Meet Chellsea Credo, Registered Nurse at Michael Garron Hospital

Tell us about yourself! 

Hi, my name is Chellsea Credo and I am a Registered Nurse (RN) at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). I work in the Surgery Inpatient Unit.  

What motivated you to join MGH? 

While I was a student nurse in the Surgery Inpatient Unit at MGH, I was amazed by how much there was to learn. From the different acuity levels of patients, various post-operative pathways, and learning to work in a fast-paced environment, this experience exposed me to the nursing profession and what MGH has to offer in this field. 

The support from my instructor and fellow MGH colleagues not only taught me about nursing ethics, post-operative complications and bedside nursing, but also showed me the importance of excellent leadership, fairness and transparency.  

This team had such a profound impact at the beginning of my nursing journey and it has really pushed me to continue with these standards throughout my career at MGH.  

What types of learning, mentorship or professional development opportunities have you had the opportunity to pursue since joining MGH? 

Since joining MGH, I’ve worked primarily in the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre (Thomson Centre), a new building that opened last year. During the move and transition into the new space, I became a “superuser” to aid my fellow staff members as we adopted new technologies.   

This opportunity allowed me to learn about new systems related to medication management, personal security, communications and patient care. Being a part of this efficient and safe technological transition made me feel fully prepared while working at the bedside in our team’s new space. 

In addition, this unique opportunity to teach others about using technology in healthcare showed me how much I enjoy educating others, including incoming nursing students, and made me realize that I would be interested in taking on a preceptorship and charge nurse training. My goal is to provide someone with the same informative, wise and helpful teachings I received as a student. 

Can you share your career path at MGH? 

2022: I began working in the Surgery Inpatient Unit as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). When I started this position, I was fascinated by the variety of surgical services offered on this floor and was happy to be in this position.  

2023-2024: To become a RN, I had to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. It took me a few attempts to pass this exam, but my coworkers supported me during this time, encouraging me to stay positive and continue working hard. When I officially passed the exam, I began working as a RN in the Surgery Inpatient Unit. I’m happy to work on a unit and with people who support each other professionally and personally.  

What motivates or inspires you? 

Discharging patients always makes me happy, but the patients that remain the longest inspire me to continue in my field. Caring for patients during their post-operative recovery gives me the opportunity to support them on their journey on both a mental and physical level.  

Even though I am new in my field, I want people to know that with the support of strong, admirable mentors, hard work and a positive attitude, you can and will move forward. Not only will you thank yourself in the end, but most importantly your patients will thank you. That motivates me every day. 

If you could share one memorable moment from your time at MGH, what stands out to you?  

I will never forget one of our long-term thoracic patients and watching him progress towards discharge. He encountered many hardships with his health, including emergency surgeries. My team and I ensured that he received the best care to reach recovery. After a long period of nursing care, patient and family education, dressing changes and medication reconsolidations, I will always remember seeing him finally walking on his own for the first time. He was finally unhooked from all his lines, was looking out the window and stretching, and he had the biggest smile across his face. That is a memory I will never forget.