INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Today and every day, we're celebrating the women working
tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our communities healthy.
In scrubs and off-duty, we sat down with six nurses to talk
about what this day means to them.
TAMARA
Paediatric Charge Nurse
NADIA
Paediatric Respiratory Therapist
SAM
Paediatric Nurse and Grad Student
KATIE
Paediatric Charge Nurse
ALISON
Paediatric Respiratory Therapist
MERIT
Paediatric Peri Anesthesia Nurse
IN THEIR HONOR
Paying our gratitude forward, we've made a
donation to The Hospital For Sick Children.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Today and every day, we're celebrating the women working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our communities healthy.
In scrubs and off-duty, we sat down with six nurses to talk about what this day means to them.
TAMARA
Paediatric Charge
Nurse
SAM
Pediatric Nurse
+ Grad Student
NADIA
Paediatric Respiratory Therapist
KATIE
Paediatric Charge
Nurse
ALISON
Paediatric Respiratory
Therapist
MERIT
Paediatric Peri
Anesthesia Nurse
IN THEIR HONOR
Paying our gratitude forward,
we've made a donation to
The Hospital For Sick Children.
TAMARA

See Interview

TAMARA
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?

I connect with myself and femininity through being a mother of 3 children ages 5 to 27 years old. On my off time I hang out with them. My eldest loves to recreate my “look”, my 13 year old loves to talk to me about the latest Marvel and my 5 year old …well just keeps me young!

How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
The last 2 years have opened my eyes to a lot of suffering on many levels. At work watching my coworkers and myself struggle through long shifts with our PPE and trying to maintain our increasing patient load with staffing shortage.
 
I have felt the overwheming need to support and encourage the nursing staff, to ensure they know they are phenomenally strong for fighting through each day, feeling the fatigue, thoughts of the pandemic never ending and our biggest fear, of bringing it home to our families.
When do you feel your strongest?

I feel the strongest when I’m able to support anyone who is close to me in need.

SAMANTHA

See Interview

SAMANTHA (劉詠欣)
PEDIATRIC NURSE AND GRAD STUDENT
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?

The past two years have been very tough on all of us. We were called to give so much of ourselves in every aspect – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It feels like running on empty at times. There were times that I came home after shifts exhausted with dents in my face from PPE and thought “I can’t do this anymore”. But I could and I kept going. Actually, I began my graduate program during this pandemic.

All in all, it has been incredibly rewarding and self-affirming to who I am and what I do – to know that I was part of a group who dedicate themselves to ensuring our community was safe and cared for.
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
A set of lashes and nails that would make Riri proud really
helps.
 
In all seriousness, I think that the past two years have also shone a light on how important self-care is. Taking the time to make my apartment my home, taking a bubble bath, and putting on a clean sweatsuit after a pile of shifts makes me feel like a 90s supermodel. Pair that with a FaceTime with my friends to talk about bad reality TV and I’m the happiest gal.
When do you feel your strongest?
I feel the strongest when I can help my parents. I reflect on the strides my family has made as first-generation Canadians and I am proud to be their daughter – they make me stronger just by being who they are. As the first in our family to complete graduate studies, it makes me proud to be in a position where I can continue to give back to my family and community.
 
Oh, and sitting in a fast-food parking lot with a friend, eating fries before a Raptors game in a pair of leather pants? That’s a close second.
NADIA

See Interview

NADIA
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
The last two years have impacted me personally on many levels - in addition to the obvious struggles of a healthcare professional in the pandemic (increased number of patients, staffing shortages, changing protocol, constantly wearing PPE)- I’ve also had to navigate my young children being in and out of school, and be extra supportive to my friends and family that also work in healthcare.
 
I’ve also not been able to see my Dad and 94 year old Grandmother that live overseas.
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
When I’m not working, I spend my time with my family, finding new ways to have fun with my husband and two kids. I reconnect with myself by focusing my energy on things that make me happy - family, music, cooking,
When do you feel your strongest?
I feel my strongest when I’m able to be my truest self; which is probably when I’m with my kids. They think I’m invincible and can fix any problem… Although it feels overwhelming at times, it motivates me to keep moving forward.
KATIE

See Interview

KATIE
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
It’s been tough. We’ve all had to step up and give 100% of ourselves emotionally, mentally and physically. I think burnout was very real among many of us. I appreciate and respect the team I work with more now than ever before.
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
I think most of us can do better at this one. For me, it’s having a long hot shower (maybe multiple) throughout the day. It's time for me to reset my mind and body.
When do you feel your strongest?
Getting through a really difficult shift and knowing I made a difference.
ALISON

See Interview

ALISON
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?

