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.
We’re celebrating National Nursing Week (May 6-12) by acknowledging the dedication and achievements of nursing professionals. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is taking this opportunity to celebrate and recognize the vital role nurses play in making the patient experience better by delivering quality care in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario.
On the first day of National Nursing Week, we celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day.
Indigenous Nurses Day acknowledges the dedication and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses and recognizes their invaluable work in improving the health and well-being of all people in Canada.
Indigenous nurses play a vital role in the health care system, providing culturally relevant care in communities across the province.
In honour of Indigenous Nurses Day, we would like to highlight the achievements of Indigenous nurses and their home communities. The expertise and dedication of Indigenous nurses have made an impact on the lives of many patients and their families, not only inspiring others but also raising awareness of the role that Indigenous nurses play in promoting wellness and healing for Indigenous communities.
Thank you to the Indigenous nurses who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to the people of Northwestern Ontario.
Martina White was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Martina and her family are from Pays Plat First Nation. Some of her happiest memories as a child are of her family and being in the outdoors.
Since Martina was a young age, she knew she wanted to have a job helping people. During middle school, her class went to a long-term care home and she was moved by the experience. “The way we were able to put smiles on their faces, just by talking to them and reminiscing, I knew that this was what I wanted to do,” said Martina.
Martina graduated as a Registered Practical Nursing in 2018. Following graduation, Martina worked in long-term care for five years, “some of my best memories are from those years and I will cherish those memories forever,” Martina continued.
In January, Martina accepted a job at Anishnawbe Mushkiki as an Indigenous Care Coordinator for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. After seeing the effects on the Indigenous population in long-term care, Martina knew she would love being a part of supporting and advocating for Indigenous people during their hospital stay, and assisting with their discharge home. “These transitions are very difficult for most and I love to make the transition as easy as possible,” said Martina.
Martina White, RPN & ICC
Naomi Sinclair was born in Princeton, BC, to her father, who is of Cree descent, and her mother, who is of Ukrainian descent. Naomi’s community is York Factory First Nation, Manitoba. At the age of 10, her family relocated to Thunder Bay, ON, to be closer to family.
Naomi says, “It was my compassionate heart and desire to help others that inspired me to pursue a career as a Registered Practical Nurse.” After graduating from the Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) program at Confederation College in 2014, Naomi’s hard work and dedication gave her the opportunity to be a RPN in the Emergency Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “As I worked in our fast-paced ER, I began to develop an interest in the field of mental health and addictions. In 2018, I joined the Adult Mental Health Team,” said Naomi.
Working as an Indigenous RPN has allowed Naomi to become more aware of the difficulties that Indigenous Peoples encounter in the hospital environment. “I see the importance of providing culturally sensitive care which is essential to helping our Indigenous peoples feel safe and respected,” said Naomi.
Naomi Sinclair, RPN & ICC
Nikkita Michano is from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation. “I am very proud to be an Indigenous Nurse, and hopefully a role model to Indigenous youth,” says Nikkita.
Nikkita Michano, Nurse
Cyanne Sandau is a 23-year-old Practical Nursing student at Oshki-Wenjack. She has lived in Thunder Bay all her life, but her community is Constance Lake First Nation. Education and forging meaningful connections are some of Cyanne’s passions. Nursing isn’t just a career choice for her; it’s a deep calling to support others during their most vulnerable times. Cyanne has always felt drawn to healthcare, especially the personal, one-on-one patient interactions. While working as PSW, she realized that she wanted to deepen her understanding and involvement in patient care. Cyanne says, “Nursing offers me the opportunity to be a trusted companion on each person’s healthcare journey, providing not just medical expertise but also emotional support, reassurance, and hope. I cherish the deep connections I form with patients, understanding their fears, joys, and dreams of striving to ensure they receive the best care possible.” Cyanne love seeing patients beyond their ailments and witnessing their resilience and progress. “Nursing is about making a meaningful difference and being part of a profession that values compassion, resilience, and dedication to health. It’s a challenging yet profoundly rewarding journey that reaffirms my choice every day,” Cyanne adds.
Cyanne Sandau, Nursing Student at Oshki – Wenjack
Claudette is a nursing student at Oshki-Wenjack. “The reason I wants to be a nurse is because it’s a much-needed profession. I want to help those in need. Helping people to understand what takes place within the hospital. The Nurse is the middleman that links the doctor with the patient,” says Claudette. In addition, Claudette says that helping to be the cure or the crutch is such a happy feeling.
Claudette, Nursing Student at Oshki-Wenjack
Shalon Adams lives Kenora Ontario with her family. Her home community is Big Grassy First Nation. Nursing provides Shalon the opportunity to interact and provide care to patients on a deeper level. “Connection is such an important thing. I hope to work in home care, contributing to a patient’s safe return to their community, and home environment,” says Shalon.
Shalon Adams, Nursing Student at Oshki-Wenjack
For more information on Indigenous Nurses Day click here!
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).
