LANARK COUNTY – Almonte General Hospital (AGH), Fairview Manor and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) are celebrating National Nursing Week from May 6th to 12th. This year’s theme is “Nurses: A Voice to Lead” so we thought it would be best to hear from nurses themselves.

“We asked four nurses a simple question: ‘Why do you love nursing?’” explains President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider. “Their responses sum up the amazing team of nurses caring for our patients and residents. Thank you to all of our nurses for your commitment to safe and quality care every day.”

Meet Cindy McFadden. She is a Registered Practical Nurse and has worked at Fairview Manor for 12 years, mainly on the secure unit for residents with memory loss.

“The obvious answer is that I like to help people, but there is so much more.

“What many people probably don’t realize, is that everything I give to my residents, I get back tenfold.

“These residents suffer a cruel disease which often causes them to fail to recognize family and friends. But they know who they like and who makes them feel comfortable, so when I enter the unit and am met by a smile, or when a resident approaches me in the hall for a chat or maybe a hug, I know exactly why I come to work every day.”

For Genn Browne, it’s the diversity that makes a difference.

“From teaching new nursing students, to providing prenatal classes, front line emergency nursing, and leadership, I am challenged and always learning.

“In my present role as a community mental health nurse, I am privileged to bear witness to clients’ personal stories – what their hopes are for the future and how I can be helpful.

“Seeing a client grow, change and find wellness is deeply satisfying to me. There are so many small moments that are never covered in a text book, but moments I know that I made a difference in the wellbeing of a person.”

As the Interim Integrated Vice President of Patient and Resident Care, Joyce Rolph says that “Nursing Week is a time to appreciate this great profession and the many people we have impacted to enhance their health care experience.

“We have the opportunity to make a difference at a time when individuals may feel vulnerable whether providing treatments, facilitating care, promoting wellness or supporting someone through a difficult journey.

“I have been in the nursing profession for over 30 years and I can clearly say that I am so proud to be a nurse.”

As one of the newest members of the team, Maggie Mulrooney has been working at CPDMH for just one year, after completing part of her training there.

“I love that there is so much room to grow with this career, with so many opportunities to expand my knowledge and ability.

“I am still learning so many new things every day. I also have a great love and admiration for all of the nurses that I work with. They have always been extremely supportive and helpful toward me and have helped me to learn and grow as a new nurse. Making connections with patients and knowing that I had an impact on them through my nursing care is such an amazing feeling.”