Healthcare overall has been stretched in ways we have never seen in our careers and hopefully will never be seen again. Personally, it’s been easier coping being on the frontlines, then sitting back in the unknown.

In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
In my downtime I spend it outdoors and with my horse. Mentally clearing my headspace and physically gaining strength. Preparing for life’s next adventure of becoming a mother.
When do you feel your strongest?
When I have been a part of the team who has saved someone’s life. Providing that patient on their worst day, the best chance possible.
MERIT
TAMARA
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
How I connect with myself and femininity is through being a mother of 3 children - ages 5 to 27 years old.

On my off time I hang out with them. My eldest loves to recreate my “look”, my 13 year old loves to talk to me about the latest Marvel and my 5 year old …well just keeps me young!
TAMARA
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
The last 2 years have opened my eyes to a lot of suffering on many levels. At work watching my coworkers and myself struggle through long shifts with our PPE and trying to maintain our increasing patient load with staffing shortage.
 
I have felt the overwheming need to support and encourage nursing staff, to ensure they know they are phenomenally strong for fighting through each day, feeling the fatigue, thoughts of the pandemic never ending and our biggest fear of bringing it home to our families.
TAMARA
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
When do you feel your strongest?

I feel the strongest when I’m able to support anyone who is
close to me in need.

BACK TO TOP
NADIA
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
"I feel my strongest when I’m able to be my truest self; which is probably when I’m with my kids. They think I’m invincible and can fix any problem… Although it feels overwhelming at times,
it motivates me to keep moving forward."
NADIA
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
When I’m not working, I spend my time with my family, finding new ways to have fun with my husband and two kids. I reconnect with myself by focusing my energy on things that make me happy - family, music, cooking,
NADIA
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
When do you feel your strongest?

I feel the strongest when I’m able to support anyone who is close to me in need.

NADIA
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
The last two years have impacted me personally on many levels - in addition to the obvious struggles of a healthcare professional in the pandemic (increased number of patients, staffing shortages, changing protocol, constantly wearing PPE)- I’ve also had to navigate my young children being in and out of school, and be extra supportive to my friends and family that also work in healthcare.

I’ve also not been able to see my Dad and 94 year old Grandmother that live overseas.
 
 
BACK TO TOP
SAMANTHA (劉詠欣)
PEDIATRIC NURSE AND GRAD STUDENT
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?

A set of lashes and nails that would make Riri proud really helps.

In all seriousness, I think that the past two years have also shone a light on how important self-care is. Taking the time to make my apartment my home, taking a bubble bath, and putting on a clean sweatsuit after a pile of shifts makes me feel like a 90s supermodel. Pair that with a FaceTime with my friends to talk about bad reality TV and I’m the happiest gal.

SAMANTHA (劉詠欣)
PEDIATRIC NURSE AND GRAD STUDENT
When do you feel your strongest?

I feel the strongest when I can help my parents. I reflect on the strides my family has made as first-generation Canadians and I am proud to be their daughter – they make me stronger just by being who they are. As the first in our family to complete graduate studies, it makes me proud to be in a position where I can continue to give back to my family and community.

Oh, and sitting in a fast-food parking lot with a friend, eating fries before a Raptors game in a pair of leather pants? That’s a close second.

SAMANTHA (劉詠欣)
PEDIATRIC NURSE AND GRAD STUDENT
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
The past two years have been very tough on all of us. We were called to give so much of ourselves in every aspect – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It feels like running on empty at times. There were times that I came home after shifts exhausted with dents in my face from PPE and thought “I can’t do this anymore”. But I could and I kept going. Actually, I began my graduate program during this pandemic.

