Celebrating Our Nurses
Published Monday, June 12, 2023
National Nursing Week (May 8-14) is coming, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is taking the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the vital role nurses play in delivering quality care in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario. Over the next week, we are highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. To these and all nurses, thank you for your unwavering care and dedication to the health of the community.
Meghan Hill
Meghan Hill started her career 15 years ago as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). During that time, she realized her passion for high-quality nursing care, leadership, and education. As an ICU nurse, she provided life-saving interventions for the sickest and most critical patients of all ages. Meghan was a member of the Medical Emergency Team (MET) as well as the Regional Critical Care Response (RCCR) team for several years, providing outreach education and clinical support to TBHRSC’s inpatient hospital units as well as to the small rural and remote hospitals and Indigenous communities.
In September, 2021, Meghan transitioned into a new position as the Regional Paediatric, Neonatal and Infant Transport Lead at TBRHSC. She has had the autonomy to develop this role using her experience to support, collaborate and implement innovative strategies to improve access to paediatric care across the North. Meghan participates as a member of various committees, continually advocating for the North by identifying barriers to accessible paediatric care, resources and education. Part of this role involves collaborating with the Clinical Nurse Specialists, Paediatricians, NOSMU Residents, RCCR Outreach, as well as the Simulation Technologist to develop and provide accessible paediatric educational opportunities and resources. Meghan also continues to educate staff as an instructor for various paediatric speciality courses.
A point of pride for Meghan was the implementation of the Regional Paediatric Response (RPR) program, which launched in December 2022. This is a virtual platform for small and rural hospitals to access expert advice and real time virtual assessments from the TBRHSC Paediatrician as well as ongoing clinical nursing support for the region. She has also been working closely with TBHRSC’s tertiary hospital, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), to provide paediatric critical care consultations to paediatric patients admitted to our Hospital’s adult ICU using the RPR platform.
A new and exciting project is the development and implementation of a Neonatal and Infant Transport Team based out of Thunder Bay. Combing both leadership and critical thinking skills, Meghan collaborates with key external partners such as ORNGE, and tertiary centres such as LHSC and Sick Kids, to develop a team that aims to provide timely access to transport for critically ill children in the North.
Meghan recently accepted the position of Patient Care Manager – 2B Medical Inpatient Unit. “I am grateful to work in a capacity where I know that my contributions allow for improved care for paediatric patients throughout our region,” she said. “I have been given so many great opportunities to apply my knowledge and expertise beyond bedside nursing.”
Terah White
Terah White is a dedicated nurse with 10 years of experience in the health care industry. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Terah was inspired to pursue a career in nursing after watching her father struggle with a cardiac episode. She earned her diploma in Nursing from Confederation College and continues to pursue education in leadership.
Terah has worked in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, and educational settings. She has also served as a Change Management Lead in underserved communities, where she has provided access to virtual medical care and education to providers. Throughout her career, Terah has demonstrated a strong commitment to patient care, always going above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the best possible treatment and support.
Terah is known for her exceptional clinical skills, and her dedication to ongoing professional development. She has received awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the Nursing Excellence Award from TBRHSC. In addition to her clinical work, Terah is also an active member of professional organizations.
Looking to the future, Terah is committed to continuing her work in health care and to serving as a mentor and role model for other nurses. She plans to pursue further education and training in health care leadership and hopes to one day take on a leadership role.
Saird Ezack
Saird started in health care through the Military Reserves. She had many amazing opportunities and obtained her Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) license, Paramedic License, and taught Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses.
She has been an RPN at TBRHSC since 2013. She worked primarily on surgical units and is very passionate about patient safety and quality care. She has most recently accepted a position on the Paediatric unit.
She thoroughly enjoys teaching and mentoring new and student nurses. She is very fortunate to be Clinical Instructor for Confederation College.
Saird is currently in the process of applying for bridging from RPN to Registered Nurse.