#IamMGH - Meet Mario Tacardon

#IamMGH tells the stories of our people. Meet Mario Tacardon, nursing attendant at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

“When I arrived in Canada from the Philippines, I decided to go to school to become a personal support worker (PSW). After I finished my course, I worked in community care and long-term care homes for a long time doing double shifts to make ends meet. I was so happy when I received a full-time opportunity at MGH.

In the Philippines, my job involved helping people so becoming a PSW was a natural fit. I used to be a police officer and the motto 'to serve and protect' was embedded in the performance of my duties. Now that I am working as a nursing attendant at MGH, I still maintain the same motto. I just love to help everybody here.

I work as a nursing attendant in the Operating Room (OR) where I assist in cleaning rooms, support the positioning and transfer of patients from OR tables to stretchers and help with the transportation of patients to and from the OR. During COVID-19, I have also volunteered to be a Safety Coach which involves making sure all our surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists are properly wearing and removing the right personal protective equipment (PPE).

I am happy to do this because it gives me comfort knowing that everyone is safe — and that they can go home safely to their families. The work we do can be tough but as long as you’re doing it from your heart and you are focused on it, you can get through anything.”