‘We may play different roles, but we are one profession, says Irene Andress, ‘We are nurses’

“I am a nurse.”

Four powerful words Irene Andress is using to break down barriers and unite the nursing profession.

Last week, Canadians across the country celebrated National Nursing Week. At Michael Garron Hospital, a number of events were held to recognize and celebrate nurses, with the theme centred on the valuable role nurses play as knowledge brokers, system changers and healthcare advocates – from the bedside to the boardroom.

“We all have different roles to play as nurses – whether you choose to be a care provider, an educator, administrator or researcher – we are one profession,” says Irene, Vice President, Patient Experience and Chief Nursing Executive.

The road to nursing leadership

Irene has always had a natural tendency to be a leader.

In grade 13, her desire to help people landed her a summer job at the YMCA. Here, she led community programming for children, introducing them to nature, outdoor activities and camping trips.

Since then, Irene has followed her passion for building community and caring for people; she's dedicated her life's work to educating and cultivating the next generation of nurses and health professionals. For nearly three decades, Irene has held a host of roles at MGH, from her early days as the Nursing Manager and Director of Maternal/Newborn Services, to transitioning to Director of Interprofessional Practice in the early 2000s. In 2012, she was appointed as Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) and today, Irene is the Vice President of Patient Experience and Health Professions, in addition to her role as CNE.

Irene describes the influential role nurses play in the healthcare system, especially when it comes to fostering deep connections with patients and families and taking a holistic approach to caring for people, be it physically, mentally or spiritually.

“We engage with patients at their most vulnerable and intimate moments – and provide support for things you would normally not have other people involved in, from inserting a catheter to supporting a patient with bathing.”

Irene encourages all nurses to step into their roles as educators, leaders and health promoters – whether it's participating in a meeting or unit council, joining a professional organization, attending a conference or helping a colleague in need of support.

MGH nurses recognized for excellence in the profession

This year, two nurses at Michael Garron Hospital, Christine Saby and Lisa Sparrow were recognized as nominees for the 17^th annual Toronto Star Nightingale award for their commitment to the nursing profession. Christine, who has spent her nursing career in surgery, recently transitioned into a clinical resource leader role, where she is supporting practice in the surgery continuum, most recently in the integration of the recovery room and day surgery units. Lisa is a diabetes educator who through her Master's program, has transitioned into a clinical nurse specialist position. Her passion is to support expecting parents with gestational diabetes and help them to make life-long decisions that will prevent the onset of diabetes later in life. Lisa is involved in a number of community diabetes prevention projects in Thorncliffe Park.

On May 3, MGH nurse Angela Kennedy was honoured with the Banting & Best Diabetes Educator of the Year Award from the University of Toronto for her outstanding efforts and achievements in her role as a diabetes nurse educator.

As Irene reflects on her own career as a nurse, she describes the most vulnerable moments with patients and families as an honour and privilege.

“Nursing has given me a different lens on life,” says Irene. “Whether I am at work, in the community, or a mom cheering on my son's hockey team – I am a nurse.”