Vice-President – Member Services

Current Area of Practice: Emergency Department QEH

I have been a registered nurse since 2015. Started out working at Hillsborough Hospital on the acute mental health unit. In 2018, I moved to the QEH ED where I currently hold a part time position. I also work in Primary Care, Cervical Cancer screening clinic, and with the Provincial Specialty Virtual Care Clinic. I have been a mentor with the Transition to Practice Program for the past 3 years. Previously I’ve worked at the Covid swabbing clinic, vaccination clinic and supported Maple triaging.

Some key achievements in my nursing career include overcoming self-doubt and realizing that there is very little I can’t accomplish when I set my mind to it. This mindset has empowered me to pursue opportunities I might have otherwise avoided. Additionally, I’ve strengthened my communication and advocacy skills by speaking out for improved safety, better staffing, and increased accountability to reduce workplace violence.

I’ve been a worksite union rep for the QEH ED for the past 6 years. I want to take the opportunity in front of me to be able to help members on a broader scale. I strongly believe we are better in numbers and that there is a lack of member engagement with the union. I want to see people engaged, knowledgeable and feeling support from their union.

As a mentor in the transition to practice group, I am responsible for creating department based personalized educational opportunities both hands on and online, providing moral support, guidance, education specific to areas they are struggling in and being a supportive point of contact for issues/concern that arise. I’ve learned that everyone has something valuable to offer no matter whether they are just graduating or have been a nurse for 25 years.

I think PEINU members should vote for whoever they feel is going to best represent their needs. What I can promise members is that I will listen to their concerns and try to support them. If I can’t do that then I will take their concerns to the table to discuss with the board or further up, if needed. They will have a voice with me.

Current Area of Practice: Diabetes Education

I have been a practicing nurse for 7 years, having worked in Provincial Rehabilitation for the majority of my career. Have recently went to Diabetes Education Spring of 2024.

I have served as a worksite representative for the union for the past two years, advocating for colleagues on key workplace issues. From 2022 to 2024, I contributed as a member of the Constitutions and Resolutions Committee, helping shape policies and guide union actions. In 2023, I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) Biennium, where I gained valuable insights into labor relations and national healthcare advocacy.

I became more involved with the union after seeing what strength there is in being part of one. It wasn’t until I went to my first AGM and becoming a member of a committee that I realized the importance of having a union and being involved to help create the change in the nursing field.

A specific issue that I’m passionate about is nursing retention. I started my career before the pandemic and seen how much strain it took on nurses first hand. I am also very interested in RN prescribing as it affects my current work area.

An example of my leadership experience was stepping up from a floor nurse to a charge nurse position on short notice to meet the immediate needs of my team and worksite. Another pivotal moment in my career was transitioning from hospital work to primary care as a Diabetes Educator. This change has allowed me to realize the need to lead people to change their lives to improve their overall health.

Members should vote for me as I am a younger member who wants to be more involved. I want members to be more aware of what services and discounts they have access to with the goal of broadening this area.