All in all, it has been incredibly rewarding and self-affirming to who I am and what I do – to know that I was part of a group who dedicate themselves to ensuring our community was safe and cared for.
BACK TO TOP
KATIE
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
"It’s been tough. We’ve all had to step up and give 100% of ourselves emotionally, mentally and physically. I think burnout was very real among many of us. I appreciate and respect the team I work with more now than ever before."
KATIE
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
I think most of us can do better at this one. For me, it’s having a long hot shower (maybe multiple) throughout the day. It's time for me to reset my mind and body.
KATIE
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
When do you feel your strongest?

Getting through a really difficult shift and knowing I made a difference.

KATIE
PAEDIATRIC CHARGE NURSE
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
The last two years have impacted me personally on many levels - in addition to the obvious struggles of a healthcare professional in the pandemic (increased number of patients, staffing shortages, changing protocol, constantly wearing PPE)- I’ve also had to navigate my young children being in and out of school, and be extra supportive to my friends and family that also work in healthcare.

I’ve also not been able to see my Dad and 94 year old Grandmother that live overseas.
 
 
BACK TO TOP
ALISON
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
In my downtime I spend it outdoors and with my horse.
Mentally clearing my headspace and physically gaining strength. Preparing for life’s next adventure of becoming a mother.
ALISON
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
When do you feel your strongest?

When I have been a part of the team who has saved someone’s life. Providing that patient on their worst day, the best chance possible.

ALISON
PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
Healthcare overall has been stretched in ways we have never seen in our careers and hopefully will never be seen again. Personally, it’s been easier coping being on the frontlines, then sitting back in the unknown.
BACK TO TOP
MERIT
PAEDIATRIC PERI ANESTHESIA NURSE
"There is a sense of pride in knowing that we are among an incredible, dedicated team of people, who supported one another through some very dark times..."
MERIT
PAEDIATRIC PERI ANESTHESIA NURSE
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
Oh boy this is a hard one. I think as a nurse, as a mother, as someone who is so willing to give of myself to others, I truly struggle to find me-time. I think what this pandemic has shown me most, is that self care is at the cornerstone of taking care of others. Investing in myself has been my priority this year. Whether it be spending more time reading a book or practicing yoga, or even just lounging on the couch listening to music I am making an effort to take care of myself more.
MERIT
PAEDIATRIC PERI ANESTHESIA NURSE
When do you feel your strongest?

When I know that I’ve done a good job. When I know that my actions have helped to make a difficult situation for a family easier. When I know that a simple act of kindness can change the whole outlook of a situation. And when I know that I have made a difference in someone’s life.

MERIT
PAEDIATRIC PERI ANESTHESIA NURSE
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
It has been very difficult. I would never have imagined working through a pandemic when I became a nurse. The stress and uncertainty that we ALL faced was staggering. As health care workers we were looked upon to carry that burden; and we did.

We showed up. It’s been exhausting but at the same time, rewarding. There is a sense of pride in knowing that we are among an incredible, dedicated team of people, who supported one another through some very dark times and worked tirelessly to come out of this pandemic with a brighter outlook for the future.
BACK TO TOP

See Interview

MERIT
PAEDIATRIC PERI ANESTHESIA NURSE
How has the last two years impacted you and your work place?
Working in healthcare over the last two years has been very difficult. I would never have imagined working through a pandemic when I became a nurse. The stress and uncertainty that we ALL faced was staggering and we, as health care workers were looked upon to carry that burden; and we did. We showed up. Every day we gave everything of ourselves to keep the loved ones of others safe. It’s been exhausting but at the same time, rewarding. There is a sense of pride in knowing that we are among an incredible, dedicated team of people, who supported one another through some very dark times and worked tirelessly to come out of this pandemic with a brighter outlook for the future.
In your off-time, how do you connect with yourself and your femininity?
Oh boy this is a hard one. I think as a nurse, as a mother, as someone who is so willing to give of myself to others, I truly struggle to find me-time. I think what this pandemic has shown me most, is that self care is at the cornerstone of taking care of others. Investing in myself has been my priority this year. Whether it be spending more time reading a book or practicing yoga, or even just lounging on the couch listening to music I am making an effort to take care of myself more.
When do you feel your strongest?
When I know that I’ve done a good job. When I know that my actions have helped to make a difficult situation for a family easier. When I know that a simple act of kindness can change the whole outlook of a situation. And when I know that I have made a difference in someone’s life.