinical groups in a variety of settings over the years, as well as collaborating with Lakehead University for teaching content and instructing in the Nursing Skills Labs. This passion for teaching and learning fueled her pursuit of a Master of Nursing degree with a focus in Leadership from Athabasca University.
Currently, Amy is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Medicine program, where she supports units 2A and 2B. In this role as an Advanced Practice Nurse, all of her work aims to improve the care provided at the hospital. Amy’s multifaceted role encompasses six practice competencies including research, education, direct comprehensive care, consultation and collaboration, optimizing health systems, and leadership. Amy is very involved in the training of new nursing staff, analyzing health research to determine nursing best practices, writing and implementing policies and procedures, quality improvement initiatives, teaching nurses, and supporting nurses in the care they provide to patients at the bedside. This impactful role allows her to combine the knowledge and experience to directly improve patient outcomes while contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.
“I do not do this work alone, I’m fortunate to work alongside a remarkable team of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Interprofessional Educators and Professional Practice Leads,” says Amy. “I am incredibly proud of my team and exceptional work we accomplish together.”
The Maternity Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) provides prenatal care for the residents of Thunder Bay and surrounding region. Our team is committed to providing evidence-based maternity care that is safe, respectful and culturally sensitive.
No referrals are necessary to access care at the Maternity Centre.
During pregnancy, you are welcome to call the Maternity Centre to schedule an appointment with one of our prenatal care providers. All of our programs are accessible with your Ontario health card.
This week’s Maternity Centre Monday post welcomes the 112 babies born at TBRHSC during the month of April. Congratulations on the new bundles of joy!
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Transitional Care Unit, there’s a nurse whose compassion illuminate the lives of those under her care.
Calley Olson-RPN, with her smile and nurturing demeanor, epitomizes the essence of exceptional patient care. Every day, Calley approaches her work with a genuine sense of empathy, understanding that each patient she encounters is more than just a TCU admission or another person —they’re individuals with unique needs and stories. She takes the time to listen, to truly listen, to their concerns, fears, and hopes.
Over the years, Calley’s compassion has evolved and deepened since she first started on the Cedar Unit. She has learned from her experiences and the patients she has cared for, allowing her empathy to grow stronger with each passing day. It’s not just about administering medications or performing procedures for Calley; it’s about creating an environment where patients feel valued, respected, and cared for. She goes the extra mile to ensure that each patient receives personalized care, tailoring her approach to meet their specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s taking the time to sit and chat with a elderly patient or advocating for a patient’s mobility needs to be met, Calley’s dedication to going above and beyond is evident in everything she does.
Her colleagues often comment at her ability to brighten even the darkest of days with her compassionate presence. She leads by example, inspiring others to approach their work with the same level of empathy and kindness. Calley’s commitment to providing exceptional patient care not only aligns perfectly with the values of the TCU, but also serves as a beacon of hope and healing for all who cross her path. As she receives this well-deserved recognition, Calley knows that it’s not just about the award—it’s about the lives she’s touched and the difference she’s made in the world of healthcare. Thank you for all that you do.
