National Nursing Week

This Mental Health Awareness Week we would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts all nurses make in improving mental health, and a special shout out to psychiatric nurses who are a critical component of mental health care. National Nursing Week Thank you to all nurses at Victoria Hospital for the care, comfort, and compassion you provide each and every day. To make a gift in honour of nurses at Victoria Hospital, visit TheVicFoundation.ca/Donate Call 204-477-3513, or scan this QR code. ADVANCING HEALTHCARE IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL NURSING WEEK, The CLPNM is the regulatory body that governs the practice of student practical nurses, graduate practical nurses, and licensed practical nurses in Manitoba. vanc The CLPNM values and recognizes the important role LPNs play in assuring the wellness of Manitobans today. We urge LPNs to consider the importance of their own health and wellness so that they can continue to shape tomorrow. 4 MAY 6-12, 2024 SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 NATIONAL NURSING WEEK Changing lives. SHAPING TOMORROW. SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 For more than 16 years, Sarah Minor has been working as a nurse in labour and delivery at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Women's Hospital. In that time she's seen a lot. She's watched improvements in staffing and appreciates the newly expanded space allowing for better patient care. She's also been up close and personal in welcoming new life into the world many times over — and every single time, that moment has been unforgettable. A memorable career moment for Minor occurred when she got to bring her teenage daughter along for "take your kid to work day" to experience what it's really like to be a nurse. A patient had consented to allow Minor's daughter to watch the birth from a corner in the room — and there she stood, witnessing a new little human being born. "Her eyes opened wide," Minor recalls. "She looked at me differently after that." She was grateful to share the moment with her daughter, who has since expressed interest in possibly pursuing a career in nursing herself — just not in labour and delivery. Minor knew early on that she wanted a career in nursing, specifically in labour and delivery, where she has remained since graduating in 2007. "I'm a naturally caring person and I really enjoy helping. That's who I am," she says. "I want the best for everyone. I find childbirth amazing and fascinating." In January 2023, Minor took on the additional responsibility of nurse educator at HSC Women's Hospital. "The position has allowed me to stay in labour and delivery, focusing on helping train and support new staff and doing provincial and site orientation," she says, citing the importance of sharing information about upcoming changes, rollouts, guidelines and policies."I love my job. I consider it a huge privilege to care for patients and their families during labour." With her new role, Minor gets time with patients on the floor, so she has the opportunity to educate them to make choices and advocate their wishes to the rest of the team. In addition, she now gets to share her skills and knowledge by training other nurses. "I love teaching. Each month is different. Some months we have heavy teaching loads in a classroom setting, in-person sessions where you can be more interactive and retain knowledge," she says. "It's so important to have that kind of participation. On days when I don't teach, I'm part of multiple committees, working groups to enhance patient care." For Terra Buisse, manager of health services at HSC Women's Hospital in labour and delivery, it's clear to see Minor's commitment to patient care. "She is one of the most compassionate people I know," Buisse says. "She is often one of the first people to volunteer to help — without even being asked. When she sees that the unit is busy, she will jump into action and put on scrubs to help out the nurses on the floor and to ensure that our patients stay safe. All in all, she is an incredible nurse and an even more incredible person." Minor admits the work can be challenging, but having a supportive team makes all the difference. "The labour and delivery nurse team feels like family. We are so lucky to have a strong, amazing group of people. We learn from each other," she says. "People are willing to work so hard for each other. Even in the most challenging times, we are continuously putting patients first. We love what we do; you really have to be dedicated to do this work." Nurses are trained to practise under stress, and they become stronger with more experience to cope with demanding roles, Minor adds. "We wouldn't be nurses if we didn't want to provide great patient care," Minor says. "We really have your best interests at heart. We want to treat everybody with respect and allow them to have autonomy in their care. That is one of our top priorities." BY JANINE LEGAL W ellness is vital for everyone, and when we need any kind of medical assistance, we have to rely on others to help get us through. FOR THE LOVE OF NURSING "I love my job. I consider it a huge privilege to care for patients and their families during labour." – Sarah Minor, nurse educator at HSC Women's Hospital A supportive team of nurses makes all the difference at HSC Women's Hospital. Left to right: Amanda Neufeld, Sarah Henderson, Nicole Schaworski, Sarah Minor, Naomi Oldcotton, Sara Cranwill and Terra Buisse. (Photo by Darcy Finley)

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