Pratima's Career Journey at MGH

Tell us about yourself!

Hi, I’m Pratima Vibert and I’m a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and a Clinical Extern Mentor and Coordinator at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

What motivated you to join MGH?

I had applied to MGH when I was in my last semester at school through a job fair at the Hilton Hotel. I was hired and started a few days after I had written my last college exam. I was part of the Nursing Graduate Guarantee Program. I worked as a non-registered staff for a few months until I wrote and passed my registration exam.

In my 13.5 years of working at MGH, I have been blessed to be able to work in many different roles as an RPN. I have been a phlebotomist, flu nurse, bedside nurse, preceptor and now I am working as a Clinical Extern Mentor and Coordinator. Career advancement and growth opportunities were available to me at various stages. I am motivated by my work at MGH as I’m encouraged to see where my hard work can take me.

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

As part of the Nursing Graduate Guarantee in the float pool, I was able to transition from school to practical nursing with confidence. I had an extended mentorship on each unit, which helped me learn the work and documentation, well as build friendships with staff

Along the way, I was able to take advantage of learning opportunities such as support from MGH in attaining my Perianesthesia certificate. This gave me the knowledge I needed to work in the Perianesthesia Care Unit. This was a new area of practice that RPNs were now able to work in. In my personal career, my Clinical Resource Leaders have always been helpful and pushed me to be my best. Encouraging me to be involved with hospital initiatives such as unit based councils, preceptorship and so on. I am currently on my journey to achieve my Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Can you share your career path at MGH?

2008 to 2017: I worked in the Nursing Resource Team.

April 2008: Non-registered RPN, Nursing Graduate Guarantee

July 2008: Registered Practical Nurse

August to December 2008: Worked in the Blood Procurement department. I became a proficient phlebotomist.

July 2017: Worked in Surgery to fill a maternity leave. I deepened my knowledge on surgical pathways and care.

2021: Became a Clinical Extern Mentor and Coordinator. I enjoy helping new hires and externs orient to the different units and I enjoy being a support for them. I know being a nurse in NRT can be overwhelming as you have a lot to learn. I also know that when you have support, such as I did many years ago, the autonomy and independence you develop will surprise you.

What motivates/inspires you?

I am motivated by the ongoing opportunities and possibilities ahead. I want to do more and learn more, and not be limited to my designation. I have been encouraged by my superiors to continue in education and I am. At the same time, I am getting mentored and shown different areas in nursing.

I am encouraged by the ever changing roles of the nurse and am inspired by the many different avenues in which I can make a difference. I hope to achieve more in my career at MGH and look forward to new chapters in my career.

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

As a nurse there are many memorable moments, especially in 13.5 years. The one impactful memory to me is a general one. It is not to do with my work or my patients. When they say MGH is a community, it’s the truth. There is laughter, tears, hugs and everything in between.

I value the friendships I have with my colleagues. I started working at MGH when I was 20 years old. I grew up with theses nurse as my mentors and friends. MGH isn’t just a place where I work; it is also my second home. Many things have changed over the years, but the one thing which remains unwavering is the community here at MGH.