Nurses from across our CIUSSS gathered for the Nursing Annual General Meeting on May 15 in the Jewish General Hospital’s (JGH) Block Amphitheatre. Those who attended had the opportunity to cheer on ten of their peers who were nominated and selected to receive Awards of Excellence for their remarkable efforts and devotion. Among the attendees was Lucie Tremblay, Director of Nursing, who kicked off the meeting by expressing how every nurse’s contribution is so important and that they truly have the power to make a difference in the lives and well-being of users.
Nursing Award Recipients
Excellence in Care: Mark Ortizo
The Award for Excellence in Care is given to a nurse who has contributed to the enhancement of quality of care and aims to continually improve nursing services to benefit patients.
In his nomination letter, Mark is known to be a positive leader who can take on new challenges. He is able to provide quality services to clients and is always there to provide support. He gives the best nursing and customer care services when visiting patients. He is a “true gem”, according to Awe Fendjou, chef d’administration de programme.
Leadership: Jenny Lepanto
The Award for Leadership is given to a nurse who is a source of inspiration and motivation for peers and shows measurable leadership skills. They are involved and invested in the workplace and contribute to the visibility and influence of the institution.
Jenny is like an orchestra conductor. According to Bernadette Thibaudeau, chef d’administration de programme, she demonstrates patience and tenderness, but is firm. She is described as being proactive and incredibly efficient; someone who tries hard to make everyone feel a sense of belonging so that the team can be happy at work.
Collaborative Practice: Yannick Latreille
The Award for Collaborative Practice is given to a nurse who promotes collaboration through teamwork and interdisciplinary work. They are motivated and have a positive influence on their peers.
“Yannick is very valuable to our team. There are no words to describe his impact on K10”, says Neurosciences Head Nurse Carla Jomaa. No matter what is asked, he will always say “no worries, I will follow up on this!” Although he is known to be the “king of the night shift”, Yannick goes beyond by supporting staff who work other shifts as well.
Future Leaders: Catherine Di Ioia
The Award for Future Leader is given to a nurse with 10 years experience or less. They are recognized for their leadership skills and ability to positively influence their peers. They are motivated, energetic, and contribute to the advancement of the profession and to quality of care.
“Catherine shines. She never hesitates to take on a challenge and share her knowledge with others”, explains Sophie-Line Kettenbeil, General Surgery Head Nurse. Her nomination letter explains that she is motivated, likes to learn and interested in developing professionally.
Preceptor-Mentor: Vasthie Cadet
The Award for Preceptor-Mentor recognizes a nurse for their ability to inspire, partner and guide those who receive mentorship. Acting as a role model for their peers and among those seeking professional development, the award recipient makes themselves available, and shares their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
“Vasthie is a force to be reckoned with. She is calm, receptive, non-judgmental and does not count her hours,” says Sophie-Line Kettenbeil, General Surgery Head Nurse. “Vasthie gives 100% of herself. She acts as a role model to her colleagues with less experience in preceptorship and mentorship. She helps them, and offers tools and guidance so that they may flourish in their role.”
Advanced Nursing Practice: Diana Dima
The Award for Advanced Nursing Practice recognizes a nurse for their contribution to the advancement of nursing practice in our CIUSSS. The recipient of this award is distinguished because of efforts that include taking initiative and sharing knowledge. They encourage nursing research, and the creation of nursing projects, including an environment that is conducive to formal and informal learning.
“Diana exhibits leadership and her ideas are creative” declares Jessica Emed, Adjointe à la DSI. The projects that Diana has been involved in, such as the nationally recognized Early Mobility Tool have enhanced the patient experience and have led to new and innovative advanced practices on K2.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Award Recipients
Quality of Care: Nadia Legault
The Award for Professional Commitment recognizes an auxiliary nurse’s involvement and investment in their work, as well as their leadership skills. They demonstrate a sense of professional ethics and rigour, and bring about change in their field of practice.
“Krishne is an educator’s dream”, says Carol Hyland, head nurse at Catherine Booth Hospital. “She flies under the radar, but when she speaks, what she says is worth listening to.” Krishne is, “dedicated to excellence, and collaboration is her middle name. Krishne is recognized as a role model and mentor who is dedicated to providing high-quality care.
Professional Engagement: Krishne Kandiah
The Award for Quality of Care is given to an auxiliary nurse who has a humanistic approach and provides patient and family-centred care. They contribute to the safety and quality of care, and are committed to professional development.
For Nadia, “quality isn’t negotiable,” says Bernadette Thibaudeau, chef d’administration de programme. And, as explained in her letter of nomination, she is known for her bubbly personality and is always smiling. Nadia sees when a client is in distress and acts upon it very quickly. She is empathetic and gives 100% of herself.
Orderly and Health and Social Services and Assistants (ASSS) Awards
Quality of Care: Enrique Reyes
The Award for Quality of Care is given to an individual who advocates for clients’ autonomy with respect. They are viewed as a role model who provide family-centred care in a humanistic way.
“Enrique is a fabulous orderly who has shown leadership and innovation”, says Crystal Côté, Nurse Educator Consultant in Geriatrics. “He does his work with a big smile and is engaging with clients – always upbeat and positive. Enrique is a leader. The fact that he is leading grassroots projects makes Enrique an inspiration to his colleagues.
Professional Engagement: Yves Carbonneau
The Award for Professional Commitment recognizes a Social Services Assistant’s involvement and investment in their work, as well as their leadership skills. They demonstrate a sense of professional ethics and rigour, and bring about change in their field of practice.
“Yves is enthusiastic, positive, passionate and devoted”, says Ana Nunez, chef d’administration de programme. “He is always available and is an excellent communicator. Yves gets involved in projects to help enhance the services that are offered. He is model and a pillar for the team – he acts as our eyes and ears!”
