We are excited to share an important milestone for our Neurosurgical team with the launch of our first-ever Neuro Simulation Education Days at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre (TBRHSC).

As we continue to advance our Neuro Observation Unit to align with Ontario Health and Critical Care Services Ontario Level 2 Critical Care standards, we have increased the education, training and clinical skill development available to our nursing team. Level 2 neurosurgical patients require enhanced neurological assessment, monitoring, early recognition of deterioration and the ability to safely manage increasingly complex patient care needs.

To support our nurses in developing these competencies, staff have participated in a neurosurgical-focused online course through Conestoga College, complemented by our newly developed Neuro Simulation Education Days. These education days were developed and facilitated by our interim Neurosurgical Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Kayla Paoliello, NEON Educator, Kim Belluz, and our Neurosurgical Physician Assistant (PA), Victoria Lemay-Stirrup which provided staff with hands-on learning and realistic simulation scenarios specific to the care of higher-acuity neurosurgical patients.

This is an exciting step forward and a great new resource for our Neurosurgical team. Providing dedicated education and simulation allows our nurses to build their knowledge, skills and confidence while helping ensure our practice continues to meet the standards expected for Level 2 Neurosurgical care.

A huge thank you to our neurosurgical nurses for embracing this opportunity and continuing to advance the care we provide and continuing to deliver on TBRHSC’s commitment to providing Exceptional Care for Every Patient, Every Time.