Stevenson News

 

For the past 17 years, Nicole Daniels has been a vital part of the team at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), dedicating her career to nursing and compassionate patient care. Family and community influenced her journey into the nursing profession, as she recalls, “My aunt was an RN, and my neighbour growing up was an RN. I would also dress up as a nurse for Halloween as a kid, so naturally that’s where I ended up. I applied for nursing and thought to myself, ‘Let's see where this goes.’”

Growing up in Alliston, Nicole has established ties in the community. “My grandmother lived on the main street until May [2024] when she passed at 96 years. My family and I are very deep-rooted in this community,” she shares. Having worked in healthcare since high school, she began her nursing career right after graduation, completing her consolidation training at SMH, where she has become an accomplished nurse.

 

Nicole spent her first 5.5 years working in the medical-surgical unit before transitioning to the Operating Room (OR) for the last 12 years. Her passion for the OR was inspired by Dr. Keshoofy, who has played a significant role throughout her career at SMH. “I always enjoyed working in the OR, and I was always inspired by Dr. Keshoofy when he started here. He was very encouraging of me to go back to school, and he’s been a mentor and someone who I’ve always looked up to.” Nicole is currently in her second year of completing her Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) and is currently a casual employee at SMH while she completes her education.

 

Driven by her desire to specialize, Nicole also trained at Southlake Regional Health Centre for two years in OR, gaining invaluable experience. “At Southlake, it was great; I got tons of experience and learned so much... But [at SMH], there are people, and they’re pinned on my chat, and I talk to them every day, even if I don’t work with them as much anymore right now. They’re your people, and you didn’t even know you needed them. We’re lucky; we’ve had all different people from all walks of life. We’re just very lucky,” she reflects. “Some of the people that I needed in my life I found here. And that’s why I stay here, it’s because of the people.”

Reflecting on her years at SMH, Nicole notes the evolving challenges within healthcare, particularly in the Alliston community. “Our patients are sicker, our community has grown so much, so the need for care is greater,” she explains. Despite the challenges, there is a unique camaraderie among the staff at SMH. “Most of the teams work so well together, but I love my OR team. Our teams are very close.”

 

Nicole expresses her commitment to patient care, stating, “I like treating my patients like they’re my own family. I like everyone to be healthy and clean.” She believes that effective nursing goes beyond technical skills. “I think the thing that makes someone a great nurse is to listen to your patient. Make relationships with patients and their families and make sure they are looked after.”

 

Her advice to new nurses or those considering a nursing career is straightforward yet profound: “Do it, it’s a great career, it’s very rewarding, and it has a lot of rewarding aspects, but you have to set boundaries. As a new nurse, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re new; of course, you’re not going to know everything.”

Nicole has formed many personal connections with people at SMH, including meeting her husband, a police officer, during her time here. She recalls, “There was an incident, and we met in the parking lot at Stevenson. We hit it off right away, started chatting, and the rest is history. We’ve been married for 10 years and have been together for 13 years.”

 

Nicole Daniels exemplifies the spirit and dedication of the nursing profession at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, and in 2024 she received the SMH 2024 Values Award. Her commitment to her patients, and her team, and her continuous pursuit of learning serve as an inspiration to all.